Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Converting from windmill to electric

I currently aerate my pond with a windmill and a Vertex CoActive Air Station using 3/8" weighted tubing. My question is can I use 3/8" weighted tubing with the following conditions

Vertex CoActive Air Station
Length of run 110'
Diffuser depth 16'
Compressor CFM 4.0

It depends and it depends mostly on the available pressure of the air compressor. Smaller diameter hoses /tubes cause more friction of high cfm air passing through the tubing, especially when the tubing length increases. If the pump is a rotary vane with lower psi rating, then I would suggest going to a larger diameter tubing so there is less or minimal back pressure on the compressor. However if the pump has a high psi rating (35+ psi) then the pump can easily handle the increased back pressure caused by small diameter hose. The pump needs to produce about 8 to 9 psi at 16ft deep; more psi if the airline length is long. 9-10 psi is at the upper recommended operational psi range for a rotary vane pump. But a pump with ample psi 30-50psi is not under much increased stress when the 3/8 dia hose of 110ft is used.

Bill gives you good information. If your Vertex Air Station is or will be a Generation 3 it can take the 4 cfm but is in the upper range of suggested operation. If you are not committed to 4 cfm use a much smaller compressor for a Co Active (dual head station)

Thanks for the info. The compressor based on what I can determine is 3.5 to 4.0 CFM. Pressure is not a problem as the relief valve is set to pop at 45 psi but can be changed. I guess my question is what happens if you overpressure the Co Active air station? Does it rupture the membrane?

Over 'pressuring' or applying too much cfm to a membrane diffuser will likely lead to rupture or causing the membrane to pull loose from the perimeter retainer. Over 'pressuring' also causes the membrane pores to over expand or enlarge beyond the optimum size and produce a larger bubble thus reducing the upwelling flow rate, reducing the size of the boil, and ultimately reducing the time it takes for a pond turnover. You loose efficiency. As the membrane ages, over 'pressuring' it will lead to premature failure of the membrane - shortens the life span.

One easy option to reduce this problem is to add a valve to the manifold and bleed off some of the excess air. Or add a second diffuser to the system.