How to Choose a Farm Pond Aerator

A healthy farm pond needs a quality farm pond aerator.

Aerating a farm pond is an all-natural way to maintain or recover the health of a farm pond. As a self contained pond ages, it will likely experience low dissolved oxygen levels, stagnant water and thermal stratification. Often this will lead to a buildup of nutrients and muck, excessive weed and algae growth, noxious odors and as we all know stagnant ponds became a breeding ground for insects. By adding oxygen or aeration, the health of the pond ecosystem almost immediately improves. Dissolved oxygen levels increase to healthy levels. Stagnation is replaced by a convection current, circulating the entire water column. Nutrient balance is achieved and biological processes start to reduce the muck layer. Weeds and algae now have to compete for the nutrients in the pond and subsequently there is a reduction in algae and weed growth. Odors are eliminated as an exchange of gasses occurs during the process of aeration. Choosing the right pond aeration system easy. By following these steps you will save money over the long term and will enhance the health of your pond.

Things You'll Need

• Measurement of the perimeter of the pond
• Measurement of the depth of the pond
• Knowledge of your power availability
• Knowledge of the shape
• Knowledge of the slope and bottom topography
• Computer with internet

Instructions

1. Power availability is the first step. If you do not have power within 1000' feet of your pond, you should consider Windmill Aeration or Solar Aeration. Both work well if you have consistent wind or solar conditions. If power is available, most energy efficient units will work with standard 115 Volt power.

2. Determine the size of your pond. You can physically measure the pond or go to a service like Google Earth. This service offers a measuring tool that is very accurate. Simply type in your address and measure away. Typically farm ponds are between 1/4 acre and 5 acres. Plan on a one diffuser system per acre or partial acre.

3. Determine the shape and slope. Round or oval ponds require less diffusers and the inverse is true for odd or rectangular ponds. If you have coves or inlets or extreme length, plan additional diffusers to aerate those sections. The slope is also important. Shallow ponds are more difficult to aerate, whereas deep ponds make aeration easy.

4. Now start shopping. You will find a wide range of aeration systems on-line. Look for an energy efficient compressor, self weighted tubing, low maintenance diffusers and a complete aeration package. Steer away from products that require you to assemble pieces and parts.

5. Choose a pond aerator system that has a proven track record, customer testimonials, strong warranties and available telephone support.

Tips & Warnings

• Aeration naturally creates a balanced and healthy pond ecosystem which leads to an improved fish habitat and a reduction in the use of toxic chemicals to treat algae and weed growth.

• Look for a UL listing on the compressor

• Most reputable web sites will help you measure and size your aeration system-patronize the sites that have immediate help available, either with an 800 number or live chat.

• Look for strong warranties on all of the aeration components.

Resources

• Organic Pond Aeration
• Bill Dance Aeration Video