Bleeder Valve for Air Pump

[H]-[H]

I tried searching for the function of a bleeder valve but still could not understand why we need it for an aquarium pump.. I keep seeing these phrases "to relieve back pressure / bleed off excess air"
If I have an air pump with four outlets and I connect all four with air stones, do I still need to bleed off air?

 

[deeda]

You may need to bleed off some air depending on the air pump you are using. The reason for bleeding air off is to avoid back pressure on the pump to avoid premature wear or damage of the components.

The use of air stones is fine as long as they don't become clogged with fine particles or calcification over time, when this happens you may notice the sound of the air pump becomes louder.

It may be helpful to know the brand or output volume of your air pump and the height of the tanks the air stones are in.

 

[skjl47]

air pump with four outlets and I connect all four with air stones, do I still need to bleed off air?

Hello; As already stated such a valve can help prolong the functioning life of the pump. Much will depend on the depth of the tank and the sort of restrictions the air stones have.
A bleeder valve can be a simple three way valve or a set of gang valves and is not necessarily some special type valve. The idea is to use one of the valves to allow some of the air to exit into the atmosphere.
Sometimes I need to "bleed" off excess air and on other setups I will have enough air lines going so there is no backpressure.

 

[H]-[H]

The brand I'm using is JAD and it's rated 15 lpm (on the label)
My tank is 2.5 feet tall..
The air pump has 4 outlets but one of the outlet has no air coming out and another outlet has weak air output.. I also have gang valves ready to be used if necessary..
I will be connecting the outlets to a 5" air disc, two "golf ball sized" air stones, and two 4" bar air stones..
In my case, do I still need to bleed off air?

 

[skjl47]

In my case, do I still need to bleed off air?

The air pump has 4 outlets but one of the outlet has no air coming out and another outlet has weak air output.

hello; I do not know how to give you a direct answer. Even after 50+ years of setting up tanks I do not know ahead of time how my air pump and air operated equipment will be organized. I often wind up trying various combinations of valves, air stones and air operated filters. Trial and error I guess. With the experience I now can work out things pretty quickly.

Sounds like the pump has two weak internal sections. I have taken many air pumps apart. some can be repaired. Most can not or the parts are not available.

I suggest you play around with valves and air lines.

Good luck

 

[H]-[H]

hello; I do not know how to give you a direct answer. Even after 50+ years of setting up tanks I do not know ahead of time how my air pump and air operated equipment will be organized. I often wind up trying various combinations of valves, air stones and air operated filters. Trial and error I guess. With the experience I now can work out things pretty quickly.

Sounds like the pump has two weak internal sections. I have taken many air pumps apart. some can be repaired. Most can not or the parts are not available.

I suggest you play around with valves and air lines.

Good luck

Yeah, I am planning on taking the air pump apart and see if I can fix the two faulty outlets..
And you are right about the trial and error part.. Lately, I've been spending a lot of time messing with the filters just to get the ideal filtration that suits my tank..

 

[H]-[H]

I took apart the air pump and upon inspection, two of the diaphragms were torn..
Fortunately, I've some old air pumps lying around and took those diaphragms out as replacement..
Another question I've for the bleeding valve, does it need to be turned on all the way or just a little gap will do?

 

[skjl47]

Another question I've for the bleeding valve, does it need to be turned on all the way or just a little gap will do?

hello; Again it will depend. I usually start with one valve all the way open after getting all the air operated equipment in place. If I have enough air to run everything well enough I leave the valve open. More common is that I have to gradually close the bleeder valve until the equipment runs. .

 

[H]-[H]

hello; Again it will depend. I usually start with one valve all the way open after getting all the air operated equipment in place. If I have enough air to run everything well enough I leave the valve open. More common is that I have to gradually close the bleeder valve until the equipment runs. .

Good advice, thanks..

Do you have a pic that shows the air pump with the valves setup?