I used to get a catalog a few years ago that I bought my airstones at. Now I have to replace them and can't find the catalog or remember the name of the company. It was a big catalog and a big company. Would you guys please throw out some names for me? They also carried the sweet water blowers too. Thanks!

Was it Stoney Creek?

Sorry, no, that's not it.

I bought an aeration system from them, it has 4 diffusers on it and it's time to replace them. They screw into the 4-way and it is so easy to do. But this is going to drive me nuts today and I need to get those diffusers ordered right now for the pond.

I think it was something aquatics. Can't remember the first part of the name tho!

Could it be Aquatic Eco-Systems (www.aquaticeco.com)? Looks like they were bought out by Pentair.

Post a picture of your air stone or diffuser and the PB minds may be able to help.

Also, if you haven't already, google "aeration system air stone" and click on "images" to find a match. That too could lead you to a replacement.

I took pics of it for you but it has been a while since I have posted pics on here, I have to figure out how to do it.

You are right they were bought out by Pentair. I don't see my diffusers on the website. I'll see what I can do about getting the pics up on here. That company used to sell them.

ok, I give up, how do I post pics on here?

Here is Aquatic Control.
http://www.aquaticcontrol.com/index.php/aeration-equipment/lake-life-guard.html

That one looks like a cool one. Thanks for the link!

Heres a pic of the diffuser.

Posting Pics

esshup sells the Vertex diffusers.

I would think you would want a membrane diffuser. They just last longer and are more self cleaning.

Aquatic Ecosystems in Apopka FL was bought out by Pentair. Both types of diffusers have pros and cons. Both need cleaning depending on pond conditions. Compressor should have a low pressure gauge so when the operating pressure increases over time you know the diffuser is plugging up - fouling.

Bill,
You can surge cycle a membrane diffuser to clean it up. Most won't have this capability so it is a mute point.

What kind is mine? I have been using these this type for a very long time so I think I need to catch up with the new technology here. What am I missing?

Surge cycling a membrane diffuser has a lot of variables. Two main ones are 1. type or composition of the membrane, and 2. what is growing on the membrane. A third one probably is the size of the pores. I get algae on mine that I have to scrape off with a razor blade. What about bacterial, algal deposits / mineral accumulations in the pores - slits?

Air stones can be a very good form of diffuser if you keep the stones clean.

Agreed Bill. The intent of surge cycling,repeated expansion and contraction of the membrane, is to clean the pores/slits out, and not for removing surface stuff like algae. You need extra hardware to do this plus some technical skills.

Common practice in some Aquaculture venues. My MBBR's will be surge cycled based on a number of variables of the system.

Fun stuff tho!