air supply - not nostalgic music

[dixbutler]

I asked this question in another thread somewhere, but didn't see any answers.

Does anyone have experience with a central air supply for bubblers? I want to incorporate an air compressor with a pressure switch, 150 cubic inch tank, pressure regulator, and manifold to run my buckets in both veg and bloom.

I'm having some trouble, and want to find out if anyone has had success with an alternative to a dozen different air pumps and all that goes along with them.

 

[Toad]

I know General Hydroponics makes a larger air pump that (I think) has eight outlets. Most of my aquarium air pumps have two outlets which I split into another two, power four airstones per pump. I haven't noticed any ill effects but haven't tested this scientifically.

It seems rigging up a compressor in the manner you mention would be too much trouble for minimal gain. If you want a project to tinker with, rock on, tell us how it goes. If you want a pragmatic solution, I'd buy one of those GH airpump / manifold.

If you've every used an air compressor like a porter cable or dewalt, you'll know they're loud as hell. I'm not sure about the small kobalt - belt clip model which might be your best bet.....

 

[keylime]

I asked this question in another thread somewhere, but didn't see any answers.

Does anyone have experience with a central air supply for bubblers? I want to incorporate an air compressor with a pressure switch, 150 cubic inch tank, pressure regulator, and manifold to run my buckets in both veg and bloom.

I'm having some trouble, and want to find out if anyone has had success with an alternative to a dozen different air pumps and all that goes along with them.

I had buckets and used something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/AIR-PUMP-520-wa...c0.m14&_trkparms=65:16|66:2|39:1|293:1|294:50

Actually I had two like that, and ran a 1/2" pvc from one end to the room to the other, and then put an air pump on both ends. Then I drilled a hole into the pvc pipe wherever I needed the air. Worked out great for larger applications.

 

[lysol]

How do you attach to the manifold with an airtight seal, aquarium silicone sealant / caulk?

 

[cravin morehead]

hey dix- these work great, strong, quiet, efficient...
http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/3587/Sweetwater-Linear-II-Air-Pumps

 

[socialist]

How do you attach to the manifold with an airtight seal, aquarium silicone sealant / caulk?

The nozzle should fit the hose tight enough that you don't need to seal it. The 8 way pump is the way to go. I used to run a dual outlet air pump per bucket, but after increasing to 16 buckets that was just to much. plus the cheap air pumps don't last to long.

 

[dixbutler]

Thanks for all the input. I was thinking of using a compressor used by airbrushers. It is noisier than I would like, however not much noisier than all the various air pumps now running. I checked into the links posted, but didn't want to spend that much. I'll look around with those suggestions as a starting point and hopefully find something. Again, great input thanks.

 

[Haps]

I Like this idea, but keep rejecting it because it gives you a major point of failure, that is hard to keep a spare on the shelf.
H

 

[makedadproud]

The 520 that was linked earlier is what I use. It came with a 6 outlet manifold. I added three 4-valve manifolds onto it with two lines from the main manifold going to each new manifold. I then use two bubble stones per bucket. BTW, you can get cheap airstones and valves at pet stores (but get your 1/4" tubing at walmart, its cheaper there)

 

[Carboy]

Thanks for all the input. I was thinking of using a compressor used by airbrushers. It is noisier than I would like, however not much noisier than all the various air pumps now running. I checked into the links posted, but didn't want to spend that much. I'll look around with those suggestions as a starting point and hopefully find something. Again, great input thanks.

What you need to look for is a pump that puts out volume. The airbrush compressors are for pressure. That won't give you the amount of air that you need.

CB

edit: What you are looking for is a linear pump.

 

[lysol]

The nozzle should fit the hose tight enough that you don't need to seal it. The 8 way pump is the way to go. I used to run a dual outlet air pump per bucket, but after increasing to 16 buckets that was just to much. plus the cheap air pumps don't last to long.

I meant how do you attach the noozle to pvc if youre doing it DIY

 

[dixbutler]

What you need to look for is a pump that puts out volume. The airbrush compressors are for pressure. That won't give you the amount of air that you need.

CB

edit: What you are looking for is a linear pump.

Thanks carboy I'll check it out. That is why I was trying to build up volume in a tank and then turn the compressor on/off with a pressure switch. But I didn't seem to be able to build up pressure. Maybe that's why the compressor was only $5 at a garage sale. I'll keep tinkering, unless I break down and buy one of those pumps you guys mentioned.

 

[dixbutler]

I meant how do you attach the noozle to pvc if youre doing it DIY

You ought to be able to buy a barb to threaded fitting at the hardware. You can drill a hole slightly smaller than the threaded end. You should be able to thread the fitting into the PVC. If it's too tight you can run a tap through it, if it's too loose you will likely need to seal it.

Make sure your airline fits the barb before you buy them.