Wednesday, September 17, 2025

HIBLOW USA is excited to exhibit at the Oklahoma Onsite Wastewater Association Conference, taking place September 24–25, 2025 at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center.

Stop by our booth to learn more about HIBLOW’s reliable linear air pumps for aerobic treatment units and other onsite wastewater applications. Our team will be available to answer questions, share product insights, and connect with industry professionals.

Learn more about the OOWA 2025 conference: OOWA 2025 Website

We look forward to seeing you in Tulsa!

Monday, September 15, 2025

SepticSmart Week: September 15-19, 2025

Simple Tips to Help your Wallet and the Environment

Each September, SepticSmart Week reminds us to give our septic systems a little extra care. A healthy system keeps your home running smoothly, protects your yard, and helps keep nearby water clean.

Easy ways to stay SepticSmart:
• Watch what goes down the drain
• Use water wisely and spread out laundry
• Keep cars and heavy plants off the drain field
• Have your septic tank or aerobic treatment unit pumped and inspected on a regular schedule. Don’t forget about that diffuser in the tank — it will clog over time which will reduce the life of your HIBLOW air pump and decrease the amount of oxygen entering the system.

Check out our Facebook page for daily video posts! Facebook

Learn more from the EPA here: SepticSmart Educational Materials

September 15, 2025

Posted in:

Residential Wastewater

(734) 944-5032 info@HIBLOW-USA

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Should I Run My Pond Aerator Continuously?

As a rule of thumb, we recommend running your aerator 24/7, 365 days a year.

One of the most common questions we receive at HIBLOW USA is whether pond aerators should run continuously. Generally, we recommend running your aerator 24/7, 365 days a year.

Why Continuous Pond Aeration is Beneficial

Continuous pond aeration promotes the growth of beneficial aerobic bacteria that break down organic matter in the pond. This reduces muck buildup and improves overall pond water quality.

Bottom-diffused aeration circulates the entire water column, bringing oxygen-poor water from the bottom to the surface where it releases toxic gasses and absorbs oxygen. HIBLOW believes that water circulation is the most important benefit of bottom diffused aeration.

Additionally, tiny bubbles released from a pond diffuser introduce dissolved oxygen into the water, which is essential for aquatic life.

Continuous pond aeration also helps prevent biological buildup and clogging in the diffuser, maintaining airflow efficiency and extending the life of your pond air pump.

Pond aeration graphic

Why Wouldn’t You Want to Aerate All the Time?

Some believe that aeration isn’t needed when water temperatures drop below 55°F since cold water holds more dissolved oxygen. While this is true, HIBLOW believes that aeration still plays a critical role year-round.

During autumn, falling leaves and other organic debris increase oxygen demand, just as plants reduce their natural oxygen production. Additionally, pond water layers can stratify, forming oxygen-depleted zones. Sudden turnover can release toxic gases, risking a fish kill.

In northern climates, ice-covered ponds trap toxic gases. As organic matter decomposes, oxygen is displaced, possibly leading to winter fish kill if levels drop too low. However, if you plan to use your pond for recreation such as ice skating or hockey, subsurface aeration is not advised for obvious safety reasons.

What About Aerating Continuously in Hot Climates?

In extremely hot climates, continuous pond aeration can raise water temperature throughout the entire water column. Once water exceeds 83–85°F, fish may experience heat stress.

To address this, some pond owners opt for night-time only aeration. This lets cooler water settle during the day and circulates at night, when oxygen levels naturally drop.

If you’re not running your aeration system continuously, be sure to monitor aeration system pressure. Inactive systems can allow biological growth to clog diffusers, which reduces air flow and stresses the aerator.

The Verdict: Year-round Continuous Pond Aeration Is Best for Most Ponds

Unless you live in an extremely hot climate or use your pond for winter recreation, running your aerator 24/7/365 will deliver the best results. HIBLOW aerators are very energy-efficient and built for continuous use. You have invested time and money in your system, why not get the most out of it?

More Pond Aeration Content

Monday, August 4, 2025

Visit HIBLOW USA at the 2025 FOWA Convention (Booth #817)

HIBLOW USA is happy to announce that it's exhibiting at the 2025 Florida Onsite Wastewater Association’s (FOWA) Convention and Trade Show to be held from Thursday, August 7, to Saturday, August 9, in Daytona Beach, Florida.

FOWA is a non-profit organization whose primary goal is education. The organization provides knowledge about wastewater technologies and maintenance standards to ensure a safe and beautiful Florida for future generations.

For more information about the FOWA and the 2025 Convention and Trade Show visit the FOWA Website.

WHY CHOOSE HIBLOW LINEAR AIR PUMPS FOR WASTEWATER?

Four Main Reasons: HIBLOW Quality, Reliability, Performance, and Availability.

