Michigan Cichlid Association

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: OTISJOEPRETTY on February 14, 2017, 06:56:42 PM

Title: Help w/install air system
Post by: OTISJOEPRETTY on February 14, 2017, 06:56:42 PM
Does it matter what size PVC you use ?
Title: Re: Help w/install air system
Post by: Leo on February 14, 2017, 07:20:04 PM
3/4 to 1 inch should be fine
Title: Re: Help w/install air system
Post by: OTISJOEPRETTY on February 14, 2017, 07:34:14 PM
1/2"-1"  not good ?
Title: Re: Help w/install air system
Post by: Leo on February 14, 2017, 07:36:13 PM
1/2"-1"  not good ?

to small and you will have a hard time installing the valves.  to big and the pressure will drop
Title: Re: Help w/install air system
Post by: GrizzlysDad on February 14, 2017, 07:48:35 PM
Actually it depends on the size of your air supplying unit.
A large horsepower blower can utilize different sized pvc than a linear pump.
Title: Re: Help w/install air system
Post by: gtomike on February 14, 2017, 08:16:32 PM
The total length of the pipe is also a factor I am running a Medo #80 pump into 245 feet of 1 inch pipe and its running over 100 air stones perfect. 
Title: Re: Help w/install air system
Post by: Leo on February 14, 2017, 08:32:26 PM
Actually it depends on the size of your air supplying unit.
A large horsepower blower can utilize different sized pvc than a linear pump.

true

I wasn't thinking he wouldn't get a large blower right from the start  :o
Title: Re: Help w/install air system
Post by: Regalblue on February 15, 2017, 12:21:39 AM
I'm using 75' of 1/2" & 44 drops with my AL-60. 
Title: Re: Help w/install air system
Post by: Fish Hobbiest on February 15, 2017, 07:59:54 PM
Using 1" pvc  Jehmco linear air pump was a lph 80 with 25 tanks all with under gravel and sponge filers. NO PROBLEM .
Down sized to about ten tanks and a lph 45 and same pvc NO PROBLEM. about 5 lines per tank.
Try to make a loop no 90 degree corners use two 45's each corner. Better flow no dead head.
I was able to push my pipe together no glue and has stayed together just fine . 15 years. Able to redesign if need be.
Title: Re: Help w/install air system
Post by: cranialdisturbance on February 16, 2017, 08:57:26 AM
I would recommend 3/4" up to 50 drops and 1" thereafter using an air pump.  As stated above avoid 90 degree angles if possible.  Good luck!
Title: Re: Help w/install air system
Post by: gtomike on February 16, 2017, 11:29:03 PM
I don't think a 90* elbow is going to have any effect on an air pump putting out 2-3 psi now water at 60 psi yes it will water at 2-3 psi how could it.
Title: Re: Help w/install air system
Post by: cranialdisturbance on February 17, 2017, 02:32:28 PM
I don't think a 90* elbow is going to have any effect on an air pump putting out 2-3 psi now water at 60 psi yes it will water at 2-3 psi how could it.

The airflow can easily reach speeds of over 10 feet per second in 3/4" pipe or over 25 feet per second in 1/2" pipe so friction and turbulence comes into play with 90 degree angles.