HydroScience
Member
These last forever, are easy to make, and you can get everything at Lowe's.
These are made from 3/4"ID clear vinyl tubing, 3/4"-3/4" nipple to join the hose, 3/16"-3/16" barbed nipple for connecting air hose, aquarium safe silicone, and a bag of garden pea gravel.
Cut to length, fill with gravel, and connect the ends with the 3/4" nipple.
To poke the air holes I attached a sewing needle to a 30w soldering iron using thin copper wire (the stuff you use to hang pictures) wrapped the entire length of the soldering tip. You'll want to choose, or cut to size, a needle that is 1/2" longer than the soldering tip. I spaced the holes about 1/8" apart. Oh, do this in a well ventilated area. This stuff stinks, is probably dangerous, and you'll have your face hovering over it for an hour.
To poke the hole for the 3/16" nipple I heated the 30w soldering iron and pushed the soldering tip through the vinyl. Then just silicone the connection, allow to dry 48 hours and it's ready!
These things easily churn 35 gallons of water each with a steady stream of bubbles and only needs wiping down between grows!
