Do you need to join two pieces of airline tubing together?
Maybe you need to bend the air tube around a corner or fork a tube to two different pieces of equipment.
If that’s the case, airline connectors are just the tool you need!
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What is an aquarium airline connector?
An airline connector is a small piece of plastic that joins two or more pieces of airline tubing.
Each connector is hollow, allowing air to pass through it. The connector simply slides inside each piece of tubing, creating an airtight joint.
Aquarium airline connectors are designed to fit 3/16 inch (5mm) tubing – standard-sized tubing that fits aquarium air pumps.
Is your air tubing larger?
Don’t worry, I have a solution…
While you could use an adapter to size your pipe down, I prefer to use drip irrigation fittings.
They may be designed with your lawn in mind, but these fittings work perfectly on larger-sized aquarium airline tubing.
What are the different types of airline connectors?
If you have any experience with aquariums, then you probably understand what I am about to explain. So, you probably don’t need the refresher and can skip the rest of this guide.
But for those of you who are new to the hobby, you might not even be aware that some of these exist. You might even be able to run your airline in a way that you didn’t think was possible.
These are the four most commonly used airline connectors in aquariums…
Straight connector
A simple connector that allows you to connect two pieces of airline together. Often used when you have two pieces of air tube that are too short.
Elbow connector
Have you ever tried bending your airline 90 degrees? You’ll put a kink in the tube, and no air will flow through.
One way around this problem is to use an elbow connector, allowing you to run your air tube around corners without blocking the airflow.
Elbow connectors are sometimes referred to as L or 90-degree connectors.
3-way connectors
Want to split your airline to run a second airstone from the same pump? A 3-way connector allows you to do exactly that.
Three-way connectors come in two different styles, T and Y, named after each letter in the alphabet they resemble.
T connector
Or, if you want your airline to be split at an angle, there is another option…
Y connector
Y connectors allow the tubing to branch at angles without the need to kink the pipe.
When combined with an airline control valve, 3-way connectors can also be used to create a DIY bleed valve to prevent back pressure from damaging your air pump.
4-way connectors
Similar to the previous connector, but this one allows you to run up to three airline tubes from the same air pump instead of two.
Want a single air fitting that not only splits your tubing but also controls the airline on each tube? A gang valve is more suitable than a connector.
How to Care for Your Aquarium Airline Tubing Connectors
Have you ever thought of how fatal a blocked air pump connector can be? I will just hit the nail on the head: a blocked airline connector can get your aquatic friends killed due to a lack of proper oxygen circulation.
It does not end at reducing oxygen levels only. A damaged air hose fitting can lead to the growth of cyanobacteria, stress for your fish, generally alter the water parameters, and overheating since some aquarium heaters depend on air-driven components.
To prevent such dangers and harm to your aquatic neighbors, it is vital to take some precautionary and preventive measures. This regular maintenance is essential for a thriving aquatic ecosystem in your home. Here, we look at some ways you can take care of your aquarium airline tubing connectors.
Regular Inspection and Cleaning
It is not enough to just install any of the types of airline connectors mentioned earlier. There is another major work of constantly checking if they are functioning properly. Pay attention and listen for unusual noises coming from your aquarium. This can be as a result of air leakage.
You may decide to keep a calendar so as to help you to be consistent. However, I will recommend you do it more frequently; if possible, do it every day. You don’t know when it will happen, and before your next inspection, it may be too late.
It is not enough to just run inspections, also ensure you clean as you inspect. Constant cleaning will get rid of blockages due to dirt. I recommend soaking the tubing in a solution of water and vinegar and then cleaning it with a dedicated aquarium brush. Also, do the same for the connectors.
Replace Old Tubings
One good thing that regular inspection will do for you is to make you discover worn-out tubings in time. Once you suspect a connector or tubing to be weak, change them before they cause any further damage.
In addition, arrange your tubings in a way that it won’t get any sharp bends or kinks. This will help prevent premature wearing and restricted airflow.
Secure Airline Connection
Keep in mind that loose connections can cause leakages. As such it is vital to secure airline tubing and pump connections. You can use a small amount of silicone lubricant on the connectors before assembly. This will help in maintaining airtight seals for your connection.
How do you use airline tube connectors in your aquarium? Let me know in the comments below!
Ian Sterling, founder of Fishlab.com, began his aquarium journey over 30 years ago, driven by a deep fascination for fish and their diverse personalities. His website, Fishlab.com, is dedicated to making fishkeeping accessible and enjoyable, offering beginner-friendly guidance, expert insights, and a community for aquarists to connect and share experiences.
Comments (14)
Any idea why it is impossible for me to get an airtight seal when I connect my tubing to the diffuser? It’s driving me insane…
Hi Serg,
That does sound frustrating.
Is the internal diameter (ID) of the tubing the correct size for your air pump outlets? While the ID most aquarium tubing is 3/16 inch, I have come across tubing that is incorrectly sized. It could also be that the outflow nozzles on your air pump are an unusual size.
If the sizing is correct, the tubing should simply slide over the nozzle and stay put without leaking.
Do you have to use a connector
Great question!
No, If you just plan on running a single airline tube from your air pump to your airstone, there is no need for a connector.
A connector is used if you want to branch your airline tube into multiple paths, say if you wanted to run more than one airstone off a single air pump – assuming your air pump is powerful enough to do so, of course.
Does anyone make quick connect/disconnect connectors for standard air line tubing? I use the lines for my Aerogardens, and would love to be able to split the line for cleaning rather than remove the air stone and pull the tubing back out of the unit. Thanks in Advance.
Hi Jamie,
I’ve never come across this request before. Unfortunately, I cannot think of anyone that makes an out-of-the-box solution in the aquarium industry. I wish I could be more help.
Thank you. I had searched on Google and couldn’t find anything so I thought I would check.
Not a problem. Wishing you all the best in your search for a solution!
My air pump, a Fluval Q1, has large 3/16″ outlets while my airstone has “standard” smaller size connectors. I need a reducer adapter. Do you have any idea where I can find such an adapter?
Hi Robert,
3/16 is the standard inner size for airline tubing. If you have an airstone with a smaller connector, then that isn’t standard. I just double checked my large collection of different airstones floating around in my junk drawer that have accumulated over the years, all 30+ take 3/16 air hose.
Unfortunately, I have not come across a reducer that could help in this situation. If it did exist, it would likely be just as cheap to pick up a new airstone – they are very affordable.
Are there small bulkhead fittings available for the 3/16 standard air tubing? I have a 100 gallon SeaClear aquarium. Using two large airstones seems to assist with water quality. The aquarium does not have convenient locations for tubing entrance. I would like to install bulkhead fittings instead of having the tubing enter under the light hoods.
Hi Lariston,
That’s an excellent question. I have not personally come across bulkhead fitting that are the perfect size for airline tubing. Could you use a larger one, run an airline tube through and fill up the remaining space with black silicone?
Good afternoon, I have a T vavle that goes from my air pump to a sponger filter and the other way a small air bubbler. Only one side works. I remove lets say one of the tubing to see and then nothing works… i put my finger to block the hole and it works.. so only seems one way is working. Thanks
Hi Jessica,
It sounds like you have a faulty T valve. What happens if you blow in it? Can you blow through all sides?