How to Connect an Air Pump to an Aquarium Ornament
Bubbling ornaments are simple to run. All you need is an air pump, some tubing and one small safety part that many people skip.
Quick answer
Run airline tubing from the pump, through a check valve, to the air inlet on the ornament. Add a control valve if the bubbles are too strong. Keep the pump above the water line, or always use the check valve.
What you need
- An air pump suited to your tank depth. Deeper water needs more pressure.
- Airline tubing, the soft narrow kind sold in aquarium shops.
- A check valve, which lets air out and stops water coming back.
- A control valve (optional), to turn the flow down.
- A gang valve (optional), to run more than one thing from one pump.
Step by step
- Place the ornament. Put it where you want it, and fix it down if it uses suction cups. Clean the glass first, and press each cup on firmly.
- Measure the tubing. Run it from the ornament to the pump, leaving a little slack, and cut it.
- Fit the check valve. Cut the tubing close to the pump and join both ends to the valve. The arrow on the valve points toward the tank.
- Connect the ornament. Push the tube onto the inlet. Warm water softens stiff tubing if it will not slide on.
- Switch on. Bubbles should start within a few seconds. Turn the flow down if the ornament shakes or the fish look pushed about.
Why the check valve matters
When the power goes off, water can siphon back along the tube and out through the pump, onto your floor. Power cuts make this a real risk. A check valve costs very little and stops it. Keeping the pump above the water line helps too.
Troubleshooting
- No bubbles: check the valve is the right way round, and look for a kink in the tube.
- Weak bubbles: the pump may be too small for the depth, the tube may be blocked, or an old pump may need a new diaphragm.
- Loud pump: stand it on a folded cloth or foam pad, and keep it from touching the cabinet.
- Suction cup letting go: clean the cup and the glass. Replace cups that have gone hard.
Looking for something to run on it? Our Dancing Skeleton connects to your air pump and sends bubbles up through his ribcage.