Quality air pump for 2-3 bucket DWC?

[cjsbabygirl313]

So I’m setting up the one DWC that I’ll be using (for now), and personally it seems like the little 3 liter/minute pump BITES. Considering the fact that I may have (at most) 3 DWC buckets going at once, what is a quality air pump that will accommodate three buckets and give me awesome oxygenation in each?

I was looking at the VIVOSUN Air Pump 950 GPH 32W 60L/min 6 Outlet Commercial Air Pump for Aquarium and Hydroponic Systems (32 W), but wondering if that could be overkill for three buckets. Also, since that has 6 valves and I only need 3, do I close off the 3 extra valves? If so, how?

Finally, should I consider the 4-5” round air stone that has the suction cups on the bottom?

Thanks in advance from this newbie who has so many questions - even after reading TONS over the last two months!

 

[rkymtnman]

i'd buy 4 smaller air pumps. 1 per bucket and 1 spare.

 

[Lordhooha]

So I’m setting up the one DWC that I’ll be using (for now), and personally it seems like the little 3 liter/minute pump BITES. Considering the fact that I may have (at most) 3 DWC buckets going at once, what is a quality air pump that will accommodate three buckets and give me awesome oxygenation in each?

I was looking at the VIVOSUN Air Pump 950 GPH 32W 60L/min 6 Outlet Commercial Air Pump for Aquarium and Hydroponic Systems (32 W), but wondering if that could be overkill for three buckets. Also, since that has 6 valves and I only need 3, do I close off the 3 extra valves? If so, how?

Finally, should I consider the 4-5” round air stone that has the suction cups on the bottom?

Thanks in advance from this newbie who has so many questions - even after reading TONS over the last two months!

Yes you can close off the unused ports. It’s good to have the ability to expand if needed down the line without having to spend extra cash. You’ll get a good quality air pump and you’ll have the benefit of plenty of air. As for air stones I’m fond of sweet water air stone they have all different sizes and are able to produce nice fine bubbles.

 

[cjsbabygirl313]

Yes you can close off the unused ports. It’s good to have the ability to expand if needed down the line without having to spend extra cash. You’ll get a good quality air pump and you’ll have the benefit of plenty of air. As for air stones I’m fond of sweet water air stone they have all different sizes and are able to produce nice fine bubbles.

How do you close off the unused ports?

 

[Lordhooha]

How do you close off the unused ports?

There’s a manifold and each port has it’s own valve you can simply turn to the off position.

 

[cjsbabygirl313]

There’s a manifold and each port has it’s own valve you can simply turn to the off position.

Perfect! Thank you - as always you guys rock!

 

[firsttimer!]

I have that pump and be prepared it's loud

 

[cjsbabygirl313]

Not as loud as my husband’s snoring!

 

[Lordhooha]

I have that pump and be prepared it's loud

They’re only loud if they’re not hooked up. However like anything it does create some noise but not that much. At least for the active aqua.

 

[Lordhooha]

I’ve seen the Vivosun and elemental I think it’s called I was never impressed with the build quality.

 

[Stltoed]

I have 2 tubs, each about 15 gallons and I use an Air force 80 linear pump. With great success. And MUCH quieter than 2 Eco 5s. I really like a lot of air.

 

[SmokeyMcChokey]

http://elemental-solutions.com/Product/Details/EOP246

This is what I run in a 4 site rdwc. You could double up stones. I will say that one port does not blow air at all. So it's only 7. Which is fine I run one per site and 3 in control. I like the elemental stuff. My hydro shop carries it. The make some smaller ones too. The 8 outlet one churns some water though. Gets it good and bubbly with their 4 inch stones

 

[Lordhooha]

http://elemental-solutions.com/Product/Details/EOP246

This is what I run in a 4 site rdwc. You could double up stones. I will say that one port does not blow air at all. So it's only 7. Which is fine I run one per site and 3 in control. I like the elemental stuff. My hydro shop carries it. The make some smaller ones too. The 8 outlet one churns some water though. Gets it good and bubbly with their 4 inch stones

Yah that’s the other brand I was saying I wasn’t impressed on the build quality. Especially their so called commercial ones.

 

[SmokeyMcChokey]

Yah that’s the other brand I was saying I wasn’t impressed on the build quality. Especially their so called commercial ones.

Yeah I've not used the commercial ones. And I've had one 2 port pump poop out. And the 8 port is now a 7 port.... Maybe you're on to something lol

 

[Lordhooha]

Yeah I've not used the commercial ones. And I've had one 2 port pump poop out. And the 8 port is now a 7 port.... Maybe you're on to something lol

Lol yah I pulled one out at the grow store a buddy runs and the aluminum fins were much thinner and was lighter than eco 3’s and the ones I use which are the active aqua. Personally I don’t trust them just one the build and your not the only person I’ve heard having issues like that with their pumps failing like that.

 

[Stltoed]

I have 2 tubs, each about 15 gallons and I use an Air force 80 linear pump. With great success. And MUCH quieter than 2 Eco 5s. I really like a lot of air.

Id like to share a little more about my rig... Each tub has a 12 inch diffuser. The only down side was I had an additive, Aptus' Facilitor, foam up a bit, but it never left the tub and died down after a week. Both plants are DNA's Lemon Skunk. I still have well over 2 weeks left. The plants are in 6 inch net cups so please take a look at the last pic..

RDWC is a great way to veg. These two had a rough start, but got with the program after a few weeks and took off.

I believe an over done air system is key to this. Lets face it aeroponics works very well. If it were a more stable design it would be a lot more popular. More air isnt just more air. It works.