Better quality air pumps for deeper freshwater?

[sidpost]

I run some deeper freshwater tanks and keep losing air pumps. Common pet store options die pretty fast and don't put out much air, or any at all, at a ~3-foot depth.

What brands and air pumps should I be looking at that are relatively power efficient (won't drain battery back-ups fast) that will last over the long haul? I am running common 75G pet store tanks and a larger, deeper 400G tank right now. What sort of price range are the better options in, generally?

I have run everything from sewer air pumps, larger Chinese import finned linear pumps, and common Tetra/Eheim/... aquarium store options. I need secondary pumps to back up my main air supply in case of a failure while away or during a power outage, so a more common Tetra APS 300 style air pump on batteries is what I am thinking right now but, Penn Plax, Tetra, etc. have fairly short lives and high failure rates which defeat them as a back-up safety air supply if I am out of town for a few days (lost a tank of Tilapia this way).

The common fish store tanks are easier to work with their shallower depths, so the common off the shelf pet store stuff will work if it doesn't die prematurely or unexpectedly. The 400G tank and some water air lift needs a pump with some real pressure to run deeper with adequate airflow, to oxygenate the water, "air lift" is secondary for a 2 or 3 day "limp mode" if I am away on a long weekend.

TIA,
Sid

 

[Subsea]

I would have thought that sewer air pumps would have been powerful enough to operate in 3’ of water. A pond pump should be more than sufficient to accomplish this.

Three feet of head is 1.3 psi. Get a pond pump that puts out 5 psi.

Amazon product ASIN B0G58S91Q3
This economical air pump at $36 is rated for 4’ of water with pressure output of 2.6 psi.

Amazon product ASIN B006YGDBWI
This air pump at $250 is rated for 5psi and 1/2 acre pond.

 

[twentyleagues]

I dont know how much air you need but I have a best of a pump I used to run when I had 20+ tanks for breeding. It is a Jehmco lph45 probably way more than you need. I am using a hygger currently to run a couple tanks not that deep but it works well hygger aquacube I think its called.

 

[Subsea]

I dont know how much air you need but I have a best of a pump I used to run when I had 20+ tanks for breeding. It is a Jehmco lph45 probably way more than you need. I am using a hygger currently to run a couple tanks not that deep but it works well hygger aquacube I think its called.

Impressive. The 7W model puts out 5.9 psi at a cost of $41. I am going to get one and use it on my sewage treatment system.

https://www.hygger-online.com/produ...MIj5rP982pkgMVV7IDAB1dnglFEAQYAiABEgLYt_D_BwE

 

[Subsea]

@sidpost

Because you mentioned UPS / battery backup systems, check this out:

https://www.hygger-online.com/produ...MIj5rP982pkgMVV7IDAB1dnglFEAQYASABEgKQ7PD_BwE

Dual-Power Operation (AC/DC)​

The pump operates on both AC and DC power sources for flexible indoor/outdoor use. Uses AC power adapter indoors, automatically switches to battery power during outages, or operates cordless outdoors for up to 100 hours at minimum flow (single air stone) or 8 hours at maximum output. During outdoor activities (e.g., fishing, boating) or power outages, the rechargeable battery ensures uninterrupted operation.

 

[Fish Fan]

I think if you search for a "commercial aquarium air pump" you'll see many of the more heavy duty options, they should be able to drive air at three feet deep.

 

[twentyleagues]

Impressive. The 7W model puts out 5.9 psi at a cost of $41. I am going to get one and use it on my sewage treatment system.

https://www.hygger-online.com/produ...MIj5rP982pkgMVV7IDAB1dnglFEAQYAiABEgLYt_D_BwE

Yeah Hygger has really stepped up to the plate lately. I have seen and used a few of their products in the last 5 years they really do the work and last. Before that their products were just mehhh, I dont know what changed but it was for the better unlike a lot of companies.

 

[sidpost]

Hygger is looking pretty good right now! THANKS!

 

[BeanAnimal]

I have a large Alita that I could part with, or you can purchase one somewhere. They are quite and reliable.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/f...ller-alita-air-ranco-auto-feeder-etc.1124073/

 

[BZOFIQ]

Have you tried the LUFT pump?