question about air pumps.

[PS3]

I have a Question about the air pumps that are used for air stones.
are these things water proof not like droping them in water but say if he leave
it out in the rain it wont get runed .because i have a big one that i put in a box
for winter. but now the air stones are in the skippy drum makeing air
i want to get a smaller one for the skippy with out puting it in a box
so are they water proof to some dregee

 

[Squidhead]

I have a Question about the air pumps that are used for air stones.
are these things water proof not like droping them in water but say if he leave
it out in the rain it wont get runed .because i have a big one that i put in a box
for winter. but now the air stones are in the skippy drum makeing air
i want to get a smaller one for the skippy with out puting it in a box
so are they water proof to some dregee

I haven't come across one, but that doesn't mean there isn't. All the ones I have seen all say they need to be in some sort of waterproof containment. I haven't really searche dfor one. Just haven't thought of it. I haven't bought one yet myself so I'm going to check into it myself. If you find one let me know.

 

[DrCase]

Find some kind of plastic storage tote to cover it.. then your good to go

 

[Squidhead]

Find some kind of plastic storage tote to cover it.. then your good to go

After brief research, that is what I would say to do. However, there are some options. The only smaller sized waterproof or weather proof air pumps I found are used on boats for bait or fish live wells. Since they are on boats they either use 12V DC or are battery operated. This is no problem to convert if you can do some electrical work and know how to make it water proof. So you are kind of in the same boat in a way. Get it? boat!
Anyway, there is a brand called Hailea that has some, but they are either larger scale for a pond and the small ones are expensive.

Here are 2 suggestions that come to mind.

1. Get a reliable, proper sized, energy efficient, standard airpump. Go to Lowes or Home Depot in the electrical department, near the grey PVC conduit. There should be boxes for electrical connections in different sizes. These are just plain, simple boxes with a cover that has a rubber gasket to keep out moisture. Put the pump in that and call it a day.
2. Use a powerhead or small aquarium pump with a venturi. IMO, these are more efficent then an airpump and they are submersible so you dont need anything to waterproof it.

 

[DoDad]

The most popular pumps for pond use is the Alita, Hakko, Pond master and Medo.
I do use a battery powered one from wal-mart when doing medication dips on fish.

 

[koikeepr]

Right, You cover 'em with something or put 'em under the deck. I had mine covered with one of those irrigation boxes you find in the aisles where they sell the underground sprinklers. They are black and easily disguides within landscaping and they are only around $11 based on the size you need. Just make sure to put your pump up on a brick or two so that it doesn't flood in a rainstorn.