15 Best Hydroponic Air Stone for DWC (2021)
If you think shopping for the best hydroponic air stone is going to be easy, then think again.
You can indeed buy air stones pretty much anywhere. Your kid’s favorite pet store carries tons of it. But before you head out, ask yourself first if it’s necessary for your hydroponic system.
The thing is, not all hydroponic systems need air stones. But, if you are working with Deep Water Culture (DWC), then that’s another story!
Take me as an example. I follow a mixture of the Kratky Method and Deep Water Culture in my hydroponics setup. That’s why I can personally attest that having the best hydroponic air stone is so worth it. It diffuses just the right amount of air, perfect for keeping my plants from drowning, root rot, and molds.
In case you’re wondering, here’s a video below showing my simple DWC setup.
But not all growers are lucky enough to find the best air stone for their system.
Luckily for you, I’ve rounded up the best hydroponic air stone for your DWC system. I featured different shapes and sizes of air stones. Hence, you’re sure to find the best for your reservoir. So, what are you waiting for? Read on!
Table of Contents
Quick Overview of the Best Hydroponic Air Stone (in no particular order)
Windbells air Stone Disc Aquarium Fish Tank Bubbler with Control Valve Oxygen Diffuser for Hydroponics
AQUANEAT Air Stone Fish Tank Bubbler Aquarium 3″ Disc Oxygen Diffuser for Hydroponics
Pawfly 8 inch Air Stone Cylinder Bubbler for Outdoor Pond Circulation System- 2 Pack
Alegi Air Stone Cylinder Bubbler for Hydroponic Systems,Aquarium or Fish Tank- 5.3 inch 2 Pack
Pawfly 2 Inch Blue Ball Air Stone Bubble Diffuser for Aquarium 2 W Air Pump, 4 Pack
RealPlus 8 Pack of 2 Inch Air Stone Ball Shape Bubbler for Fish Tank Aquarium Hydroponics Pump
In-Depth Reviews of the
Best Hydroponic Air Stone
Interested in knowing why they landed on the best hydroponic air stone? Great! This part discusses each of their unique characteristics. Besides that, I also included the downsides and upsides when using them. Hence, it’s easier to find one that’ll fit your growing needs.
VIVOSUN 5 Inch Air Stone Disc with Shell for Hydroponics Aquarium Tank Pump
You know you have the best air stone when it does more than what it claims. Well, with the Vivosun 5 Inch Air Stone, you get more than what you bargained!
Features
You can use this for two things. Firstly, you use it like any other air stone to aerate even up to 5-gallon DWC. Or better yet, pop this in when you’re brewing compost tea in a 7-gallon bucket. You’ll be surprised by how efficiently it does both jobs.
The stone can be used for low and high airflow pumps, at around 5-15 Liters per minute (LPM). Moreover, you’ll love that it comes with suction cups. So, you’re sure that it doesn’t rattle and roll around. Lastly, it’s 5 inches in diameter hence making it perfect for medium to large reservoirs.
Pros
- 5 inches in diameter, perfect for medium to a large reservoir (5-10 gallon DWC)
- Ideal for airflows of 5-15 LPM
- Sturdy material with thick pads
- Comes with suction cups; doesn’t rattle around the reservoir
- Fits a 4-16W air pump and 3/16 inch air tubing
Cons
- Might not be ideal for pumps with an airflow of higher than 15LPM
- Some might find the glue holding the pads isn’t sturdy. If this happens, you might opt to use epoxy to keep it in place.
MUDDER 4 Pieces Air Stone Disc Bubble Diffuser
Are you tired of having air stones breaking on you after just one cleaning? Then, I suggest you grab a set of the Mudder 4 Pieces Air Stone Disc Bubbler!
Features
The set is durable, well-built, and sturdy. Not only that, it comes with not just one but four efficient air stones. Because of its fine, powerful bubbles, you might find that one piece is already enough for your 5-gallon DWC!
Like the Vivosun Air Stone Disk, this set is perfect for a higher airflow pump, at around 10 Liters per minute. But if you have lower, then don’t worry, it also works well with that. You’ll love that it comes with 12 suction cups. Lastly, each stone is 4 inches in diameter hence making it perfect for medium to large reservoirs.
