Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello group. Im looking for a recommendation of type of airstone to utilize?

wood? rock? disc? etc.

ive had problems in the past with rock type airstones floating. they were long skinny rectangular type. i had a hard time securing them also. I ended up sinking them with weights to eliminate hassle. I'd like to find 9" - 12" (unless bigger preferred) and preferably ones that stay sunk lol

any recomendations?

I will be using a 1600 gal stocking tank for talapia. (low #'s to start) Was planning on runnin 10-12 stones in this tank. I will also use 4 in a bio digester. And kicking around idea for maybe some in a channel idk yet.....

any recommendation on pump size/brand????

much appreciated.

Some ideas that I have found
1. alita makes some pretty good washable air stones
2. There are some flexible ones that I'm using, they are pretty cool but get gunked up pretty quick.
3. drill small holes into pvc pipe

I have the alitas and they are great! Got them on ebay.

I've bought stuff from Aquatic eco-systems...(Apopka FL)..they have a 'very large' selection of different type and sizes of air stones and air pumps/blowers. I remember seeing some already weighted. They are local for me. Really nice folks.
I'm kind of a 'newb', so I can't really recommend one type over the other. Check out their web site...lots of info on them. Hope it helps.

I'm waiting to see other responses. The ones I have, are just some cheap ones from the pet store. Too many (quality) things to buy and not enough cash flow...lol......

I've got some of these diffusers
http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/3881/Sweetwater-Air-Diffusers
They are plenty heavy enough to stay sunk and I've been running a couple of them for more than a year in pH 7.6 water and they are still working fine.

We got those iin our school systems. They work great, no servicing of any type for 2 years.

Check out a product called aero-tube. just saw it on the net. Looks pretty cool, kind of like a soaker hose but better. Can't find anyone that sells in in the US though.

I might try a soaker hose this week, my DWC needs something longer than a stone.

Here's a weighted tube....
http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories ... -Diffusers

hawaiinewbie, this is the areo-tube product. Sold in the US of A.....
http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories ... Efficiency