Blue Diamond Air Pump AC45
Your pump arrives ready to connect: a brass barbed outlet, a matching hose, and a 6-way plastic manifold, so you can run several airlines from one pump on standard 4 mm tubing.
Applications include aquarium and pond aeration, hydroponic nutrient and bubbler systems (DWC and RDWC), aquaponics, compost tea brewing, waste water treatment, and inflation and dusting.
This is one of the smaller pumps in the ACO piston range, and it still delivers plenty of air for large aquariums, a pond or hydroponic system. Be aware that these powerful piston pumps are a little noisier than diaphragm pumps.
- Reciprocating piston mechanism - no diaphragm to wear out or replace
- Oil-less, oil-free air delivery - safe to use directly in aquariums, ponds and hydroponic reservoirs
- Washable sponge inlet filter - the only maintenance it needs is a quick clean every two months
- ZL 102 aluminium alloy housing with cooling fins - built to run continuously without overheating
- CE marked
- 1 year warranty - against manufacturing defects
Can I use it outside?
It is not IP rated. Avoid siting the pump itself outdoors if possible. Otherwise protection from weather, dust and moisture should be provided with a suitable enclosure in a sheltered spot. Plenty of space and ventilation is required to prevent heat build-up. Always use an electrical supply installed by a qualified electrician.
Is it noisy?
Yes - ACO pumps are noisier than diaphragm-type pumps, because of how a piston mechanism works. It is quieter under load than it sounds when you first unbox it and run it with nothing connected.
Can water flow back up the pipe to the pump?
Yes, and it will damage the pump. Back siphoning is a risk whenever the pump can sit at or below the water level, in which case a non-return valve is essential to protect it. Site it above the water line and fit a non-return valve to the airline. Inexpensive valves are available separately in our shop.
What happens if I run it with outlets closed, or with no load?
Never run it with no load, and never shut off all the outlets at once. Both shorten the life of the pump.
Does it need oiling?
Unlike a workshop compressor there is no oil level to check or top up. This pump is oil-less by design, which is what keeps the delivered air clean enough for a tank or a nutrient reservoir.
Can I service it myself?
Clean the sponge inlet filter every two months, with the pump unplugged. There are no other user-serviceable parts.
Do I have to use a manifold and 4 mm pipe?
No, you can also connect to the threaded outlet, the brass nozzle, or over the top of the pump outlet - see the Connections table below for the sizes.
What else do I need to buy?
You may need airline and air stones - we stock these, along with manifolds and other accessories, in our shop.
| Max. flow | 45 L/min |
| Max. pressure | 0.18 bar |
| Power consumption | 22 W |
| Noise | <60 dB |
| Outlet thread | 8 mm |
| Brass barb (ID) | 6 mm |
| Over-nozzle (ID) | 13 mm |
| Supplied connecting hose (ID) | 6 mm |
| Manifold outlets | 6-way |
| Pump type | Reciprocating piston |
| Housing | ZL 102 aluminium alloy, finned |
| Lubrication | Oil-less - delivered air is oil-free |
| Voltage | 220–240 V, UK plug |
| Supply frequency | 50/60 Hz |
| Cable length | 1.3 m (approx.) |
| Dimensions | 159 × 90 × 95 mm |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Manifold outlet size | 4 mm ID |
| Airline required | 4 mm standard airline |
| IP rating | None |
| Certification | CE marked |
| Warranty | 1 year against manufacturing defects |
| Manufacturer | Guangdong Hailea Group Co., Ltd., China |
| 1 × ACO308 air pump | Fitted UK plug, 1.3 m cable (approx.) |
| 1 × brass barbed connector | 6 mm ID |
| 1 × connecting hose | 6 mm ID, sized to match the connector |
| 1 × 6-way plastic manifold | 4 mm ID outlets |