A good quality airstone will work to give your plants the oxygen they need so that they can grow bigger and better than before.
However, with so many different products on the market, how can you know you’ve found the best air stones for hydroponics?
In this article, you will find the best air stones for your growing needs. Below are 5 of the best air stones on the market so that you can get growing your favorite plants using the hydroponic method.
After careful research, testing, and detailed comparison, we’ve put together an unbeatable resource to help you find the best air stones for hydroponics:
- VIVOSUN Air Stone
- AQUANEAT Air Stone
- VIVOSUN 5-Inch Air Stone Disc with Shell
- AquaticHI Large Round Air Stone Disc
- Pawfly 2 Inch Air Stone Ball
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Best Air Stones For Hydroponics
VIVOSUN Air Stone
The VIVOSUN Airstone will be the perfect addition to your hydroponic setup. This particular airstone features a cylindrical design which works to give your tank an impressive amount of oxygen it needs so that your plants will show improved growth.
These air stones also work to circulate the nutrition your plants need to grow strong.
What’s really great about these airstones is that they will work to extend the life of your nutrient solution. This will in turn ensure that your plants’ roots are able to stay healthy, giving you healthier, bushier plants.
These airstones will give your plants the fine air bubbles they need to get the right amount of oxygen right at their roots where it’s needed most.
You will get 2 air stones in this particular package. This will allow you to add both stones to your hydroponics setup so that you can improve the growth of your plants.
These particular airstones measure 4 inches x 2 inches, and will be the perfect fit for a 4mm inner diameter tube.
Another great feature of these airstones is that they are incredibly versatile. They are the perfect fit for hydroponics setups, as well as aquarium tanks or ponds. These air stones are super easy to use, and feature a non-toxic mineral material.
Pros
- Cylindrical design - works to increase the amount of oxygen in your hydroponics setup
- Healthy plants - extends the life of your nutrient solution and delivers the right amount of oxygen straight to the roots of your plants
- 2 pack - includes 2 air stones for you to use
Cons
- Wash first - other customers recommend washing the air stones before you use them
AQUANEAT Air Stone
The AQUANEAT Airstone is another solid choice if you have your heart set on the cylindrical style of the airstone. This particular airstone measures 4 inches x 2 inches, giving you more than enough area to oxygenate your water for your hydroponic system.
You can also choose between 2 other sizes if you so wish. This airstone is also available in a small 2 inches x 2 inches size and a large 6 inches x 2 inches size if you want a variety of sizes in your hydroponics setup.
What’s really great about these airstones is that they are super versatile. These can be used for your hydroponics setup, but they can also be used in both ponds and aquarium tanks. These will be a welcome addition to your hydroponics setup because they can help to extend the life of your nutrient solution.
You won’t have to worry about these airstones having a detrimental effect on your plants. They have been manufactured using high-quality and non-toxic materials that will be safe to use in your hydroponics system.
These air stones are easily washable, and will only need to be soaked for at least 2 hours before you can use them in your setup. Much easier than competitive air stones that need to be soaked for around 6 hours!
These particular airstones will work best when combined with a high output air pump as well as standard 3/16 inch airline tubing. This will help to deliver the right amount of oxygen needed to promote growth straight to the roots of your plants.
Pros
- Multiple sizes - choose between small, medium, and large air stones for your hydroponics setup
- Versatile - can be used for hydroponics, ponds, and aquarium tanks
- Promotes growth - delivers the oxygen your plants need right to their roots
Cons
- Soaking - recommended soaking the stones first before you use them
VIVOSUN 5-Inch Air Stone Disc with Shell
The VIVOSUN 5-Inch Air Stone Disc with Shell is the ideal choice if you prefer the disc style of airstones.
If you want to vary the level of oxygen delivered to your plant roots, you can choose between the different sizes available. This particular airstone measures 5 inches in diameter, but there are also 4 inch and 8 inch airstone discs available.
