Stupid physics word problem (airflow)

So I'm trying to take the pump below and push air equally into three airstones. I would like to use the pictured manifold, but unfortunately it has four outlets. Will the solution above result in equal pressure being exerted in all three lines? Or would the combined line have stronger airflow than the other two?


I recall learning something about static energy in ductwork, not sure if it applies here; but the theory went that if you shut off a vent going into a room, it does not result in increased pressure to the other rooms.


This is my other solution, but I would like to try and avoid this kind of variable if possible.
So I figured why not ask you good folks

This may be a silly question, why don't you just cap one off? Wouldn't that work for equal pressure?

Hmmmmmm........ If the line is already at its max volume capacity with the pump then yes it will be equal. You could always cap off one of the manifold ports too instead of tying two together.

Agreed, then I overthought it and was wondering if I cap it,
would the one on the outside get less pressure than the ones closest to the middle,
silly I know but that's what led to me tying the two outside ones together.

grokit said:

Agreed, then I overthought it and was wondering if I cap it,
would the one on the outside get less pressure than the ones closest to the middle,
silly I know but that's what led to me tying the two outside ones together.

Click to expand...

Not all that silly... Is the pump rated to move water? You could a run timed test with each line dumping to separate cup if it is

Not water, it's moving air into water via airstones.
I have the valve setup, that seems simplest.
Or I could just assume that the middle line moves a little more air,
and use that one for the most productive plant.
I think a little aeration observation is a good idea now.

grokit said:

Not water, it's moving air into water via airstones.
I have the valve setup, that seems simplest.
Or I could just assume that the middle line moves a little more air,
and use that one for the most productive plant.
I think a little aeration observation is a good idea now.

Click to expand...

I agree observation and balancing by eye with inline valves if necessary is the easiest way to go; otherwise it's number crunching on pumps airflow and the line capacities with compensation for friction loss