Air System

[jcunningham0295]

Well, finally got my sir system up, but does not work as expected. I purchased a LPH80 which is 82 LPM @ 1.5 PSI and rated for 60-80 outlets, but when I open up more outlets at the end of my run, my sponge filters at the beginning stop bubbling. Here are some pics. I am thinking I may need the next size up which is the LPH100 based on how my system is designed using 117 LPM @ 1.5 PSI. I am running 1 1/2' pvc out into a tee and then still 1 1/2' from the tee reduced down to 1" where all the valves are installed. Any thoughts?

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[slimbolen99]

You may want to create a loop using the PVC. If you start at the end of your PVC run, and run PVC all the way back into a T located between your first air valve and the air pump, I think you'll get better results. Making a loop will help equalize the pressure in the entire pvc system.

This image might help visualize it a bit. The upper right side is the outlet from the air pump, the left side continues back to the beginning of the loop (there are multiple loops on this system, thus the two pieces of pvc going left...but your system would only need one.

[markh]

Josh,
Your pipe maybe to large for the pump to supply that much volume and still maintain enough pressure to get the air down to your tanks. I have never heard of anyone using 1 1/2" pvc for their air supply lines. The largest I have used and heard of anyone using was 1" so they could maintain enough pressure in the line to supple the tanks. Anyway, just a thought. Good luck!!

Mark H.

[jcunningham0295]

Josh,
Your pipe maybe to large for the pump to supply that much volume and still maintain enough pressure to get the air down to your tanks. I have never heard of anyone using 1 1/2" pvc for their air supply lines. The largest I have used and heard of anyone using was 1" so they could maintain enough pressure in the line to supple the tanks. Anyway, just a thought. Good luck!!

Mark H.

Mark,

I am using 1 1/2" out from them pump and then reduced to 1" where my valves are. This was a suggesstion i received to get the most out of it at the beginning. Is this not required?

Josh

[markh]

Josh,
I guess if someone told you to use 1 1/2" pvc then they must have some experience using it and it must have worked for them. It seems that it may be over kill from everthing that I have heard and used. I would try and restrict some of the air flow at the end and see if I could build up more pressure in the line and get more pressure in the beginning of the line for your tanks. Be careful not to place to much back pressure on your pump so it doesn't fail prematurely. These are just a few suggestions that I have. Hope one of them works.

Mark H.

[slimbolen99]

I just noticed, but you also have the supply PVC quite a distance away from the tanks...how high above the tanks is that? The longer the airline, the more resistance. Try lowering the PVC closer to the tanks, thus shortening the length of the airline.

[Jshakour]

I think what Josh is talking about is using 1 1/2" as a muffler out of the pump itself and then reducing after about a 2 feet or so. I am doing the exact same thing....reduced to 1" PVC, however my pipe is not as high as Josh's and mine is in a loop.

[Kyle May]

I know this thread is old, but I use 1" in my room and have lots of volume...not pressure, but volume.
If you want pressure, use a smaller diameter pipe. Instead of 1", use 3/4" and your pump will raise the pressure in the line
to allow you to get deeper. The problem is that while you have pressure, you have little volume and you won't get that lid
rattling air pressure coming out of your sponges.

My 1" system creates a ton of air volume, but I cannot pump to the bottom of deep tanks....say 90's, 150's, etc.
I've planned my system around this because I feel volume is better than pressure, especially with sponge filters.
You don't need to be deep with sponge filters..they just have to be wet. Also more volume disturbs the surface
and also creates current within the tank.

kyle