Hydroponics equipment · Water and air

Water and air pumps.
Choose according to your system.

Home electric water pumps, USB pumps, air pumps, and complementary accessories — divided by type of operation and use, so you can find what suits your system.

How do you choose a pump?
01 · What should be streamed?

A water pump moves water. An air pump feeds air through a hose and air stone. One does not replace the other.

02 · To what height and distance?

Check the height difference, pipe length and diameter. Actual performance varies depending on installation conditions.

03 · What is the source of electricity?

Household outlet, USB, or dedicated system? Match voltage and connections according to model specifications, not just the shape of the connector.

Water pumps for household electricity · 220 volts

Aqua One Maxi series for circulation and water transfer. Choose according to the required flow rate at the working height, not only by the maximum number. The exact operating voltage is listed in the specifications of each model; the Maxi packages tested indicate 240V / 50Hz.

One year warranty according to product conditions. Do not operate water pump without water.

Quick comparison: Aqua One Maxi water pumps

The packaging data shows two separate maximum values: maximum flow is not flow at maximum lift height. These are not working conditions that occur simultaneously.

Flow rate, lift height, power and outlet connection
modelMaximum flow rate
Liter/hour
Maximum lifting height
meter
power
Watt
Water outlet
Maxi 1014000.65613 mm + 9 mm adapter
Maxi 1025001.05813 mm + 9 mm adapter
Maxi 1031,2001.21516 mm
Maxi 1042,00023019 mm
Maxi 1052,2002.54519 and 21 mm
Maxi 1063,2003.58019 and 21 mm

There is no choice about the lifting height limit. As you approach the maximum height, the flow rate decreases. If a specific flow rate is needed at a given height, check the model's performance curve or consult before purchasing.

USB pumps and wine systems

A small pump with a USB connection alongside a dedicated pump for Vinea Green's Hydro 4, 12 and 20 systems. These are different products: The dedicated pump includes an electronic card and is suitable for Vinea systems only.

Not every similar connection guarantees compatibility. Check voltage, connector, system model, and whether a power supply is included before ordering.

USB Pump Power Supplies and Accessories

USB wall charger and solar panel for operating suitable systems. The wall charger provides 5V; the solar panel is marketed as 9V. Do not assume that they are identical alternatives or suitable for every pump.

For proper adjustment, check the pump voltage and system requirements. For solar operation, consider the availability of sunlight and the required continuity of operation.

Air pumps

Pumps that feed air through a hose and air stone, to suitable reservoirs and growing systems. Choose according to the number of outlets, required air flow, water depth and number of stones.

An air pump is not a water pump: the pump body remains out of the water. It should not be immersed.

Air hoses and fittings

An air hose and air stone to complete the aeration system. Make sure the hose diameter matches the pump outlet and the stone you have chosen.

The air hose is sold by the meter: inner diameter 4 mm and actual outer diameter 6.2 mm. Air stone diameter: 5 cm. The pump is sold separately.

How to choose a pump for hydroponics?

The right choice starts with the operating conditions. You don't need the largest pump—you need a model that fits the flow, height, connections, and power source of the system.

Define flow at work height

Measure the vertical height from the water level in the reservoir to the outlet point. Long pipes, splits, and narrow passages add resistance. For example, if the outlet point is one meter high, you would not choose a pump with a maximum lift height of only one meter.

Adjust the connection and voltage

Check the pipe diameter, pump dimensions, and location in the reservoir. For a USB connection, also check voltage and current, and for a dedicated pump, ensure compatibility with the system model. Do not connect a low-voltage pump directly to a household electrical outlet.

Plan maintenance and operation

Leave access for cleaning and checking the water level. Install according to the model instructions and disconnect from power before servicing. In a system that requires continuous operation, make sure the power source is also suitable for this - especially when using solar.

Want to verify compatibility before ordering?

Send us the type of system, the height from the water level to the outlet point, the length and diameter of the pipe, the power source, and the required flow rate if known. A picture of the system and the pump connection will help with the inspection.

Consulting with Vinaya Green

Frequently Asked Questions About Pump Selection

What is the difference between a water pump and an air pump?

A water pump circulates or moves water through a pipe. An air pump pumps air into a pipe and an air stone in the water, while the body of the air pump remains outside the water. Choose according to the function of the system, and sometimes both types are required.

How do you know what flow rate is required for the system?

Start with the system requirements and the required flow rate at the outlet. Then check the vertical height from the water level, the diameter and length of the piping, splits and accessories. The volume of the reservoir alone is not enough to select a model, and there is no single number that fits every hydroponic system.

What does maximum lift height mean?

This is the maximum limit of the head difference that the pump can overcome under the measurement conditions. It does not guarantee a useful flow at the same head. The selection should be based on the performance at the actual working head, not just the maximum head value.

Does every USB power supply fit every USB pump?

No. The output voltage, required current, connector type, and system requirements must be matched. This page has a 5V wall charger and a panel marketed as 9V, so do not assume they are compatible with the same pump. The dedicated pump for Hydro 4, 12, and 20 is intended for Vinea systems only.

What do you need in addition to an air pump?

Typically, a pipe of appropriate diameter and a matching air stone are required. The number of outlets and the pump's flow rate must be checked to match the water depth and stone. To prevent backflow, the pump and protective devices must be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions; a non-return valve is not included unless specifically stated.

Can a water pump be run without water?

No. The water pumps should not be operated without water, and the conditions of use of the model must be observed. Before cleaning or servicing, disconnect from the power supply. The warranty for Aqua One Maxi pumps on the product pages on the website is one year, according to the conditions detailed for each product.

Supplementary equipment for monitoring the growth water: pH and EC meters and calibration accessoriesBackground on the principle of operation: Pump on Hebrew Wikipedia.