Air pumps are designed for long life and low maintenance, but benefit from routine checks once isolated from the mains supply.

The most important routine task is to check the air filter and clean or replace it as necessary to prevent wear on the diaphragms. Airstones may also clog up with algae and cause potentially pump-damaging back pressure, so need cleaning or replacing. Some airstones will erode eventually to the point of uselessness, so replace them at intervals.

Ceramic airstones, unlike rubber or sponge airstones, are a good long-term option. They do not clog and give a better distribution of air with finer bubbles than other types of airstone. Spherical and cylindrical shaped airstones are also available in a range of sizes.

If the pump becomes noisy, check the diaphragms for splits or other wear, and replace accordingly.

And last but not least, check that all connections are sound in all your electrically-powered equipment, and be sure to replace damaged cables.