12 Volt Air Pumps & 12 Volt Diaphragm Air Compressors for DIY Solar Aeration
Building a solar aerator or battery powered lake aerator using cheap solar air pumps and direct current oilless compressors

Buy "The Pond Report" Highest Rated Solar Air Pumps
Over the years we have tested and evaluated the staying power and effectiveness of many DC 12V and 24 Volt pumps and one thing we've constantly noticed is that no matter what type of pump you buy, these 12V pumps are not going to give you years of service so buy a good cheap one! When I say cheap I don't mean some ebay special deal on a pump made in some far away country without care for product consistancy I mean buy a good qality pond pump that doesn't cost too much because you will be buying replacements every 3 to 9 months of continuos usage. If someone gives you a one year warranty then you might want to take a closer look because the pumps we use have a 3 month and 6 month warranty. That may not sound good...but that is the reality of solar dc systems as the current technology exists.

Thomas Industries - Thomas DC Pumps Reviews Overall Rating = 7/10
Thomas 5010 Air Pump - Thomas Diaphragm Pump 5002 VD BLDC - Thomas 5010 VD DC - Decent Pumps but higher than desired burnout rate and some issues in consistant pump construction. The 5010 series is in the range of 0.09 CFM @ 2.9 PSI which is barely enough to function a single small airstone and we found that parameter least pleasant. The Thomas 12 Volt 1/10hp Air Pump is similar; a good product.

Thomas 007 & 008 Series Air Pumps - Very good pressure delivering over 20 PSI and 0.6 CFM make this series decent but again the units we've seen featured in systems cooked too quick.

Thomas 907 and 2907 Series Air Compressors - These are good quality but high priced and again the inconsistancy of the units makes us a bit nervous but the fact they can deliver 3.2 CFM and 14 PSI make this little grinders seem like a good deal if you can buy a few when they fry.

Pond Report Highest Rated 12v Air Pumps & 12v Diaphragm Compressors Overall Rating = 9/10
We have seen frustration with people building a homemade solar pond aeration system and it usually stems from the heart of the matter: the air pump. We've been using the White H20™ DC Series featuring 12v diaphragm compressors made in the United States of America and smaller Air Pumps imported from partners of White for their 12 volts series who guarantee quality assurance.

WHITE-H20™ DC 12V DIAPHRAGM COMPRESSORS TOP RATED BATTERY POWERED AIR COMPRESSORS

Building a solar lake aerator isn't that difficicult if you start with a solid and reliable battery powered air compressor. These 12V workhorses have proven to be the most reliable pumps we've reviewed. These are ideal for mobile use, temporary battery-powered aeration in remote locations, emergency aeration during power failures or as the solar powered pump to ensure there are no fish losses. They are oilless with ball bearing construction and low amperage draw. Make sure your battery system amperage is compatible with the amperage draw of the air pump, see the chart below. Made in the USA these diaphragm pumps are long lasting and come with a 6 month warranty. Replaceable diaphragms and diaphragm repair kits make this low maintenance and allows you to keep the pump running for thousands of hours. Normally the brushes will need to be replaced after around 3,000 hours of usage. The smaller pump, the PR-DC201, will run for about 6 hours off a regular car or truck battery. If you have a solar charger for a battery you can easily build your own solar aerator. The low-cost of the pumps makes it affordable to use several of the units in larger ponds to provide thorough airiation in all regions of the lake or pond. Keep one of these on-hand in emergency situations when going without a bubbler is not an option! Small Battery Powered Air Compressor - $395.99 Item # PR-DC201 Price includes shipping within continental USA. Oilless DC diaphragm compressor 12V - 6 AMPS at 0PSI - 8 AMPS at 10 PSI Flowrate vs Pressure - 1.6 CFM Open Flow - 1.5 CFM @ 4 PSI - 1.3 CFM @ 6PSI - 1.1 CFM @ 8PSI MAX 9 PSI ( +/- 20 feet ) Could operate 1 - 3 diffusers in a 12 foot pond. Large Battery Powered Air Compressor- $775.95 Item # PR-DC401 Price includes shipping within continental USA. Oilless DC diaphragm compressor 12V - 15 AMPS at 0PSI - 19 AMPS at 10 PSI Flowrate vs Pressure - 3 CFM Open Flow - 2.8 CFM @ 4 PSI - 2.7 CFM @ 6PSI - 2.5 CFM @ 8PSI MAX 10 PSI ( +/- 23 feet ) Could operate 1 - 6 diffusers in a 12 foot pond. These high-flow, high-pressure compressors come with 9" pigtail wiring for quick connection to your your battery or current controller. Each one includes 2 feet of 3/8" ID outlet hose and an air inlet filter. Six Month Warranty. Made in the USA. Please ensure you know what you're doing with these 12V direct current compressors. We are not responsible for faulty installations nor can we offer design assistance. Battery aeration systems require diffusers to function efficiently and it is important to ensure your diffusers or airstones are getting the correct CFM of airflow to operate and to include any pressure loss and due to rubing lengths and diffuser back pressure. Understand the amperage draw requirements of the pump before purchasing to ensure functionality with your battery system. Starting amps can be twice the average running amps. Consult with your local solar parts supplier or technician to ensure everything will operate according to your plans and desires. PR-DC201 Repair Kit - $94.99 Item # PR-DC201RK Price includes shipping within continental USA. Brushes and Diaphragm for the White-H20™ Model PR-DC201 Small Air Compressor PR-DC401 Repair Kit - $169.95 Item # PR-DC401RK Price includes shipping within continental USA. Brushes and Diaphragm for the White-H20™ Model PR-DC401 Large Air Compressor WHITE-H20™ DC 12V AIR PUMPS TOP RATED BATTERY POWERED POND PUMPS These inexpensive battery operated pond pumps offer great emergency aeration or reliable light air pumping for smaller ponds and back-up airiation. While these pumps have low pressure capacity and are fairly low in the CFM department compared to the compressors listed above, we have still seen them supply enough air to a disc diffuser or pourous airstone which will be an excellant bubbler for most small and medium ponds with less than 8 feet of depth. Hook them up to a car battery or 12 volt supply and "Bingo"; instant bubbles! 25 Watt DC 12V Air Pump - $175.95 Item # PR-DC81 Price includes shipping within continental USA. Flowrate vs Pressure - 0.8 CFM Open Flow - 0.6 CFM @ 2 PSI - 0.25 CFM @ 4PSI MAX 4 PSI ( +/- 9 feet ) 80 Watt DC 12V Air Pump - $224.99 Item # PR-DC151 Price includes shipping within continental USA. Flowrate vs Pressure - 1.4 CFM Open Flow - 1.2 CFM @ 2 PSI - 1 CFM @ 4PSI - 0.4 CFM @ 6PSI MAX 6 PSI ( +/- 14 feet) These direct current air pumps both come with 12" pigtails for connection to your battery or solar electrical system. Also includes 6" of outlet hose (3/8" ID) and a plastic manifold for adding aquarium tubing to diffusers. This unit is designed without an air inlet filter. Not recommended for use in salt water. Three Month Warranty. Imported. Please ensure you know what you're doing with these 12V pumps as we are not responsible for faulty installations nor can we offer design assistance - contact your local solar power specialist. Remember that most solar aeration systems require diffusers to function efficiently and it is important to ensure your diffusers or airstones are getting the correct CFM of airflow to operate and to include any pressure loss and due to rubing lengths and diffuser back pressure allowances.

