Quote Originally Posted by MVP
its better to go to Lowes or Home Depot and get the black vinyl air line tubing rather than clear vinyl stuff so that you don't end up with algae growth.
Different strokes and all, but I can't stand that black air line. It is real stiff, and when it gets stretched out, like to go over an air nozzle, it just stays that shape and likes to kinda just fall off the nozzles after awhile. I got a big roll of supple, soft air tube from the aquarium supply section of a pet store. It's kinda clear, but translucent green, and stays soft forever. Algae is not a problem since it doesn't grow in air lines. It will stay on a nozzle forever, and remain nice and soft a long time.

And check valves: I would not use these unless you have a big air pump. Especially on weaker pumps, they reduce the air flow considerably, like to half or less sometimes. Instead, I use a gravity valve: simply put your pump on a small shelf or something above your reservoir, and the water cannot get into it through the air hoses.

I've got a bunch of em, but I'll try and shut up and let MVP do his thing.