Can limiting the flow of an air pump damage it?

[CarpCharacin]

I have 2 2.5 gallon tanks in my bedroom with a sponge filter in each. One tank has my betta and the other has 2 longfin black skirt tetras. The air pump is a tetra whisper 60. The sponge filters have gravel in the base and then have sponge on top of that and i cleaned out the plastic air diffuser and now they are creating too much water movement. I am going to get valves to limit the flow, but could that damage the pump? Is a whisper 60 overkill? I use 1 air outlet for each tank.

 

[Wailua Boy]

I would just divert the air to an additional airstone opposed to limiting/reducing flow

 

[CarpCharacin]

It is a large pump and the tanks are small. I just got 2 valves and they are almost closed and it lets just the right amount of air out. My only question is will it damage the pump?

 

[Wailua Boy]

Yes, back pressure will shorten the life of your pump

 

[CarpCharacin]

Yes, back pressure will shorten the life of your pump

What should I do? Another air stone will create too much water movement in the small tanks.

 

[Wailua Boy]

Just have to set up another tank won't you lol

 

[Justin David]

Bleed some air into the room

 

[Lepisosteus]

Best thing to do is to let most the air go into the room.

 

[CarpCharacin]

Best thing to do is to let most the air go into the room.

How do i do that?

 

[rodger]

Tap into an airline with an adjustable valve might work.