Air compressor for bubbles

[ernie9624]

I have an 80 gallon single stage air compressor in my garage is it safe to use the air from it to power air stones and sponge filters?

 

[DB junkie]

Do you work for the electric company? LOL

If you would take the compressor apart and drop it in your fish tank then I'de say yes....... I personally wouldn't......

 

[cjohll]

It could work but most air compressors are not very energy efficient.

 

[ernie9624]

I was thinking of using it to supply a manifold that would have air lines coming off and going to several tanks. I don't think the compressor would that much to keep up. I just don't do if the air coming out is safe for fish to breath

 

[mithesaint]

How do you plan to control the pressure? Depending on how high you have the compressor set, you'll have (at least) 120 PSI coming out of that hose, and will need to greatly decrease that before it goes into the tank. I'm not familiar with any pressure reducers, although I'm sure they exist. However, what if it fails, and you're suddenly pumping 120 PSI air into the tank? I can see that being a problem. Not worth the bother IMO.

Get some good aquarium quality air pumps, and make your life easier.

 

[roombo]

Bubbles really don’t put oxygen in the water that fish “breath”, breaking the surface tension creates the exchange as far as I know.

 

[andres]

As long as the gas put into the water is not harmful, the bubbles it puts into the tank should agitate the surface enough to get them healthy oxygen. Air compressor seems almost too powerful, LOTS of electricity, noise, and wear on the compressor. Very interesting idea, though.

 

[invisyblegypsey]

i would say no
1 they produce condensate and 2 as they wear they leak oil from the crank case

 

[johnptc]

i would say no
1 they produce condensate and 2 as they wear they leak oil from the crank case

compressor air is not safe to breathe with out the proper filter

i would say the same applies to your fish......... with correct air filter its ok otherwise no.

these filters are used in spray paint booths to allow the painter fresh air to breath from the house air compressor

 

[spiff]

This is a great idea, especially for a deep water application. If you price pond air pumps, you'll see that a small compressor is a cheaper alternative. Plus, with a tank, it probably won't be constantly running so it might actually be more efficient than an air pump.

Putting a filter and regulator in line would be simple.

But for a regular aquarium, it wouldn't be worth it, but neither would a pond air pump.