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POND AERATION

Pond aeration keeps ponds clear and provides oxygen for fish. It can also keep stormwater retention ponds healthy. If you have the pond, whether it is a small backyard plastic-lined pond or a fairly large fish pond dug in the lower meadow, there are many events that occur that are usually unplanned.

 

Fertilizer nutrients, sun and warm weather are the bugaboo of pond maintenance. Algae and slimy blue-green algae will certainly grow along the sides of the pond and even cloud the water with a greenish "bloom". The culprits of these problems are in the soil, air and are easily grown in the backyard pond.

 

Rather than adding toxic or unsightly chemicals to control these plants, you may use several strategies to prevent them from dominating the pond.

  • Shade:

    • You could plant conifers or broadleaf trees especially on the south and southwest side of the pond. Keep the tree away from the shoreline to avoid damaging the shore from root activity.

  • Natural Aeration:

    • This is caused by water currents and movement over rocks causing natural bubbling.

  • Pond Aerator:

    • Consider a small fountain or aerator to introduce this valuable oxygen. Let it operate during the times when it is most needed early morning and late evening to introduce oxygen and provide an evaporative cooling effect

 

AERATION

          OPTIONS

 

Air is provided by a small compressor housed in a weather protected stainless steel housing that can be screened by vegetation or housed in a garage.  There is a 70 decibel (db) pulsating sound that comes from the compressor while it is pushing compressed air into the pond.  The sound from the units that we use is the quietest in the industry.

 

The air is pushed through a delivery pipe into the pond where it enters a high-density black poly pipe (1” in diameter) that rests on the bottom of the pond.  The air is then forced through a disk membrane that is about 12” in diameter.

 

This membrane creates many small bubbles that mix with the water producing a bubbling effect creating a circular current at the surface.  We use the Aquamaster Aqua Air aerator system.

 

Advantages: 

  • No electricity in the pond – only a diffuser disk that sits just off the bottom of the pond

  • The diffuser creates the millions of tiny bubbles offering the most effective air mixing system.

  • Energy usage –  motor uses 5.4 amps when operating off 110 VAC service.

  • Stainless steel housing protests the compressor from weather while allowing optimum ventilation.

  • All mechanical parts are easily accessed for servicing.

  • No need to remove unit from the pond for winter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elevating water into the air:

 

We install a floating motor-operated propeller system.  The propeller is operated by a  motor suspended under a 3’ diameter black plastic float.

 

When the system is on, there is an inverted tulip shape fountain about 3-4’ high and 6-7’ in diameter.  Minimum water depth required is about 3 feet.  Since the unit is floating in the pond, there is no noise except the splashing of the water when it is operating.  A screen is provided to prevent debris and animals from interacting with the propeller. 

 

Installation includes a retrieval line that also serves as a 2-point anchoring system to prevent the unit from twisting and turning.  We use the Scott Aerator. 

 

Advantages:

  • Attractive fountain effect in the pond with the sound of splashing water.

  • Potential of adding lights and different nozzles for varying fountain effects.

  • Floating unit is easily removed for winter storage or for servicing.

 

Disadvantages:

  • Unit is floating – when not operating the float is visible (3-4” high x 3’ diameter black float.

  • Electric source enters pond to the unit (water tight splice at motor and continuous power cord to shore).

  • Post with GFI outlet is required on shore to provide 110VAC electrical power.

Mixing bottom water with surface water: 

 

This unit is an electric motor with impeller similar to a well pump. It collects water from the bottom of the pond and then pushes it up a 4’6” diameter floating plastic cylinder to a region just below the surface (about 12”-18” below the surface). 

 

 

The height of the bubbling can be modified by adjusting the position of the subsurface float where the water column terminates.  An integral timer is supplied with this unit and is mounted on a post on shore where the unit is plugged in.  A strong circular current is created on the surface and the bottom water is circulated to the surface creating a through mixing of the water.

 

Minimum pond water depth of 4-6 feet is required for this unit.  We use the Aquamaster Oxymax ½ hp unit for most ponds. 

 

Advantages:

  • Unit sits on bottom of pond – no need to remove in winter.

  • Adjustable height of float to generate either a mound of bubbles or a small fountain effect.

  • Quiet – only the sound of bubbling water.

  • Integrated timer mechanism to regulate when the system operates.

  • Float is below the surface and only slightly visible when not operating.

 

Disadvantages:

  • Electricity is attached to the submerged unit (GFI outlet and waterproof splice provided)

  • Must use a small boat for installation or removal for servicing.

  • Post with GFI outlet is required on shore to provide 110VAC electrical power. 

Aquarius Landscape Sprinklers
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