Compresed air ?

Mike2988

Member
Can I use my air compressor to power my air-stones? The compressor is 80 gallons so it would not run enough to make the air hot and because it is outside of the grow room in temps around 50 I feel pumping cold air and being able to control the amount of bubbles will aid in cooling the res or am I wrong thinking all of this?

I need help please and soon i will post images of my first indoor grow.
 

shnkrmn

Well-Known Member
Wouldn't that be a little noisy? Also, I think heating is inevitable when you compress gas. And you'd have to dial it way down so the tubes or stones wouldn't burst?

I'm feeling kind of negative today. lol.
 

Mike2988

Member
This gow is in a remote area so noise is not an issue and the compressor would not operate enough to generate heat in the air that goes to the stones and the stones are regulated to control the preasure. Please first read the question prior to just feeling negative.
Wouldn't that be a little noisy? Also, I think heating is inevitable when you compress gas. And you'd have to dial it way down so the tubes or stones wouldn't burst?

I'm feeling kind of negative today. lol.
 

VoidObject

DWC/Bubbleponics Mod
No actually I think he's right, the large compressor would add too much heat unless you're taking in cold air, which is fine until the summer. If you could set the air compressor over a vent or by a window ac unit.. that might work, but you might have to regulate pressure down, and some kind of air should always be running into your DWCs.
 

TruenoAE86coupe

Moderator
The big issue i see is the fact that an air compressor of that size is an oil filled unit, so a little oil will get in with the air, they have filters for it sure, but the gases will still get through, and this is plants we are talking about, not tools. Even an oilless compressor has too much likely hood of contaminents vs a simple diaphragm or piston pump. There is a reason why we spend stupid amounts on these damn things, they are important to be safe and clean. I highly recommend the General Hydroponics 4 outlet diaphragm pump, the yellowish one with the metal 4 way adjustable manifold.
 
Are you trying to redesign the wheel? If not, then just go out and get a pump designed for the need. You can find them from tiny inexpensive to extremely large and costly. Make sure to get one though that is a bit larger in volume than what you might originally think is needed as more air is better than less. There is a point of diminishing returns though!
 

Mike2988

Member
You explain it very well and i was concerned with possible contamination however the temp issue I was not due to I indicated the compressor is located in the low 50s

I will go back to pulling outside air into my air pump as that seemed to be lowering my res temps to 70.
 

Mike2988

Member
What can I expect from a grow using 400 watt MH/HPS with co2
No actually I think he's right, the large compressor would add too much heat unless you're taking in cold air, which is fine until the summer. If you could set the air compressor over a vent or by a window ac unit.. that might work, but you might have to regulate pressure down, and some kind of air should always be running into your DWCs.
 

TruenoAE86coupe

Moderator
There is a lot more factors than a 400 watt and co2. Its my opinion that no one should bother with Co2 until they have there growing skills very refined, it is another variable that newb does not need.
What are your temps going to be?
What is your growing method?
How many plants?
How big an area?
How long do you plan to veg?
What strains?
And is just the top of the list, so i will answer this like i answer this the same as every other yield ?, you will get a pound.
 

shnkrmn

Well-Known Member
Hey Mike, I read your question and brought up some issues. Their validity still stands. I would also add that it's a waste of electricity compared to an aquarium pump. I use a 4 outlet, 12 watt pump that costs pennies to run and is essentially silent. You have exposed yourself as both rude and stupid. I'm sorry I bothered to try to help you out. Enjoy your time here at RIU.

This gow is in a remote area so noise is not an issue and the compressor would not operate enough to generate heat in the air that goes to the stones and the stones are regulated to control the preasure. Please first read the question prior to just feeling negative.
 

dbkick

Well-Known Member
in order to use a air compressor it would have to be the oiless type but even then I don't know, have you ever noticed the condensation in an airline and how shitty the air smells coming out? spend 80 bux on a nice air diaphragm air pump.
 

faller200

Well-Known Member
a medical quality oil less air compressor with a regulator would work fine. You know that air hose that the dentist sticks in your mouth? This is what they use. If it's good enough to blow air in to your mouth I bet it's good enough for your plants. [This forum lacks common sense and hates new out of the ordinary ideas]
 

Mike2988

Member
If it wasn't for those of us that re-invent the wheel as you put it the world would be in the stone age. That is why I always try to re-invent.
 

renzo40

Member
Air is heated only when compressed (think high pressure vs low pressure areas in weather). When it expands, it cools. It's like any other gas; Imagine Freon gas in an air conditioner--just not as cold. As long as it's away from the grow area, additional heat won't be an issue PLUS you get the added advantage of slightly cooler air coming from the stone.
 
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