View Full Version : bubble wands not working well
jcmonkeygirl
12-07-2003, 3:55 PM
My bubble wands (the green kind) are not working very well any more. They are producing like 25% of the bubbles that they used to and i have only had them since the end of May. One side of them is covered in algae so i tried to clean it off with an algae pad but it didn't help bubble flow. any suggestions on how to fix the problem and any suggestions on how to prevent this from occurring again so soon.
thanks
aquariumfishguy
12-07-2003, 4:11 PM
That "problem" is somewhat normal. Some people have to replace every 6 months or so. This is why the actual air stone is only a couple bucks to begin with. ;)
often dignified
12-07-2003, 4:13 PM
I think it says on the package that you can poke new holes with a pin or needle.
aquariumfishguy
12-07-2003, 4:16 PM
The above tip works well if talking about a newer air stone (bubble wand) but after this long of having it, I would recommend just buying a new one to be honest.
jcmonkeygirl
12-07-2003, 5:30 PM
ok thanks guys! this is my first time with a bubble wand so i need the help. but where are you finding them for a couple of bucks. if i remember correctly they were ~$10-15 a piece and i have 2 of them for my 55 gallon. anyways...thanks again.
I've been told to buy two sets and let one dry out for a few months then switch it into the tank and clean and dry out the other. This way you can make them last longer. I do that with my airstones but have never used a bubble wand.
LMOUTHBASS
12-07-2003, 6:30 PM
i unplugged my bubble pump thingie and overnight water siphoned back up the air hose and flooded my room!!! any thougths why this might've happened - the hose was on the wand tight !
Dangerdoll
12-07-2003, 7:56 PM
LMB, you should probably have what's called an Air Check valve. Tetra Tec makes some, there are other types but I only have experience with TetraTec. What you do is attach about 1"-5" of tubing from the pump to the check valve, then on the other end of the valve, attach the tubing that's attached to your air stone (or bubble wand, air deco, etc.) and the valve will prevent water from reversing into the pump if the pump is unplugged or if there is a power failure or whatever.
HTH
aquariumfishguy
12-07-2003, 8:40 PM
15 bucks?! :eek:
...I get the name brand green bubble wands which have the suction cups on the bottom of them for around 3 dollars...for the LARGE ones! Dear God I would never pay $15 for a silly air stone. :o
thumper
12-07-2003, 8:40 PM
you could just put the pump on top of your hood.
aquariumfishguy
12-07-2003, 8:42 PM
Most find that the fibrations of the pump send it off of their hoods, just a thought...;)
JSchmidt
12-08-2003, 9:25 AM
I agree... using an air pump without a check valve is asking for disaster....
Jim
andy5268
12-08-2003, 10:31 AM
i use these things all the time and build a wall of bubbles behind the tank - really cool. Thet do were out but it takes about two years, i bury mine under the gravel - yes check valves are a must at like $1.50 each. Buy the wands from that fish place, they are cheap as hell!