So what do you guys recommend. Right now 10-12 tanks are running on 8 pumps and I am looking to expand my air resources to many of my tanks up to about 50 outlets.
Alita? Pondmaster? Other?
And as always cost is a consideration.
I have a Pondmaster with a Jehmco 80 for backup......the Alita 80's are pretty nice too and a tad cheaper than Jehmco 80 at the moment....both are in the $200+ range.....haven't checked the Pondmaster pricing in a while tho....
Yeah not sure how I'd get another 2 bills past the wife though. She thinks I spend too much as it is. But I would venture it would be cheaper running that then the same amount of HOBs.
Quote from: GraphicGr8s on January 03, 2015, 08:01:16 PM
Yeah not sure how I'd get another 2 bills past the wife though. She thinks I spend too much as it is. But I would venture it would be cheaper running that then the same amount of HOBs.
you bet it is cheaper.....most folks use PVC...I use 5/8" thick wall clear plastic tubing, with 12 valve gang logs.......I can add, or reconfigure, whenever the need in minutes....I have about 7 logs now, plus runner valves off of single air lines.... ;D
Ken's has about the best prices on Danner/ Supreme/ Pond Master pumps and carries all the rebuild kits too.
http://www.kensfish.com/aquarium-supplies/air-pumps/supreme-high-volume-air-pumps.html (http://www.kensfish.com/aquarium-supplies/air-pumps/supreme-high-volume-air-pumps.html)
I'm currently running 100+ drops off of a single AP-100 pump. The AP-60 would probably do 50 drops with no sweat.... $139.95 shipped.
Dennis
Quote from: BallAquatics on January 03, 2015, 08:23:02 PM
Ken's has about the best prices on Danner/ Supreme/ Pond Master pumps and carries all the rebuild kits too.
http://www.kensfish.com/aquarium-supplies/air-pumps/supreme-high-volume-air-pumps.html (http://www.kensfish.com/aquarium-supplies/air-pumps/supreme-high-volume-air-pumps.html)
I'm currently running 100+ drops off of a single AP-100 pump. The AP-60 would probably do 50 drops with no sweat.... $139.95 shipped.
Dennis
I like my Pondmaster too..........heck, got it used, with a spare rebuild kit for $50... ;D
Pretty much confirms my research too. Now to get the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I have a used Medo linear pump that will handle 20 outlets I can sell you for $50. It's the same brand pump that Jhemco uses but since it's not in the insulated box there is a hum to it.
Thanks for the offer Liz but this is one area I prefer to buy a new one. So long as I don't add any more box filters for a while I good. Tax time is a comin. And I've got a 5 year old deduction. ;)
Check out.........
http://www.amazon.com/EcoPlus-Commercial-Air-Single-Outlet/dp/B002JLCDHQ (http://www.amazon.com/EcoPlus-Commercial-Air-Single-Outlet/dp/B002JLCDHQ)
Cheap, reliable, and PLENTY of air for 10-12 tanks......or 25 plus even. I had several running 40 plus outlets.
Pretty close noise wise compared to the AP100 I have running now.
Not sure if I ever said but I did get the Pondmaster AP100.
That thing is built tough.
I have it below my highest tanks. Yes I know don't say it.
Back in July the power went out for 3-4 hours. Didn't even think about my precarious arrangement. So the pump was waterlogged. Took it apart and dried it out. When power came back it started right up no trouble.
Fast forward to last night. I go out about 10 pm to feed the fish. Feed the big tanks and start the breeder tanks. Notice it's awful quite. None of the box filters are running. I look over at the clear tubing and it's full of water. So is the pump. I've got it on a GFCI that also protects an outside outlet. And it's been extremely wet here. Damn thing tripped.
This time I ripped the pump all the way down just because. Got it all back together and it fires right up. I love this pump.
Next step is check valves for the higher tanks. Not too bad it's only 4 drops.
Oh yeah. It's plugged into a different circuit. Still GFCI but no exterior outlets.
Alternatively, you could loop your line up above the highest tanks before it goes down to the airpump.
If the tube is large enough, capillary action will not be able to draw the water up to the top of the loop and then down to the pump.
While that would protect the pump I still need the check valves on the higher tanks. My airline pvc is below the top row of tanks so I can adjust the valves without needing a ladder. Not the best circumstances but I'll get it safer.
Quote from: GraphicGr8s on August 21, 2015, 10:41:19 PM
Not sure if I ever said but I did get the Pondmaster AP100.
I love this pump.
If you haven't already, order a rebuild kit. It's only a matter of time before a diaphragm will wear out. At $10 I like to keep a couple on hand.
http://www.123ponds.com/14565.html (http://www.123ponds.com/14565.html)
Dennis
Good advice Dennis. Right now it's still new but I'll get them in a couple of months. Right now with the school year starting money is a bit tight right now.
about 6 years ago i got tired of the noise , cost and inconvenience of my gast blower..they are loud..costly to operate and don't put out much pressure needed for deeper tanks..so i bought an AP100..i love this pump..currently running about 150 lines in tanks anywhere from 5 to 135 gallons...i use 1 1/2" PVC pipe to carry the air...i also have an AP100 for a backup. and an extra rebuild kit.
the AP100 is powerful , quiet and efficient...it only draws 100 watts..
I have a Pondmaster pump that rocks, my backup is a Jehmco 80.....both do an excellent job...I'm using 5/8" clear tubing with the large valve logs...I find it more versatile than the PVC.....I can add, and /or reconfigure the tank setup(s) with ease.....and I'm running off a 'T'...not looped....
You are preaching to the choir John. I did exactly the same thing, replaced blower with AP-100. Got one running about 100 drops and another sitting as a spare..... couple of rebuild kits on the shelf too. Simply fantastic pumps. |^|
Dennis
I'm in love with my Jehmco linear pump.. It's maintenance free. No diaphram to wear out. I'm running 42 drops with more to come soon. I do have 4 medo pumps plumbed together for back up, but I expect my Jemco to be running after I'm dead.
Quote from: BallAquatics on August 22, 2015, 09:22:31 AM
Quote from: GraphicGr8s on August 21, 2015, 10:41:19 PM
Not sure if I ever said but I did get the Pondmaster AP100.
I love this pump.
If you haven't already, order a rebuild kit. It's only a matter of time before a diaphragm will wear out. At $10 I like to keep a couple on hand.
http://www.123ponds.com/14565.html (http://www.123ponds.com/14565.html)
Dennis
I waited too long Dennis. Should have taken your advice. Went out tonight and the pump was dead. Both diaphragms were toast. Got two on order. Should have them Wed. Fortunately my tanks are lightly stocked and will do fine without the filters for that short a time. I'll redo all the filters before I start it back up though.