The 3 Best Air Diffusers for Your Hydroponic Reservoir
When running a hydroponic system, providing your reservoir with sufficient air is key to higher yields of veggies and herbs. Air diffusers can be considered a hero from this angle. Thus, it is critical to choose the best of the bests!
With the expertise of the Your Indoor Herbs team members and the combined experience of hydroponic growers, we present the top three air diffusers based on quality and reliability that can give you spectacular hydroponic harvests!
The best air diffuser for hydroponics by far is the Nano Disc Air Stone from Hygger.
However, you should be aware that this is not your only option. Other commercially available air diffusers also made the cut after our analysis. Though they may not be the absolute best money can buy, you should still consider them once you are on a really strict budget and shopping for the perfect balance of quality and price.
What are you waiting for? Hop forward to our top picks!
Great Compromise
This air diffuser can dissolve oxygen with various air pump wattages.
Best Overall
A small but powerful nanoscale air diffuser that can double the dissolved oxygen in your hydroponic system.
Runner Up
A handy air diffuser that uses a fine bubble aeration technique to elevate dissolved oxygen levels in small hydroponic systems.
Our Best 3 Air Diffusers for Hydroponics
| Features | Hygger | Bubble Bubba | Carefree Fish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimension | 4 inch | 3 inch | 12 inch |
| Weight | 430 grams | 136 grams | 150 grams |
| Air-Diffusing Capacity | 2x air diffusing action and dissolved oxygen production | Fine bubble aeration; many bubbles but not super fine bubbles | High dissolved oxygen production |
| Materials | Nanoscale, high-quality white alundum with brown alumina | Fine pore, glass-bonded silica | Nanoscale disc, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic and ceramic material |
| Air Pump Compatibility | 4-5 W | 10 to 12 W | Compatible with most pumps, but high wattage pumps are better to use |
| System Compatibility | Flexible | Hydroponic systems with smaller reservoir (<5 liters) | Hydroponic systems with bigger reservoir (>6 liters) |
| Noise Production | Quiet | Quiet | Quiet |
| Price | Middle-priced | Cheap | Expensive |
1. Hygger Nano Disc Air Stone—Best Overall
For hydroponic reservoirs, the Nano Disc Air Diffuser from Hygger produces smaller, denser, and more uniform bubbles which double the rate at which oxygen dissolves in water.
This product paved its way to the top because of its high air diffusing capacity, compatibility with most air pumps and hydroponic systems, high quality material, low noise production, and affordability.
| Product Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4 inch |
| Weight | 430 grams |
| Air-Diffusing Capacity | 2x air-diffusing action and dissolved oxygen production |
| Materials | Nanoscale, high-quality white alundum with brown alumina |
| Air Pump Compatibility | 4-5 W |
| System Compatibility | Flexible due to its high air diffusing capacity. Hydroponic systems such as deep water culture (DWC) bucket and 12-slot DWC |
| Noise Production | Quiet |
| Price | Middle-priced |
You can also get the Nano Disc Air Stone here on Hygger Online.
Pros
1. Excellent Air-Diffusing Capacity
This nano disc air diffuser creates numerous small and smooth bubbles that are densely packed together. This doubles the dissolved oxygen levels in the hydroponic reservoir, creating more air spaces for the roots.
No doubt—this air diffuser really goes beyond the expectations. This nano disc produces almost thrice of the air a normal air stone creates.
2. Compatibility With Low Wattage Air Pumps
The nano disc air diffuser is also compatible with the minimum wattage of common air pumps, which is 4 or 5 watts. With this and its air diffuser compatibility, the expected output of airflow is 3 liters per minute, which is beneficial for your hydroponic roots.
3. Compatible With Most Hydroponic Systems
Since the Nano Disc Air Stone only measures 4 inches in length and weighs 430 grams, it is ideal for deep water culture (DWC) bucket hydroponics.
However, because of its high air diffusing capacity, it can also be used in other bigger hydroponic systems reservoirs such as a 12-slot deep water culture and nutrient film technique.
4. High-Quality Material and Production
This product is produced using the power of nanotechnology. It is made out of fine, high-quality white alundum with brown alumina.
These materials are exposed to high temperatures of 1300°C to produce a smooth disc. This makes it a high quality product that is sturdy and can last up to 2–3 years!
