Running air pump for small fish room - need input/ideas

[rvadog]

I have about ~20ft of linear space with 8 or so tanks that I was thinking would be more efficient to run a single air pump. I don't think this is so much space that a loop around the ceiling is necessary and I'd like to avoid that if possible. I guess I could run PVC around the base boards if that's possible. I will have maybe 12 air drops.

Would love experience and suggestions.

 

[wednesday13]

I ran one of these on 15-20 tanks. Its better to be “under rated” and use the full capacity of the pump or u actually need to “bleed” the extra air out to extend the life of ur pump. Something like this should be more than enough for what ur proposing. I just ran air tubing everywhere also, no hard lined pvc. It def. exceeded my expectations honestly with runs of 20-30 ft. Even right from the manifold.

 

[dr exum]

got one of these for 1 year, quiet no problems

 

[deeda]

Also be sure your air pump is located above the top aquarium's water height. Choosing which air pump is also dependent on the height of the aquariums it will be used on, taller tanks need more CFM or LPM and the use of air stones also increases that requirement.

I have used the Alita AL15 to run six 16" tall tanks with air lifts (no air stones) plus a couple temporary totes for quarantine purposes with no issues.

 

[PhishMon84]

i used and Alita AL 40 for 17 tanks and about 1500-2000 gallons infinite ways to expand

 

[TwoTankAmin]

I have what you describe in two rooms and a third set-up for summer tanks out on the screened in terrace. I did not need a piston pump and certainly not a blower.

I shop for a lot of my supplies with Jehmco in NJ. I have 3 of their DAPM line pumps from here https://jehmco.com/html/central_air_pumps.html
John. who run Jehmco, is great for helping. He will help you figure out the best way to do what you want. My largest pump uses clear 5/16 ID clear felxible tubing connected to a custom 3-way splitter that pushed air to 3 different racks each of which has a 6 outlet manifold John made for me. Each of the six outlets has a control valve. From the manifold I run airlines to the top and bottom tanks.

I hsve cubefilters, mattenfilters and air diffusers all hooked to the manifols. On two I only use 5/6 of the outlets. The two free outlets let me hook up air for spot needs such as the hang-on traps that circulate tank water via air power.

I also used to sell from the vendor room at the NEC weekend event and I would bring one of the pumps and a couple of manifolds and cycled cubefilters to power the tanks.

I also get most of my frozen food and all my shipping supplies from Jehmco.

 

[fishdance]

You can have closed loops of main line just above each tank- around the back of tanks, doesn't have to be on roof. Don't lay on the floor and you can add a tap at very bottom if your prone to getting water back siphons. A loop is infinitely better as there aren't any dead ends so air pressure is uniform. Having the same length of airline run to each tank and having air at same water depth (especially on deeper tanks) will make life easier. You don't need airstones.

For only 12 outlets, I'd get 2 large capacity "4 outlet pumps" on the same main loop. If one pump fails, all tanks will still get some air. And get a complete third pump as spare. Having all three pumps the same make & model will reduce the number of spare parts to hold.

 

[PhishMon84]

Loops are definitely more efficient, use two 45’s instead of 90’s on the corners to minimize loss

 

[fishguy1978]

I have a Amazon "commercial" air pump that came with one of my tanks. It is incredibly loud and hangs by a rubber bungie strap to mitigate the kitchen floor from vibrating. Recently, I visited another hobbyists fish room that is 6ft x 12ft maybe and he uses a Jehmco air pump and it runs so quiet. They are spendy but after my visit am looking to upgrade.

 

[PhishMon84]

I have a Amazon "commercial" air pump that came with one of my tanks. It is incredibly loud and hangs by a rubber bungie strap to mitigate the kitchen floor from vibrating. Recently, I visited another hobbyists fish room that is 6ft x 12ft maybe and he uses a Jehmco air pump and it runs so quiet. They are spendy but after my visit am looking to upgrade.

The cost of using Amazon is far greater than any savings you see on a purchase. Please don’t give them any money- like Walmart they are ruining the world