Why are check valves cracking??

[goldfish freak]

Does anyone have have any idea why the check valves on my air pump would crack? I have a two outlet air pump with a check valve on each and have found that the check valves crack after only a few months of use. This has happen to me three time already. What could be the cause of it? I don't think I am using cheap check valves, these are Tetra brand "Tetratec" valves.

I would appreciate some ideas. Thank you.

[Rocketman]

I just ordered "2" Tetratec Check Valves for 2 of my pumps... "2" is in quotations because although I ordered 2, and the invoice says two, Bigalsonline.com sent me two packages, (the kind that we get in the Pet Store that each contain 1/2 Dozen valves,) so now I have 12 Valves. You could always try this.

[fishfrenze]

I can't tell you why they are cracking but my Tetratec check valve is cracked too now that you mention it! Must be a "design flaw"...that's what they tell me about my car every time something goes wrong! :)

[goldfish freak]

I think that I will try another brand of check valves next time.

[RTR]

There is some variation in check valves, but they are by nature prone to failure. I have given them up, as I will not rely on an item with a high failure rate.

[goldfish freak]

Thanks for that info RTR, although I was hoping that this would not be the case. What do you do then with your air pumps to prevent water siphoning into them? Is there anything that you can do besides placing the pump above the tank?

[RTR]

Positioning above the tank is the safest. An extended loop of tubing vertically above the tank befofe it drops back below water level is next safest, but I use the pump itself above the tank.

[goldfish freak]

Thank you. I will do that then. I do not want to ruin my pump after all.