Looking to up my bubble game!

Tstat

Tstat

Well-Known Member
So, I am in the process of going through my RDWC system. I bought a nice pump to pump out the solution and built a new screen. Now I'd like to upgrade my air pumps and stones.
I run a 6 tote RDWC, modeled after the Current Culture set-ups. Each tote is around 20 gallons and has 2 airstones. I have a mish-mash of "professional" pumps and hydro (plastic) pumps I bought at grow stores. So, I need at least 18 airstones for the grow totes and the reservoir.
nwRxyNd.jpg

Can anyone suggest a nice pump or tow and some good airstones for this set-up?
H7FUcw3.jpg
 
Thank you, I am looking at this pump. Anyone else have any suggestions for pumps and air stones?
 
I use an Active Aqua, 70lpm commercial pump. It's pretty inexpensive, and it works great. If you have a little more money to play with, then many would recommend an Alita's 60 or 70. And by "little more money" I mean "a lot more money" LOL! The Alita's going to be much more quiet, but mine just blends in with the fan noise, so it's not loud in comparison to everything else, especially if you mount/hang it right.

Check out this page, in my thread, and you'll see the Active Aqua at work. There's also a 110lpm model. The 70 comes with an 8-outlet manifold, and the 110 comes with a 12-outlet manifold.

As for air stones, I use the 4" cylinder stones. They're heavy, so they always stay at the bottom, unlike some of the bars and disks. You'll see mine on the page in the link above.
 
Um feels like a reapeat

As said alita for me . A 40 or 60 will treat you right.
With pawfly stones with suction cups. Is my choice for now

As said alitas aint cheap.

There are more affordable alternatives .

But as long as i buy air pumps this is the brand for me. Till i find something better

But they will all die if you let them ie

keep em cool and clean youd be suprised at how
Cooling and cleaning will keep your gear in good shape.
 
This is another reason im going to be testing another system side by side with my rdwc

Is to get rid of most all pumps
 
Thanks guys, yea I took this question to the other thread because I wasn't getting any answers here. I'm still undecided, lol.
 
Cold$moke said:
keep em cool and clean youd be suprised at how
Cooling and cleaning will keep your gear in good shape.
Click to expand...

Exactly! I use my tent's exhaust fan to keep my pump cool. This not only extends the life of the pump, but it helps keep temps down, when delivering air to the DWC.

Keeping my pump up high keeps the warm air at the top of the room. Blowing air across it prevents heat buildup, which can warm your grow area.
air pump001.jpg air pump002.jpg
 
Just remember to cool it
A pc fan might be enough

Cause that sucker will raise your water temps if you dont lol besides degrade the pump :)
 
Thanks, I'm glad I ran into you guys. I'm psyched to get it hooked up. Should be here Sunday. Gonna harvest some, drain the system, clean up (lol), and install the new pump and air stones! I just made a new screen and replaced my Blue Labs PH probe, too. A few months ago I moved to all cobs and picked up some nice Bodhi gear to play with.
It never gets old!
 
JSB99 said:
I use an Active Aqua, 70lpm commercial pump. It's pretty inexpensive, and it works great. If you have a little more money to play with, then many would recommend an Alita's 60 or 70. And by "little more money" I mean "a lot more money" LOL! The Alita's going to be much more quiet, but mine just blends in with the fan noise, so it's not loud in comparison to everything else, especially if you mount/hang it right.

Check out this page, in my thread, and you'll see the Active Aqua at work. There's also a 110lpm model. The 70 comes with an 8-outlet manifold, and the 110 comes with a 12-outlet manifold.

As for air stones, I use the 4" cylinder stones. They're heavy, so they always stay at the bottom, unlike some of the bars and disks. You'll see mine on the page in the link above.
Click to expand...

I use the 8 port Active Aqua as well. Keep in mind that these can get pretty hot. Mine ran 24/7 to run 6"discs for a 55g drum reservoir this summer and the rubber feet melted off. I had to unplug it once in awhile and let it cool off but I always have a spare handy too. Same with water pumps. If you do not have a spare water pump go buy one immediately
 
SCJedi said:
I use the 8 port Active Aqua as well. Keep in mind that these can get pretty hot. Mine ran 24/7 to run 6"discs for a 55g drum reservoir this summer and the rubber feet melted off. I had to unplug it once in awhile and let it cool off but I always have a spare handy too. Same with water pumps. If you do not have a spare water pump go buy one immediately
Click to expand...
If you look at how I have my exhaust fan blowing on my pump, it stays cool to the touch. I mean, no heat at all, not even with he cooling fins!
 
JSB99 said:
If you look at how I have my exhaust fan blowing on my pump, it stays cool to the touch. I mean, no heat at all, not even with he cooling fins!
Click to expand...
It also prevents the metal from expanding and contracting, with varying temps. This, in turn, prevents components from wearing out as quickly, as well as preventing diminishing performance.
 
Cold$moke said:
A 40 or 60 will treat you right.
Click to expand...
So, it's here, it's huge and looks awesome. I bought tubing and a 12 valve manifold. I'm not sure how to hook it up to the manifold correctly. The outlet is a lot bigger than the manifold. Gonna go to Lowes tomorrow and figure it out.
 
Last edited:
Tstat said:
So, it's here, it's huge and looks awesome. I bought tubing and a 12 valve manifold. I'm not sure how to hook it up to the manifold correctly. The outlet is a lot bigger than the manifold...
Click to expand...
If the Alita output valve is larger than the manifold input valve, you can go to your local hardware store, and pick up tubing that fits whatever valve is largest. Also pick up a small hose clamp, and use it to tighten the hose around the smaller valve.

Another option is to return your manifold, and buy the correct size. You'll still need to pick up some poly tubing to go from the pump to the manifold.

Make sure you use the large hose for the majority of the distance. Have he manifold and the 1/4" tubing very close to your containers.
 
ANC said:
You are going to need to keep shit cleaner than that...
Click to expand...
Yea I get that. The insides of my tubs are pristine, however. I know the picture looks grungy, but it's resin and fert residue. Only thing I could do is replace the totes, but I assure you it's cosmetic. I never get disease or mites for that matter. My shit is clean and produces.
 
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