Who has the best air stones?

Hey all, I'm a seasoned veteran to the DWC scene, yet I still have trouble finding reliable air stones, suited for big plants and a high level of aeration. I have used products varying from aquarium stones, to micropores and active aqua air discs. So far, the Micropores may be the best ones I have used, and the active aqua discs while good, float sometimes and have to be glued in some fashion to the bottom of the bucket.

http://www.hydrogardencenter.com/airstoneround4.aspx
http://www.hydroponics.net/c/325

If anyone has personal favorites, or knows of good equipment, please let me know. Thanks again RIU people's and hope to hear back soon!

I use micro-pores, will never use an air stone again.

The micro-pore is a pricey initial investment, you should never have to replace them though, or so I was told, just clean them, when you change out nutes, or once a harvest, and should last, as compared to air stones.

ninja edit - i use these ones http://www.greners.com/hydroponics/components/air-pumps-aerators/micro-pore.html

Looks like the same ones I have, yet I am finding that with aggressive feeding regimens, they seem to clog. On the off chance that clogging is the problem, are there special solutions for cleaning?

I'm also still looking for anyone with recommendations. Thanks for the help!

Boss Hog diffusers. Expensive but last and rock the air.

I like the circular airstones if you are going with airstone at all. Airstones from petsmart suck ass and break too easily.

SIV3L said:

I like the circular airstones if you are going with airstone at all. Airstones from petsmart suck ass and break too easily.

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Hey Sive3l, what company are you talking about though? Can you attach a link to help out ? Thanks again

I have tried all and they all suck, so I just buy 10 new ones every couple months, just another cost. they all break down cuz of the nutes and they are cheap anyways. I use them for a full grow and toss them with the roots and stems. the micro pore costs $40 but I can buy 15 regular ones for that price

j to the c said:

I have tried all and they all suck, so I just buy 10 new ones every couple months, just another cost. they all break down cuz of the nutes and they are cheap anyways.

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so having used both, you dont see a difference in your plant structure or bud quality using one versus the other?

Good one djphat, not exactly helpful to furthering the convo jc, although if you list the brands you use that'd be a major help

hah, i was curious. ive got the (generic?) Aqua airstone. the micropore are a pretty penny in comparison.

supposedly you can clean old airstones by soaking in bleach

i plan on using the silicone diffuser from alita, someone i know has been using the same ones for a couple years not with no clogging issues at all:

http://www.alita.com/diffuser/siliconehose.php

defcomexperiment said:

i plan on using the silicone diffuser from alita, someone i know has been using the same ones for a couple years not with no clogging issues at all:

http://www.alita.com/diffuser/siliconehose.php

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Do you know where you can but this at tho, doesn't look like you can buy it from the link you gave.

i can check with the guy to make sure its the same exact stuff, but im assuming it is, as i didnt see much other silicone diffuser hoses out there, and i think you can order direct:

http://www.alita.com/about.php

if not they should be able to line you up with a retailer... they cant be in business and not selling shit... i think you need a higher pressure pump with that but im not too sure...

These air stones are perfect for DWC.

http://www.hugeharvest.com/Product.aspx?ProdID=439

007, the thread necromancer

dtp5150 said:

supposedly you can clean old airstones by soaking in bleach

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Yeah you just have to run them for a while to get all the bleach out and then boil em after, and scrub. A lot of people here hate bleach they say it leaves a nasty residue though.

I know when I ran bleach through them they frothed a bucket of water like 8 times with bubbles.

Everyone check out this thread https://www.rollitup.org/hydroponics-aeroponics/458316-quantitative-airstone-test-end-hype.html

Someones allready done the work for you just read this.Next time try the search function.https://www.rollitup.org/hydroponics-aeroponics/458316-quantitative-airstone-test-end-hype.html

I use 1" and 2" cylinders.. heavy and good air flow. 1-2 bucks each they stay put too.

I also use the 2 inchers in my pond and my buckets!