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BEST VALUE DIFFUSER FOR D.I.Y SOLAR AERATION PROJECTS
9" Membrane Disc Diffuser - $50 EACH
Includes shipping within continental USA.
Normal airflow range is 0–5 cfm. Equipped with 3/4" MNPT. Single disc or multiple discs can be used with linear air pumps, piston pumps, rotary vane pumps or regenerative blowers. Ideal for everything from small ponds to large lakes. Contact us with questions.
Item # PR-ED3271

Practically invisible due to their dark color, these 9 inch membrane discs are engineered for extended performance. The actual disc diffuser bodies are made of high-strength polypropylene with 3/4" MNPT connections to attach to airlines, manifolds or headers. Each diffuser has an avergae of 6,600 engineered air release orifices, 20% more than some comparable models. The special design of the matt, flexible and supple EPDM membrane, with its proprietary thickness taper, results in full utilization of the membrane surface, even at low airflow operations. This results in improved oxygen transfer efficiency, along with maximum operational flexibility. The disc diffuser has an integral "triple" check valve to prevent fluid backflow. Resistance is about 10" H2O when clean. Made in USA. Note: Diffusers are also known as airstones.

Tip: With two 9" discs and some simple plumbing parts and fittings you can build your own assembly. Two discs mounted on a weighted base are sometimes called "aerations assemblies" with brand names like the Vertex "CoActive AirStation" or the AquaMaster Aqua Air "Dual Membrane Diffuser" or the Aeration Technologies "Airpod" or the "AirBoost" or the "SCEPMD2"...you see where I'm going? Add two of these 9" Membrane discs and some plumbing on to a cement block or stone and you have a fancy-pants aerator for much less expensive than a brand name contraption!

SEE MORE OF OUR HIGHEST RATED AIRIATION DIFFUSERS | WEIGHTED AIRLINE

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It's not always possible to run some 14/3 guage wire down from the nearest hydro-electric pole across a field into a valley and around a gulley to reach a pond to power a pond aerator. A windmill is nice if you have wind but when that isn't the case the only option is to build a solar aerator. Often, as many of our friends know by looking on the Internet, a solar aeration system that has any sort of potential for long-lasting sustainabilty is going to cost upwards of $5000 and beyond. At that price I know a lot of pond owners who would rather blow bubbles into their pond through straws while canoeing to keep the fish alive and algae down!

Running an air pump off a car battery is a much cheaper option and while I am not a solar aeration engineer I know that a cheap direct current air pump or diaphragm compressor can be bought for very cheap. Now I know that an expert in solar panels and off-the-grid engineering could explain what sort of linear current booster is needed to correctly match the starting amperage and running amps of the pump but I can't even come close to understanding let alone explaining.

I know one thing though. A Direct Current 12 Volt air pump or air compressor cwill run off of a battery; a deep cycle battery, car battery or boat battery but of what sort brand or amp hour rating I couldn't tell you. All I can do is review the solar air pumps we've used and heard about over the years and offer some good, cheap pumps for you all who know what sort of solar panel set-up and current booster is required to make it work.

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