Water Pumps & Air Stones
Pumps and air stones are essential pieces of equipment for any indoor grower. They help oxygenate your water, which is necessary for healthy plant roots. Here, we'll break down what to consider when purchasing this equipment for your indoor garden.
Air Stones for Indoor Grows
Air stones are porous pieces of material that release bubbles into your water when connected to an air pump or aquarium bubbler. The bubbles provide oxygen to your plant's roots, helping them grow healthier and more robust. Most growers use some form of air stone in their hydroponic setups to improve plants' root growth and nutrient uptake. You can get air stones made from various materials, such as ceramic, glass, or stone.
Types of Air Stones
Many types of air stones are available on the market, but they can generally be categorized as follows:
Standard Air Stones
These are round or rectangular pieces made from various materials, such as ceramic and glass. They have small holes through which the bubbles emerge. Standard air stones are popular for hydroponic setups running off an aquarium bubbler or air pump with a reservoir below the plants.
Coupling Air Stones
Sometimes called manifold air stones, these consist of one large piece of material with many small holes drilled into it to create multiple channels that release bubbles into your water. They look similar to standard stones but come in larger sizes that cover more than traditional stones, making them ideal for large indoor grows or outdoor ponds.
Diffuser Air Stones
Diffuser air stones have a porous material covering a small hole in the center. They come in different shapes and sizes, but the most common type is round, with a diameter of about 2 inches (5 cm). The bubbles released from diffuser air stones are very fine, making them suitable for oxygenating your water without causing too much turbulence.
Pumps for Indoor Grows
Pumps are used to circulate water and nutrients to your plants' roots. Many different types of pumps are available on the market, from small air pumps to large submersible pumps. The type of pump you need will depend on the size of your hydroponic setup and the number of plants you're growing. If you're just starting out, a small air pump is a good option. These are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. However, if you're looking to grow many plants, you'll need a more powerful and robust submersible pump.
If you're looking to set up an indoor garden, consider investing in pumps and air stones. This equipment will help your plants grow healthy and strong. Whether you use a standard or coupling stone or a small or large pump, these products can help improve the health and vigour of your plants.
