A solar powered air pump - a trial

[fredg]

To parallel my trials of solar powered water pumps I thought I'd see how effective the solar powered air pumps are. So far it's impressive that the pump works albeit at a reduced rate even in heavy cloud so giving a much extended operating time as compared to the water pumps which really need direct sunlight to kick them off.

I would think that incorporating both solar pump types in an installation would greatly help due to the increased water movement and water oxygenation.

 

[David F]

Nice video Fred, I look forward to updates, what are your thoughts on air. vs. water pump? They accomplish the same thing, but do you thing either would be better?

 

[fredg]

That is still to be determined David.

 

[fredg]

Pump No.2 is now in operation, the temporary (supplied) air stone is in a tray of 12 x 11 cm pond pots/baskets of Utricularia. This I intend change to smaller stones with air volume control valves which will be placed in the narrow spaces between the bottoms of the pots.

 

[fredg]

The trial with the air pumps has been a bit of a let down. The first pump is great and is still pumping away in daylight. Pump #2 lasted a week after installation so I replaced it and pump #3 lasted for about 3 hours. Both of these are en route to Amazon for full refunds. I have decided to go with water pump #4 for Darlingtonia tray #4 and the existing air pump will go into a Utricularia tray.
Considering that I can buy 3 water pumps for the (new increased) price of an air pump it's no contest.

 

[fredg]

The video update.