Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Aeration tubing size recommendations

What are the recommended weighted tubing sizes for 100, 200, 300 foot aeration lines?

Hey there!! It depends on how much air you are putting through the lines, but under normal circumstances something around 1/2" ID is fine.

Tom,
Unless you have a large pond, you wouldn't be running 300' in the pond. As I recall, you asked earlier about a run of a few hundred feet up over your dam. Just pointing out that the run TO your pond can be done with simple poly tubing like they use for irrigation/landscaping. That is much cheaper than weighted tubing. You can get 5/8 or 3/4" poly tubing for cheap in 500' rolls. Put a manifold/valve distribution box together at your pond, then run weighted tubing into the pond and to your diffuser locations. For a simple setup where you're 2 CFM per diffuser, the 1/2" weighted tubing Sue recommends won't have a large pressure drop for a hundred feet or less. I would do the pressure drop calc if I had >2 CFM or >100' per leg.

Thanks for the quick replies Sue and DNic. I have been comparing prices on system components. 3/8 weighted tubing is about 30 to 40 percent cheaper than 1/2 tubing. If there is no real decrease in performance at the distances I asked about then there would be quite a bit of savings in using the 3/8. DNic. I do plan to use common air line to the manifold but will still have three long supply lines to my diffusers. I am planning to do this project next spring and I am trying to find out the ballpark costs before I engage with salespeople. I appreciate the tip about the possible problems of having the pump below the water level behind the dam. I want a first rate system but I also want a competitive price so I am doing some research.
Tom Sterling (Shelby County)

I've never liked working with the 3/8" ID. It does create quite a bit of back pressure. It's ok if you are working with project.... What compressor are you using?

Hi Sue, I am working from the Vertex recommended system that your representative sent me. She recommended your larger compressor with three 1/2 inch lines of 375, 325, and 175 lengths. That amounts to close to $2000 for 1/2 inch line delivered. 3/8inch line is available for less than a dollar a foot delivered in 300 foot rolls. I am comparing costs of just under $2000 to @ $900. If the compressor can handle the job and the water turn over rate is acceptable then I could save $1000. I keep reading on PB that air can be pushed a long way with little cost compared to electricity so I am asking for details.