How to Make a Wood Air Stone

Typically made of limestone or porous wood, air stones attach to a gas input to create small bubbles that diffuse gas, likely air or carbon dioxide, throughout water. When used with protein skimmers or foam fractionators, air stones provide a steady stream of bubbles, which float organic matter out of the water to create a cleaner environment. Air stones are inexpensive, but making your own puts a personal touch to your aquarium.

Things You'll Need

  • Porous wood, such as basswood
  • Ruler
  • Saw
  • Water resistant glue
  • Drill
  • Double-sided hose barb
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure out the desired length and width of the air stone. The size depends on the air requirements in the aquarium. Some air stones are less than an inch in all dimensions; others are thin but more than a foot long.

    • 2

      Cut out the rectangle of wood.

    • 3

      Trace the rectangle on the sheet of wood so that half of the cutouts have the grain spanning the width and half span the length.

    • 4

      Cut out enough rectangles to reach the desired height of your air stone when they are stacked.

    • 5

      Soak the wooden pieces in water until saturated.

    • 6

      Remove the wooden pieces and pat them dry, but do not let them dry out completely.

    • 7

      Use a thick waterproof glue to adhere the pieces to one another in a stack, alternating the grain with each piece.

    • 8

      Let the glue set without letting the wooden block dry.

    • 9

      Drill a hole to the center of the block through one of the short sides where you see the layers of wood.

    • 10

      Put glue on a double-sided hose and press it into the hole.

    • 11

      Let the glue set and continue to keep the block damp until you wish to use it.