Hi all! I just got some floaters and noticed the filter flow was too strong. In the past, this caused my plants to die off as well as some other factors. Air valves won’t fit my filter and I’ve tried using a ring around the filter flow but I noticed the foam that would help it float would disintegrate.
This is my solution. I tied a hair tie around the tube to reduce the filter flow. There is still some flow and the filter is still working. Is this okay or should I switch it out? If it’s ok and it works I’ll keep it, if not I’ll order something else! I guess this is a diy air valve maybe?
Posted by something721
7 Comments
If it’s stupid, but it works, then it’s not stupid. Just make sure it doesn’t starve out the filter pump, they don’t like being dry
I bought these on amazon for like $2 for a 20 pack, I just cut the line where the rubber band was on mine and just slid them right on. Now its adjustable lol
https://preview.redd.it/pfhxw1f7xnug1.png?width=1500&format=png&auto=webp&s=d6f194db86e8b4cef3920491299c6be54470e051
Is the hair included with the hair tie? lol
I think this is a great idea if it’s working for you! I had the little valve thingies and sometimes it’s all or nothing and you’ve spent money when a free hair tie would have worked. 🙂
Hey if it works it works, I’ve done this to my breast pump before to reduce suction on one side
From a mechanical standpoint, it will be bad for the pump over time. Imagine the difference in force needed while trying to drag/push liquid through a folded straw vs a straight one. That’s what your pump is experiencing.
Whether it’s an air or water pump, it’s usually not good to block the flow in/out. It would be better to buy one that you can control the intensity of, or a smaller one, if you wanna reduce the flow.
I would caution against it; it may put back pressure on the air pump and cause excess wear. Id say go find a bleed off valve at your lfs or online.