Why Do Suction Cups Stop Working After 1 Year?

[FishNCash]

Does anyone have this problem? All my suctions do not stick like they used to anymore. I think I need to order myself a new set.

 

[RedDwarf]

It all depends on what the suction cup is made from. If you can find silicone suction cups then they will usually last much longer than the rubber ones. The problem is that the rubber suction cups over time will loose it's elasticity and become brittle hence loosing it's ability to create a vacuum.

 

[sirdavidofdiscus]

Can you find replacement cups made of silicon?

 

[tcarswell]

Someone posted a link a while back for magnetic ones... I think it was hybridtheory. I personally hate all my suction cups failing constantly and am trying to find the high quality ones.

 

[vfc]

Boil them in water for five minutes. That will restore the elasticity.

 

[FishNCash]

Boil them in water for five minutes. That will restore the elasticity.

I tried that and it works for a month then stop working again.

I'm going to spend the extra $ to get magnetic suction cup.

Someone posted a link a while back for magnetic ones... I think it was hybridtheory. I personally hate all my suction cups failing constantly and am trying to find the high quality ones.

I am going to place an order on these. http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18533/si2851368/cl0/zoomedmagclip

Can you find replacement cups made of silicon?

I think Eheim suctions are made of silicone but still stop working. You find them but you'll have to pay Eheim high price.

 

[GermanRam]

:WTF:Made In China mean anything.
Just a little junk that we have to put up with.

 

[jlnguyen74]

Nothing is made to last forever, Joe. Soak them in hot water is one way to restore its use, but you already tried that. Buying new one is the other way

 

[zennzzo]

Mine get a white slime/calcium/salt buildup on them...I just clean them with acetone, and make sure the glass is clean inside and back they go...good for another 6 months...

I do like the ZooMed mag clip idea...I'll have to try those sometime...however with 6 suction cups on the intake and return plumbing and 8 on the powerheads, 70 bucks buys alot of cheap ones and acetone...

 

[TheFishJunky]

are you positive its exactly 1 year? I know what you mean but there's some better than others. Ones made of rubber outlast the plastic ones by far.