I need a better air pump than my EcoPlus 4...advice..?

[researchOnly]

2 of the 4 outlets dont work at all and i've only had for about 4 months... is there something out there with more reliabliitly??

 

[jarff]

Get a GH double diaphram with the four outlets for $60..they last for ever .I have about 6 of em in my various set-ups.Best I,ve seen for reliability...Been runnin,some for three yrs without a break down.......believe me
good luck
jarff

 

[smoke1sun]

i never used the Eco plus but i do have the GH and awhile ago my pump stopped pumping air. I opened it and realized the diaphram on both sides were cracked GH sent my replacements for about $20 and its as good as new, so what im saying is if your pump has diaphrams check them they may just need replaced. Goodluck

 

[clowntown]

I second the recommendation for the BlueStone (GH) dual diaphragm 4-outlet pump.

It's probably the highest quality air pump in this size you'll come across. It's also apparent that the engineers had quietness in mind in the design from the very beginning, rather than just an afterthought. It's very quiet for the amount of air it puts out, and has vibration / noise reduction features everywhere possible instead of simply sticking rubber feet on a loud pump.

I've owned a few different types and classes of air pumps, including single- and dual-outlet fish tank pumps, EcoPlus 4-outlet with a rheostat, BlueStone dual diaphragm, and a 35w "commercial" one with a 3/8" outlet (and a PVC manifold). The BlueStone pump was by FAR the highest quality and best overall performance.

The "commercial" air pump put out more air, but at a cost of being very loud and having a bad, cheap manifold design which guarantees uneven delivery of air depending on the location of the 1/4" outlet. For most applications, I'd much rather have multiple BlueStone pumps than a single large "commercial" pump.

(Thanks to the extremely kind ICMag member who gifted this pump to me. PM me if you see this! I forgot your new username... )

 

[researchOnly]

thanks guys ... how many 5 gallon buckets would you suggest for each bluestone pump??

 

[clowntown]

4

 

[clowntown]

Sort of. More like:

 

[Guest]

I have found that the "Whisper 20-60* dual output pump from Wal-Mart for under $20 to be a reliable unit. I have 2 of them with 2 *air Curtains* each. With 2 you have redundancy so if one unit takes a dump you have backup. They are cheap enough that if you need to replace it you won't be out mucho dinero and you can keep the old one for parts. None of mine have broken yet. (crosses fingers)

Also remember when acquiring air curtains or air stones you need those that emit tiny tiny tiny bubbles as they saturate the water quickly and more effectively.

Another point to consider are stones that are easy to clean out as the materials in your res will plug them up.

Ty-Stik cheers you on

 

[Guest]

Cool, I am ordering one of those alita pumps so I will let you guys know how it performs etc. I also ordered some of that tubing they have thats a diffuser hose, interested to see how that stuff works out as well.

I use an Alita AL15-A and just recommended Alita to a friend. I really like it. Very quiet and kicks out serious air. I used to have a diffuser but went with open lines after testing DO levels. That tubing looks sweet and it should never clog. I was told by Alita it creates quite a bit of resistance like their corundum stones. so you need a strong pump to drive it properly.

 

[Guest]

but we decided on the al-40 its 30 bucks more and doubles the output. He said the sound was comparable so I will let you guys know.

Those Alita pumps rock. Fuggin fantastic choice going with a more powerful unit as it's always good to overengineer a bit. You can always easily bleed off any extra air if necessary but usually more air is not a bad thing. It always seems you need some extra oooomph at times and the cost differential is easily justified. $30 more and double the output...hell yes . Those Alita units are easy to repair also. Critical part change out is a snap and not very expensive considering many trash broken pumps for new units.

 

[jarff]

I also have an Alita 40 model..I bought it new on Ebay for $100 altho they retail for over $200. It is def the best pump I have.I bought a 12 outlet manifold for it and it will easily run 12x12" air stones or maybe more.It will easily run 20x6" stones.You have to listen very close to the pump to hear it running.Def. a superior pump.Reliability is high..prob run for two years constantly before needing a rebuild.
Clowntown those pumps you have the pix of are not really all that good.They are noisy and aren,t very reliable..They also get pretty hot. I,ve tried em all...Alita,Secho,Gastt SSp,etc all commercial are the top of the line,but for medium air requirements the GH dual diaphram is next best.
I have had just about every air pump that was ever built lol to find the perfect one..In what I listed above i found what IMHO are the best. and for small jobs the 802 dual outlet by Hagen does a great job.Can be rebuilt for $1.95...
be safe
jarff

 

[jarff]

Bignugget...just noticed the link for the Alita...They are great prices...as on Ebay they want $200. for a 40 lpm.....good stuff..
jarff

 

[clowntown]

Clowntown those pumps you have the pix of are not really all that good.They are noisy and aren,t very reliable..

I never said anything about them being quiet or good. In fact I remember saying quite the opposite.

The "commercial" air pump put out more air, but at a cost of being very loud and having a bad, cheap manifold design ...

 

[jarff]

sorry man...I didn,t say you recommended them..just sayin,my experience with them..
I know what you said bout them,I saw the pix and couldn,t put a name with them...just added my 2 cents..peace out
jarff