Air stones improve the tank oxygenation. It requires clean air stone frequently to never clog it. Cleaning frequency depends on various aspects, especially on air stone material. hygger is producing quality air stones. Other than air stones, aeration strips, and air diffusers do the same job. The cleaning of these oxygenating devices is also in the scope of this article.
Content Table
never clog air stone
Clogged Air Stones
The aquarium air stone is clogged due to mineral buildup or blocked with debris. These debris and mineral layers prevent it from releasing adequate air bubble density, reducing oxygen in the tank. This is called a clogged air stone. Clogged air stones lose their efficiency. It is important to clean them time by time for a long life to get a never-clogged air stone.
Indications of Clogged Air Stone?
Here are a few indications of clogged air stones.
- The air stoneor air diffuser is producing no or fewer bubbles.
- Bubbles are coming out from only a small airstone portion.
- Instead of mist-size bubbles, it produces large and irregular bubbles.
- The air pump is making noise due to increased pressure.
The Cause Of Air Stone Clogged
Air stone filters become clogged due to various reasons. Here are some such reasons.
Algae Growth
Several reasons, i.e., low CO2 levels, high lighting, excessive nutrients, and fish waste buildup, boost algae growth in the tank. Algae grow over or in the air stone’s pores and clog the air stone.
Water Hardness
If you are using mineral decors or tap water in your tank, it will increase the mineral level or have a high water hardness, i.e., calcium and potassium, in the tank. High mineral buildup clogs the air stone.
Organic Matter Deposition
It becomes non-functional due to the deposition of organic matter layer on the pores. It builds up in the tank due to leftover food, algae, fish, and plant waste.
Age
Every air stone has a functional age. If your air stone has spent its functional age, it will start misbehaving.
Fine Pore Size
Some air stones have fine pores. These pores are more prone to clogging, so you should clean the air stone in time.
Poor Water Quality
If you are not regularly changing your tank water, i.e., 20% weekly, it will deteriorate the water quality. This reduced water quality will impact air stone performance.
Clean air diffuser
Air Stones Vs Air Diffuser Vs Aeration Strip
Air stones, air diffusers, and aeration strips serve the same purpose: improving aeration in the tank. Although they do the same job, they function differently. Here are some differences among these three.
| Feature | Air stone | Air diffuser | Aeration strips |
| Material | Porous ceramic | Flexible silicone | Silicon |
| Sand | Microporous synthetic materials | Rubber | |
| Bonded glass | Embedded with microporous elements | ||
| Shape and Size | Small and compact shape | Large and broader shapes, e.g., discs or plates | Long and narrow strips. Flexible for custom layouts |
| Bubble Size | Small to medium | Fine and uniform | Small to medium bubbles along the strips |
| Coverage Area | Limited coverage | Wider areas | Long coverage |
| Small tanks | Large tanks and ponds | Suitable for horizontal aquariums | |
| Flexibility | Rigid | Semi-rigid to flexible | Fully flexible |
| Durability | Durable but vulnerable to clogging | Highly durable and resistant to clogging | Durable but loses durability over time |
| Maintenance | Periodic cleaning and frequent replacement | Easy to clean and seldom maintenance | Medium-level care due to length |
| Application | Best for small aquariums | Large aquariums | Decorative layouts |
| Bubble decorations | Ponds | Spreading aeration across long spaces | |
| Targeted oxygenation | Professional aquaculture setups | ||
| Cost | Low cost | It is more expensive than air stone. | Moderate cost. It depends on the size and material. |
How To Clean hygger Air Stones/Air Diffuser/Aeration Strip
hygger Stainless Steel Air Stone (HG126)
- Pour some water and add cleaner in a tub or other open vessel.
- Soak the air stone for 30 to 60 minutes in that water.
- Remove the air stone from the water vessel and clean the surface with a brush.
- Connect the air pump for deep cleaning.
- Rinse it with clean water.
hygger Aquarium Nano Air Diffuser (HG093)
It requires less cleaning due to its material. This material helps to avoid frequent clogging.
- Remove the air diffuser from the tank.
- Run clean water on an air diffuser and clean the surface with a soft bristle brush.
- Soak it for 30 to 60 minutes in a 1:1 vinegar-water solution to remove mineral debris.
- Remove it from the tub and rub the surface with a brush.
- To disinfect your air diffuser, soak it in 1:10 bleach-water solution for 15 to 30 minutes.
- After bleach dip, soak for 30 minutes in clean water.
- Check the airflow.
