Sandponics (iAVs)

Air pumps provide aeration to the fish tank. Aeration is essential for maintaining healthy fish, plants, and microbial populations in the system.

While air pumps are not always necessary in an iAVS system (as waterfalls or other forms of water movement can also provide aeration), they are a good backup option in case of power outages or other disruptions to the system. In particular, air pumps with battery backup can help to ensure that fish and plants continue to receive adequate oxygen even during power outages.

Air pumps can also buffer against algae consuming oxygen at night. Algae are photosynthetic organisms that produce oxygen during the day but consume it at night when there is no sunlight available for photosynthesis. This can lead to low dissolved oxygen levels in the water column if there is not enough aeration present.

There are several types of air pumps available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

1. Diaphragm Air Pumps

Diaphragm air pumps are commonly used in iAVS systems due to their reliability and low cost. They work by using a rubber diaphragm to compress air and push it through a tube into the fish tank. While they are generally reliable, they can be noisy and may require regular maintenance.

2. Piston Air Pumps

Piston air pumps are another option for iAVS systems. They work by using a piston to compress air and push it through a tube into the fish tank. They are generally more expensive than diaphragm air pumps but are quieter and require less maintenance.

3. Rotary Vane Air Pumps

Rotary vane air pumps are another option for iAVS systems, but they are less commonly used due to their high cost. They work by using rotating vanes to compress air and push it through a tube into the fish tank. While they are quiet and efficient, they may not be necessary for smaller iAVS systems.

4. Linear Piston Air Pumps

Linear piston air pumps are similar to piston air pumps but use a linear motor instead of a rotary motor to compress air. They are generally more expensive than diaphragm or piston air pumps but offer higher efficiency and longer lifespan.

Overall, the choice of air pump for an iAVS system will depend on factors such as system size, budget, noise level requirements, and maintenance needs. Diaphragm air pumps may be suitable for smaller systems with lower budgets, while larger systems may benefit from more efficient options such as linear piston or rotary vane air pumps.

Blowers are another option for providing aeration to the fish tank in iAVS systems.

Unlike air pumps, blowers use a fan to push air through a diffuser into the water. There are several types of blowers available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

1. Positive Displacement Blowers

Positive displacement blowers work by using lobes or screws to compress air and push it through a diffuser into the water. They are generally more expensive than air pumps but offer higher efficiency and longer lifespan.

2. Centrifugal Blowers

Centrifugal blowers work by using a fan to push air through a diffuser into the water. They are generally less expensive than positive displacement blowers but may not be as efficient.

3. Regenerative Blowers

Regenerative blowers work by using an impeller to create high-pressure airflow that is pushed through a diffuser into the water. They are generally less expensive than positive displacement blowers but may not be as efficient.

Overall, the choice of blower for an iAVS system will depend on factors such as system size, budget, noise level requirements, and maintenance needs. Positive displacement blowers may be suitable for larger systems with higher budgets and efficiency requirements, while smaller systems may benefit from more cost-effective options such as centrifugal or regenerative blowers.

The research conducted on iAVS systems has used a variety of blowers to provide aeration to the fish tank.

In the initial research, a centrifugal blower was used to provide aeration to the fish tank. This blower was found to be effective but noisy, which led to the exploration of other options.

In later research, positive displacement blowers were used instead of centrifugal blowers. These blowers were found to be more efficient and quieter than centrifugal blowers, making them a better option for iAVS systems.

Overall, positive displacement blowers are a good option for iAVS systems due to their efficiency and low noise level. However, they may be more expensive than other options such as centrifugal or regenerative blowers. The choice of blower will depend on factors such as system size, budget, and noise level requirements.