Pros
- 4 inches in diameter, perfect for medium to a large reservoir (5-10 gallon DWC)
- Ideal for airflows of up to 5-10 LPM
- Sturdy material with thick pads
- Fits a 4-8W air pump and 3/16 inch air tubing
Cons
- On the pricier side
- Some might find the suction cups aren’t sticky and sturdy.
Aneco 5 Pieces 4 Inch Round Air Stone Disc Bubble Diffuser
Not satisfied with just four pieces of air stone? Then try this set from Aneco!
Features
The Aneco 5 Pieces Air Stone boasts sturdy and durable materials. Not only that, the set comes with not just one but five air stones. But unlike the Mudder set, you might find that you need about two pieces in your DWC setup, especially if you have a low air pump flow. But considering the price and features of the set, this is such a steal!
This set is perfect for a higher airflow pump, at around 10 Liters per minute. You’ll love that it comes with 15 suction cups. Each stone is 4 inches in diameter hence making it perfect for medium to large reservoirs.
Pros
- 4 inches in diameter, perfect for medium to a large reservoir (5-10 gallon DWC)
- Ideal for airflows of up to 10 LPM
- Sturdy material with thick pads
- Comes with suction pads; doesn’t rattle around the reservoir
- Fits a 4-8W air pump and 3/16 inch air tubing
Con
- Might not be ideal for low air pump. So, make sure your air pump is powerful if you decided to go for this set
Windbells air Stone Disc Aquarium Fish Tank Bubbler with Control Valve Oxygen Diffuser for Hydroponics
If you’re looking for a disk air stone that’s perfect for a 10 gallon DWC, then this is for you!
Features
The Windbells Air Stone Disc boasts of sturdy and durable materials. It emits fine bubbles to aerate your system. Though it’s ideal for larger tanks, I suggest you pair it with an air pump with at least 10W for better aeration.
This set is perfect for a higher airflow pump, at around 10-12 Liters per minute. Unlike other air stones, this doesn’t come with suction cups. It’s pretty heavy. Hence, you’re sure that it stays firmly at the bottom of the reservoir. The stone is 4 inches in diameter, making it perfect for medium to large buckets.
Pros
- 4 inches in diameter, perfect for medium to a large reservoir (5-10 gallon DWC)
- Ideal for airflows of up to 10-12 LPM
- Sturdy material with thick pads
- Heavy; stays firmly at the bottom of the reservoir
- Fits a 4-16W air pump and 3/16 inch air tubing
Con
- Might not be ideal for low air pump flow. So, make sure your air pump is powerful if you decided to go for this set
AQUANEAT Air Stone Fish Tank Bubbler Aquarium 3" Disc Oxygen Diffuser for Hydroponics
When it comes to disk air stones, bigger isn’t always better. Take Aquaneat Air Stone as an example! Though they are a tad bit smaller than most disk air stones, they can aerate your system in no time.
Features
The set boasts sturdy and durable materials. Not only that, it comes with not just one but eight air stones. But what I like about the stones is the design. It has a solid air stone build with no plastic outline.
This set is perfect for a higher airflow pump, at around 10-12 Liters per minute. Similar to Windbells air stone, this doesn’t come with suction cups. Though small, it is heavy enough to stay firm at the bottom of the reservoir. Each stone is 3 inches in diameter hence making it perfect for a small and medium bucket. If I were you, I’d save a set for myself!
Pros
- 3 inches in diameter, perfect for small to a medium reservoir (5-gallon DWC)
- Ideal for airflows of up to 10-12 LPM
- Sturdy material with solid air stone build
- Heavy; stays firmly at the bottom of the reservoir
- Fits a 4-16W air pump and 3/16 inch air tubing
Con
- Might not be ideal for huge tanks/reservoir (>5-gallon DWC) But if you decided to get this, I suggest you place 2 pieces of air stone and attach a powerful air pump for better aeration
Hydrofarm Active Aqua ASCM Air Stone Cylinder, Medium
I hate to break this to you. The Coke Can Air Stone you bought in the pet store may last you another season. The good news, though, is that Hydrofarm Active Aqua Air Stone does.
