Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I want to run a 12V DC 25W air Pump. Am I right in my calculations that I need a power pack that gives out ~12V at ~2.1 amps to power this pump?

Any other suggestions on how to cheaply aerate the water well? I'd prefer to go overkill on aeration than have fish dying on me. I figure it'll also help with my cycling and bacteria growth.

What sort of pump is it??
My experience of 12 volt air pumps is that they are not designed for 24/7 use and they also dont seem to last long.
How big is your tank and what species of fish do you intend to keep?

Tank will be a full IBC with just the top cut open. I am assuming trout but considering I keep getting delays on getting the system built I'm not sure I'll even have fish in the next 2-3 months... Especially since I want to fishless cycle.

I want to stock pretty heavy once I get it cycled... that's why I've already expanded from 1 growbed to 3 as having the fish is more my primary attraction rather than veggies.

I was thinking this http://www.guppy saquariumproducts.com.au/air-pumps/dc-12v-air-pumps/hailea-aco-003-dc-12v-air-pump/prod_1543.html

Or then again this is looking good and I might just have to cross my fingers and hope power doesn't fail

http://www.guppys aquariumproducts.com.au/air-pumps/electromagnetic-piston-pump/electromagnetic-air-pump-40l/min-outputs-aco-02/prod_577.html

Not sure what the rule is on direct linking so i've broken the links. Remove the space.

That 12 volt pump is only suitable as a backup or for transporting fish not for 24/7 use. They are very noisy and wouldnt probably last a week running non stop.

That 240 volt pump at 40 watts is a bit of overkill for one IBC even if you were running trout. I'd be looking at something around 15 - 20 watts max.

cheers, I'll look into the smaller 240v pumps then

But still go electromagnetic mine ran for 5 years and they were second hand

Yeah, also watch the fact of AC vs DC, most power packs / transformers are 12 V AC, you need to then convert to DC..

As Gavin said those 12V air pumps are noisey. I have one and I used to run it four times a day on a timer for about 1 1/2 hrs. Decided to go for a 60L/min electromagnectic 240v pump instead and run it 24/7 but it is still a little on the big side for my 2000 L of fish tank (5 seperate tanks).

You can get a suitable 12 VDC power supply though, i would go for at least a 3A one with that pump though to allow some overhead.