5. Bonus Components
Aside from the main air diffuser, purchasing this also comes with bonus accessories such as 1 check valve, 1 control valve, 1 tee connector, 2 suction cups, and 1 hose reducer to connect the air lines.
Since these accessories are already included in the package, you do not need to purchase them separately. Thus, you save not only money, but even time!
6. Very Affordable
When compared to other Amazon competitors, this price is already among the lowest. This is a great choice for hydroponic garden beginners and those under a tight budget!
7. Quiet Operation
One of the most surprising aspects of this air diffuser is how quiet it is! Most gardeners complain about noisy air pumps, stones, and diffusers, so buying this one will be a huge relief if you are sensitive to noise.
Only Con
1. Prone to Clogging
Extensive checking and cleaning is required for this product since it can clog easily. Some patrons of this product reported algae growth after at least 2 weeks of usage.
2. Bubble Bubba Air Stone—Runner Up
The Bubble Bubba air stone by Bubblemac Industries, Inc. is a small air diffuser, with fine bubble aeration capacity. It is the cheapest option with promising characteristics such as durability, compact design, and compatibility with low wattage air pumps.
| Product Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3 inches |
| Weight | 136 grams |
| Air-Diffusing Capacity | Fine bubble aeration; many bubbles but not super fine bubbles |
| Materials | Fine pore, glass-bonded silica |
| Air Pump Compatibility | 10 to 12 W |
| System Compatibility | Hydroponic systems with reservoirs that can hold less than 5 liters of water (e.g. deep water culture bucket) |
| Noise Production | Quiet |
| Price | Cheap |
Pros
- Material and Design: This model is made up of a fine pore, glass-bonded silica, making it durable and easy to maintain.
- Air-Diffusing Capacity: This model is considered as a fine-pore bubble stone as it gives off a cloud of little bubbles, approximately 0.5 to 2.0 millimeters in diameter.
- Price: Cheapest air diffuser among the top three in our list.
- Bonus Components: It comes with proper cleaning instructions to prevent growth of algae and molds.
- Quiet: This option is also a quiet air diffuser.
Cons
- Power Demand: Needs strong pumps with high wattage of 10 to 12 watts.
- Bubble Size: The bubbles produced by this product are not super fine, if compared to the Hygger and Carefree air diffusers.
- System Compatibility: Compatible with small hydroponic systems only.
You can also get Bubble Bubba here on Bubblemac.
3. Carefree Fish Nano Air Strip—Great Compromise
This Nano Air Strip from Carefree Fish produces super tiny bubbles that elevate the dissolved oxygen levels.
| Product Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12 inches |
| Weight | 150 grams |
| Air Diffusing Capacity | High dissolved oxygen production |
| Materials | Nanoscale disc, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic and ceramic material |
| Air Pump Compatibility | Compatible with most pumps, but high wattage pumps are better to use |
| System Compatibility | Hydroponic systems with reservoirs that can hold more than 6 liters of water (e.g. nutrient film technique hydroponics) |
| Noise Production | Quiet |
| Price | Expensive |
Pros
- Material: It is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic and ceramic material which give the air diffuser the strength even in changing temperatures.
- Air Pump Compatibility: This air pump is compatible with most pumps. However, you must ensure that your air pump produces enough air volume because the stone requires a substantial amount to fill its entire surface!
- Air Diffusing Capacity: The strip air diffuser has the highest air-diffusing capacity since it has more uniform bubble release that gives off the highest dissolved oxygen rate.
- System Compatibility: Since it has high air-diffusing capacity, it is compatible in any hydroponic system.
- Bonus Components: Aside from the main air diffuser, this product also comes with bonus accessories such as 1 check valve, 1 control valve, 1 tee connector, 2 suction cups, and 1 hose reducer to connect the air lines.
- Quiet: This option is also a quiet air diffuser. So using this even in an indoor hydroponic garden will not disturb you if you are sensitive to noises!
- More Variants: If the strip version of this air diffuser is too big for you, this product is also available in other shapes (round and rectangular) and sizes (3-10 inches).
Cons
- Impurities: Prone to mold growth, thus extra cleaning is necessary.
- Power Demand: Although it is compatible with most pumps, it needs high-wattage air pumps to perform at its best, thus it may result in higher electric bills!
- Expensive: This is more expensive compared to other air diffusers.
You can also get the Carefree Nano Air Disc here on Ebay.
