Air Stones - what are they?

[NorthofEngland]

Today I bought my first hydroponic system - an Atami Wilma Big 9.
It's already in place in my 4 x 4 tent, under a 600w dual spectrum HID with a 6'' RVK rhino fan/filter.

For those that don't know let me explain that the Wilma is a 140lt reservoir (48'' x 45'' x 22'' - like a child's paddling pool), with a 'floor' that fits over the reservoir, where the 9 x 18lt Pots stand. A Maxijet 1000 pumps fluid from the reservoir through tubing directly into the growing medium (clay pebbles in my case) within each individual pot.

I will mix my tap water and nutrients (canna A&B) in a 10lt container, take levels for pH and EC. Adjust where necessary. When correct I will pour it into the res ten litres a time.

AIR STONES.
When reading others opinions about hydroponic set ups (I believe they are sometimes referred to as 'Hempy's'?) occasionally I have read about 'air stones' being kept in the reservoir....

What are air stones and what purpose do they serve?

 

[GrowersWarehouse]

Today I bought my first hydroponic system - an Atami Wilma Big 9.
It's already in place in my 4 x 4 tent, under a 600w dual spectrum HID with a 6'' RVK rhino fan/filter.

For those that don't know let me explain that the Wilma is a 140lt reservoir (48'' x 45'' x 22'' - like a child's paddling pool), with a 'floor' that fits over the reservoir, where the 9 x 18lt Pots stand. A Maxijet 1000 pumps fluid from the reservoir through tubing directly into the growing medium (clay pebbles in my case) within each individual pot.

I will mix my tap water and nutrients (canna A&B) in a 10lt container, take levels for pH and EC. Adjust where necessary. When correct I will pour it into the res ten litres a time.

AIR STONES.
When reading others opinions about hydroponic set ups (I believe they are sometimes referred to as 'Hempy's'?) occasionally I have read about 'air stones' being kept in the reservoir....

What are air stones and what purpose do they serve?

Air stones are porous stones that attach to air hoses to help diffuse oxygen into your water. Pathogens that harm your plants roots grow anaerobically meaning they do not need oxygen. Beneficial bacteria that help your roots fight off pathogens grow with oxygen.

 

[superstoner1]

Think little bubbles in a fish tank. That's an air stone. And that idea of doing 10l at a time will get very old very quick. One time mixing everything is more than enough.

 

[waterdawg]

Not sure if anyone agrees but i mix my everything in my res as I fill it. Is it necessary to have an airstone in that setup? Not really familliar with that system but I would think that any system where the roots are not summerged would not require one. Perhaps Im way wrong so others will likely offer advice lol.

 

[ASMALLVOICE]

Some form of agitation is beneficial to a healthy res. Circulation pumps are okay, but they can raise the temp in the res. to dangerous levels.( warm assists bacteria and fungus) If you plan on an extended interval between fill ups( 5-7 days or more), I would go with an air stone or two. I have a 28 gallon res and I fill it once a week. I have 2-10" air stones going 24/7 and have had 0 issues to date.

Peace and Great Grows

Asmallvoice

 

[waterdawg]

My setup is a bit different as it is kind of a flood and drain setup but the pump runs 24/7 so yes water gets moved around a lot lol. Actually a buddy of mine has a euro garden and he added a airstone to his res and he said things seemed to improve quite a bit. I have no issues with the pump re: heat but I do shut things down in the warm months. Also I did a trial run with my pumps and the temp was 2 degrees higher with the pump running versus off.

 

[JohnnySocko]

FWIW airstones clog and can create back pressure on a diaphram air pump (lowering its service life)...ntm a bad airstone can lead to root rot...my personal aeration choice is a powerhead with a venturi line: cheaper, more reliable, more efficient

 

[billy4479]

FWIW airstones clog and can create back pressure on a diaphram air pump (lowering its service life)...ntm a bad airstone can lead to root rot...my personal aeration choice is a powerhead with a venturi line: cheaper, more reliable, more efficient

I haven't seen a power head in years / I used to see the at petsmart but I haven't seen one in about 8-10 years .

 

[JohnnySocko]

I haven't seen a power head in years / I used to see the at petsmart but I haven't seen one in about 8-10 years .

UR prolly right, bcuz UG filters went outta vogue a while ago
....a better term nowadays would be waterpump...some of the Azoo's & Maxijets et et come with venturi attachments... If you check out Amazon, they got plenty under $15...and when comparing the reliablity and service life vs. a pump/airstone combo; well there is no comparison...trust me I've owned dozens upon dozens of both

 

[PetFlora]

Hey, ASM, miss your thread.

My experience is opposite of yours. I have been using 160 gph cir pump in ~ 4 gallon rez (2 in fact) for 1.8 grows. Temp increase negligible. It cycles the entire 4g ~ 40xs per day.

No issues other than needing to cover it with a nylon sock to keep debris out. Nearing the finish line on current grow. Absolutely no pH issues that could be attributed to this pump.

As you know, I have the riser connected to a hydro halo drip ring which perches ~ 5" above a tray with river rock. Strong streams of nutes splash directly on RR then cascade back into the rez.

I do this to provide massive oxygenation 24/7 + as a bonus splashing on/over the RR creates an energy called chi.

Drop by to see how fast the buds are developing

For those who don't know, you can see pics of my High Energy Rez set up

Air Pump /stones perfect for starter/cloner.

I use a 35l/d air pump pushing 4 large oxystones in my DIY starter/cloner. I get great root development. Instead of growing one long fish bone root (you'll know when you see it) I keep the taps trimmed within ~ 2" below the net pot. This causes more roots to be created at the base, which makes for a better anchored plant, plus provides more roots for the halo drip rings to feed.

Some form of agitation is beneficial to a healthy res. Circulation pumps are okay, but they can raise the temp in the res. to dangerous levels.( warm assists bacteria and fungus) If you plan on an extended interval between fill ups( 5-7 days or more), I would go with an air stone or two. I have a 28 gallon res and I fill it once a week. I have 2-10" air stones going 24/7 and have had 0 issues to date.

Peace and Great Grows

Asmallvoice