These particular airstones have been designed specifically with hydroponics in mind. So you can rest assured that it will be the perfect fit for your hydroponics setup.
This airstone will work to circulate the nutrition in your growing system so that your plants get the oxygen levels they need to promote growth.
Another handy feature of this airstone disc is how versatile it is. This is suitable for use with hydroponics as well as ponds and aquarium tanks.
Your plants will get all the oxygen they need with the VIVOSUN airstone in your growing system. This air stone produces the fine bubbles your plants need so that it can extend the life of your nutrient solution.
Pros
- Hydroponics - designed specifically with hydroponics in mind
- Fine bubbles - produces the oxygen your plants need to promote growth
- Circulates nutrition - ensures your plants get everything they need for better growth
Cons
- Suction cups - may need to practice with the suction cups to keep them in place
AquaticHI Large Round Air Stone Disc
The AquaticHI Large Round Airstone Disc works to deliver the large amount of oxygen your plants need for better growth in your hydroponics system.
It will help to increase the flow of oxygen in your growing system to oxygenate the water and better improve the health of your plants.
An interesting feature of this particular airstone is that it comes with a hard shell. This will help to keep the airstone protected in your hydroponic setup. This particular airstone also comes with 3 suction cups to help keep it firmly in place and free from abrasion.
What’s really great about this airstone is that you can choose between 2 different sizes to suit your needs. Opt between the 8-inch diameter airstone of the 4.25 inch diameter air stone depending on the size of your hydroponics setup.
You’ll be sure that your plants are getting the oxygen they need with this airstone. The flat air stone design works to maximize the outlet area for the oxygen, giving you a larger area for bubbles.
Pros
- Large area - gives your plants even more bubbles and oxygen
- Durable - features a hard shell to protect the airstone and 3 suction cups to keep it in place
- Increases oxygen - delivers the high oxygen content your plants need
Cons
- Anchoring - may need some anchoring depending on your hydroponic setup
Pawfly 2 Inch Air Stone Ball
Have your heart set on the ball style of airstone? Then the Pawfly 2-inch Air Stone Ball will be the perfect fit for your hydroponics growing system. This particular airstone ball measures 2 inches in diameter and is available in packs of 2 and 4.
A great feature of these airstone balls is that they deliver ultra tiny air holes. So if you would prefer smaller air bubbles for your plants, these will be the ideal solution for your hydroponics tank.
It couldn’t be easier to use these airstones. All you will need to do is soak them before you use them. They can also be used with 2 different sizes of tubing for ease.
Another great feature of these airstone balls is that they come with sufficient weight to keep them on the bottom of your tank. So you won’t have to worry about weighing them down with additional equipment.
Pros
- Ultra fine bubbles - delivers a delicate amount of oxygen
- Multipack - choose between 2 or 4 airstone balls
- Versatile - can be used with 2 different tubing sizes
Cons
- Soaking - needs to be soaked for a good 6 hours before you use the airstones
How To Choose The Right Airstones For Hydroponics
Trying to find the best air stones for hydroponics can be a real challenge, especially if you’re new to this method of gardening.
You may be wondering what factors you need to prioritize when it comes to choosing the best airstone on the market. While it may be tempting to opt for the first air stones that you stumble across, you should hold fire.
Below are all the essential factors that you will need to know about air stones for hydroponics before you begin. These will help to show you everything you need to know about air stones for hydroponics so that you can make a fully informed decision.
As long as your chosen airstone covers the below features, you can rest assured that it will be perfect for your needs.
Learn more about the essential features you will need to look for in an airstone for hydroponics below, or skip ahead to the frequently asked questions.
Type Of Airstone
One of the most important factors you will need to consider is which style of airstone you would prefer to use in your hydroponics setup. There are three main types of airstone that you can choose from: cylindrical airstone, gold ball airstone, and ceramic disc airstone.
