Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Pieces Coming Together ***UPDATE*** PICS***

Hey Guys,
Starting to get my pieces together.. Still on target for a spring startup.. Tell me what you think..

I don't know much about aeration, but it looks like you've got most of the pieces together. Just curious, is that box where your pump will stay? If so, what about venting to keep it cool? I couldn't see any vents or open places in the pics, so you may have them there, but I just didn't see them. I think that's a key factor in pump longevity.

It will be just like this when done.. Except mine will only cost about $100. Also im painting it the same color as my Moultrie Feedcaster..

Don't tell me you've got a louver punch! (and equipment with enough tonnage to use it)

My brother in law has everything for sheet metal.. I'm not sure if he'll be able to use it with the box already built. I could buy the box built cheaper than he said he could build it for.. The box is a tradesman off amazon $80 delivered.

Nevermind that, he sold his louver press.. He said it was junk anyways.. So Now i think I'll just use and hole saw as cut holes in the bottom and screen them..

You couldn't have used it on a pre-made box anyway. Punch holes in the box, put screen wire over the holes and install little awnings over the holes to prevent rain from entering. The screen is to keep wasps from calling the box home.

Good louver punches are hard to find and expensive.

He said his was an older one but still a cheap POS.. I was thinking holes in the bottom so I wouldn't have to worry about rain.. Thoughts?

Ok question for the pros.. I have both quarter inch valves and half inch but they both have the same size hole going through the valve.. Does this restricted hole affect my airflow and what should I use?

Holes in the bottom are a good idea providing that the box isn't sitting on the ground. A few holes up near the top will help with flow thru ventilation. Compressors generate heat and you want to get rid of that heat ASAP.

I would make sure that any valves that I used are the same I.D. as the air line or larger. I like the full flow ball valves.

So I need a valve with a 5/8 hole? Ant suggestions?

You probably could get away with 1/2" full flow ball valves (1/2" i.d.) but I wouldn't go any smaller. There aren't any 5/8" Ball valves, so you'd have to bump it up to 3/4". I believe a 5/8 hole is roughly 60% larger than a 1/2" hole (area wise). While a 3/4" ball valve is overkill, I don't know what the I.D. of the fittings are that you need to get back to 5/8" I.D. air line.

I found some.. They say 1/2" on the side but the hole measures 5/8".. I'm gonna run in sweated hard copper (free).

Boy, that looks really nice, BGK!

Thanks Todd..

Anyone got pics of manifolds?

Running it in copper will be nice! I'd run a 2' or so section of flexible line before the compressor hits the hard copper to keep the vibrations away from the copper. That sounds like a great system! Look on sites that have Pex tubing manifolds for ideas.

I was actually thinking of running a 18" section of braided stainless to a manifold that I mount on the back wall of the box.. Then I can take the pump out without disturbing the manifold and lines or vise versa..

That'll work too! Swivel ends on the braid.

Yep.. What's your thoughts on quick release ends, make it even easier to repair/clean..

Looks good - congrats!
Things are beginning to come together ….

Here’s a idea for a compressor cover that has served me well.
Igloo Po-Boy cover- more than six years old – no fan - only vent holes - motor running strong 24/7 – no pressure loss!



¼ hp Gast roatary vane compressor from Bill Cody

Can you get them with a large enough I.D. and not break the bank?

George, that looks like a nice set-up. Good idea putting it upside down, I've had coolers sitting outside in the rain right side up and they've ended up with a couple of inches of rain in them with the lid closed.

Think your right.. For the cost its not worth it. I can handle a couple wrenches quite well.. I picked up all my copper fittings/barbs and valves.. What do you guys recommend for a blowoff valve, and do you think i need a valve to shut off all 3 valves like main shutoff? How many pounds should my pressure guage read up to any suggestions on brand?

Also Cool set up George1, where did you get those vents?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BOAT-VENT...=item2a0b3042ef

These would make cool vents..

Funny you should ask. I was just researching it today for another member here. His windmill system operates up to 25 psi, so a gauge 0-30 would work fine. Our esteemed Mr. Cody said liquid filled (glycerine) gauges weren't a necessity, but for the $3 difference I'll get 'em.
Liquid Filled

Dry