Phenomena Posted July 14, 2007 Share Posted July 14, 2007 Hi all, I'm changing all my current filters on my 6x 2ft tanks to sponge filters. There will be 12 sponges run by an electromagnetic air pump. Unfortunately, these sponge filters cannot be stacked. Therefore, I need a manifold with 12 outlets instead of 6. My question is in terms of air pressure, is it better to run a long manifold and short airlines or to run long airlines from a short manifold? Or doesn't make any difference? TIA... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishdance Posted July 14, 2007 Share Posted July 14, 2007 Long manifold with short airlines is much prefered. Ideally with the manifold as a complete loop with no dead ends so there is uniform pressure all along the manifold. Having a large manifold acts as a pressure tank/chamber. It also reduces backpressure in the pump, especially the diaphram. If possible step the manifold UP a diameter size from the initial pump outlet, and dont have any ninety degree bends soon after the pump. Most ideal is a T as the first join, with both branches the same or larger diameter than the pump outlet pipe. It will help having all airline the same lengths too but this is not as critical. If you do have excess air, vent it into air or bleed into an airstone, dont just keep all the pressure in. If this is now your only filtration, I would also recommend getting a spare air pump if your livestock are expensive (or just valued) and a spare diaphram at the very least. Or get a few like minded friends together to share the backup pump. I am assuming you are aware of back siphon problems if air stops and your not keeping the pump on the ground. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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