Comparing Aeration Diffusers - Which Diffuser Is Right For You?
Welcome to our diffuser comparison page. The page is designed to help you understand and compare the efficiencies of a variety of different air diffusers.* If you are interested in comparing a diffuser not listed here please contact us and one of our aeration experts will assist you.
There are a few things to keep in mind when comparing just how efficient a diffuser is. First, aeration is most effective when the air bubbles are very small. Small bubbles increase diffusion of oxygen from the air into the water. More importantly, the rising bubbles circulate the water in the lake or pond. The smaller the bubbles, the more efficient they are at both oxygen diffusion and circulating the water.
Second, an aerator's standard aeration efficiency (SAE) is an important consideration when comparing one diffuser or aerator with another. The SAE can be calculated by measuring the aerator’s oxygen transfer and the amount of energy used per horsepower, per hour, under standard conditions. An SAE of 2.1, for example, means that 2.1 pounds of oxygen per horsepower, per hour, are transferred to the water under standard conditions. The higher the SAE, the higher the oxygen transfer, the higher the efficiency.
Lastly, keep in mind that SAE numbers are a fair comparison only when comparing aeration equipment of the same exact type. (Same construction materials, configuration of the porous air material, etc). Informed consumers cannot use the SAE as their only tool in the selection of an aeration system.
Diffuser Type |
CFM Range |
Bubble Size |
Linear Lift |
Active Surface Area (sq. in.) |
Inversion Rate per 1 CFM (GPD) |
4” Air Stone |
½ - 4 |
100 – 400* |
11.00” |
18.00 |
|
6” Air Stone |
1/2 - 5 |
100 – 400* |
15.00” |
27.00 |
|
9” Air Stone |
½ - 6 |
100 – 400* |
21.00” |
39.38 |
|
8” Diaphragm Disk |
1 -7 |
500 -1000 |
28.30” |
60.10 |
|
¼ - 2 |
100 - 700 |
31.20” |
36.76 |
|
|
2 – 6 |
100 - 700 |
37.38” |
113.40 |
|
|
½ - 2 (1) |
50 – 500 |
48.00” |
75.38 |
360,000 |
|
2” x 24” Tube |
½ - 4 |
|
48.00” |
75.00 |
|
2 – 8 |
45 – 500 |
61.67” |
185.00 |
|
|
¼ - 4 |
100 - 700 |
62.40” |
73.51 |
|
|
3” x 36” Tube |
½ - 4 |
|
72.00” |
170.00 |
|
1 – 4 (2) |
50 – 500 |
96.00” |
150.72 |
744,000 |
|
2 - 8 |
45 – 500 |
61.67” |
|
|
|
Mix Air RB4 |
1.5 – 4.5 |
100 - 700 |
144.00” |
192.00 |
|
Predator – Six Shooter |
2 – 6 (3.5) |
50 – 500 |
168.00” |
263.00 |
888,000 |
3 - 12 (6) |
50 – 500 |
196.00” |
308.00 |
1,464,000 |
|
2 – 7 |
100 - 700 |
216.00” |
254.46 |
|
|
4 – 10 (5) |
50 – 500 |
240.00” |
376.00 |
1,584,000 |
|
6 – 12 (8) |
50 – 500 |
276.00” |
433.00 |
1,764,000 |
|
6 – 10 |
100 - 700 |
288.00” |
339.28 |
|
|
Mix Air TA22 |
10 – 15 |
50 – 500 |
366.00” |
574.89 |
|
*Aquatic Biologists, Ins has made every possible effort to insure all information listed on this page is accurate as of the last update. It is your responsibility to verify the data offered. By using any of these links or information provided here, you agree to hold harmless and without liability, Aquatic Biologists, Inc. You are responsible for validating your own information. Manufactures of equipment listed are encouraged to contact Aquatic Biologists, Inc to correct any information listed in error.
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