Airmax RP50 Piston Compressor, 1/2 HP, 115V

The RP50 (also designated 87R) is a 1/2 HP piston-driven air compressor built for continuous-duty pond aeration. Piston compressors deliver higher air pressure than diaphragm models, making the RP50 suited for deeper ponds and longer airline runs where diaphragm-based compressors lose output to back-pressure. It runs on standard 115V household current and is designed for year-round operation in outdoor installations.

Piston Drive for High-Pressure Output

Diaphragm aerators work well in shallow ponds and shorter runs, but they lose efficiency as depth and airline length increase. The RP50's piston design maintains pressure over longer runs and greater depths, making it the right compressor for ponds over 8 ft (2.4 m) deep or installations where the airline run from compressor to diffuser exceeds 100 ft (30 m). The continuous-duty rating means it runs safely 24 hours a day without overheating.

Installation

Mount in a weatherproof, sheltered location above the waterline. Connect airline to the outlet port and route to your diffuser. For best performance, keep the diffuser at the deepest point in the pond. Run continuously. Shutting the compressor off overnight causes oxygen levels to drop and disrupts the water circulation pattern. Use the RP50 maintenance kit (AM-510115) annually to maintain full output capacity.

Ideal for deep ponds and small lakes, long-run aeration installations, and applications where a diaphragm compressor does not maintain adequate output at depth.