How to Reduce the Flow Rate for a Fish Tank Pump

Supplying your fish with the proper water movement can be vital to maintaining a healthy habitat for your fish. Being able to restrict the airflow in a fish tank can be the difference between success and failure. However, most air pumps that are built specifically for fish tanks do not have a pressure valve that will allow you to control the rate of air flowing into the tank. However, with just a few dollars and a pair of scissors you can install an airflow valve to give you the ability to control airflow.

Things You'll Need

  • Scissors
  • Micro airflow valve
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the plastic air tube that connects the air pump and the tank's accessories with a pair of scissors so the micro airflow valve can be installed. If you are only restricting the airflow on one tube it doesn't matter where you cut it. If you are installing an airflow valve that has multiple air flow ports to allow you to control the flow rate to several accessories, it's important that each tube going from the valve to the accessories is the same length. This will allow for even distribution of air flow.

    • 2

      Install the micro airflow valve to the tube extending from the pump and to the tube that is going to the accessory. If you are using a valve with multiple ports, all accessories should be hooked up. Micro airflow valves are often equipped with check valves that allow air to flow in only one direction. This prevents water from siphoning through the tube in the event of a power failure. The direction of the flow should be oriented so the pump can power the tank's accessories.

    • 3

      Adjust the flow of air going to the tank's accessories using the open/close handle located on the micro airflow valve until you have reached the desired flow rate.