How to Get an Aquarium Filter Pump to Work

An air pump is not required for an aquarium, but it can provide some real advantages when you set up your tank. You can use your air pump to run decorations in your aquarium or to provide agitation and aeration in the water. You can also use your pump to run corner filters and other devices to keep your tank clean and the water clear. No matter what type of pump you have or how you use it, having some basic troubleshooting skills will help you keep it running at its best.

Things You'll Need

  • Cloth
  • Air tubing
  • Pencil
  • Shelf
  • Duct tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unplug the aquarium pump, and clean the exterior thoroughly with a damp cloth. Pay particular attention to the area around the air hose connector, since dirt and debris can build up there and reduce the efficiency of the pump -- or even cause it to stop working entirely.

    • 2

      Spray the air hose connector with compressed air like the kind used to clean computer components. Use a strong squirt, and hold the can as close to the pump as possible. Wipe away any excess moisture right away using a soft dry cloth.

    • 3

      Insert a pencil into the end of the air tubing to widen it slightly. Widen the tubing just enough to allow it to fit securely onto the air connector on the pump.

    • 4

      Connect the other end of the aquarium tubing to the air stone, decoration or filter you need to run. Plug the pump in, and watch for bubbles to appear, which lets you know the unit is working properly.

    • 5

      Mount the pump on a shelf hung from the back of your aquarium. Using a shelf prevents the pump from vibrating around and disconnecting itself from the tubing. Use the strap that came with the shelf to secure the pump in place, or simply place a piece of duct tape over the top of the pump to hold it in place.