{"product_id":"charles-austen-et-air-pumps","title":"Charles Austen ET 120 Air Pump","description":"\u003csection class=\"gh-product-listing\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCharles Austen ET 120 Air Pump — 120 LPM Professional-Grade Aeration for Large Hydroponic Systems\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Growers scaling up to larger reservoirs or multi-system setups who need reliable, continuous aeration without the noise\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"gh-our-thoughts\" role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Our thoughts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur thoughts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is proper kit. Linear diaphragm design, whisper-quiet operation, built for 24\/7 duty, and designed to last. You're looking at industrial-grade reliability at a price that makes sense for serious hobbyists and early-stage commercial growers. One we recommend a lot to people outgrowing their 70 LPM pump.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Charles Austen ET 120 is a \u003cstrong\u003eprofessional-grade linear diaphragm air pump\u003c\/strong\u003e delivering \u003cstrong\u003e120 litres per minute\u003c\/strong\u003e of clean, oil-free air. Built for continuous duty operation, it's designed to sit at the heart of larger deep water culture systems, multi-reservoir setups, or any growing operation where reliable aeration isn't negotiable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike smaller aquarium-style pumps that lose pressure over time, the ET 120 maintains consistent output day in, day out. At just \u003cstrong\u003e35dB\u003c\/strong\u003e, it's also one of the quietest high-capacity pumps on the market — a genuine advantage if you're growing in a residential space or anywhere noise matters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow it compares\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ET 120 sits in the \u003cstrong\u003esemi-commercial to serious hobbyist tier\u003c\/strong\u003e, bridging the gap between entry-level hobby pumps and ultra-industrial units.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs. Small hobby pumps (40-70 LPM):\u003c\/strong\u003e 70% more output, professional-grade reliability, linear diaphragm design (quieter, more consistent), replaceable service parts, designed for 24\/7 continuous duty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs. Mid-range commercial (110 LPM):\u003c\/strong\u003e Comparable output, significantly quieter (35dB vs. 45-60dB), lower power draw, oil-free by design, UK-backed 2-year warranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs. Ultra-commercial (150+ LPM):\u003c\/strong\u003e Overkill for most UK growers; ET 120 hits the sweet spot for scaling without overspending\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBottom line: you're getting industrial reliability at a price that doesn't assume you're running a commercial operation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eUsage guidance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSystem sizing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAs a general rule, you want at least 1 litre of air per minute for every gallon of water. The ET 120's 120 LPM output suits single large reservoirs (120+ gallons), multi-bucket DWC systems, or expanding setups where you're planning growth. If you're running smaller individual systems, this pump gives you room to add more without replacing it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstallation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConnect the supplied L-shaped rubber connector to the pump's 18mm outlet. You'll need a separate manifold (sold separately) to split the airflow to multiple air stones via standard 4mm airline tubing. Secure tubing with the included hose clips. Never immerse the pump itself in water — it sits outside your reservoir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAir stone setup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRun airline tubing from the pump through the manifold to submerged air stones in your reservoir. This distributes oxygen evenly and prevents stagnant water, which kills roots. More air stones = better coverage, especially in larger reservoirs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContinuous operation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe ET 120 is built for 24\/7 duty. Unlike intermittent-rated pumps, it won't overheat or degrade from constant running. Dissolved oxygen needs to stay consistent — this pump delivers that without flinching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCharles Austen recommend servicing every 18 months. Service kits (including replacement diaphragms) are available separately and significantly cheaper than buying a new pump. It's a genuine advantage of this design — you can keep it running for years with basic upkeep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAir output: \u003cstrong\u003e120 litres per minute (at 0.12 bar)\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNoise level: \u003cstrong\u003e35dB\u003c\/strong\u003e (extremely quiet for continuous operation)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower consumption: \u003cstrong\u003e90–125 watts\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesign: \u003cstrong\u003eLinear diaphragm, oil-free\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutlet connector: \u003cstrong\u003e18mm brass screw-in\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupply voltage: \u003cstrong\u003e220–240v, 50Hz\u003c\/strong\u003e (UK standard)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: \u003cstrong\u003e4kg\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: \u003cstrong\u003e265mm (L) × 215mm (W) × 198mm (H)\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncluded: \u003cstrong\u003eScrew-in brass connector, L-shaped elbow, 2 hose clips\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty: \u003cstrong\u003e2 years (UK-backed)\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRated for: \u003cstrong\u003eContinuous duty (24\/7 operation)\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThermal cut-out: \u003cstrong\u003eBuilt-in protection\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWho this is for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrowers moving from 70 LPM setups to larger single reservoirs or multi-system operations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSemi-commercial operations running 5+ buckets or tanks requiring reliable redundancy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnyone prioritising 24\/7 reliability over initial cost — can't afford system failure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResidential or noise-sensitive growers (the 35dB operation is a genuine edge)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrowers who want a pump they can service and repair rather than replace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUK-based operations who value local warranty support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOur take\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a properly engineered pump designed to work reliably for years. The linear diaphragm design isn't new — it's been used in hydroponics for decades because it works. You're not paying for hype or brand premium; you're paying for consistency and the confidence to run it 24\/7 without babysitting it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 35dB noise level is worth highlighting — most competitors in this output range run at 45–60dB. That's the difference between background hum and something you notice. The 2-year UK warranty and availability of service parts also separate this from disposable alternatives that force you to buy a new pump when something wears.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're scaling up your growing operation and want air pump anxiety off the list, this is worth picking up. Good time to buy while stock lasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"CHARLES AUSTEN","offers":[{"title":"Charles Austen ET120 Air Pump - 120 Litres\/Min","offer_id":47916588531882,"sku":"111993","price":163.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0053\/5540\/5400\/files\/111993_charles_austen_et_120_1_739bb0b6-2e08-4121-a287-19bd7ddfdce5.jpg?v=1769196717","url":"https:\/\/growershouse.co.uk\/products\/charles-austen-et-air-pumps","provider":"Growers House ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}