Pond air pump advice needed, please.

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I'm thinking of installing a pond air pump to benefit my fish and have been reading reviews of various makes available here in the UK. I'm now totally lost and have no idea which type to go for. Could anyone give some pointers as to what I need, if possible, and hopefully give me some advise from any experiences they may have had rather than me relying solely on sales blurb and dodgy reviews?

I saw a Blagdon 2 air pump, but reviews were saying it has problems with the diaphragm and other internal bits failing after only a short while of operation.

I need something that's easy to install, maintain and operate as I have to do things on my own now, and electricity isn't my best subject! I was amazed to find a lot of pumps aren't watertight and have to be housed inside somewhere...not a problem as I have what folks assume is a dog kennel that houses my filter and electrical connections. My pond is approx 1400 UK gallons.
Thanks!
 
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I run the PondMaster AP - 20. I just changed the diaphragms ( it has two ) on it yesterday, as it's been running continuously for a year and wanted to take care of that before winter.
 

peter hillman

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I used a tupperware type container, cut holes for the power and air outlets to protect it from weather.
 
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Thanks for the replies ppl.
From what I'm finding out the Pondmaster series are not available here in the U.K. I've googled every reference to them. Postage adds a lot to the cost so it looks like a visit to the garden centre/pond shop is looming. Just wondered if any UK ponders had any suggestions a to a reliable brand?

Thanks for the tip about using a plastic box. Hopefully I should have room within the wooden pump house for one, would you still advise using a plastic box if it's in there? Do they not have problems with condensation inside an enclosed box?
 

cas

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Can you get Laguna in the UK? I have a Laguna Aerator PT-1630 and a Laguna Air Pump Kit 45, PT-1620. Depends on how much power you want. I use the Laguna Aerator PT-1630 in the winter to keep a hole in the ice. My first one lasted 10 years before I had to replace it. It was still running but not putting out as much air. The Laguna Air Pump Kit 45, PT-1620.is much more powerful and I use it in the summer. It has a 12 Tap Air Manifold to allow for 12 air stones- I only use 2. I have had it two years so far.

I protect both of them with overturned flower pots.
aerator - winter.JPG
 

Mmathis

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Thanks for the replies ppl.
From what I'm finding out the Pondmaster series are not available here in the U.K. I've googled every reference to them. Postage adds a lot to the cost so it looks like a visit to the garden centre/pond shop is looming. Just wondered if any UK ponders had any suggestions a to a reliable brand?

Thanks for the tip about using a plastic box. Hopefully I should have room within the wooden pump house for one, would you still advise using a plastic box if it's in there? Do they not have problems with condensation inside an enclosed box?
I think the plastic-box-solution is for when you DON'T have a secure, covered area to keep the pump. If you have a sheltered area, you should be OK. Have you Googled Danner? I think that's the same pump as the PondMaster, and maybe that one is available where you are. @Dave 54 might be a good resource, as well.
 

sissy

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I got a laguna 2 years ago with a 3 year warranty and it came with air stones and lines and repair parts are much cheaper than other brands .I have not had 1 problem with mine yet and bonus it came with the metal 12 ports to add 12 air stones .I put 1 in each filter and one in my lily pond and had lots left over for my pond .I paid 149 dollars for mine here not sure what your price would be and if they have them there
 

peter hillman

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Thanks for the replies ppl.
From what I'm finding out the Pondmaster series are not available here in the U.K. I've googled every reference to them. Postage adds a lot to the cost so it looks like a visit to the garden centre/pond shop is looming. Just wondered if any UK ponders had any suggestions a to a reliable brand?

Thanks for the tip about using a plastic box. Hopefully I should have room within the wooden pump house for one, would you still advise using a plastic box if it's in there? Do they not have problems with condensation inside an enclosed box?
If you have an enclosed box already I'd skip the plastic box. Mines not air/water tight it just keeps the rain and snow off it. And I like the flower pot house idea also, they just need to be out of the weather. But hmmm, your in the UK where I've heard dampness is a part of life. Still, it'll be fine, make sure you protect the end plug also.
 

mrsclem

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Sissy- I have the same air pump. Do you run yours in the winter? I have been bringing mine in and using a cheaper one as mine is on a milk crate covered with a tote. Learned the hard way to use check valves. I lost power and the pump had water pouring out of it! Opened it up, let it dry out for a couple of days and its fine.
 
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I got tired of placing tiny check valves into each hose and learned I could put one large check valve, going into the pump. Don't know why I never figured this out before - LOL !
 

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