In many onsite installations, the linear air pump is the septic system’s only moving part, so it must be dependable. HIBLOW pumps work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our pumps set the industry standard for reliability and service life. Come see us at this year’s Convention and Trade Show at Booth #817 to learn more. We look forward to seeing you there!

Learn more about HIBLOW linear diaphragm air pumps at HIBLOW Linear Air Pumps - Service Providers and OEM's.

HIBLOW USA
(734) 944-5032

Thursday, June 12, 2025

How to Keep Fire Ants Out of Your Septic and Pond Air Pump

Fire ants are more than just a nuisance—they can be a costly problem, especially when they invade electrical equipment like linear air pumps used in aerobic septic systems, ponds, or other outdoor applications. Fire ants are attracted to heat, electromagnetic fields, and electrical currents, often causing significant damage by building nests inside and around the air pump.

Why Fire Ants Are a Threat to Air Pumps

Fire ants are drawn to the warmth of electrical components and the electromagnetic fields they emit. Once inside, they may build nests in the filter or around internal components. When one ant is electrocuted, it releases an alarm pheromone that attracts more ants, leading to swarms. This can suffocate the air pump causing it to overheat, short circuit, or fail completely.

Prevention Methods

1. Keep the Pump Off the Ground
Ants prefer warm soil and easy ground-level access. Elevate the pump at least 6–8 inches off the ground using a cinder block, mounting bracket, or pad. This simple step can significantly reduce ant traffic around the unit.

2. Use Ant Deterrents
Several effective products and natural barriers can help keep ants away:

Diatomaceous Earth – Sprinkle a ring around the pump area. This natural powder dehydrates ants and deters them from crossing.
Granular Ant Treatments – Apply a pellet or granular insecticide around the base area as a longer-term deterrent.
Insecticide-impregnated ear tags – Originally designed for livestock, these tags slowly release insecticide and can be repurposed creatively near pump housings.

3. Apply Ant Baits
Use ant baits a few feet away from the pump to attract ants and kill the colony. These baits work best when taken back to the nest, preventing reinfestation.

4. Maintain the Area Around the Pump
Fire ants thrive in cluttered or overgrown areas. Keep vegetation trimmed, remove organic debris, and maintain a clear area around your air pump. Avoid placing food, compost, or trash nearby.

5. Inspect Monthly
Fire ants can move in quickly. Make monthly inspections a routine, especially during warmer months, and reapply ant treatments as needed.

What Not to Do

Avoid applying insecticides directly inside the pump housing. While it may seem like a direct solution, the chemicals can damage internal components or corrode electronics, leading to further repair costs.

Final Thoughts

Keeping fire ants out of your linear air pump requires a proactive approach and a combination of strategies. Elevation, ant baiting, regular inspection, and careful use of insecticides around (but not inside) your pump are the most effective ways to prevent damage. By following these tips, you’ll not only protect your equipment but also save yourself from costly repairs and frustrating downtime.

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Koi Pond Air Pump: Quality Matters

HIBLOW WG Series: The Premium Koi Pond Air Pump

One often overlooked but essential component of a koi pond ecosystem is a high-quality koi pond air pump. This device plays a crucial role in keeping the pond environment clean, oxygen-rich, and conducive to fish and plant life. Why spend all that money on your beloved koi and pinch pennies on a koi pond air pump—an item essential to their livelihood?

Why Aeration Matters in a Koi Pond

Koi fish require well-oxygenated water to thrive. Without proper oxygen levels, koi can become sluggish, suffer from health issues, or even die. Here are the main reasons a koi pond air pump is indispensable:

Oxygenation of Water
Fish, beneficial bacteria, and other aquatic organisms rely on dissolved oxygen. A high-quality koi pond air pump ensures consistent oxygen levels throughout the pond, especially in deeper or warmer water where oxygen tends to deplete.
Support for Beneficial Bacteria
Aerobic bacteria play a key role in breaking down ammonia and nitrites in the pond, keeping the water clean and free of muck. These bacteria flourish and multiply exponentially in well-oxygenated environments.
Prevention of Stratification
During hot months, pond water can stratify, creating layers with different temperatures and oxygen levels. An efficient air pump helps circulate the water, promoting uniform conditions throughout the water column.
Ice Prevention in Winter
In colder climates, an air pump can keep a small area of the pond’s surface from freezing, allowing toxic gases to escape and fresh oxygen to enter the pond—essential for preventing fish kill.
Healthier, Happier Koi
When oxygen levels are optimal and water quality is high, koi fish are more active, grow better, and display more vibrant colors.

