Air stones are beneficial for helping diffuse air into your hydroponics system.
In this post, we look at the best air stones for hydroponics systems and give you some helpful tips for using them in your setup.
But first, our top picks
Below we’ve reviewed 4 of the best air stones for hydroponic and rated each based on ease of use, value for money, reliability and function.
What Are Air Stones?
Air stones are small devices in the bottom of your water tank to help put extra oxygen into the water.
To do this, the air stone is attached via a tube to an air pump outside the tank.
Many growers use air stones to help diffuse the oxygen better than a tube could.
1. Pawfly 2-Inch Cylinder Diffusers
Pawfly has a long history of producing aquarium products that are both highly functional and versatile.
The Pawfly Air Stones Cylinder Bubble Diffusers are no different.
Made from high-quality non-toxic mineral materials, these cylinder bubble diffusers are designed to create tiny, evenly-sized bubbles rather than a few large ones.
While some users have found them to be on the smaller side, the fact you get four in a pack means you can space them out and get a more even spread of bubbles. We also really like that they produce even bubbles meaning I can count on them being consistent.
KEY FEATURES
| Shape | Cylinder |
| Jetting Volume | 3 L/min |
| Pump Power Needed | 3 – 6W |
| Soaking Time | 1 Hour |
PROS
- Great size
- Great airflow
- Easy to clean
CONS
- Some users find them to be a little on the small side.
2. Pawfly ASV100 Diffuser
If you like the sound of the Pawfly ASC100 but need a little more jetting volume, you’ll undoubtedly want to consider the Pawfly ASV100!
The 4-inch air stones do a fantastic job of oxygenating the air in your hydroponics setup and produce evenly sized tiny bubbles – precisely what you need to help with nutrient uptake.
The ASV100 can pump out up to 12 liters a minute but remember, the bigger the oxygen output, the more significant the pump is needed.
For us, the Pawfly ASV100 are up there with the best air stones for hydroponics.
KEY FEATURES
| Shape | Disc |
| Jetting Volume | 12 L/min |
| Pump Power Needed | 6 – 8W |
| Soaking Time | 1 Hour |
PROS
- The large surface area creates a consistent bubble output
- Suction cups do a great job of keeping the stone in place
- Excellent value for money.
CONS
- As with all air stones, the bubbles become “thicker” over time.
3. Yueton Cylinder Air Stones
Fun fact: I used the Yueton Cylinder Air Stones when I kept fish in my aquariums.
Initially, I was sceptical that they’d work for hydroponics, but after testing them with a 12-hole setup, I was pleased with the results.
While the bubbles are a little more giant than those produced by the Pawfly ASC100, they are a great choice.
Perfect for smaller setups, these Yueton Cylinder air stones are a great alternative if you don’t like the Pawfly brand.
KEY FEATURES
| Shape | Cylinder |
| Jetting Volume | – |
| Pump Power Needed | 2 – 4W |
| Soaking Time | 1 Hour |
PROS
- Ideal for small setups
- Fit neatly into most systems
- Great quality
CONS
- A bit noisier than other items
How Are Air Stones Used In Hydroponics?
Air stones are commonly used in hydroponic setups to help oxygenate the plant root zones.
This is important as, without oxygenated water, your plant’s roots can’t properly take up enough nutrients to grow to their maximum potential.
You’ll also find that roots sitting in a solution lacking sufficient oxygen will develop root rot caused by plant pathogens.
So, using air stones gives your plant roots enough oxygen to take up nutrients properly.
The Bottom Line
So there you have it, 4 of the best air stones for hydroponics.
Resources Referenced In This Post
Hi, I’m Miles, the lead team member behind Gardeem.com. Besides being a passionate grower and writer, I’m a husband, father and grandfather to three! I started Gardeem in 2017 to provide simple and reliable gardening advice to everyone, regardless of their ability levels.
