Air pump recommendations

[kntry]

I have a 120L & 80L Hakko air pump. I'm hoping to build a new pond in a couple of months with 2-3 bottom drains. Filtration will probably be DIY moving beds in 55 gallon drums & 150 to 300 gallon stock tanks.

Right now, I need another air pump to run a 150 gallon moving bed with 7 cu ft of media. I want to buy a pump that can be transferred to the new pond the will be 8' deep.

Will 60L be enough? Which brand would be the most energy efficient for the $$? I'm looking at a Pondmaster but I don't know anything about them. They are about 1/2 the price of a Hakko.

[RookieKoiGuy]

i HEAR EVOLUTION AQUA IS COMING OUT WITH A NEW AIRPUMP/NOT SURE WHEN...MAYBE BILL FROM MYSTIC HAS SOME INFO ON IT.

i HAVE AN AIRTECH 60 & 120L...NOT TO HAPPY W/THEM...THEY GO THRU DIAPHRAMS TO OFTEN.
EA NEW 1 SUPPOSED TO BE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PUMP SYSTEM.

GOOD LUCK,
TOM

[RayJordan]

I really like hiblow air pumps. Seem to last forever and very well built. I believe in max aeration so tend to go up a level or two more that the minimum. I would go with 120 lpm.

[Steve Nguyen]

if noise is not an issue for you then check out dolphin av-50 or av-150. been using av-50 for 4 yrs and it's still going fine. I got it from fancy koi outlet. replacement diaphram set is much cheaper too.

Steve

[koiczar]

kntry

As Steve mentioned the Dolphin AV50 is a little noisier than most 40l or 60l air pumps. However, the AV150 is much quieter. If you are running two BDs on your upcoming pond, then one of these should do it. If you run three BDs, then I would add your Hakko 80l for that one. Use your 120l on your moving beds.

Mike

[Birdman]

I love my Dolphin AV 150s.

[MCA]

I ditched my Alitas and Airtech 80s for Dolphin 150s. The Dolphins with a spare diaphragm are ~$150 delivered....compare that cost to any other brand/model. The Dolphins seem to deliver ~100lpm, more on the 8' BDs than Airtech80s and a little less than Airtech 120s on the Nexus units.

[kntry]

Thanks, I'm going to try the AV. For the price, even if it breaks in a year, it's worth a try. The Hakko is almost $400 plus delivery.

The new pond will have 2-3 BD's maybe 4. I haven't decided on the length but it will be 12' wide & 8' deep.

[Steve Nguyen]

thanks for the info, Mike! glad to know AV-150 is a quiet running unit. I was wondering about that. comparing btwn av-50 and av-150, buyer definitely got bang for the buck with AV-150 purchase. it's only 50 bucks more than av-50 but it delivers 3 times more air.

Steve

Quote: Originally Posted by koiczar kntry As Steve mentioned the Dolphin AV50 is a little noisier than most 40l or 60l air pumps. However, the AV150 is much quieter. If you are running two BDs on your upcoming pond, then one of these should do it. If you run three BDs, then I would add your Hakko 80l for that one. Use your 120l on your moving beds. Mike

[Lee]

Sir,

I have nine AirTech 120's (two ponds) and it is recommended that the diaphrams/rubbers (depending if you're British or from the USA) must be changed and serviced every twelve months...

If not changed, they will become undependable. Thus, if you decide upon Air Tech's - they are terrific for your need, but they must be serviced regularly.

I did, however, recently purchase a MEDO LA-120 as I had gotten tired of the requirement to change the rubbers/diaphrams, however, I have been told by those more reliable and more knowledgeable than I - that the MEDO though won't require a change of diaphrams/rubbers, eventually, the air pressure slows and slows and slows...until they are no longer effective and the pump becomes worthless.

I have been operating the MEDO since obtaining it at the MAKC last Summmer...so, I don't have long term experience with it, however, it is working well, quitely and effectively.

But, then...so are the Air Tech's 120's...as long as the filters are cleaned and the diaphrams are regularly changed.

However, I certainly wish someone would invent a reliable air pump which would not require maintenance...or, one which decreased in effectivness and had to be 'tossed' -

Maybe, someone will?

My basic recommendation is that you go for the 120. It is true, you may never need that much air flow and pressure. Nor, may ever want to add a 'emergency' line as I maintain - for a quarantine tank, however, if you don't have that extra/added 'air-power' when you need it - you will be sorry you didn't spend the extra money and had purchased the more capable unit when you could have...if you later find you don't have the air flow which you later determine that you need - you will then need purchase another larger capacity air pump later-on.

I would advise that you save yourself the future problem and purchase the 120's now. Whether it is a MEDO or AirTech. Get a 120'...

As for the other units mentioned. As everyone knows - you always get what you pay for...there is never a short cut to this historical truth.

Also, it is very important that you now know that the EA units have two different size diaphrams/rubbers - if you go the EA route. Thus, be certain to now purchase the replacement kit of the right size and diameter...before you find you have need for it (have it on hand) as you cannot be without the air.

I keep two spares Air Tech's...always. Just in case. And, two kits of all part replacements, as well.

As you know, air flow is one piece of the koi puzzle which you cannot do without!

My best,

Lee Aronfeld
G.C.