No questions asked. These are great air stones. Aside from using it in your DWC, you can also pop this in when your brewing compost teas. I find that it releases fine bubbles, ideal for that purpose. Just make sure you clean it after with a brush and soap to prevent algae growth.
Features
The stone boasts sturdy and durable materials. Not only that, it has a solid build hence making it dense and heavy. It sinks in the bottom of your reservoir. So, you won’t have to worry about it toppling over.
This set is perfect for a higher airflow pump, at around 10-12 Liters per minute. The stone is 2 inches in height and diameter hence making it ideal for medium to large reservoirs.
Pros
- 2 inches in diameter and height, perfect for medium to a large reservoir (5-10 gallon DWC)
- Ideal for airflows of up to 10-12 LPM
- Sturdy material with solid air stone build
- Heavy; stays firmly at the bottom of the reservoir
- Fits a 4-16W air pump and 1/4 inch air tubing
Con
- Might not be ideal for lower air pump flow. Make sure to use powerful hydroponic air pumps with this.
Pawfly 1 Inch Air Stone 10 Pieces Cylinder Bubble Diffuser
Here’s the truth. The best air stones aren’t crazy expensive. That’s why I am a big fan of the Pawfly 1 Inch Air Stones!
Aside from the fact that they’re incredibly cheap, they work so well for aerating small to medium-sized reservoirs.
Features
The set boasts sturdy and durable materials. Not only that, it comes with not just one but ten air stones. You’ll also love that it has a solid stone build, making it heavy and dense.
This set is perfect for low and high airflow pumps, at around 5-10 Liters per minute. Though they’re small, the stones are heavy. Hence, you’re sure that they stay firmly at the bottom of the reservoir. Each stone is 1 inch in diameter and height, making it ideal for a small or medium-sized bucket.
Pros
- 1 inch in diameter and height, perfect for small to a medium reservoir (5-gallon DWC)
- Ideal for airflows of up to 5-10 LPM
- Sturdy material with solid air stone build
- Heavy; stays firmly at the bottom of the reservoir
- Fits a 4-8W air pump and 3/16 inch air tubing
Con
- Might not be ideal for large buckets (>5-gallon DWC)
AQUANEAT 2 Pack Air Stone, Large Air Stone Cylinder, Aerator Bubble Diffuser
Cheers to those who are looking for heavyweight, high-quality, large air stones! The Aquanet 2 Pack Air Stones are just what you need. For these bad boys, aerating 10-gallon DWC is as easy as pie.
Features
The set boasts sturdy and durable materials. Not only that, it comes with not just one but two air stones. Moreover, each stone has a solid build hence making it dense and heavy. They sink in the bottom of your reservoir. So, you won’t have to worry about them toppling over.
This set is perfect for a higher airflow pump, at around 10-12 Liters per minute. Each stone is 2 inches in diameter and 4 inches in height. Hence, it’s perfect for medium to large reservoirs.
Pros
- 2 inches in diameter and 4 inches in height, perfect for medium to a large reservoir (5-10 gallon DWC)
- Ideal for airflows of up to 12 LPM
- Sturdy material with solid air stone build
- Heavy; stays firmly at the bottom of the reservoir
- Fits a 4-32W air pump and 3/16 inch air tubing
Cons
- Might not be ideal for lower air pump flow. Make sure to use powerful hydroponic air pumps with this.
- Needs to be pre-soaked for longer than the standard 2 hours
Pawfly 8 inch Air Stone Cylinder Bubbler for Outdoor Pond Circulation System- 2 Pack
I heard you. If you’re looking for a better and bigger alternative to the Aquanet 2 Pack Air Stone, then this one’s for you.
I’m pretty sure you’ve seen countless good reviews about the Pawfly 8 Inch Air Stone. I kid you not. Those people are not lying. These are your best bet if you have a powerful pump and a large reservoir.