Buying Air Diffusers for Hydroponics? (7 Factors to Check!)
When I first bought an air diffuser, I did not consider any factor. I simply purchased what was in front of me, and after a few weeks, I was confronted with a faulty diffuser and a hydroponic solution with insufficient oxygenation. Long story short, I wasted time and money by not being more discerning!
Generally, gardeners have to consider seven factors when choosing the best air diffuser for hydroponics, namely:
- Dimensions
- Air-diffusing capacity
- Material
- Air pump compatibility
- System compatibility
- Noise production
- Price
I do not want you to commit the same mistakes I did! So I listed these six factors to help you decide which air diffuser is best for you!
1. Dimensions
Air diffusers with lengths under 5 inches are fit for hydroponic systems with small reservoirs such as deep water culture buckets that can hold less than 4 liters of water. Whereas, air diffusers with lengths above 6 inches are ideal for hydroponic systems with reservoirs that can house more than 5 liters of water such as nutrient film technique.
Choosing a bigger air diffuser means more bubbles produced. With this, larger air diffusers are better to use in large hydroponic reservoirs as well.
For instance, the strip nano air diffuser from Carefree Fish is better suited for big reservoirs like the one in nutrient film technique hydroponics. On the other hand, the small air diffuser from Bubblemac Industries is ideal for DWC bucket hydroponics.
2. Air-Diffusing Capacity
Air diffusers with high diffusing capacity are always preferred since more bubbles are generated. An airflow of 3 liters per minute is already beneficial for the hydroponic system as it generates higher dissolved oxygen levels that can help the hydroponic plants by allowing more air spaces for the roots.
Our top choice, the nano disc from Hygger produces exactly 3 liters of air per minute. This would be ideal if you are using a 5 gallon reservoir.
Take Note: The optimum airflow needed to sustain hydroponic plants well is 0.5 liters per minute per gallon.
This means if you have a 4-gallon hydroponic reservoir, you will need at least 2 liters of air flow per minute. Do not worry about where you can find this information because they are usually indicated in the air pump’s packaging.
When you supply bubbles in your hydroponic solution, you are increasing not only the surface area but also the time each bubble spends in the water. The longer bubbles stay in your hydroponic water, the more time they are given to transfer oxygen to the water.
When there is sufficient oxygen in your water, you are giving an air space for your roots to breathe. With this, they are capable of transporting oxygen, water, and nutrients throughout your plant!
Is it possible to have too many bubbles in hydroponics? Find out in our article on bubbles in DWC!
3. Material
The material used in an air diffuser is a reflection of the size of bubbles it produces. Nanoscale materials are known to generate extremely fine bubbles, whereas, usual air diffusers made from stone materials produce bigger bubbles.
Air diffusers that are produced from nanoscale materials such as the Hygger and CareFree Fish nano disks produce finer bubbles compared to typical air stones.
You might not be familiar with the term nanoscale, so let me illustrate using a common measuring tool—the meter stick.
When we say nanometer, it is 1 billion times smaller than the meter stick! You read that right, one billion! So imagine how small that is! No wonder why they produce super fine bubbles.
With this characteristic, you can ensure production of sufficient bubbles that can oxygenate your hydroponic solution.
4. Pump Compatibility
Pairing a low wattage pump like those that run under 4–5 W with a strip diffuser will not produce sufficient bubbles for the hydroponic system. Whereas, using a high wattage pump such as those with 10–12 W with a 3-inch air diffuser can possibly lead to an overheating air pump.
Remember: An air pump and a diffuser must be compatible, or else, they might not perform well.
Why is this important?
It is critical that you provide adequate air to your air diffusers. This is because the more air you supply to your air diffuser via the air pump, the better it will perform.
Using Low-Wattage Air Pump in Longer Air Diffusers
Important Principle: Generally, lower wattages of an air pump also produce lower air pressure, and vice versa.
Let us say for example, you have a 12-inch air diffuser. What do you think will happen if you apply a low air pressure to it? Of course, it won’t make enough bubbles.
This is similar to when we blow up a balloon. If we blow lightly, it will not expand as much as we would like. However, if we apply strong air pressure to it, it will expand!
Using High-Wattage Air Pump in Shorter Air Diffusers
On the other hand, when using a high wattage air pump for a 3-inch diffuser, the tendency is that the power it produces will be exceeding the need of the air diffuser.
