Help w/install air system

[OTISJOEPRETTY]

Does it matter what size PVC you use ?

[Leo]

3/4 to 1 inch should be fine

[OTISJOEPRETTY]

1/2"-1"  not good ?

[Leo]

1/2"-1"  not good ?

to small and you will have a hard time installing the valves.  to big and the pressure will drop

[GrizzlysDad]

Actually it depends on the size of your air supplying unit.
A large horsepower blower can utilize different sized pvc than a linear pump.

[gtomike]

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. 

[Leo]

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 

[Regalblue]

I'm using 75' of 1/2" & 44 drops with my AL-60. 

[Fish Hobbiest]

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.

[cranialdisturbance]

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!

[gtomike]

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.

[cranialdisturbance]

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.