Old air pump for 50 gallon

[Nachtmare]

Hello everyone,

I recently got my hands on a 50 gallon tank for $15(what a steal)
Along with the tank I got a couple lights and other things that I'm not quite sure their use.

But for now, I got this air pump with the tank known as the Silent Giant. Pretty old, from what I've gathered pretty popular in the 60's and 70's.

I was wondering if anyone knew anything personally of how they work and if you've used one what you think.

thanks

 

[Swag]

I doubt you'll find many people that own one, but as far as how they work I assume you use it just like any other air pump, run airline tubing from the pump to your air stone or sponge filter, whatever you're using it for.

 

[SnotOtter]

Old guy here, these do predate me but are so dependable that they were used and sought after for a decade or more after the company went out of business and still are by some. I know people who still run them and I covet them every time I see them. They are awesome. One of the best air pumps ever made. I could run 12 or more tanks with that 1 pump and it was the quietest at the time, and still quieter than "whispers"and other modern pieces o'junk. If it still works I'd use it. I've seen working or rebuilt ones sell on ebay and aquabid for $75 or more, within the past year or 2. If it isnt working the most common problem is diaphragms or a small piece of vinyl tubing on the inside usually cracks. I know as of a couple years ago there were guys out there rebuilding them for people right around the $35-$40 range, shipping included. Probably will take some homework to find them. To get a modern equivalent of that you'd have to spend $80 or more. Nice find!

 

[Swag]

It certainly looks cool. Should put your tank on a retro 60's table so it matches the decor.

 

[Nachtmare]

How would I run this in multiple tanks at once? The reason I am a little confused about is because it says don't get it wet haha so I am a little confused unless you let it sit outside the tank

 

[Swag]

You put it next to the tank, put this;
http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Airl...e=UTF8&qid=1439950195&sr=8-3&keywords=airline
Attached to the little spout where air comes from.

Then you get these;
http://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Airl...d=1439950187&sr=8-2&keywords=airline+splitter

To split one line into two.

Then you run it to something like this;
http://www.amazon.com/Jardin-Aquari...UTF8&qid=1439950212&sr=8-1&keywords=air+stone



And you put that in a tank and it makes bubbles. Bubbles both look cool and make the water slightly better depending on the things living in the tank and what they need.

Use one of these
http://www.amazon.com/Uxcell-Aquari...F8&qid=1439950205&sr=8-1&keywords=check+valve

at the very beginning of the airline right in front of the air spout. This allows air through it but doesn't allow anything back the other way, sometimes if an air pump turns off (via power outage etc) the suction will pull water from the tank through the tube and into the pump, frying it. Those valves stop water from having the chance to do so, just a little safety precaution.


You can use it to run sponge filters, air stones, bubble wands, and a few other applications.

 

[Nachtmare]

You put it next to the tank, put this;
http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Airl...e=UTF8&qid=1439950195&sr=8-3&keywords=airline
Attached to the little spout where air comes from.

Then you get these;
Amazon.com : 10 PCS Aquarium Airline Air Tube Tubing Connectors Filters : Aquarium Air Pump Accessories : Pet Supplies

To split one line into two.

Then you run it to something like this;
Amazon.com : Jardin Aquarium Fish Tank Ponds Ceramic Air Stone Diffusers, 40mm Diameter : Aquarium Air Pump Accessories : Pet Supplies



And you put that in a tank and it makes bubbles. Bubbles both look cool and make the water slightly better depending on the things living in the tank and what they need.

Use one of these
Amazon.com : Uxcell Aquarium Non-Return Air Pump Check Valves : Pet Supplies

at the very beginning of the airline right in front of the air spout. This allows air through it but doesn't allow anything back the other way, sometimes if an air pump turns off (via power outage etc) the suction will pull water from the tank through the tube and into the pump, frying it. Those valves stop water from having the chance to do so, just a little safety precaution.


You can use it to run sponge filters, air stones, bubble wands, and a few other applications.

Thank you! I have an air pump now that is connected with a homemade filter just couldn't think of how to do it with the air pump outside the tank haha