Going back to our balloon illustration, when we exert too much pressure into a very small balloon, the tendency is for it to pop because of excessive heat!
Same thing happens in high wattage air pumps paired with small diffusers. The air pump might overheat, and in the worse case, produce sparks and explode.
5. System Compatibility
In choosing an air diffuser, one must choose based on the hydroponic system they have. As a general rule, smaller air diffusers that are 3–5 inches in length are best for smaller hydroponic systems, while bigger air diffusers that are 6–12 inches long are best for bigger hydroponic reservoirs.
This one is connected with the section where we discussed about dimension.
This is also a reminder to ask yourself the following questions before purchasing an air diffuser:
- Can this diffuser’s size effectively distribute bubbles in my hydroponic water reservoir?
- Will this air diffuser be powerful enough to supply oxygen given the power of my air pump and the dimensions of the air diffuser?
As you may have noticed, the interplay of the factors associated with the air pump and air diffuser dimensions influences system compatibility.
6. Noise Production
A quiet air diffuser is another important consideration to reduce noise disturbance in an indoor hydroponic garden.
Let us be honest, you do not want a noisy hydroponic system if you are growing indoors or in an office. I can attest that growing hydroponic plants with a noisy air pump and air diffuser is not ideal, especially if you are working at home!
Learn more about noisy air pumps in our article on reasons for loud hydroponic air pumps.
7. Price
Every hydroponic gardener should invest in durable hydroponic accessories that are both affordable and work efficiently.
From an economic point of view, I know we all want a high performing, yet cheap air diffuser!
With that, I hope that you can choose the best air diffuser, that is within your budget, from our top three picks.
Why Do You Need an Air Diffuser in Hydroponics?
In a hydroponic system reservoir, an air diffuser produces bubbles that raise dissolved oxygen, manage the temperature of the water, displace hydroponic nutrients, and inhibit algae bloom. All of these result in good plant growth and development.
An air diffuser is responsible for maintaining the wellness and quality of your hydroponic nutrient solution, with the help of the tiny bubbles it produces.
Learn more in our article about the 4 functions of bubbles in hydroponics.
Share Your Thoughts With Us!
Choosing the best air diffuser is one of the crucial decisions you can make as a hydroponic gardener. With the goal to give you that joy of harvesting the fruits of your labor, our team has ensured that to give you the best possible choices available.
Your Indoor Herbs and Garden’s top and best air diffusers for hydroponics are:
Do you have any additional air diffuser recommendations that you believe should be included on this list? Contact us here!
FAQs
Can you have a hydroponic system without an air diffuser?
Yes, there are hydroponic systems that do not require air pumps, such as nutrient film technique, and the Kratky method, and thus do not require air diffusers. The provision of air space between the roots and the nutrient water allows these systems to thrive. This area is dedicated to gas exchange.
What is the difference between air stones and air diffusers?
The bubbles produced by air stones are much larger than those produced by air diffusers. Aside from that, they differ in shape and form. The majority of air stones are cylindrical in shape, whereas the majority of air diffusers are flat.
Do air stones and air diffusers do the same job?
Yes, they both aerate the hydroponic reservoir to increase dissolved oxygen levels. Higher dissolved oxygen levels enable the roots to perform their function of delivering water and nutrients to the plant. This process encourages and fuels the development of leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Why do hydroponic plants need bubbles?
Bubbles are ideal for hydroponics because they increase dissolved oxygen, inhibit algae bloom, manage water temperature, and distribute hydroponic nutrients. Learn more about this in our article about too many bubbles in hydroponics.
Summary of 3 Best Air Diffusers for Hydroponics
Regardless of experience, hydroponic gardeners must consider important factors that influence the effectiveness and appropriateness of an air diffuser. These are dimensions, air diffusing capacity, materials, air pump compatibility, system compatibility, noise production, and price.
After careful deliberation of air diffusers available in the market, Hygger’s Nano Disc made it to the top as the best air diffuser for hydroponic gardening.
Sources
- “Effect of high concentrated dissolved oxygen on the plant growth in a deep hydroponic culture under a low temperature” by Suyantohadi, A. et al. in IFAC Journal of Systems and Control.
- “Indicators: Dissolved Oxygen” by National Aquatic Resource Surveys in the United States Environmental Protection Agency
