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View Full Version : Another air pump question

Lauren B.
02-24-2007, 03:12 AM
Sorry to annoy you guys with all these air pump/bubble wand issues, but you folks are the only aquarium people I know. :11:

I upgraded to a larger air pump today. It has 2 air outlets, but I only have one airtube so I'm using only one outlet at the moment. Is the other outlet just supposed to blow air when not in use and nothing is attached to it?...is it okay that it does that? It was a spur of the moment purchase so it's not a terribly expensive pump...it doesn't have any controls or rheostats or on/offs...just plug it it and out air blows.

Thanks for all your help. I don't know who else to ask and I'd feel really stupid calling up a pet store to ask them such an amateur question.
cocoa_pleco
02-24-2007, 03:17 AM
i have a double too. when i only need one, i just leave the other how it is. it doesnt hurt anything
Chrona
02-24-2007, 03:19 AM
It's safe to just let it blow air out, since theres virtually no resistance. I wouldn't try to clamp it shut or anything, since it may burn out the motor. Why not run 2 airstones? :)
Lauren B.
02-24-2007, 03:22 AM
Okay, I feel better about the purchase. I thought I was going to have to return another pump. I think I may do multiple airstones. That is, if this stupid flexible bubble wand doesn't ever work for me.
cocoa_pleco
02-24-2007, 03:29 AM
really? my bubble wand is great
AquaQueen
02-24-2007, 03:31 AM
I made the mistake of covering mine with duct tape and the thing got so loud I wanted to throw it out the window then I ended up buying a new one.
Lauren B.
02-24-2007, 04:05 AM
really? my bubble wand is great

What brand and size did you buy?

Mine is a 15" Aqua Culture that I bought at Walmart on clearance for $3.50 (hey, how can you say no to that price?). Is it possible that the material can expire or deteriorate over time? Do you think it's worth it for me to try to buying a "fresher" one at Petsmart?
Chrona
02-24-2007, 04:16 AM
It looks like Walmart strikes again!
Drumachine09
02-24-2007, 04:40 AM
Instead of letting all of that power go to waste, why dont you get a T valve, and hook the two outlets, into one exhaust. That should also fix your bubble wand problems too.
Lauren B.
02-24-2007, 05:12 AM
Instead of letting all of that power go to waste, why dont you get a T valve, and hook the two outlets, into one exhaust. That should also fix your bubble wand problems too.

I already thought of it (great minds think alike!) :thumb:
Nothing different happened. Same amount of bubbles, which is hardly any, with less air pump noise.