Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Diffuser configuration (picture)

Hello all,
I want to add more diffusers to my system. Would Fig 1 deliver the proper CFM's to each diffuser OK? Or would Fig 1 and Fig 2 be the same? I am using 1/2 tubing. Thanks for any help.

Bob:

Are all the diffusers going to be at the same depth? If not, I think parallel (#2) hookup would definitely be needed so that the flow to each diffuser could be adjusted separately (via valves at the point the lines split, on shore).

Otherwise, I believe the relative "resistance" to airflow inherent in the diffusers and the 1/2" inch line would determine which could be used. If the diffuser resistance is much, much greater than that of the airline, series installation (#1) could be used. The aeration pros would have a very good idea whether or not that would be the case (and also whether or not I'm full of fertilizer).

Without valves to each diffuser the air will tend to go to the path of least resistance. Two main things will affect the resistance 1. depth of the diffuser and 2. length of airline (longer is more resistance). If the farthest diffusers are deepest then they may not get air in your current Figure 1 design. Figure 2 is okay if you have a valve on each airline. The compressor should be 3/4 hp to get adequate air flow and fair to good water circulation.

Hi Bob -
Figure 2 is the way to go, otherwise as Bill and Theo said, all the air will go to the path of least resistance.

Bob, Also note the Vertex diffusers pictured (as with most diffusers)have a range of operating cfm, too little and you cant keep them open or clean too much cfm can stretch them out and cause premature wear and the center check valve to malfunction and is a waste of power. In figure 1 depending on the size of the pump a lot of the air would go to the 100 ft run assuming a 3/4 hp vane @ 8.8 cfm and assuming the units were all at the same depth.Once the 100 ft diffuser maxed out (over stretched)air would be forced to the next in line would be the 200 ft run etc etc.Each diffuser in Fig 1 has a different friction loss to overcome since the supply tube gets longer, back to path of least resistance, If figure 1 was a 4.2 cfm pump you might open 3 or 4 discs.1 1/2 - 2 diffusers or you may have a small amount of air at each diffuser but not a lot of lifting capacity out of any of them.Figure 2 is the way to go but you still have to size the diffusers to the pump and vice versa.With the 4 unit set up as pictured a 3/4 hp(Gast 1023) 8.8 cfm vane will power those units a 1/4 hp (Gast 0523) 4.2 cfm will not.

:D

Looks like a Mickey Mouse setup to me.