How to Clean Aquarium Airstones

Airstones for any type of aquarium should be completely replaced every six months to a year, depending on how dirty your tank gets and how many fish are in it. However, in that time, airstones tend to get algae growth, calcium deposits or become covered with fish waste. These things can interfere with the airstone's ability to make needed bubbles.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft bristled algae brush (sometimes called an aquarium brush)
  • Hand towel
  • Old newspapers
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Instructions

  1. Air Supply

    • 1

      Spread old newspapers on the floor around your tank. You will have to take the airstone completely out, which can cause some splashing.

    • 2

      Turn off the air pump for safety reasons. Also, the air pump should never be on when the airstone is removed from the water. This can damage the air pump.

    • 3

      Bring the soft bristled algae brush and the hand towel to the tank.

    • 4

      Lift out the air hose connected to the airstone. Gently brush the airstone, gradually increasing the pressure as needed. You do not want to scrub too hard or the airstone will fracture or crumble apart. You will not be able to get it perfectly clean, but at least it will be able to produce more bubbles.

    • 5

      Replace in tank and turn on the air pump again. Be sure to wipe up any spills and then wash your hands.