Co-Op sponge filter problems

[Jeff]

My sponge filters stopped producing bubbles. 
 

They were working fine. When I take the Ziss air stone out of the sponge, and hold it sideways with the tubing connected, it produces bubbles. 
 

But, the second I put it back in the sponge filter, straight up and down - nothing. 
 

Sponges have been recently serviced, cleaned out - nothing in any parts of the sponge chambers  (snails)  

Any thoughts?

[Guppysnail]

Dismantle the Ziss stone. Soak the pads in vinegar or replace them. Sometimes just that little extra resistance if a few inches depth and the sponge when the pads are clogged is enough to stop the bubbles.  

[Jeff]

Pads are brand new. It's a 55g tank. Too high of a tank, apparently.

Turns out, the air pump needed to be above the tank, and the sponge needed to be closer to the pump....sigh. 

 

[mynameisnobody]

@Jeff what kind of air pump are you using? 

[Jeff]

Aquarium Co-Op dual output 

[mynameisnobody]

@Jeff I’ve had the same issue on all the aco pumps on larger tanks. Seems like they are great for a backup if you loose power, but I’ve stopped using them as my main air pump, they just have very little flow, very quickly after cleaning. 

[Jeff]

That's what happened to me too. The air supply drastically changed after I cleaned them.