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Pond Aeration Systems -- SEE BELOW FOR PRODUCTS
For years aeration was thought of as something you only needed if you had high fish loads in a pond. Through years of working closely with pond owners it has been proven that aeration does far more than just keep fish alive. In fact, we consider aeration to be the single most important step in maintaining a healthy pond. Without oxygen nothing will decompose. All the fish waste, dead algae/plant material, leaves, etc. that fall to the pond bottom will only continue to build up unless there is good oxygen levels to help it decompose. Shallow ponds where the sunlight reaches the bottom and wind action helps stir the water can have adequate oxygen to the bottom in some cases but deeper ponds will seldom have good oxygen all the way to the bottom. A bottom mounted air diffuser can make a huge difference in a ponds health by bringing oxygen and circulation down where its needed the most - along the ponds bottom.
There are two common ways of aerating ponds and lakes. One is with a surface fountain, the other is with a diffused aeration system.
Following is a brief look at each:
Diffused Aeration
Diffused air systems employ a shore mounted air compressor which
pushes air through tubing out to a special air diffuser located on the
pond bottom. Since the diffuser is at the bottom, oxygen is introduced
where it is needed the most regardless of depth. These systems are also
easier to maintain since the compressor is on shore. Diffused air
systems can be custom built in many different ways. One big advantage is
the compressor can be located up to 2000' away from the ponds edge. It
is much more cost effective to trench in the air tubing than it is to
install electrical service to the pond edge making these systems the
best choice for ponds without electric nearby.
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Fountains
Surface fountains are a popular choice when decorative looks are
desired. Golf courses, parks, office buildings and housing developments
are all common places you see fountains used. Many different spray
patterns are available creating esthetically pleasing looks while
creating circulation and aeration. Since the fountains float on the
surface the circulation does not reach all the way to the bottom in deep
applications which reduces their effectiveness.
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The amount of surface area an aeration system will effectively cover is greatly dependent on two factors - depth and shape .
The diagram below shows how much surface area is effectively aerated at various depths:
 The deeper an air diffuser is located, the more boiling action it will create and a larger area will be aerated.
Ponds that are irregular or odd shaped will also reduce size of aeration
area — call our technical assistance department for additional help.
The shape of a pond also effects the amount of diffusers needed. Irregular shaped ponds often require multiple diffusers to adequately aerate entire water column.
 
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