Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

My Resun EM air pump has given up the ghost. Or rather, the diaphragm has perished, leaving it all noise and no blow. It went two years, so not entirely disappointed.

So, I've replaced the diaphragm (sacrificed a silicon baking mat), but the pump is still very noisy. Any ideas on piston/magnet repairs?

There are so many air pumps around the place, not even years of aquarium keeping makes selection any less confusing. If repair is not possible, I want to spend less than $100 and push 38lpm minimum, keeping in mind the guy selling on evilBay has a number of bad reports to his name...

Cheers.

What model Resun pump is it?
I would replace with the proper diaphragm first personally

Couldn't get proper diaphragm locally, so most commonly suggested alternative was the silicone mat. Seems to be working well so far (2 hours!), so will keep an eye on it.

It's an ACO-001.

Cut a diaphragm from a heavy duty plastic bag. Not a woolies shopping bag but one you would get from Myers or David Jones. Give that a go and see if it is quieter.

Good luck with the forecast wind and rain.

Thats not an air pump...... this is an air pump!

Seriously Charlie? You're paraphrasing Crocodile Dundee on this forum?

You know that is reason enough for expulsion don't you?

It was sooo worth it

He will quiten down once he is in civilised country.

Hopefully Ill be too busy to make these stupid comments hehe

Not to mention the shameless thread hijack

Too true, sorry mate.

I had a hailea that died after 1.5 years but mine was making a pretty bad rattling sound. I posted some pics here viewtopic.php?p=409852#p409852

The diaphram was still intact but the bushes were cactus. I never ended up looking for parts so Im not much help. Looks like you may have solved it for now anyways. Ive replaced diaphrams in a pondone 4000 using thin rubber and its still going now years later.

I am new to setting up aquaponic systems and I was wondering what amount of air is supposed to go into the water. I will have between 400 and 500 gallons of water depending on my final design. Are there any recommendations for what brand of pump to use and what size of pump?

Lol, all good Charlie. It's not every day we mere members get to extract the p from our good natured and benevolent overlords...

I found a problem. Actually, I confirmed a suspicion of a problem. When assembling the re-diaphragm'd pump yesterday, I found the retaining screw that secures the diaphragm to the piston to be cross threaded. I figured this was the raucous noise I was hearing the other day. Sure enough, the noise was back this morning and no air apparent (aside from William, of course) in the tank. So I pulled the pump apart and found the threaded screw again loose, allowing the washer to rattle. Luckily, Resun have a randomly placed spare screw attached to the body of the pump! So, I have waxed the piston surfaces and put everything back together...and it still rattles. Although much quieter than before.

Pretty sure I need to just give up and get a replacement. Suggestions??

Hey mate.

There are some variables surrounding that question. One of which being the amount of livestock you wish to hold, and another, whether the system will be switched off at any time during the day or night. And keep in mind that by running an air pump, you are not actually "adding air to the tank", but instead agitating the surface of the water, allowing CO2/O2 exchange to occur.

My 38lpm pump has been great in my ~1,500L system, with my ~20 barramundi. I keep it going 24/7, because my flood and drain set up switches off at night. Realistically, I could just run the air pump at night, because the constant flushing of water during the day ensures plenty of aeration in the FT. I would guess that a constant flood system, running 24/7, would not need an air pump at all.

Going on a rough guess, a similar sized pump would work in your system, but nothing is stopping you going bigger if you like. Except possible hike in electricity bills... As to brands...that's actually what I am trying to find out too! Lol.