Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

We've just had a wet weekend here and my little Rena Air Pump which has an eversion to water has decided to die. It is really only an indoor aquarium pump, so I cant blame it.

Many thanks to Journeyman who has come to the rescue with a backup till I get a new one. (many, many thanks, Mark I would have been stuffed without it)

So does anyone have a good link or supplier that sells a air pump capable of say 800 to 1000 LPH? Also one that doesn't mind being in the outdoors.

You can use an indoor pump outdoors with reasonable success by drilling a couple of strategically positioned small holes in a plastic lunch box (or other container suitable as a housing) to allow the air in but keep the majority of the weather out. Judicious use of silicone can help seal where the power cord penetrates the box. Aquaria pumps are much more reasonably priced than super-IP rated pumps. I had an air pump outside in the elements in a kid's lunchbox for about three years before the pump itself died of "natural causes" rather than exposure. The box can also be used to keep any excess length of power cord tidy too, which makes SWMBO happier.

Great idea Bunson. I'll give that a go for sure

Just be sure not to use a clear box for your housing, as most of them don't like UV. Learnt that one the hard way.

Ozzyrod, did you ever find a pump supplier, perhaps PM'd to you, since no one linked to any in here?
My little Infinity AP950 has a cracked diaphragm after only a few months use, so is only working at half capacity now, ~250lpm, so I'm looking for a new significantly larger sized, reliable, pump.

http://www.guppysaquariumproducts.com.a ... _1675.html

Does anyone have any experience with one of these?

If they are crap can anyone recommend an air pump of similar capacity, 12v 50+L/min?

I don't know about the one you link but Rod got one either the same as, or very similar to Thie One this one. It's awesome to watch it in action - his IBC boils.

Posting because I don't think he comes on here much any more.

Not my own experience, but when you search for guppy aquarium in the forum there are some negative comments in regards to service of this company and I think there is another online shop owners by the same guy. Looked similar and both had no information on physical location of the company, so you don't know who you are dealing with.

I bought a similar pump at http://www.theaquariumshop.com.au/shope ... ame=Hailea %20ACO-003%20Air%20compressor

Just a little bit more expensive, very noisy, runs pretty hot... But lots of air in the ft. Will get a backup for it soon... Just in case

Yeah got a few of them laying about the place. They are good for what they are and they put out a lot of air for the wattage. However, they are not designed for 24/7 use, more for back up situations or transporting. They also tend not to last that long even when only used occasionally.
Yeah basically if you buy anything from Guppys dont expect any after sales service at all, eve if what they have sent you is dodgy you wont get a reply to your emails.

Is that because they need a replacement diaphragm, or the electrics die? There isn't really much to go wrong with an electromechanical vibrator, errm.. that is of the type used in air pumps

Well thanks for that Troutman I'll stay clear of them then.

I have never had to replace a diaphragm on them as the motors always die first. I found 240 volt air pumps with an inverter to be much better for my situation in that they are heaps quieter and last a long time.

Is that for your ponds or smaller applications?

Transporting and pond harvesting is when I use 12volt or inverters the most. All the pond aeration is 240 volt, one pump must be at least 8 years old now and I have never had to do anything to it. You wont get that kind of lifespan with any of the 12 volt stuff.