Air Compressor Setup

mscher

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Apr 21, 2004
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I am in the process of building an farm pond aerator and purchased this surplus compressor. It ths 1/3HP, 60 PSI max, 3 CFM.

There is no setup instructions, so I need to wing it. As shown in the photo, it has (2) 3/8" openings and (1) 1/4" opening. The pump pumps strong, If I hold my finger over one of the larger ports, with the hose attached to the other. The 1/4" does not seem to push or pull air, so I'm not sure what it does.

I know it should have a muffler, plus I cant really figure out where the air intake is.

Anyone have any ideas on how to set this up and what else I need to buy?

Link to image

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4689492134_aba64e607b_b.jpg
 

bruceb58

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Mar 5, 2006
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30,611
Re: Air Compressor Setup

You should probably buy a pump that is specifically made for what you want to do. You need a high volume low pressure pump and that one is the complete opposite. It is also probably not designed to run at a 100% duty cycle either.
 

mscher

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Re: Air Compressor Setup

You should probably buy a pump that is specifically made for what you want to do. You need a high volume low pressure pump and that one is the complete opposite. It is also probably not designed to run at a 100% duty cycle either.

Really hoping to get some useful information here.

Similar pumps, already set up, run from $350-$600. The spec on this pump, are nearly the same, as the pumps, that are sold in the pond aeration kits, which start at $1200 and up.

I would not have purchased a compressor for aeration, that did not have a 100% duty cycle.
 

mla2ofus

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Dec 30, 2008
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Re: Air Compressor Setup

Unless you wanting to aerate to prevent freezing over in the winter, wouldn't it be cheaper to install a submersible pond pump and a fountain to oxygenate the water?
Mike
 

Tim Frank

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Jul 29, 2008
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Re: Air Compressor Setup

Really hoping to get some useful information here.

And with a less condescending attitude maybe you will....:rolleyes:
Bruce has given you some good advice...just not what you wanted to hear.

Aerating a farm pond? How big, how deep, what temps? What are you trying to accomplish?
Keep it open, or aerate it for fish survival?...or something else?

Really hoping to get some useful information here.

Yup...that would help us too....:D
 

dolluper

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Jul 19, 2004
Messages
3,904
Re: Air Compressor Setup

a pressure regulator,cut out switch and a storage tank and more plumping parts...otherwise you running all day....cap all the holes but one nipple block regulator {adjustable type 8 bones}reducers,expanders and quick release connector and blow as you go redneck operation
 

mscher

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Apr 21, 2004
Messages
1,424
Re: Air Compressor Setup

And with a less condescending attitude maybe you will....:rolleyes:
Bruce has given you some good advice...just not what you wanted to hear.

Aerating a farm pond? How big, how deep, what temps? What are you trying to accomplish?
Keep it open, or aerate it for fish survival?...or something else?



Yup...that would help us too....:D

Didn't mean to sound negative, but I already have a air compressor that I needed help setting up. I did not need to buy another one.

I'm aerating a 1/4 acre farm pond, using and airstone on the bottom, the deepest, about 14ft. The water needs to be oxygenated, to help dissolve muck. clearing the nutrients, will help control weeds.
 

mscher

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Apr 21, 2004
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1,424
Re: Air Compressor Setup

a pressure regulator,cut out switch and a storage tank and more plumping parts...otherwise you running all day....cap all the holes but one nipple block regulator {adjustable type 8 bones}reducers,expanders and quick release connector and blow as you go redneck operation

You're pretty close. The pump is designed to run constantly, directly into a hose, that feeds an airstone, on the bottom of the pond.

A check valve and a pressure relief vlave, are what belongs in the two larger ports. The vendor did not include them, before shipping.

Thanks for everyone's help.
 

mscher

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Apr 21, 2004
Messages
1,424
Re: Air Compressor Setup

Unless you wanting to aerate to prevent freezing over in the winter, wouldn't it be cheaper to install a submersible pond pump and a fountain to oxygenate the water?
Mike

I have considered it, but I need to move water in the lower depths of the pond. This is where the stratified water layer sits, with less oxygen and little movement, to move the muck.

A sump pump may have trouble keeping from being fouled by debris, if it is near the bottom. Also, since it is a smaller pond with no constant water supply, a fountain will cause water to evaporate.

A bubbler oxygenates water and the rising bubbles, moves water towards the surface. Keeping a section ice-free in the winter, is hepful too.
 
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