Features
The set boasts sturdy and durable materials. Not only that, it comes with not just one but two air stones. Moreover, each stone has a solid build hence making it dense and heavy. They sink in the bottom of your reservoir. So, you won’t have to worry about them rolling around. No need to buy any lever!
This set is perfect for a higher airflow pump, at around 25 Liters per minute. Each stone is 2 inches in diameter and 8 inches in height. Hence, it’s perfect for large reservoirs.
Pros
- 2 inches in diameter and 8 inches in height, perfect for large buckets (10 -15 gallon DWC)
- Ideal for airflows of up to 25 LPM
- Sturdy material with solid air stone build
- Heavy; stays firmly at the bottom of the reservoir
- Fits a 4-32W air pump and 3/16 or 3/8 inch air tubing
Cons
- Not ideal for lower air pump flow. Make sure to use powerful hydroponic air pumps with this.
- Not ideal for small to medium-sized reservoir
- Needs to be pre-soaked for longer than the standard 2 hours
Alegi Air Stone Cylinder Bubbler for Hydroponic Systems,Aquarium or Fish Tank- 5.3 inch 2 Pack
Here comes the tough competitor of Pawfly 8 Inch Air Stone! If you find that 8-inch air stones don’t work out for you, then the Alegi Air Stone is a must-try.
Unlike the Pawfly 8-inch Air Stone, this doesn’t need a too powerful air pump to keep it going 24/7.
Features
You’ll love that it comes with not just one but two air stones. Not to mention, each stone has a solid build hence making it dense and heavy. They sink in the bottom of your reservoir. So, you won’t have to worry about them rolling around. Like with Pawfly, you don’t need to buy a lever for this.
This set is perfect for a higher airflow pump, at around 12-25 Liters per minute. Each stone is 1.5 inches in diameter and 5.3 inches in height. Hence, it’s perfect for large reservoirs.
Pros
- 1.5 inches in diameter and 5.3 inches in height, perfect for large buckets (10 -15 gallon DWC)
- Ideal for airflows of 12-25 LPM
- Heavy; stays firmly at the bottom of the reservoir
- Fits a 4-32W air pump and 3/16 or 3/8 inch air tubing
Cons
- Not ideal for small to medium-sized reservoir/bucket
- Needs to be pre-soaked for longer than the standard 2 hours
- Some might find the plastic joint attached to the stone is flimsy. So, make sure to be gentle when cleaning it.
Pawfly 2 Inch Blue Ball Air Stone Bubble Diffuser for Aquarium 2 W Air Pump, 4 Pack
Are you new to the Deep Water Culture System? Then, I suggest you try Golf Ball Air Stones like this one.
The Pawfly 2 Inch Air Stones are perfect for beginning growers. They fit small to medium-sized buckets. Not to mention, they are dirt cheap!
Features
You’ll love that it comes with not just one but four air stones. Not to mention, they sink in the bottom of your reservoir. So, you won’t have to worry about them rattling around your reservoir.
This set is perfect for lower air pump flow, at around 2-5 Liters per minute. Each stone is 2 inches in diameter. Hence, it’s perfect for small to medium-sized buckets.
Pros
- 2 inches in diameter, perfect for a small to a medium bucket (5-gallon DWC)
- Ideal for airflows of 2-5 Liters Per Minute
- Dense; stays firmly at the bottom of the reservoir
- Fits a 2-10W air pump and 3/16 or 3/8 inch air tubing
Cons
- Not ideal for large bucket (>5-gallon DWC) and strong pump (>5 LPM)
- Needs to be pre-soaked for six hours
- Some might find the plastic joint attached to the stone is flimsy. So, make sure to be gentle when cleaning it.
RealPlus 8 Pack of 2 Inch Air Stone Ball Shape Bubbler for Fish Tank Aquarium Hydroponics Pump
If you are the type of grower who prefers micro-bubbles for DWC, then the RealPlus 2 Inch Air Stones are for you!
Features
You’ll love that it comes with not just one but eight air stones. In addition, they’re dense and heavy. Hence, they sink right in the bottom of your reservoir.
