Air Pumps are an ideal method for oxygenating nutrient solution tanks in both recirculating or non-recirculating systems.
They are most commonly used in the following situations:
- When there is insufficient reserve pressure or flow left in the main irrigation pump to operate a Venturi.
- When there is insufficient fall between the return pipe and the tank surface to promote a cascading effect with the return solution.
- To maximise the oxygenation of a nutrient solution alongside other forms of oxygenation (especially in hot climates) e.g. Venturis, cascading fall of return solution.
- To stir batching tanks and nutrient stock solution tanks to prevent precipitation or stratification.
The Air pumps comprise of an air compressor which is linked to a non-return valve and an airline delivery hose. At the end of the airline an airstone is attached and this is left submersed at the bottom of the tank in the tank solution. As the compressed air is forced through the porous ceramic air stone, a vast number of bubbles are formed which inject oxygen into the nutrient solution and force stale waste gas out of the top of the tank when they emerge at the surface.
The air pumps can also be connected to a Cycle Timer Controller to allow for a pulsed action which conserves electricity.
Our most common sizes of compressor are:
- 2.5 litres of air per minute
- 3.5 litres of air per minute (ideal for a 100 litre tank)
- 8.5 litres of air per minute
- 20 litres of air per minute
- 40 litres of air per minute
- 100 litres of air per minute (ideal for a 1,000 litre tank)
- 110 litres of air per minute
- 160 litres of air per minute (for 2,500 litre tanks + stock tanks)
- 240 litres of air per minute (for 5,000 litre tanks + stock tanks)
The larger compressors have a multi outlet adaptor so a dozen or more airstones can be operated at one time. Larger or smaller airstones can be used depending on tank size.
Pure Hydroponics can size an air pump to suit any tank size or application.
