One way air valves are they all rubbish

[AltcarBob]

I have just had to get rid of another one way air valve (check valve) that I have on my 5mm air line.

The stupid things never seem to last more than 6 months I have tried several brands but none last. Is it just the case you have to buy a pack of 10 and throw them away whenever you spot the air flow is down or there is water backing up the air line.

Before anyone says it yes I know its not an essential to have an air bubbler but I like my bubbles.

 

[jonny-5]

Ive always had an airpump i have a couple.
But i have never replaced the check valve. I did buy a couple a while ago & put them inline but the old ones are still working on my other pump, I didnt buy anything fantastic just Ebay cheapos
Normally if air flow is down the airpump itself needs cleaning. They normally have a filter to clean every 6 months or a diaphram model that needs it replacing

 

[Fishmanic]

Also, the airstone can get clogged which will lower airflow. Replacing the stone usually will remedy the issue.

 

[Slaphppy7]

Also, the airstone can get clogged which will lower airflow. Replacing the stone usually will remedy the issue.

+1 to this....with the better quality airstones, you can boil them to clear the pores, and re-use...the cheapos will fall apart, however

 

[Colin_T]

Put the air pump up on a shelf, higher above the tank. Then you won't need a check/ non return valve.

The best air stones are the plastic multicoloured ones that can be taken apart, cleaned and put back together. They create bubbles but don't put as much back pressure on the pump.

 

[663]

Air pumps, stones and check valves are essential for what purpose? I'd like to know before I start gassing on about alternate solutions, Altcar.

 

[Slaphppy7]

AltcarBob: "Before anyone says it yes I know its not an essential to have an air bubbler but I like my bubbles."

 

[Colin_T]

Air pumps, stones and check valves are essential for what purpose? I'd like to know before I start gassing on about alternate solutions, Altcar.

Air pumps are used to circulate water and increase aeration in the aquarium. This helps to maximise the oxygen level in the water.

Airstones help create fine air bubbles, which are more effective at increasing oxygen levels compared to big course bubbles.

Check valves/ non return valves allow air to go one way but stop water flowing back into the pump if there is a power failure and the pump is lower than the aquarium.

 

[663]

Air pumps are used to circulate water and increase aeration in the aquarium. This helps to maximise the oxygen level in the water.

Airstones help create fine air bubbles, which are more effective at increasing oxygen levels compared to big course bubbles.

Check valves/ non return valves allow air to go one way but stop water flowing back into the pump if there is a power failure and the pump is lower than the aquarium.

I'm aware of all these uses and mechanics. I asked what I did of the OP to avoid offering solutions to problems that he doesn't see himself as having. BTW, I do indeed know of a far better solution than pumps and stones.

Edit: Unless one just likes bubble, which I can understand. ?

 

[663]

Jebao SCP WiFi Sine Cross Flow Pump Wave Maker with Controller​

This is the device I've been hinting at. It's been such a benefit to my fish specifically, and my tank in general that I felt the need to speak about it. The unit comes from different manufacturers, with various features, power ratings and prices. Youtube holds many videos on the tech. My only personal interest is in the fact that it works.

 

[chkltcow]

Bumping a semi-dead thread.... are there any check valves that AREN'T trash on the market? In the old days, I remember check valves looking like they had some poly fill and a little flapper disc in them. These new ones look like one of the old pencil eraser toppers we all used in elementary school. I have two hooked up to CO2 generators, and both seem to take MASSIVE amounts of pressure to let air through. I was trying to figure out which way they go and I couldn't blow through them. When I pulled one off an airline because nothing was coming out and I thought I'd check the CO2 generator.... BIG *pssssh* of air pressure built up that wasn't going through. It just seems like all of them this style require a ton of pressure to pass air through them.

Can someone recommend some low breakaway pressure check valves on Amazon or any of the other retailers that aren't complete junk?

 

[AltcarBob]

Bumping a semi-dead thread.... are there any check valves that AREN'T trash on the market? In the old days, I remember check valves looking like they had some poly fill and a little flapper disc in them. These new ones look like one of the old pencil eraser toppers we all used in elementary school. I have two hooked up to CO2 generators, and both seem to take MASSIVE amounts of pressure to let air through. I was trying to figure out which way they go and I couldn't blow through them. When I pulled one off an airline because nothing was coming out and I thought I'd check the CO2 generator.... BIG *pssssh* of air pressure built up that wasn't going through. It just seems like all of them this style require a ton of pressure to pass air through them.

Can someone recommend some low breakaway pressure check valves on Amazon or any of the other retailers that aren't complete junk?

You can get specialist Co2 check valves that are made of stainless steel and look to be serviceable.