It’s similar to the Pawfly 2 Inch Air Stones in terms of features. For instance, the set is also perfect for lower air pump flow, at around 2-5 Liters per minute. Moreover, the stones are also 2 inches in diameter. Hence, it’s also perfect for small to medium-sized buckets.
The only difference between the two is that RealPlus Air Stones put out finer bubbles. So, if you are into that, then I suggest you order a set of these now!
Pros
- 2 inches in diameter, perfect for a small to medium bucket (5 gallon DWC)
- Ideal for airflows of 2-5 Liters Per Minute
- Dense; stays firmly at the bottom of the reservoir
- Fits a 2-10W air pump and 3/16 or 3/8 inch air tubing
- Releases micro-bubbles
Cons
- Not ideal for large bucket (>5-gallon DWC) and strong pump (>5 LPM)
- Needs to be pre-soaked for six hours
kathson Mineral Air Stone Bubble 4 Inch Ball Shape Diffuser
Who says we have to choose between Golf Ball and Disk Stones? With the Kathson Mineral Air Stone, you can experience the benefits of both types.
Like most disk stones, you get a wider area of bubbles with this. But due to its unique dome shape, you also get finer and smaller bubbles, similar to golf ball air stones. Cool, right?
Features
The set boasts sturdy and durable materials. Not only that, it comes with not just one but two air stones. But what I like about the stones is the design. It has a solid air stone build with no plastic outline.
Unlike most golf ball air stones, this set is perfect for a higher airflow pump, at around 10-12 Liters per minute. This doesn’t come with suction cups. Though small, it is heavy enough to stay firm at the bottom of the reservoir. Each stone is 4 inches in diameter and 2 inches in height. Hence, it’s a good choice for perfect for a medium and large bucket.
Pros
- 4 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches in height, perfect for medium to a large reservoir (5-10 gallon DWC)
- Ideal for airflows of up to 10-12 LPM
- Sturdy material with solid air stone build
- Heavy; stays firmly at the bottom of the reservoir
- Fits a 4-16W air pump and 3/16 inch air tubing
Con
- Might not be ideal for low air pump flow. So, make sure your air pump is powerful if you decided to go for this set
AQUANEAT Large Air Stone, 2" Gray Bubble Ball
Admit it. When you come across 2-inch golf ball air stones, you’d think they’re only used for small DWC buckets. Needless to say, I was once like you until I saw the Aquaneat 2-inch Air Stone in action.
Features
You’ll love that it comes with not just one but two air stones. Moreover, they’re dense and heavy. Hence, they sink right in the bottom of your reservoir.
The set is also perfect for low and high air pump flow, at around 5-10 Liters per minute. Moreover, the stones are 2 inches in diameter. Hence, it’s perfect for medium to large-sized buckets.
Pros
- 2 inches in diameter, perfect for medium to a large bucket (5-10 gallon DWC)
- Ideal for airflows of 5-10 Liters Per Minute
- Heavy; stays firmly at the bottom of the reservoir
- Fits a 4-16W air pump and 3/16 or 3/8 inch air tubing
- Releases micro-bubbles
Con
- Might not be ideal for higher air pump flow (>15 LPM)
Pawfly 2 Pack 4 inch Air Stone Bubble Ball Shape Airstones Diffuser
If you think industrial air pumps are only for large Coke Can Cylinder stones, then you are wrong.
The Pawfly 4 Inch Ball Shape Air Stones make it look easy to handle the pressure of industrial pumps. As a result, the bubbles come out powerful, making your DWC setup looks like a fountain. Don’t believe me yet?
Features
The set boasts sturdy and durable materials. Not only that, it comes with not just one but two air stones. Moreover, you’ll love that it has a solid air stone build with no plastic outline.
Unlike most golf ball air stones, this set is perfect for a higher airflow pump, at 15-25 Liters per minute. Also, this doesn’t come with suction cups. Though small, it is heavy enough to stay firm at the bottom of the reservoir. Each stone is 4 inches in diameter and 2 inches in height. Coupled with an industrial pump, this stone is the perfect aerating tool for large DWC buckets.
