What Causes My Aquarium Bubbler to Plug Up?

Your air pump is a vital part of what keeps your fish healthy; a steady stream of bubbles is a good sign that your air pump is keeping the water properly aerated. Over time, your bubbler can begin to clog, reducing its effectiveness and possibly burning out the air pump if not fixed. A number of materials can cause a bubbler blockage, and they are easy to correct.

  1. Minerals

    • If you live in an area with hard water, one culprit that could clog your aquarium bubbler is mineral deposits. Hard water contains an abundance of dissolved minerals; over time, these particles will adhere to the pores in your air stone or bubbler. If enough minerals build up, they can clog these pores and prevent normal airflow. Even soft groundwater can lead to mineral deposits, although it may take considerably longer for blockages to develop.

    Algae

    • An algae buildup in your tank can also lead to a clogged bubbler. These microorganisms can rapidly spread throughout your tank given the right nutrients and access to sunlight; eventually drifting colonies may make their way into your aeration system. Keep your tank out of direct sunlight to avoid an algae bloom, and you may add a few fish or snails that eat algae to head off growth before it becomes troublesome.

    Organic Matter

    • One of the most common sources of aerator blockage is detritus, particles of decaying food and fecal matter that result from normal feedings and the digestive cycles of your fish. In many cases, this matter will settle out of the water and fall into the strata at the bottom of your aquarium; but if you feed your fish near your aeration system, some of it may make its way into the bubbler. Over time, even the most careful feeding regimen will leave enough particulate matter to clog things up.

    Cleaning

    • If you have a clogged bubbler, you have two options. You can simply replace the air stone or other bubbling device with a fresh one, checking to make sure that the replacement provides proper airflow. You can also clean a bubbler by immersing it in boiling water for two minutes, then scrubbing with a clean brush. Do not use soap or any cleaning products, because the resulting residue may make your fish ill. If boiling water fails to clear the blockage, and you suspect a mineral buildup, you can soak your bubbler in white vinegar to break up the clogs. Be sure to rinse the device thoroughly before returning it to the aquarium.