Aeration system with flexible hose couplings

A coupling assembly to connect components of a water aeration grid, comprising:

• a hose barbed connector having a tapered, threaded male connection and a barbed male connection configured to be inserted into an end of at least one flexible hose comprised by the aeration grid;
• a flexible grommet comprising a top surface with a central opening for receiving the tapered, threaded male connection;
• and
• a clamp configured to secure the at least one flexible hose to the hose barbed connector, the coupling assembly being configured to connect the at least one flexible hose to a primary air supply line at one end of each of the at least one flexible hose.

A method for aerating water, comprising:

• providing a primary air supply line:
• providing at least one flexible hose;
• providing at least one coupling assembly, each assembly comprising:
• a hose barbed connector having a tapered, threaded male connection and a barbed male connection configured to be inserted an end of the at least one flexible hose, and
• a flexible grommet comprising a top surface with a central opening for receiving the tapered, threaded male connection;
• securing the clamp to the at least one flexible hose on the hose barb fitting;
• connecting the at least one flexible hose to the primary air supply line at one end of the at least one flexible hose one using the first at least one coupling assembly;
• connecting one or more diffuser sections to an opposite end of the flexible hose via the at least one coupling assembly;
• and
• providing a supply of air through the primary air supply line to the one or more diffuser sections.