[Ellie]

I bought a t-piece so I could have my air pump hooked up and air line going into two separate tanks. But when I turn my air pump on, air only comes out of the second air stone, no air seems to get to the first. I dont know why?? I would have thought it would just have been shared equally :/

 

[Chris_Produces]

Are the tank sizes the same? Maybe the pressure at the depth of the tank is too much for pump.

 

[Ellie]

one of them is a jar about 10" tall and a few in diameter, which I plan on hatching artemia in to feed fish when I get some, and the other is a small tank of about a foot long which i put spare plants in. The bigger tank is the one where the air comes out, so it couldnt be a pressure issue if it works on this one surely?

 

[deeda]

You need to use an air valve manifold that has adjusting valves, it is typically called a gang valve. It allows you to adjust the air flow individually to different tanks.

 

[Ellie]

thanks very much

 

[vanish]

The brief physics behind it is akin to "the path of least resistance" One of your airstones must be significantly more difficult for the air to flow through.

 

[Chris_Produces]

Try a gang valve

 

[PlantedRich]

Even if the two appear to work the same when new, one will often clog just a bit sooner and then you will need to adjust. Also when buying, go for one that will give you one extra to let excess air bleed off. If the diaphram in the pump has to work against too much pressure it will shorten it's life.