HIBLOW WG Series: The Premium Koi Pond Air Pump

For pond owners seeking a dependable, high-performance air pump, the HIBLOW WG Series stands out. Engineered specifically for water gardens and koi ponds, the WG Series offers several features that cater to both novice and experienced pond keepers:

Superior Build Quality: Designed in Japan, the WG Series is built for longevity and consistent performance using the highest-quality materials.
Low Energy Consumption: These pumps are designed with efficiency in mind, operating on just 28–58 watts of power to keep running costs low.
Quiet Operation: Thanks to advanced diaphragm technology, the WG Series is whisper quiet—seriously, it’s measured at the same decibel level as a human whisper.
Reparability: HIBLOW air pumps can be rebuilt at least twice with only a few basic tools, allowing them to last 10–15 years on average.

WG Series Koi Pond Air Pump Sizing Chart:

Whether you’re setting up a new pond or upgrading an existing system, investing in a high-quality koi pond air pump is essential. The HIBLOW WG Series provides the reliability and performance needed to support a thriving aquatic ecosystem. With the right aeration system in place, your koi can flourish in a clean, balanced, and oxygen-rich environment for years to come.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Do I need a Pond Aerator Cover?

If you own a pond aerator, you might be wondering whether you need a cover for it. If your system uses a rocking piston, rotary vane, or regenerative blower, then investing in a pond aerator cover is a smart move. These technologies aren’t designed to withstand direct exposure to the elements. Rain, snow, dust, and UV rays can all damage components and potentially shorten the lifespan of the unit.

While each type of aerator varies in durability and heat output, most benefit from a weather-resistant, well-ventilated enclosure that offers protection without restricting airflow.

Do Linear Diaphragm Air Pumps Need a Pond Aerator Cover?

HIBLOW aerators and other linear diaphragm brands (though not all) are UL-rated for outdoor use, meaning they can operate without a pond aerator cover and still withstand the elements. Most HIBLOW pond aerators feature aluminum housing that essentially acts as the enclosure.

However, many in the pond industry believe that a cover is necessary and often use fake rocks or other decorative enclosures that may restrict airflow. While some enclosures can be beneficial, others can actually reduce the lifespan of the aerator.

Heat Is the Enemy

HIBLOW’s diaphragms are made from EPDM rubber, which wears and ruptures more quickly in hot environments. Other rubber components, such as base and filter gaskets, also degrade faster under heat stress. While you can’t control the outside temperature, you can position your pump to maximize its longevity. Keeping the aerator out of direct sunlight and ensuring proper air circulation is the best way to extend its life.

Heat Test – Enclosures vs. Stand-Alone Setups

HIBLOW USA conducted a heat test, measuring temperatures for three different types of enclosures and for a HIBLOW air pump placed in both shade and direct sunlight.

Testing Conditions:

Temperatures were measured at the top and bottom of each setup every 30 minutes between 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM.
Starting temperature at 10:30 AM: 83°F (Real Feel: 94°F); ending temperature at 2:30 PM: 86°F (Real Feel: 97°F).
Location: Saline, MI.

Results at 2:30 PM (warmest time of the day):

	Type	Temperature at the top	Temperature at the Bottom	Average Temperature
A	No enclosure in the shade	116.3 °F	129.9 °F	123.1 °F
B	Enclosure with 2 open ends	122.9 °F	127.7 °F	125.3 °F
C	No enclosure directly in the sun	123.1 °F	129.2 °F	126.2 °F
D	Fake rock without vents	132.2 °F	136.0 °F	134.1 °F
E	Riser top without vents	136.8 °F	149.5 °F	143.2 °F

Temperature Rankings (Coolest to Hottest):

#1 – A: No enclosure, in the shade.
No surprise here—this setup offers the best of both worlds: protection from the sun and unrestricted airflow. People often place pumps on the north side of the house, under trees, in sheds, garages, or crawlspaces.

#2 – B: Enclosure with two open ends.
Offers good airflow while keeping the aerator shaded. This is a quality setup.

#3 – C: No enclosure, in direct sun.
This setup’s higher temperature shows that airflow may be more important than shade alone when keeping the pump cool.

#4 – D: Fake rock without vents.
Although visually appealing, this setup restricts ventilation and significantly raises internal temperatures. Your diaphragms may rupture much faster.

#5 – E: Riser top without vents.
More common in the septic industry, this setup is risky for ponds. Aside from potential water intrusion and toxic gas exposure, the pump essentially “bakes” inside. As shown, this setup was 20°F hotter than a shaded pump in Michigan—worse in hotter states like Texas or Louisiana.

The Bottom Line:

To extend the life of your pond aerator and save money, aim to maximize airflow and keep the pump shaded. If you choose to use a pond aerator cover, ensure it’s ventilated. Drill holes in decorative covers or prop them up to allow air circulation from below.

If you have any questions about pond aerator covers or your HIBLOW air pump, please give us a call—we’d be happy to offer suggestions to improve your setup.