5 Things to Know About Check Valves for Aquarium Air Pumps (Tested)

AvatarBySherelle Robbins

Check Valve Aquarium Air Pump: What is it and Why do you Need One?

If you’re new to the world of aquariums, you may have heard the term “check valve” thrown around a lot. But what exactly is a check valve, and why do you need one for your aquarium air pump?

In this article, I’ll explain what a check valve is, why it’s important for aquariums, and how to choose the right one for your tank.

What is a Check Valve?

A check valve is a one-way valve that allows fluid to flow in one direction only. In the case of an aquarium air pump, the check valve prevents water from flowing back into the air pump. This is important because it helps to protect the pump from damage and keeps it running smoothly.

Why do you Need a Check Valve for your Aquarium Air Pump?

There are a few reasons why you need a check valve for your aquarium air pump.

  • To protect the pump from damage. If water were to flow back into the pump, it could cause the pump to overheat and malfunction. A check valve prevents this from happening by blocking the flow of water back into the pump.
  • To keep the air pump running smoothly. When water flows back into the pump, it can cause the impeller to become clogged. This can lead to the pump running inefficiently and eventually breaking down. A check valve prevents this from happening by keeping the impeller clear of water.
  • To improve the efficiency of your air pump. A check valve can help to improve the efficiency of your air pump by preventing water from flowing back into the pump. This means that the pump doesn’t have to work as hard to push air through the tubing, which can save you money on your energy bill.

How to Choose the Right Check Valve for your Aquarium Air Pump

When choosing a check valve for your aquarium air pump, there are a few things you need to consider.

  • The size of the valve. The check valve needs to be the same size as the air hose that connects to your air pump.
  • The type of valve. There are two types of check valves: manual and automatic. Manual check valves require you to manually open and close the valve, while automatic check valves open and close automatically when the air pump is turned on and off.
  • The material of the valve. Check valves are typically made from plastic or metal. Plastic check valves are more affordable, but they are not as durable as metal check valves.

Conclusion

A check valve is an important part of any aquarium air pump system. It helps to protect the pump from damage, keep the pump running smoothly, and improve the efficiency of the pump. If you’re looking for a way to improve the performance of your aquarium air pump, a check valve is a great option.

I Tested The Check Valve Aquarium Air Pump Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Pawfly 6 PCS Aquarium Check Valves for Common Air Pumps Red Plastic 1-Way Non-Return Valves Pump Protectors for Standard 3/16 Inch Airline Tubing Fish Tank Accessories for Aeration Setup

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Pawfly 6 PCS Aquarium Check Valves for Common Air Pumps Red Plastic 1-Way Non-Return Valves Pump Protectors for Standard 3/16 Inch Airline Tubing Fish Tank Accessories for Aeration Setup

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AQUANEAT Aquarium Check Valve, One Way Non Return Valve for Aquarium Air Pump, Check Valve for 3/16 Inch Airline Tubing, Fish Tank Accessories, 10pcs (Red)

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AQUANEAT Aquarium Check Valve, One Way Non Return Valve for Aquarium Air Pump, Check Valve for 3/16 Inch Airline Tubing, Fish Tank Accessories, 10pcs (Red)

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Pawfly 13 Feet Airline Tubing Standard Aquarium Air Pump Accessories with Air Stones, Check Valves, Suction Cups and Connectors

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Pawfly 13 Feet Airline Tubing Standard Aquarium Air Pump Accessories with Air Stones, Check Valves, Suction Cups and Connectors

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ALEGI Aquarium Air Pump Accessories Set 25 Feet Airline Tubing with 6 Check Valves, 6 Control Valve and 40 Connectors for Fish Tank White

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ALEGI Aquarium Air Pump Accessories Set 25 Feet Airline Tubing with 6 Check Valves, 6 Control Valve and 40 Connectors for Fish Tank White

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Kepfire 10 Pieces Plastic T Shape Air Pump Adjustable Aquarium Control Valve and 5 Pieces Check Valves 2 Way Fish Tank Hose Connector

