AIRLIFT Water Pump for 32 mm PVC Pipe – 3D-printable compression chamber

A simple and effective solution for fish farming ponds, aquaculture, aquaponics, and creating current in a recirculating aquaculture system.

I have been designing and using Airlift systems for aquariums and ponds for several years. I use this technology in my rearing tanks as well as in my recirculating aquaculture system for trout.

In 2025, I designed a ready-to-use system 3D-printable, saving you the trouble of buying, cutting, and gluing together multiple sections of PVC pipe of different diameters to build a compression chamber for an Airlift pump.

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Key features

Integrated air hose connector
Compatible with standard silicone tubing from 5 to 6 mm used in aquariums and ponds.

Optimized compression chamber

• Walls of at least 2 mm thick
• Excellent waterproofing
• Minimizing air leaks

Air distribution

• Air outlet openings of 1 mm in diameter
• Even distribution of bubbles throughout the water column

PVC Compatibility
Designed to fit perfectly into a 32-mm-diameter PVC pipe.

Easy installation
All you need is:

• Two sections of 32-mm-diameter PVC pipe
• A 32 mm PVC elbow

Optionally, you can add a T-fitting at the top to separate the air from the water and create a skimmer-style system, with or without a filter foam.

Tolerances suitable for FDM 3D printing
The settings have been tested and calibrated for 3D printing.
To ensure a perfect seal:

• A few turns of PTFE tape are usually enough
• Or a permanent collage, if you prefer

Integrated air hose holder
A specially designed ring holds the air hose in place against the 32 mm PVC pipe using a simple hose clamp.
Additional clamps can also be used to secure or weigh down the installation.

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Performance and Testing

Our Airlift model offers excellent performance.
To demonstrate this, several tests were conducted in a Shubunkin breeding tank with a water depth of approximately 70 cm.

Results observed

The tests were conducted using two air pumps of different power ratings and the Apiobi Airlift:

The results, photos, and videos allow for a precise assessment of the performance and flow rates achieved:

❌ Contrary to the nonsense you might read online, an air pump 2 W is far from sufficient to properly operate an Airlift.

Why is our model different?

• Based on my personal experience as a designer and user
• Developed through extensive testing under real-world conditions
• Inspired by the work of renowned professionals and researchers, including G. Martinez
• Robust, reliable, and proven design
• Suitable for aquarium enthusiasts, breeders, and professionals alike

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🐟 Possible Applications

• Freshwater or Saltwater Aquariums
• Rearing Tanks
• Aquaponics
• Salmopony
• Garden ponds
• Biological filters
• Fish Farming
• Water Circulation and Oxygenation
• Current Generation

Thank you for supporting independent creation and functional 3D printing! 🙌🐟🌊