air pump dwc

[tyler_ hobbyist]

What size of air pump Commercial grade do people use? Is there 2much air though the pump that isn't used by the plants? 40lpm, 60lpm??? Or smaller in a 15gal tote 6x3inch pots

[Monkey Allen]

For a 15 gal bin, you probably could use an aquarium air pump and be fine. I've read you want at least 1 GPH for every gallon of water in your reservoir, but I don't know how true that is.

All of my pumps, even my small aquarium pumps have produced enough aeration for years of successful grows.

[DW2]

tyler_hobbyist, You know when You are trying to put too much air into Your reservoir when it blows out all of the water! LOL . No, seriously now, I use an Elemental 127 GPH dual outlet pump (about $10 and a one year warrantee) with two 4 inch air stones in a six gallon reservoir (actual sixe 10 gallon tote). Keeping the water temperature below 70 deg F. and well aerated, are very important to having a healthy environment for your roots

[tyler_ hobbyist]

How can u keep the water cooler than the room temp?

[DW2]

I use ice bottles. This time of year It takes one or two bottles a day, in warmer weather, I change them out about every two to two and a half hours during the 'lights on' time.

[Hellbent60]

I bought a used 5 gal water cooler, tore it apart and used the cooling coil in my res. Bought a temp monitor that turns on the cooler at set temp. Paid $30 for used cooler.

[tyler_ hobbyist]

Some people say use a commercial pump 951gph air pump and some people say 127gph air pump for the same size totes. That's why I'm currious on what to use is there any bennifts with a bigger pump?

[DW2]

Using a larger capacity pump would require more air stones because You do not want to cause a back pressure on the pump. The air stones will only allow a certain volume of air, at a given pressure, to go thru without creating a back pressure. This will make the pump louder when running and shorten the life of the pump.

[gbauto]

I originally used a 126gph pump and two 6" stones in my 30 gal rex. Worked well by I decided that using individual stones in each bucket with a 796gph pump has made a noticeable improvement. Oh, I run a 8 bucket RDWC system w/a30 gal rex.

[tyler_ hobbyist]

Thank you guys. Gbauto how many air stones do you run on your 796gph pump

[tyler_ hobbyist]

Will this work????? IS THIS ENOUGH AERATION???????
102Liter toe times (two)
1,110 GPH air pump (50watts)
8inch air stones tomes (Two)
3/8" single line off pump to a Tee fitting then 1 air stone in each tote off the fittings

[tyler_ hobbyist]

Or should I just stick to my 5gallon buckets with the same setup