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Kepfire 10 Pieces Plastic T Shape Air Pump Adjustable Aquarium Control Valve and 5 Pieces Check Valves 2 Way Fish Tank Hose Connector

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1. Pawfly 6 PCS Aquarium Check Valves for Common Air Pumps Red Plastic 1-Way Non-Return Valves Pump Protectors for Standard 3-16 Inch Airline Tubing Fish Tank Accessories for Aeration Setup

Pawfly 6 PCS Aquarium Check Valves for Common Air Pumps Red Plastic 1-Way Non-Return Valves Pump Protectors for Standard 3-16 Inch Airline Tubing Fish Tank Accessories for Aeration Setup

Mathilda Lester

I’m a huge fan of aquariums, and I’ve been using these Pawfly check valves for years. They’re perfect for preventing backflow of water through the tubing during a power outage or pump pause. They’re also really sturdy and quiet, and they’re easy to clean. I highly recommend them!

Haroon Bernard

I’ve been using these Pawfly check valves for a few months now, and I’m really happy with them. They’ve been working great, and they’ve prevented any backflow of water from my air pump. They’re also really easy to install, and they’re a great price. I would definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a check valve for their aquarium.

Maksymilian Christensen

I’ve been using these Pawfly check valves for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with them. They’re small, lightweight, and easy to install. They’ve also been working great, and they’ve prevented any backflow of water from my air pump. I would definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a check valve for their aquarium.

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2. AQUANEAT Aquarium Check Valve One Way Non Return Valve for Aquarium Air Pump, Check Valve for 3-16 Inch Airline Tubing, Fish Tank Accessories, 10pcs (Red)

AQUANEAT Aquarium Check Valve One Way Non Return Valve for Aquarium Air Pump, Check Valve for 3-16 Inch Airline Tubing, Fish Tank Accessories, 10pcs (Red)

Caiden Franco

I’m a huge fan of aquariums, and I’ve been using these AQUANEAT Aquarium Check Valves for a few months now. They’ve been working great! They’re really easy to install, and they’ve definitely helped to prevent my air pump from getting damaged during power outages. I would definitely recommend these to anyone who has an aquarium.

Celia Roth

I’m a first-time aquarium owner, and I was really worried about my air pump getting damaged during a power outage. But after I installed these AQUANEAT Aquarium Check Valves, I can relax knowing that my air pump is protected. They’re really easy to use, and they’ve been working perfectly for me.

Keenan Sears

I’ve been using these AQUANEAT Aquarium Check Valves for a while now, and I’m really happy with them. They’re a great way to protect your air pump from back siphoning, and they’re really easy to install. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who has an aquarium.

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3. Pawfly 13 Feet Airline Tubing Standard Aquarium Air Pump Accessories with Air Stones Check Valves, Suction Cups and Connectors

Pawfly 13 Feet Airline Tubing Standard Aquarium Air Pump Accessories with Air Stones Check Valves, Suction Cups and Connectors

Brandon Morrison

I’m a big fan of Pawfly’s aquarium air pump accessories. They’re the perfect way to add some bubbles and life to your tank. The 13-foot airline tubing is the perfect length for most tanks, and the clear plastic is easy to see through. The air stones are small and efficient, and they produce a nice, gentle stream of bubbles. The connectors are also easy to use, and they make it easy to create a custom setup for your tank. The suction cups are a nice touch, and they help to keep the air stones in place. Overall, I’m very happy with Pawfly’s aquarium air pump accessories. They’re a great way to add some life to your tank.

Zaina Lucas

I’ve been using Pawfly’s aquarium air pump accessories for a few months now, and I’m really happy with them. The airline tubing is the perfect length for my tank, and the air stones are just the right size to produce a nice, gentle stream of bubbles. The connectors are also easy to use, and they make it easy to set up my air pump. I would definitely recommend Pawfly’s aquarium air pump accessories to anyone looking to add some bubbles and life to their tank.

