How to Make an Air Stone for Your Aquarium

Air stones are often used in aquariums to disperse a regular stream of air bubbles through small holes and into the water. This process oxygenates aquariums, which is important for the health of fish. While you can purchase air stones in pet supply stores, you can also make them yourself using household items or materials found in a local hardware store. Air stones also can be used along with protein skimmers. The bubbles attract waste and trap particles in a skimmer, which can then be removed from the aquarium.

Things You'll Need

  • 3-by-2-inch pumice stone
  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Air pump
  • Plastic air tubing, 2 feet long
  • Silicone that̵7;s safe for fish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dig a half-inch-deep hole into the pumice stone using the flat-head screwdriver. To do this, place the pumice stone on a steady surface. Steady the screwdriver on the stone and turn it in place until the hole forms.

    • 2

      Insert the end of the air tubing into the hole.

    • 3

      Spread the silicone around the tubing where it was inserted into the pumice stone, creating an air-tight seal.

    • 4

      Place the other end of the tubing on the air pump̵7;s outlet valve.

    • 5

      Put the pumice air stone in one corner of the aquarium. Cover the tubing with the aquarium pebbles and rocks. Run the tubing up the corner of the aquarium tank.

    • 6

      Plug in and turn on the air pump to have air flow through the stone and into the water. Air bubbles will start to form from the holes in the pumice stone.