Air Manifolds perform two basic functions: First, they allow the adjustment of air flow to two or
more air stones or air diffusers in order to insure that equal air flow is provided to each air diffuser or air stone.
Additionally, the air manifold allows excess air pressure from the pump to escape. If excess back pressure is allowed
to reach the air pump for extended periods of time, this pressure can cause pump diaphragm failure. Excess back pressure
can result from crushed air tubing, or from an inadequate number of air stones or diffusers. In a nut shell, you need
to allow all the air that the pump provides to escape and not be restricted or trapped.
The air manifold allows you to connect your air stones or diffuser to the airline from the manifold, and then open one
unused port on the manifold to allow excess pressure (If any) to escape. How do you know if you have excess air pressure?
....Connect the diffuser or air stone to the manifold. Open the valve that the air stone is connected to and close the spare
air outlet on the manifold. Turn on the air pump. While watching the bubbles in your pond, slowly open the spare air valve
on the air manifold. If air escapes from this spare outlet without noticeably decreasing the bubbles in your pond, then you
have allowed excess pressure to escape. If when you open the spare air valve on the manifold, a noticeable decrease in
bubbles in the pond is seen, then there is probably no excess pressure. Just leave the spare air outlet on the manifold
closed or almost closed. The idea here is to allow all the air to vent...either in the pond or through the spare air
outlet on the manifold.
Our Manifolds include barbed fittings that will push into 1/2 inch I.D. tubing. An inexpensive way to protect your air
pump from back pressure and to regulate air to multiple diffusers.
Click here to view a typical manifold installation
Select an air manifold with at least one air outlet more than you need.
;)
