How to Install Bubble Stones in an Aquarium

Fish breathe by absorbing oxygen through their gills. If there is an absence of oxygen in aquarium water, fish can drown and pass away. Aquarium owners can use air, also called bubble stones, to provide air bubbles and aerate the tank in the absence of sufficient water movement. Air stones reverse flow valves are available at pet and aquarium supply stores, and install to an aquarium air pump in several minutes.

Things You'll Need

  • Air tubing
  • Sharp scissors
  • Air pump
  • Reverse-flow valve
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Instructions

    • 1

      Let the air stone soak for an hour in aged water or non-chlorinated water before using it. Aged water is tap water left to sit at room temperature for 48 hours to eliminate chlorine.

    • 2

      Cut a 3-inch length of air tubing with sharp scissors and attach one end to the air pump.

    • 3

      Attach a reverse-flow valve to the air pump to the other end of the tubing to prevent water from siphoning out of the tank in case of electrical failure.

    • 4

      Cut another length of air tubing long enough to run from the other end of the reverse flow valve to the bottom of the tank.

    • 5

      Attach the longer length of tubing to the free end of the reverse-flow valve.

    • 6

      Attach the bubble stone to the other end of the longer tubing.

    • 7

      Partially bury the bubble stone with gravel or the substrate on the bottom of the aquarium so that only the bubbles are visible.