How to Build a Pond Aerator

Clear ponds will have a greater supply of oxygen than those covered in algae.

A sick pond lacks oxygen. Since water is made of oxygen a lack of it in a pond might seem surprising. Oxygen is produced in a pond from photosynthesis and diffusion of air, says the University of Texas. When water is still and not moving, or filled with algae, oxygen may be consumed before it is produced. This may cause plants and animals in the water to die. Building an aerator to circulate your pond water will prevent this issue.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket with lid
• Drill
• Gravel
• Pond pump

Instructions

1. Drill eight to ten 1/4 inch holes into the bucket around the top.

2. Fill the bucket one-fourth of the way full, then place your pond pump inside. Surround the pond pump with gravel. This weighs down the bucket and the pump.

3. Attach tubing to the pond pump and stick it out of the bucket. Drill a hole in the lid big enough to fit the tubing. Drill more holes into the bucket top to allow water into the bucket.

4. Measure to the bottom of the pond using a tape measure to find the midway point along the long side of the pond.

5. Place the aerator midway along the long side of the pond, says Texas Agricultural Extension Service. Turn on the pump and make sure the water is circulating.

References

• Texas Agricultural Extension Service: Pond Aeration
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Pond Aeration
• Clean Flo: Pond Aeration Systems