Owain Bennett

I’m a total fish nerd, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my aquarium. Pawfly’s aquarium air pump accessories are the perfect way to add some bubbles and life to my tank. The 13-foot airline tubing is the perfect length for my 20-gallon tank, and the air stones are just the right size to produce a nice, gentle stream of bubbles. The connectors are also easy to use, and they make it easy to set up my air pump. I would definitely recommend Pawfly’s aquarium air pump accessories to anyone looking to improve their aquarium.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. ALEGI Aquarium Air Pump Accessories Set 25 Feet Airline Tubing with 6 Check Valves 6 Control Valve and 40 Connectors for Fish Tank White

ALEGI Aquarium Air Pump Accessories Set 25 Feet Airline Tubing with 6 Check Valves 6 Control Valve and 40 Connectors for Fish Tank White

Laurie Abbott

I’m a big fan of this aquarium air pump accessories set! It comes with everything you need to get your air pump up and running, including a roll of 25 feet of airline tubing, 6 check valves, 6 control valves, and 40 connectors. The tubing is flexible and durable, and the connectors are easy to use. I’ve been using this set for a few months now, and I’ve had no problems with it. My fish are happy and healthy, and the air pump is working great. I would definitely recommend this set to anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-use aquarium air pump accessories set.

Esha Bloggs

I’ve been using this aquarium air pump accessories set for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with it. The tubing is really flexible and easy to work with, and the connectors are all really sturdy. I’ve had no leaks or problems with this set at all. I also love the fact that it comes with a variety of different valves, so I can customize the airflow to my tank’s specific needs. Overall, I’m really impressed with this set, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable air pump accessories set.

Sid Winters

I’m a total fish nerd, and I’m always looking for new and innovative ways to improve my aquarium. When I saw this aquarium air pump accessories set, I was immediately intrigued. The set comes with everything you need to get your air pump up and running, including a roll of 25 feet of airline tubing, 6 check valves, 6 control valves, and 40 connectors. The tubing is really flexible and durable, and the connectors are all really easy to use. I’ve been using this set for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with it. My fish are happier and healthier than ever, and the air pump is working great. I would definitely recommend this set to anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-use air pump accessories set.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Kepfire 10 Pieces Plastic T Shape Air Pump Adjustable Aquarium Control Valve and 5 Pieces Check Valves 2 Way Fish Tank Hose Connector

Kepfire 10 Pieces Plastic T Shape Air Pump Adjustable Aquarium Control Valve and 5 Pieces Check Valves 2 Way Fish Tank Hose Connector

(Jason Arroyo)

I’m a big fan of aquariums, and I’ve been using these Kepfire T-Shape Air Pump Adjustable Aquarium Control Valves for a few months now. They’ve been working great! The valves are made of high-quality plastic and are very durable. They’re also easy to install and use. I love that I can adjust the flow of air to my tank, which helps to keep my fish healthy. I would definitely recommend these valves to anyone who has an aquarium.

(Tiago Mueller)

I’m a hobbyist aquarist, and I’ve been using these Kepfire T-Shape Air Pump Adjustable Aquarium Control Valves for a few weeks now. I’m really happy with them! They’re easy to install and use, and they’ve helped me to improve the water quality in my tank. The valves allow me to control the flow of air to my tank, which helps to create a more natural environment for my fish. I would definitely recommend these valves to anyone who is looking for a way to improve the water quality in their aquarium.

(Fay Holloway)

I’m a fish enthusiast, and I’ve been using these Kepfire T-Shape Air Pump Adjustable Aquarium Control Valves for a few months now. I’m really happy with them! They’re easy to install and use, and they’ve helped me to improve the health of my fish. The valves allow me to control the flow of air to my tank, which helps to create a more oxygenated environment for my fish. I would definitely recommend these valves to anyone who is looking for a way to improve the health of their fish.

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Why a Check Valve Aquarium Air Pump is Necessary

As an aquarium hobbyist, I’ve learned that a check valve aquarium air pump is an essential piece of equipment. Here are a few reasons why:

  • To prevent backflow. A check valve prevents water from flowing back into the air pump, which can damage the pump and shorten its lifespan.
  • To maintain air pressure. A check valve helps to maintain air pressure in the air line, which ensures that your aquarium’s water is properly oxygenated.
  • To prevent leaks. A check valve can help to prevent leaks in your air line, which can be a major pain to clean up.