Pros
- 4 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches in height, perfect for medium to a large reservoir (5-10 gallon DWC)
- Ideal for airflows of up to 15-25 LPM
- Sturdy material with solid air stone build
- Heavy; stays firmly at the bottom of the reservoir
- Fits a 4-16W air pump and 3/16 inch air tubing
Con
- Might not be ideal for low air pump flow (<15 LPM)
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Hydroponic Air Stone
Haven’t figured out what to get? No worries, I’ve answered some of your most sought-out questions about the best hydroponic air stone to help you out!
Q1. What is the best air stone?
The answer to this entirely lies in what your growing needs are. Before you order an air stone, make sure you have analyzed the size, shape, and quantity you need for your reservoir. Not to mention, you also need to assess whether the air pump you have in your setup would complement your air stone.
Luckily for you, I have rounded up the best hydroponic air stone, regardless of shape and size, for your system. Hence, you’re sure to find the one that works for you!
Q2. What size of air stone do I need?
Based on experience, the size of your air stone needs to be proportional to the size of your hydroponic setup. Moreover, you have to consider the power of your air pump. Our goal is to have an air stone that diffuses the right amount of oxygen for your reservoir.
Therefore, here’s my tip for you. The bigger the air stone you buy, the more powerful the air pump you need. On the other hand, the smaller the air stone you have, the less powerful the air pump you need.
I know what you’re thinking. But, how about a small air stone and a powerful pump? To be honest, this combination doesn’t always work out. That’s why I suggest you check this article and see which one would fit your situation.
For instance, you have an air pump with a capacity of only 2.5 to 5 LPM. Then, you plan to aerate a 5-gallon DWC. In this case, you may check the RealPlus or the Pawfly 2-Inch Gold Ball Air Stones. That’s how it works!
Luckily for you, I’ve listed different sizes of air stones that work well with high and low airflow pumps. So, you’re sure to purchase only the best for your system.
Q3. What shape of air stone do I need?
Here is the fun part. As you know, air stones come in varying shapes. But these are the most popular among growers like me:
- Golf ball – I highly suggest this for beginning growers. They’re perfect for air flows with 1.5 to 5 Liters per minute. If you have a small DWC system, you’ll find that using one of these in every reservoir would do.
- Ceramic Disk – There’s a reason why most commercial growers start with this air stone. For one, you get a wider spread of air bubbles. Not to mention, I find that they work best for large tanks. They’re also perfect for air flows with 2.5 to 10 Liters per minute.
- Coke Can – What I like about this type of air stone is that it releases an equal mixture of big and small bubbles. It’s perfect for air flows with 5 to 25 Liters per minute. Therefore, I highly suggest this for large tanks.
Q4. How many air stones do I need?
I find that in every gallon of water that I have, I would need at least 1 Liter per minute(LPM) air stone. Hence, when dealing with 5 gallons of water, you have to prepare at least 5 LPM air stones. No worries because the air stones I featured here range from 2 LPM to 25 LPM. But of course, the efficacy of your air stone would still depend on how powerful your air pump is.
Q5. How to prepare air stones?
Here’s a rule of thumb. Never use air stones straight from the packaging.
I know lots of beginning growers make this mistake. To maximize the efficacy of air stones, you had to soak them in water for at least 2 hours before use. If I were you, I’d go as far as soaking them with a mixture of vinegar and water for up to 6 hours. Next, attach the air tubing and air pump. Lastly, set them up at the bottom of the tank or reservoir. If they have suction cups, then that’s great! If not, make sure the ones you bought are heavy so that they won’t rattle or move around the reservoir.
Conclusion
Shopping for the best hydroponic air stone can be daunting, but I hope this article has helped you. Good thing, the air stones that I listed here are easy to find. I also featured varying shapes and sizes of air stones. So, you are sure to find one that is best for your setup.
Do you know what else would complete your DWC setup? Grow room air conditioners! Luckily for you, I have listed down my best bets here.
So, which one’s your favorite hydroponic air stone? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section.
Also, don’t forget to check other blogs from Rudd’s Home Farm to learn more tips and tricks on hydroponics gardening.