The cylindrical airstone is one of the more popular choices because of its large size. This typically is suited to larger hydroponic tanks that need a constant flow of air around 5 to 10 LPM. This airstone produces the perfect blend of smaller, fine air bubbles as well as bigger air bubbles.
The gold ball airstone is considered to be the standard airstone, which usually produces fizzy air bubbles for your plants. It is generally best suited for a 5 LPM air pump.
The ceramic disc air stones are round and flat in shape, and are highly durable. This larger, flatter shape produces a range of air bubbles, and is best suited for larger tanks. Airflow for these types of airstones tends to be anywhere between 2.5 to 10 LPM.
Frequency Of Bubbles
Of course, the other most important factor that you will need to consider is the bubbles themselves. This will include the frequency of the bubbles and the size of the bubbles.
Some larger tanks will need larger air stones so that all of your plants can get the right amount of oxygen that they need delivered right to the roots.
Another factor that will come into this is the type of air pump that you can combine with your airstone. The more powerful the pump you use, the more air that will be pumped through the airstone, and the more oxygen that will get to your plants’ roots.
Compatibility
You will of course need to consider the compatibility of your airstone with your current hydroponics setup. If your airstone isn’t suitable for use with your particular air pump or hydroponics setup, then you will need to purchase a different model.
So it will be essential to ensure that you choose an airstone that will be suitable with all of the equipment that you have to hand already so as to save yourself from spending more money than you need to.
It will be worth looking at the diameter of the pump or hose that will need to be used with your new airstone. This will help you to find the right model for your needs.
Increased Circulation
This will be a crucial thing for you to consider when choosing the best airstone for hydroponics. That’s because if your airstone doesn’t increase the circulation in your hydroponics setup, your plants won’t be getting the right amount of nutrients they need right at the roots.
This could also cause your plants to suffer from things such as root rot.
The right type of airstone will work to increase the circulation in your setup, which will extend the life of your nutrient solution. So you will be able to rest assured that your plants are getting the full care they need.
Weight
If you opt for a smaller airstone or a disc style airstone, you may notice that it has a tendency to float if it’s not weighed down properly.
If this is the case, you will need to consider adding some additional weight to your air stone so that it can remain at the bottom of the tank and do an efficient job.
If you’re concerned about your airstone floating up from the bottom of your tank, you may wish to opt for a larger design that will have ample weight.
Another factor to consider is opting for an airstone that comes with suction cups for you to use. These will be super easy to attach to the side of your tank so that your airstone will remain in place and be able to do its job efficiently.
Air Stones For Hydroponics - FAQs
What Is The Best Airstone For Hydroponics?
The best air stones for hydroponics are:
- VIVOSUN Air Stone
- AQUANEAT Air Stone
- VIVOSUN 5 Inch Air Stone Disc with Shell
- AquaticHI Large Round Air Stone Disc
- Pawfly 2 inch Air Stone Ball
Can You Have Too Much Air In Hydroponics?
While it’s true that oxygen is very important when it comes to hydroponics, you can have too much of a good thing. If your plants have too much oxygen, then this can cause root shunting.
This is because if the roots have too much oxygen, then they don’t need to grow as much to get what they need. This can then cause the plants to not grow as much as they should do.
However, if there isn’t enough oxygen for your plants, this can cause wilting as well as prevent them from absorbing much water.
So while it is possible to have too much air in hydroponics, it will be crucial to monitor the supply of oxygen to your plants’ roots to ensure that they are getting the right balance of nutrients.
Do You Need An Airstone For Hydroponics?
Yes, most hydroponic systems will require an airstone in place so that your plants will get the oxygen they need to grow big and strong.
If you don't add an airstone to your hydroponics setup, you will find that your plants don’t get the right balance of oxygen they need to grow properly.
They will wilt if there isn’t enough oxygen present in the root system, as your plants will need this oxygen to give them the energy they need to absorb the water.
