Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Airstone question...

Hondo - No problem of using 1/2" all the way to the diffuser. I run one of my diffusers w/ a 5/8" dia garden hose which you may already have an old one you can use or the neighbor is discarding. My other diffusers use heavy duty preweighted airline. I assumed you already had a system w/ an airline already in the pond. Many weight the airline to the bottom. If you use 1/2" blk poly it will take 0.5 lb /ft to hold it on the bottom. a brick every 8-10 ft is commonly used but I find this is the most troublesome later on. Common problem, be very caucious of kinking the airline. Kinked airline will cause nothing but headaches.

Alternative to compressor in the house - consider getting yourself a doghouse or large Rubbermaid tub w/ lid or something large to house the pump in. Put some foundation vents in the side and largish holes in the bottom with window screen over holes to keep bugs, wasps, etc out. Set it up on bricks or blocks so it gets bottom airfow and heated air rises out the vents.
Compressors in the basement have to be guarded against condensate water draining back into the pump if it is shut off. I often use a water trap to collect & drain concensate water in basement units. Depending on the goals of the aeration, often they do not need to be run all the time. Compressors have bearing lives (in hrs) and in a small pond like YOURS constant circulation is not necessary. Extend the life of the compressor 3X-5X with less run time. Why are you aerating? Ducks, fish? oxygen?
For discussion of run times in MI winter see my Sept 06, 02 post to CT under topic: Should I Aerate? CT's post/question: Should I aerate All Year?

QA check valve is important if: 1. You run the system intermittently or if your compressor develops only low pressure and airflow blockage will damage the unit. To prevent damage to the compressor I encourage use of an adjustable pressure relief valve ($20). Bob K's idea works for pressure relief; don't clamp hose or not too tight to barb fitting . It is better if you have a cheap low pressure guage (30psi & $10-$12)to monitor the sys. and also trouble shoot any problems. However cheap guages are sometimes a problem w/ pulsing compressors.
I prefer check valves without springs ($8.00). Springs underwater often cause problems once they are corroded or clogged.

Your pump should have some kind of air filter, internal dirt tends to prematurely wear out compresors. Hopefull your unit come w/ one. Keep the filter clean! If it can't get air it can't blow much air.

I will reserve supplying information on homeade diffusers till next year. I want you to use John L.'s big bubble idea first. Let's test his statement.
Nose trouble: how much did you pay for 1/20hp 0.75cfm? Stoney Creek?
Did I get all your ????'s