Active Aqua Round Air Stone - 8" x 1"

The 8" disc format is best suited for mid-to-large reservoirs where a smaller stone would leave significant solution volume under-aerated. As a general rule, larger disc surface area provides better oxygen distribution across a wider reservoir footprint — for smaller single-bucket or compact DWC setups, the Active Aqua Round Air Stone - 4" x 1" is more appropriately sized for the container volume.

This air stone uses 3/8" ID airline tubing — note this is larger than the standard ¼" tubing used by most small air pumps. Confirm your pump and distribution setup outputs 3/8" tubing before ordering, or use a reducer fitting to step down from a larger line. Most larger-format air pumps and commercial aeration setups use 3/8" tubing natively.

The included suction cups attach to the underside of the air stone disc and press onto the floor of the reservoir, holding the stone flat and stable during continuous operation. This prevents the stone from shifting or tilting during irrigation cycles and ensures even bubble distribution across the full disc surface. No tools, adhesive, or permanent modification to the reservoir is required.

Yes — an inline check valve between the air pump and the air stone is strongly recommended whenever the pump is positioned at or below the waterline. If power is interrupted, a check valve prevents nutrient solution from back-siphoning through the tubing into the pump body. Check valves for 3/8" tubing are widely available and should be considered standard in any reservoir aeration setup.

Soak the stone in a diluted hydrogen peroxide or citric acid solution between cycles to dissolve mineral deposits and organic buildup that accumulate in the micropores over time. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before reinstalling. Regular cleaning maintains full bubble output and extends the usable life of the stone — replace when cleaning no longer restores consistent airflow across the full disc surface.

The 8" disc offers four times the surface area of the 4" version — making it the right choice when the reservoir floor space and volume call for broader horizontal oxygen distribution. The 4" stone is the more appropriate fit for compact containers, single-bucket setups, or applications where multiple smaller stones distributed across a large reservoir are preferred over a single large stone. Both use the same 3/8" inlet and suction cup mounting system.