- Reinstall it in the tank.
hygger Aquarium Aeration Strip Kit (HG069)
The hygger aeration strip cleaning process is the same as others, but it requires extra attention. Here is a step-by-step procedure.
- Remove the aeration strip from the tank.
- Rinse it with water.
- Use your fingers or a soft sponge to remove the visible debris and waste layer.
- Soak it for 1 to 2 hours in a 1:1 vinegar-water solution to remove mineral debris.
- Remove it from the tub and rub the surface with a brush.
- To disinfect your air diffuser, soak it in 1:10 bleach-water solution for 15 to 30 minutes.
- After bleach dip, soak for 30 minutes in clean water.
- Use a soft bristle brush or sponge to remove debris from the pores.
- Attach it with an air pump and soak it in a bucket to remove the internal debris in the tube.
- Attach to the air pump and enjoy with the HG069 aeration strip.
air stone and air pump
hygger Invisible Nano Air Stone (HG049)
The invisible nano air stone does not require disinfection or deep cleaning. Here is a simple cleaning method.
- Detach from the tank.
- Rinse it through tap water.
- Use a soft cloth to clean the surface.
- Rinse it through tap water.
- Reinstall it into the tank.
hygger Fish Tank Air Stone (HGS50)
- Detach it from the tank.
- Rinse with water.
- Clean the visible debris from it.
- Make an equal water-vinegar solution and dip it for 2 hours to remove mineral debris.
- Prepare a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and soak it for 30 to 60 minutes. It will break down organic matter and kill bacteria.
- Make a 1:10 bleach-water solution and soak it for 30 minutes to disinfect and kill bacteria.
- Use a soft brush to remove debris from the surface. Avoid gentle abrasion as it can damage the smooth air-stone surface.
- Flush the air stone and check its performance.
- Install it in the tank.
Best Way To Rejuvenate Old Air Stones
Buying a new air stone is hard. Therefore, rejuvenation is a cost-effective procedure to get a never clogged air stone. Although it is time-consuming, it is not a frequent task. Generally, air stones, aeration strips, and air diffusers follow a general cleaning procedure with a little difference. Therefore, here I’ll discuss the general procedure with type-specific procedure.
General Cleaning Procedure
- Turn off the pump and detach the device from the air tube.
- Remove the device from the tank.
- Rinse the device with clean water.
- Use a soft cloth, bristle brush, or sponge to clean the surface.
clean air stone
Soaking Solution
- Soak the device for 2 to 4 hours in a 1:1 vinegar-water solution. It will dissolve calcium and lime buildup.
- Soak the device for 30 minutes in a 3% concentration of Hydrogen peroxide solution. It will disinfect and break down organic debris on the device.
- Soak it in a 1:10 bleach solution for 10 to 30 minutes to remove severe algal and bacterial conditions. Rinse it with clean water to remove the chemical effect.
Flush and Scrub
- Connect the air stone and air diffuser with an air pump. Run in submerged conditions to remove loose debris.
- Bend the aeration strip to remove the clog from the strip.
Boiling (Specific for Ceramic Air Stones)
Keep your air stone for 5 to 10 minutes in boiling water. It’ll lose the debris.
Rinsing
- Flush it for a few minutes under running water to remove any remaining traces.
- Soak your bleached device for 15 to 30 minutes in clean water.
Testing
Reconnect the device with the air pump and run it in a water bucket. Check the bubble size and density. If it is working efficiently, install it into the tank. Otherwise, repeat the procedure.
Device Specific Consideration
| Air Stone | Air Diffuser | Aeration Strip |
| Clean ceramic and glass-bonded air stones in boiling water. | Regular soaking in Hydrogen Peroxide increases the life. | Flex the strip to remove stubborn debris. |
| In case of wear and tear or improper functioning, replace it. | In severe damage, replace it with a new one. | Don’t overbend, as it can damage the material. |
- Clean your device after every 1 or 2 months.
- Use a pre-filter to reduce cleaning and improve the age.
- Replace your device after every 6 to 12 months.
air stone for tanks, ponds and hydroponics
The Last Word
Algae, minerals, leftover food, and organic matter clog the air stones. Clogged air stones start misbehaving and cause reduced oxygen levels in the tank. Frequent cleaning of air stone to avoid clogging it. hygger develops quality aeration strips and airstrips to maintain the tank’s health. These oxygenating devices follow a general cleaning process along with slight variations for devices. After 3 to 4 months, rejuvenate your device for a long life.
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