Air pumps for bubbling

[Rossey]

I'm looking for a bubble pump, any advice on what to choose?
I will be doing 80-100 batches.

Do I buy an air stone or make a ring of copper pipe with small holes in?

I will also be making a ventilation system on the bubble tank, can anyone see a problem with using vacuum cleaner hose?

[Chug]

Even a basic low flow air pump will do, I used one for ages, but more airflow will speed it up, and just a bit of copper pipe with end sealed and a few holes drilled in is good enough, it don't have to be round just to let air out.

[nigelb]

Something like this is ideal. There are all sorts of different lt/min ratings to suit any budget. If you plan on using a stone make sure it's ceramic and not composite.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280-LTR-PISTON-AIR-PUMP-KOI-POND-FISH-AQUARIUM-TANKS-/390590673721?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PondsWaterFeatures_UK&hash=item5af104b339

Ceramic stones like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-off-120-x-20mm-CERAMIC-AIR-STONES-KOI-POND-FISH-TANK-/400496357886?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PondsWaterFeatures_UK&hash=item5d3f7171fe

Bubble wash systems are on the wiki

[Julian]

To make very small holes in copper tube, try sharpening a masonry nail to a very acute angle with a really sharp point (mind it doesn't get too hot and loose it's hardness).

Put it on the pipe and give it a sharp tap with a hammer.  Very small diameter holes, very quick and no broken drills.

[Rossey]

Something like this is ideal. There are all sorts of different lt/min ratings to suit any budget. If you plan on using a stone make sure it's ceramic and not composite.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280-LTR-PISTON-AIR-PUMP-KOI-POND-FISH-AQUARIUM-TANKS-/390590673721?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PondsWaterFeatures_UK&hash=item5af104b339

Ceramic stones like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-off-120-x-20mm-CERAMIC-AIR-STONES-KOI-POND-FISH-TANK-/400496357886?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PondsWaterFeatures_UK&hash=item5d3f7171fe

Bubble wash systems are on the wiki

How much

Does it have to be a piston pump?

I found a 240lpm pump for seven quid and it's just down the road from me, but it's a diaphram pump.

[nigelb]

No it'doesn't have to be a piston pump. The only reason I linked you to that one is because it's the brand I currently use. I think they're rather good.

At the end of the day so long as it pumps air at the rate you require that's all you need.

[Rossey]

I'm on a budget of nothing to zero lol

I understand you use little screw valves to control the amount of air.

Isn't that bad for the pump with the pressure building up?

[Head Womble]

You put a T in the pipe between pump and airstone, the valve goes on the T, open the valve to vent excess air.
This way you don't restrict the pump in any way.

[Jamesrl]

I use one of these, more than enough.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/45-LTR-PISTON-AIR-PUMP-KOI-POND-FISH-AQUARIUM-HAILEA-HYDROPONICS-/400502357805?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PondsWaterFeatures_UK&hash=item5d3fccff2d

[nigelb]

I understand you use little screw valves to control the amount of air.

Isn't that bad for the pump with the pressure building up?

Is it?

You're not the first to mention about the control valve. I've had two of these pumps. The first was used in the same way and was sold with the plant when I moved it on. The new one..more powerful..has been going for 18 months now. If it ever packs up I'll let you know.

[Head Womble]

I understand you use little screw valves to control the amount of air.

Isn't that bad for the pump with the pressure building up?

Is it?

It is if you're using the diaphragm type pump (which I do), as it extends the life of the diaphragm.