How to Clean a Bubble Tube (2024)

FAQs

How to Clean a Bubble Tube? ›

If you have a Ping Pong Insert, you will need to remove the beads and balls and the insert to properly clean the tube. Add a couple inches of DISTILLED water and a drop or two of Dawn™ dishwashing detergent to the inside. Use a dedicated microfiber rag mop to gently clean the inside of the tube.

How often should a Bubble Tube be cleaned? We recommend that you empty your Bubble Tube about every six weeks and refill it with fresh clean water. If de-ionised (distilled) water has been used then this will only need to be changed every 3 months.

If your bubble tube has stopped producing bubbles, and you hear a “hum” or feel a vibration from the bubble tube as if the pump is trying to work, the diffuser plate may be clogged with algae/bacteria due to lack of proper cleaning and care.

The water in the Bubble Tube should be changed at least every 4 to 6 weeks, this is to limit the chance of algae growing and affecting the bubble tube. Please note that if you do not clean your bubble tube you are increasing the risk of pathogens and your bubble tube either not working or even worse, leaking!

Bubble Tube Maintenance

One of the most frequent questions we get asked is; "How often should I replace the water in my bubble tube?" - We suggest the water is changed at the end of every term or 8 weeks. The easiest way to empty a bubble tube is by using a bubble tube emptying kit.

Use a soft brush or damp cloth to carefully wipe down the inside of the bubble tube. If any stubborn marks have built up on the tube, you can use a cleaning agent but it must be non-abrasive to avoid scratching or damaging the acrylic.

You can use tap water but will perhaps need to empty more often. As soon as the water starts to turn a little dark the water will need to be emptied and clean water added. If algae build up it will block the valves and stop the bubbles. We recommend boiled but cooled water in the bubble tubes (distilled).

Distilled water should be used inside a bubble tube. This helps to keep the water cleaner for longer and helps with the longevity of the bubble tube. Tap water can be used, but this does make the tube dirtier quicker and will require more frequent cleaning to prevent bacteria from building up.

Fish not swimming - Please note due to the hardness and quality of some water some of the fish may take time to start moving up and down. Most of the fish will move up and down after a few hours but some may stay floating at the top for some time.

Consider replacing your air pump with a quieter, smaller one or a model that has an adjustable air flow. If the bubbling noise is too loud, use an Aquarium Co-Op sponge filter that comes with an air collar. The air collar makes smaller bubbles, which do not make as much noise when they pop at the surface.

How do you clean bubble algae? ›

Eradication. The easiest way to remove Valonia is by prizing it away with your fingertips. If you're lucky, large chunks can be removed at a time and disposed of. For those tucked away try tweezers, or a metal tooth scraper, then remove the free-floating bubbles ideally by way of a siphon, or a fish-catching net.

Inspect the Bubble Tube to make sure that there are no cracks or damage. Take extreme caution when handling, as the Bubble Tube is a fragile product. Inspect the base to check that the wires in the base appear to be connected.

Colourful and fun, this bubble fish lamp is a sensory treat. This fascinating piece features 6 artificial fishes bobbing gently in a bubbly tube shaped Habitat. It changes between 3 colours and is really easy to set up. Simply fill it with normal tap water and away you go.

Our Ball Effects Insert Kit is a great add-on for your Bubble Tube, adding a splash of stimulating colours and distracting dancing beads.

Generally speaking, you should leave the air pump on all the time to help your fish get good water circulation and plenty of oxygen to breathe.

As expected, the soap bubbles lived for around a minute before bursting, while the water-based gas marbles lasted a little longer, collapsing at the 6-to-60-minute mark.