What are air stones for hydroponics? For hydroponic systems, such as Deep Water Culture (DWC), aeration must be provided. What does an air stone do in hydroponics? The air stone, in conjunction with an air pump, is used to produce bubbles to oxygenate the plants.
If you are looking for the best air stones for your hydroponic system, here are 3 options. Remember, soak the stone according to the manufacturer’s instructions and clean it periodically with a bristle brush.
Best Air Stones for Hydroponics:
Hydrofarm
How many hydroponic air stones are stable at the bottom? If you are looking for a stone that does not float; that is robust because it withstands blows or falls; that does not clog easily and sits well on the bottom, these may be for you.
They have a micropore design that causes fine bubbles to propagate reasonably well in small to medium sized hydroponic systems.
Which means that there is good circulation of nutrients so that the solution is of quality and the roots of your vegetables grow healthily. In short, a good number of bubbles and airflow for its size and price.
These air stones have a micro-pore design that generates a good circulation of nutrients. Its dimension is 2 inches long by 2 inches in diameter (5 cm x 5 cm). Its weight is 4.8 oz (136 g).
Pros
- Sturdy and solid stones.
- Versatile for various sizes and capacities.
- Fine bubble production.
- Good price.
Cons
- Connector nozzle is too small.
Best Air Stones for Hydroponics:
Pawfly
Have you bought air stones that hardly bubbled and were damaged after the first few weeks? These are large, solid stones and good value for money.
This model is characterized by a jet volume: 1.3 L/min, so the bubble rate is decently constant. Its size is 0.8 inches deep (2 cm) by 1.2 inches (3 cm) high. Its net weight is 5 oz (178 g). Also, an air pump of more than 2W is needed for the stone.
Pros
- Economical price.
- Easy installation.
Cons
- They clog, if there is little maintenance.
Best Air Stones for Hydroponics:
Pawfly Disc Bubble
This hydroponics air stone is large in size and has a jet volume: 28L/min that creates bubbles that are small and consistent to increase oxygen solubility in the reservoir and target the roots directly.
With the adjustable valve you can control the bubble rate and there are also suction cups to fix it on the bottom, although they tend to come off a bit. Plus, it measures 8 inches (20.3 cm) deep x 1 inch (2.54 cm) high.
It also weighs 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg). It is important that you soak the stone for 6 hours. before using it. Also, an air pump of more than 15W is recommended.
Pros
- Made of high quality non-toxic mineral material.
- Good bubble volume.
Cons
- Constant maintenance.
Related Post
Are you looking for air pumps for hydroponics?
Tips for choosing an air pump
Quality
Mineral air stones are strong and durable. Metal air stones are affordable, but they corrode and release toxic particles. And the glass ones are very fragile.
Shape
A bar-shaped air stone is ideal for rectangular tanks. But it would not be functional for cylindrical tanks. For these, a disc would be ideal as it would have better bubble coverage.
Size
As a general rule of thumb, it is 1 liter per minute of airflow per 1 gallon of water in your system. So, for a 5 gallon reservoir, a minimum of 5 LPM of airflow will be required. Likewise, with a dimension of 6 inches.
Durability and operating time
Generally, 6 months to 1 year. Also, its use is all day, every week.
Security
- All hydroponics air stones must be soaked (up to 1 day maximum) before use.
- It is important to clean them frequently (every time the system is cleaned or you notice a reduction in bubbles) for good performance.