|
|
Post by fishfever on Jun 1, 2009 21:53:25 GMT -5
How long would one expect an air pump to run at close to new capacity before it noticably degrades running 24/7? I've had a Top Fin (Petsmart brand) 60g with dual outputs for maybe 3 months, maybe a bit less. Each output drives one 12" bubble wand that forms a fine bubble wall at the back of my main tank. At first it worked great but lately one side has noticeably less bubbles. I noticed this because not that many fish were swimming in the bubble wall like before (I guess it's like a massage). The other side has dropped down too but not as much. I called Petsmart and they said it has a lifetime warranty and they would exchange it for me. They did and the new one works great, maybe even higher output than the old one so I put in two flow controls to drop the outputs some.
So it's great that Petsmart has this lifetime warranty and it's very easy to change out, but there's got to be some wear and tear running 24/7. Frankly I don't see how they can afford to have a lifetime warranty on their air pumps. I would think there would be some parts (like maybe a diaphragm?) that would wear out. Does everyone just go and buy a new air pump every now and then or do you service yours?
|
|
|
|
Post by eve on Jun 1, 2009 22:57:36 GMT -5
the airpump is fine
it's the bubblewand itself which needs to be cleaned out once in a while, as dirt starts collecting in there and algae
either you buy a new stick, or you start poking the holes with a needle while cleaning
I found that the sticks are really inexpensive, and just buy new ones about every 6 months
|
|
|
|
Post by Carl on Jun 2, 2009 9:15:25 GMT -5
First the diaphragms only last a certain time as do the "flapper" valves (which are simply silicone rubber flaps that eventually develop holes in them)..
Most lifetime warranties have a catch and that is the diaphragms & valves are not covered past a year (kind of like a new car and the tires). I myself have always replaced the whole pump (including diaphragms within one year), after this the diaphragms/valves are not covered and this is what usually wears out.
As Eve pointed out cleaning /changing air stones, diffusers, bars, etc. will extend the life of your pump.
As well the position of the pump relative to the tank will extend the pump life. A pump will last longer if the pump is placed above the aquarium water level vs. below the tank as is usually done (this lowers back pressure). If you do place below the tank a check valve or back flow loop should be used.
Carl
|
|
|
|
Post by fishfever on Jun 2, 2009 16:33:32 GMT -5
Eve what you said about the bubble wands makes sense and I'll either clean (haven't been doing this) or replace them periodically to reduce the resistance to the pump. However the pump I had was not putting out nearly as much as when I first got it. I could feel the difference by removing the air lines and putting my finger over the outputs (old versus new). When I replaced the pump with the same model the bubble stream went from a few trickles to a very dense stream. It actually puts out a bit too much now so I had to drop the flow some.
Carl I have my air pumps (actually two, one for the bubble wands and another one for a small sponge filter and an airstone in a decoration) above the water level. It would be nice if you could buy a small service kit for popular air pumps with the part(s) that are likely to wear out but I guess with the cost of most pumps it may not be worth the trouble.
|
|
