How to Choose a Pond Aerator

Ponds provide beauty to any estate, farm or landscaping project, and maintaining the pond is critical to keeping it looking good. One important method of pond maintenance involves aerating the water using a pond aerator. Pond aerators help oxygenate the water, which reduces algae and scum and creates a healthy living environment for fish, frogs and other natural wildlife.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Decide what type of aerator you need. For instance, pond aerators come in two types: surface and bottom aerators. Surface aerators sit on the pond's surface and aerate through a churning or splashing process. Surface aerators can aerate ponds of up to 6 feet in depth. Bottom aerators, however, infuse the bottom of the pond with oxygen. This oxygen then rises in the form of bubbles. If your pond's depth exceeds 6 feet, select a bottom aerator.

2. Select the number of aerators based on your pond's size and shape. For instance, any movement within the pond will create currents within the water. These currents travel in concentric circles, which rebound off the wall of your pond. If your pond is oddly shaped, these currents bounce and create eddies and will not reach around corners or into back channels. If your pond has hard-to-reach areas, select another aerator to aerate these areas.

3. Consider your budget. Pond aerators cost $50 to $6,000. Low-cost aerators include surface aerators. High-cost aerators include bottom aerators or display aerators, which are surface aerators that shoot water high into the air, providing a fountain effect.

4. Determine voltage and the plug type. Electric pond aerators come in versions that use 110 volts or 220 volts--110-volt systems have standard electric socket plugs, while 220-volt systems have a 220-volt plug.

5. Review the number of accessories or features your aerator comes with. For instance, some aerators come with extra-long electric cords. Others are heated aerators capable of heating a pond during the winter. Others can spray water into the air like fountains, which can be relaxing.

6. Determine the warranty. Pond aerators should be covered for at least one year. Some warranties, however, extend for two years. Some retailers, however, offer only repair plans.

References

• "Lake and Pond Management Guidebook;" Steve McComas; 2003
• The Pond Report: Pond Aeration
• Natural Environmental Systems LLC: Pond Aeration is Critical for a Pond's Success