Troubleshooting: Pro Air 20 & Pro Air 60 Aeration System

Below is a step-by-step troubleshooting and maintenance guide for the Pro Air 20 and Pro Air 60 Aeration Systems.

Step 1 – Start at the Compressor (Top of System)

1. If no air is reaching the diffusers, always begin troubleshooting at the compressor.
2. Locate the air discharge valve/manifold on the compressor.
3. Using a screwdriver:
   • Loosen the clamp.
   • Remove the airline tubing.
4. Check for airflow directly from the compressor outlet.
5. What to look for:
   • Strong airflow present: Compressor is functioning → proceed to Step 2.
   • Weak or no airflow: Likely diaphragm issue → skip to Step 5.

Step 2 – Inspect the Check Valve Orientation

1. The check valve ensures air flows toward the pond and prevents water from backing into the compressor.
2. Locate the check valve inline with the tubing.
3. Remove it if necessary.
4. Blow through the valve to confirm airflow direction.
   • Correct condition:
     • Air should pass only in the direction of the diffuser.
   • Common issue:
     • Installed backwards → blocks airflow completely.
       • Action:
         • Reinstall in the correct direction if needed.

Step 3 – Inspect Airline Tubing

1. Move downstream through the system.
2. Check the entire length of tubing for:
3. Kinks
4. Pinches
5. Crushing or deformation
6. Blockages

Action:

• Straighten or replace damaged tubing as needed.

Step 4 – Check Airflow at the Diffuser

1. The diffuser is typically low maintenance but should still be verified.
2. Disconnect tubing at the diffuser (loosen worm gear clamp).
3. Check for airflow at the end of the airline.

What to expect:

• Strong airflow reaching the diffuser.

Notes on diffuser design:

• Made of EPDM rubber membrane with microscopic pores.
• Self-cleaning:
  • Air pressure expands membrane.
  • Debris is pushed out during operation.
• If airflow is present but performance is poor:
• Reconnect and observe bubbles in pond.
• Minimal maintenance typically required.

Step 5 – Diagnose Compressor Diaphragm (If Low/No Air at Source)

1. If little or no air is coming directly from the compressor:

Likely cause:

• Worn or failed diaphragm inside the compressor.

Important context:

• Diaphragms wear over time (similar to tires).
• Wear rate depends on:
  • Temperature (hot environments accelerate wear)
  • Dust and debris
  • Runtime and general use

Step 6 – Replace Diaphragm and Air Filter

Use only the diaphragm and air filter replacement kit from Aquascape.

Procedure:

1. Remove 4 screws from compressor housing.
2. Lift off the top cover.
3. Remove 4 screws from diaphragm cover.
4. Gently pull off diaphragm cover.
5. Remove the silver plate (keep gasket intact).
6. Inspect plastic diaphragm chamber:
   • Replace if damaged.
7. Loosen center screw of diaphragm assembly.
8. Remove diaphragm housing.
9. Separate internal plastic components.
10. Install new rubber diaphragm:
    • Ensure all components are included:
      • Thin washers
      • Internal parts
11. Reassemble in reverse order:
    • Secure diaphragm housing
    • Reinstall cover and screws

Step 7 – Final System Check

1. After reassembly:
   • Reconnect all tubing.
   • Ensure:
     • Check valve is properly oriented
     • Tubing is secure and unkinked
   • Power on the unit.
   • Verify:
     • Strong airflow at compressor
     • Consistent bubbling at diffuser

Key Maintenance Takeaways

• Always troubleshoot from the compressor down to the diffuser.
• The most common failure point is the diaphragm.
• Diffusers require minimal maintenance due to self-cleaning design.
• Routine inspection helps prevent performance loss.