Aquarium Air Pump Valve Cleaning / Cheap Fix - Performance Restored

[@m_dawood]

Great info. What i found best for the flaps is to cut off a piece of rubber ordinary balloon. It's almost identical to the real thing. I hope this helps someone

[@BudgetPhil]

Thank you for sharing that tip about using a balloon.

[@annemivandercolf9589]

Thank you so much for the video & to the commenters! I used some plastic from those yellow dishwashing gloves (that had a hole) and you saved me some bucks.

[@BudgetPhil]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing that tip about using a piece from an old rubber glove.

[@xAxonymouse]

Great video and very informative towards something no one else was taking the time to teach

[@BudgetPhil]

Thank you

[@tinydragonlabs]

I have a four-port ActiveAQUA that was in storage for a couple of years and was now producing zero output. Following your steps, it didn't even seem that dirty, but sure enough after being put back together, it's at full power. Thanks!

[@BudgetPhil]

I guess it doesn't take much dirt to prevent those types of valves from sealing. Thank you for sharing that.

[@patricioderegil4830]

accidentally comented about the best plastic for this on your cleaning video. but i found that soft palstic (such as a thick palstic bag) is the best repalcement, this improved the air flow and is now working perfectly. i used a bag of zip ties and i now have a happy hydro plants, thank you again.

[@BudgetPhil]

Thank you for sharing your experience with the part cut from a plastic bag. It's good to know that there are plenty of options.

[@75thteaster54]

Fixed my pump thanks bro

[@BudgetPhil]

Your welcome.

[@pyrotelekinesis7253]

This is exactly the tutorial I needed. Thank you for posting.

[@BudgetPhil]

You're welcome.

[@febeperez8684]

Great video. Thank you. If the black rubber has a crack, does this mean mine is done?

[@BudgetPhil]

I believe the black rubber pump diaphragm can be replaced. They are available from several online retailers. Thank you for the compliment.

[@trenenpierskalla5500]

I have the exact same single Aqua one and it wasn’t pushing air, the small valve was dirty and now it works better than before

[@BudgetPhil]

Those little valves can get pretty dirty. I'm glad that fixed the problem

[@cryptidcrafts666]

This was super useful, I have one that needs a cleaning badly:)

[@doomedamerica]

Thank you, it fixed my air pump

[@BudgetPhil]

You're welcome

[@vinodhd10]

Can i put a drop of motor oil to improve the efficiency of the diaphragm and the vibrating clip?

[@BudgetPhil]

I wouldn't because it could damage the plastic and the rubber. Motor oil can make some plastics brittle. It would also likely collect dust. Silicone lube may be an option though.

[@vinodhd10]

Removing the circular sponge. It will improve the air output. But what could go wrong by removing it?

[@BudgetPhil]

The pumps check valves may get dirty much faster than they otherwise would with the filter.

[@vinodhd10]

​@@BudgetPhilThank you for all the responses. I am clear now. I hope it will help others.

[@vinodhd10]

Can we use isopropyl alcohol instead of water? Is it safer?

[@BudgetPhil]

I don't know, but I generally try to avoid using alcohol on plastics. Most handle it fine, but some kinds of plastic can swell a bit when exposed to alcohol. I assume a quick wipe to disinfect the pumps parts would probably be okay.

[@earneststanaford7802]

Can Altitude affect the operation of a air pump

[@BudgetPhil]

I believe so. The pump rate should be reduced as the altitude increases due to the lowering density of the air. At a high enough altitude, the flow rate of the pump would be zero due to a lack of atmosphere.

[@chulada03]

Thank you

[@BudgetPhil]

You're welcome. Thanks for stopping by.