The part of the aquarium aeration system that creates cascades of tiny bubbles is known as the air stones.Most of the time, they are made of porous stone and aquarium users say their fish like small bubbles.Dust,bacteria, or algae can accumulate on the air stones.It is possible to clean them in a few steps.
Step 1: The air stone is in your aquarium.
Turn off the air stone and filters in your tank.If you prefer, you can use a long fish net or your hands to move the gravel to the side of your air stone.Remove the air stone from the tank and connect it to other tubes.
Step 2: The rubber end pieces should be removed.
The black rubber pieces at the end of your air stone need to come off in order for your cleaning solution to get inside.Remove the pieces with your fingers.At first, the end pieces may seem stuck.As you pull them off the tube, twist them back and forth.
Step 3: Make a solution of 9 parts water and 1 part bleach.
Put 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of bleach in a glass measuring jar and use it for cleaning.Take 9 fluid ounces of water from your measuring jar and put it in your cleaning jar.Continue until you have enough solution to clean the air stone.
Step 4: You can bleach your air stone pieces for a few hours.
Drop the air stones, rubber end pieces, and dirty connecting tubes into your bleach solution.After waiting a few hours, gently swirl the air stones in the solution to remove any loosened gunk.When dipping your fingers into the bleach solution to remove air stone pieces, wear rubber cleaning gloves.
Step 5: Allow your pieces to air dry for 1-2 hours.
Set your pieces on a towel or paper towel near a sunny window after using warm running water to rinse them.It's a good idea to avoid drying your air stone with a towel.
Step 6: There are small beads on the air stone tube.
Your rubber end pieces will need to be replaced on the ends of your air stone so the air is forced to go through the stone.You can squeeze the silicone to get the beads onto the air stone tube.Silicone can be obtained from your local hardware store.
Step 7: Place the rubber end piece back on the tube.
To remove the extra silicone from the sides of the tube, use a damp, clean cloth.The amount of time listed on the package instructions is what you should allow the silicone to dry for.The previous steps should be followed for the other side and any other tubes.
Step 8: Put the air stone back into your tank.
You should connect your air stone to its tubing the same way you did when you first installed it.Place your air stone back into the tank and cover it with gravel or a long fish net.Plug in and turn on your air stone devices when everything is back to normal.
Step 9: The air stone needs to be checked for dirt in 2 to 3 months.
A clean air stone releases small bubbles.A dirty air stone will start to release larger bubbles just from the ends of the stone.The quality of bubbles coming from your air stone may change over time.You should clean your air stones and your aquarium at the same time.