Air Pump won't stop moving

**Trichopsis** · 11th Mar 2012, 17:41

I currently have a couple of Big Boy 6000 air pumps, and while they work fine, there is a problem that keeps annoying me.

I'm used to the constant humming noise, but the problem is that the vibration from one of the pumps is strong enough to make it move across the table surface that it's on. When the pump reaches the edge of the table, it plunges over the edge, and inadvertently yanking the sponge filter in the tank that it's connected to.

How do I secure it such that it will stop moving? I've tried placing big wads of Blu-Tack on the bottom of the pump, but it works only temporarily; the constant vibration of the pump eventually manages to tear it free. I definitely don't want to end up having to use superglue!

**stormhawk** · 11th Mar 2012, 18:08

Did you check the rubber feet? Placing it on a non-slip pad, like the ones found in cars, would prevent it from moving.

**Trichopsis** · 11th Mar 2012, 19:31

Yeah, the rubber feet look okay but don't seem to help.

The non-slip pad is a good idea. For now, I've stacked one pump on top of the other (with the one that doesn't 'migrate' below), held in place by Blu-Tack. Seems to work.

**stormhawk** · 11th Mar 2012, 23:17

The rubber feet are originally rough to touch, which causes friction with the bottom surface, hence they prevent the pump from vibrating too much out of place. Once these friction pads are worn out, the pump is prone to rattle and move by itself when in operation. Easiest fix is to roughen up the bottom of the rubber feet with sandpaper or a file. I used to place my airpump on a small slab of styrofoam and this would prevent it from moving too much.

**diazman** · 12th Mar 2012, 01:17

You can use those type of support pad ( the ones they put under the table to even out uneven surface) and place it under the air pump. Works for me.

**midniteguy** · 12th Mar 2012, 05:46

Or you can always put a folded towel under the pump to make it stop moving

**tetrakid** · 12th Mar 2012, 08:34

Vibrating air pumps can be a chronic nuisance, either causing irritating noises or falling off due to movement.

Since they vibrate 24/7 as long as they are serviceable, it is best to avoid potential problems by hanging them by a string and not letting them touch any object or surface.