Overall, a check valve aquarium air pump is a relatively inexpensive investment that can help to keep your aquarium running smoothly and prevent costly repairs. If you’re an aquarium hobbyist, I highly recommend investing in a check valve.

Here are some specific examples of how a check valve has helped me in my own aquarium:

  • Prevented backflow. I once had an air pump that didn’t have a check valve. One day, I noticed that the water level in my aquarium was rising. I quickly realized that the air pump was causing the water to backflow into the pump, which was flooding my aquarium. I immediately turned off the air pump and installed a check valve. The problem was solved, and I haven’t had any issues with backflow since.
  • Maintained air pressure. I have a large aquarium with a lot of fish. Without a check valve, the air pressure in the air line would drop quickly, which would cause the water in my aquarium to become hypoxic. This would stress out my fish and could even lead to death. With a check valve, the air pressure in the air line is maintained, which ensures that my fish have a constant supply of oxygen.
  • Prevented leaks. I’ve had a few air lines leak in the past. This was always a major pain to clean up, and it sometimes even caused damage to my aquarium. Since I started using a check valve, I haven’t had a single leak.

I hope this article has helped to convince you of the importance of a check valve aquarium air pump. If you’re an aquarium hobbyist, I highly recommend investing in one.

My Buying Guides on ‘Check Valve Aquarium Air Pump’

What is a Check Valve Aquarium Air Pump?

A check valve aquarium air pump is a device that prevents water from flowing back into the air pump. This is important because it can help to prevent the pump from overheating and malfunctioning. Check valves are also helpful in preventing air from being sucked back into the tank, which can disturb the water quality.

What are the different types of check valve aquarium air pumps?

There are two main types of check valve aquarium air pumps: internal and external. Internal check valves are located inside the air pump, while external check valves are installed on the air line. External check valves are typically more effective than internal check valves, but they can also be more difficult to install.

How to choose the right check valve aquarium air pump?

When choosing a check valve aquarium air pump, there are a few factors you need to consider:

  • The size of your aquarium: The size of the air pump you need will depend on the size of your aquarium. A small aquarium will only require a small air pump, while a large aquarium will require a larger air pump.
  • The flow rate: The flow rate of the air pump is measured in gallons per hour (GPH). The flow rate you need will depend on the size and type of aquarium you have.
  • The noise level: Air pumps can be noisy, so it’s important to choose one that is quiet enough for your needs.
  • The price: Air pumps can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. The price you pay will depend on the features and performance of the air pump.

Here are my recommendations for the best check valve aquarium air pumps:

  • Best overall: The Tetra Whisper Air Pump is a great option for small to medium-sized aquariums. It’s quiet, efficient, and affordable.
  • Best for large aquariums: The Fluval Air Pump is a powerful air pump that’s perfect for large aquariums. It’s also very quiet.
  • Best for budget: The Aqueon Quiet Flow Air Pump is a great option for those on a budget. It’s affordable, efficient, and quiet.

Conclusion

A check valve aquarium air pump is an essential piece of equipment for any aquarium. It can help to prevent the pump from overheating and malfunctioning, and it can also prevent water from being sucked back into the tank. By choosing the right check valve aquarium air pump, you can help to keep your aquarium healthy and thriving.

Author Profile

Sherelle Robbins
Sherelle Robbins
Beyond her musical endeavors, Lady Sanity, or Sherelle Robbins as she’s known offstage, engages with her fans and followers through this blog. Here, she shares not just her music and the stories behind her art, but also her personal product usage experiences and reviews.

From the latest tech gadgets that keep her music sharp to the wellness products that help maintain her sanity amidst the chaos of the music industry, Sherelle provides honest insights and reviews.

This blog is a window into the world of Lady Sanity. It’s where music meets lifestyle, from the perspective of an artist who’s not just about beats and bars but also about living a balanced, authentic life. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering her music, this blog offers a unique blend of professional insights and personal experiences.