How many GPH AIR PUMP do I need for 2 Tubs????

I have two 8 gallon tubs. instead of getting 2 cheap air pumps i was informed that I should just get 1 really good one.

I'll be using 4 12" air stones - 2 in each.

The rule of thumg is 1 watt per gallon. So a 16 watt pump would cover. You can get them to survive with a half watt a gal but not as cool. What would be awesome would be a 40 watt pump. 50 bucks or so, check craiglist.

It really depends on what you want the bubbles to do. if just oxygenate water, then one of these would be fine
http://www.discount-hydro.com/productdisp.php?pid=412&navid=8

But if you also want the bubble action to be enoughto water plants until roots are in the water per the link below then one of the above to each res, and 3 or 4 12 inch airstones for each.

at this place you can get an air hose with free shipping for five bucks. They dont get all gunky like stones. American agriculture. An old hdro store.

Illegal Smile said:

It really depends on what you want the bubbles to do. if just oxygenate water, then one of these would be fine
http://www.discount-hydro.com/productdisp.php?pid=412&navid=8

But if you also want the bubble action to be enoughto water plants until roots are in the water per the link below then one of the above to each res, and 3 or 4 12 inch airstones for each.

Click to expand...

yeah i got the idea from your post. after the roots touch the water - wouldn't it be overkill?

pftek said:

yeah i got the idea from your post. after the roots touch the water - wouldn't it be overkill?

Click to expand...

Maybe and you could go to 2 stones and one pump when roots are well into the water. But it would be more hassle than it was worth IMO, and you need the extra bubble power in the beginning. Either way it's easier than pulling a water pump and tubes. Also, when you have two pumps, you always have a backup just in case.