Filtration

[SKISWETPETS]

So im sure ive asked this in the past. But not sure i have gotten anything specific. Anyway, im wondering what kind of air Pump/Blower you guys are using for your multiple tank setups, or fish rooms. Or are some of you using all individual powered HOB/CANISTER filters. I have a Pondmaster AP20, which is currently running 6-8 filters/air stones. Im thinking about trying a 3/4in loop of air with taps off of it. Some pics/or links to pics and info on what some of you are using will be helpfull as to which direction i will go in the future. Thanks in advance, and the more info/pics the better.
SKI,

[Ron]

http://www.jehmco.com/html/central_air_pumps.html

My take on options:

Linear air pumps:
Pro: Quiet, efficient, minimal maintenance (occasional air filter change - will be required for any of these options)
Con: Expensive

Diaphragm Air Pumps:
Pro: Economical and effective
Con: Require more maintenance - occassional diaphragm replacement

Blowers:
Pro: Moves a LOT of air
Con: Not as efficient, slightly more maintenance than the linear piston, expensive

In all cases you want something sized to your setup - if it produces more air than you can use, you'll need to bleed pressure to prevent excessive back pressure from ruining the pump.

I've got the smallest linear piston model (http://www.jehmco.com/html/lph26.html). I'm fully impressed with it, but sometimes wish I had the next larger model since I'm maxing it out. Admittedly I purchased mine second-hand, which made it much easier to work out the numbers to justify moving from my HOB army to an air-driven setup.

[runawaypencil]

I use a piston air pump,  Works awesome picked it up form an ebay store 110watts 110 liters of air per min. I have 40ish foam filters on it right now and one tank is 30inchs deep,  although I'm maxing it out now was thinking of stepping it up to a 240liters of air per min pump,  Just so I can increase the air flow on all the filters and put up more tanks as it seems what I have to day is never enough.

Now that I'm looking at my bookmarks it was actually from (http://www.gianthydro.com/Air_Pump_12_Outlets_112W_110L_p/AAPA110L.htm) The air pump has been up and running now for 18months and a friend has one now for 2 years.

My only complaint is that it pumps HOT AIR, good in the winter.  The tube and unit really get hot to the touch but for $70 bucks you cant beat it.

[SKISWETPETS]

Soo i was just on the Jehmco site, and the smallest  Linear Piston pump, is 194 and some change. Doing the math "on google of course" my AP20 pondmaster is not really much smaller than what that pump is, as far as output wise. Soooo im pretty sure im gonna do a 3/4 inch loop of air and valves and see what happens. Im gonna check tomorrow at work and see how much the plumbing is gonna cost me. I have a plan now.. I think...

[jcunningham0295]

This is the route I am going as well.  I have been looking at the Jehmco site and Ken's fish to determine what Linear Piston pump to go with.  Not sure yet.  I am thinking the LPH45 for now and then upgrading to the LPH60.

[Regalblue]

My bedroom set up is a jhemco lph26 that I too bought second hand.
It's on a closed loop using .75 hose&  a 12outlet manifold

I don't think I would be happier with any other setup

[SKISWETPETS]

My bedroom set up is a jhemco lph26 that I too bought second hand.
It's on a closed loop using .75 hose&  a 12outlet manifold

I don't think I would be happier with any other setup
[/quote/] Is the hose you used flexible, and did you make your own manifold or buy one done already? I was looking also at the pre-built maifolds on Jehmco site, and they have them up to a twenty outlet.

[Regalblue]

The manifold came in the deal. I was told it is a jehmco.
I bought it from MutantSeaBass

[Ron]

Having a manifold is nice if all your tanks are in one spot and you don't plan on having enough lines to warrant buying a tap.

That said, I find having a tap is very nice - easy to customize the layout if you have tanks on multiple walls instead of clustered on a single wall/corner.

[SKISWETPETS]

Having a manifold is nice if all your tanks are in one spot and you don't plan on having enough lines to warrant buying a tap.

That said, I find having a tap is very nice - easy to customize the layout if you have tanks on multiple walls instead of clustered on a single wall/corner.

Yeah, i dont think a simple manifold is gonna work for me.I did thing about a couple different homemade manifolds however. All plumbed together in my loop of air.