I've experienced the same issue. I have 2 currently, one is hooked up to a size small Aquarium Co-op sponge filter and has been running strong for over a year now. Has never shut off or gotten weaker etc. My second one would randomly turn off in my 14G so I packed it up for a while. Just set it up purely as an airstone on Friday and was working flawlessly. Tuesday morning (today) I wake up and it's off, and I am having to go through the routine of smacking it, unplugging it etc to get it back on. Seems to be shutting off every 10-20 minutes or so. I love these for how quiet they are and the versatility of being able to take one and go haul fish to a show. I've checked mine for clogs, calcium build up etc but it's all good. I don't know why some work perfectly and others have these weird issues.