What to do when two into one won’t go?

I converted the two air feeds from the pump into one. And to further protect the pump I added a check valve, so that water cannot back flow due to siphoning effects, into the pump thus causing damage.

The sequence is as follows: Pump > 2 x short lengths of  hose > Y connector > short length of hose > check valve > hose to pond, weighted down with lead > air diffuser.

I connected the pump to the power supply and… well nothing. The pump was working but there were no bubbles. Even though I knew that I had connected everything correctly, I checked again, especially on the direction of flow through the check valve. Everything was correct. I researched online and confirmed that I had connected everything properly.

I checked that were no kinks in the hose. I swapped out the check valves four times. I confirmed that the Y connector was unobstructed. Still no bubbles.

Either the pump couldn’t cope (unlikely, as it was rated for ponds ten times bigger than mine) or the check valves were faulty (unlikely, all four of them) Either outlet will provide sufficient air flow  and both outlets will provide enough air flow for each air line simultaneously, but both outlets don’t appear to be able to provide sufficient air flow to just one hose. It beats me as to why for the moment.

So I researched some more and learned that if the air pump is located higher than the pond then check valves were not needed, as gravity would prevent siphoning. My air pump was indeed two feet above the water level.

I removed everything and reverted to my original set up, but fitted a smaller air stone to one of the hoses.

I will order and fit a flow valve to each line to reduce the flow rates.

Luckily very little was expended on the adaptation described, we’re talking a matter of pennies.

The postman brought the Frogbit and Water Soldiers today. 

Upon hearing this and knowing full well that there was a likelihood of an opening ceremony in the offing, a local celebrity Chief Chukkerinna asked whether she could add said plants to the pond. 

How could I deprive her of such simple and honest pleasure. And so with laser accuracy, she chucked them in. I’m sure Charlie Dimmock would have had a fit.🤣

The Water Soldiers look drunk at the moment, leaning on their sides but they’ll soon stand to attention.

Frogbit will soon multiply and increase our pleasure too.