Types Of Aeration

Windmill • Linear Air Compressor • Diaphragm Compressors
Rotary Vane Compressors • Synopsis

Pond and lakes are a valuable natural resource. They add to the beauty of the landscape, provide recreation, are a habitat for fish and wildlife and an additional water source if needed. However, the good health of a pond is held in a delicate balance. A ponds condition deteriorates when the bottom environment cannot support animal life. The bottom is the area that runs out of oxygen first, it is where the most oxygen is used and it is the farthest from the surface where it is replenished. Without oxygen a lake or ponds self purification capability is not only reduced, it is reversed. The small animals, snails, worms, bacteria, etc., which help keep a pond clean cannot live and the ponds nutrients are then recycled from the sediment. This forms a layer of muck at the bottom which serves as a fertilizer for weed and excessive algae growth. It could also cause large fish kills.

The way to prevent this from ever happening is through the use of bottom aeration and bacteria. This can be accomplished by the use of a diffuser system which can move as much as 2-4,000 gallons of water per minute containing thousands of air bubbles, each containing oxygen from the bottom of the pond to the top. This exposes the bottom layer to the atmosphere and destratifying the pond or lake. Each pond or lakes needs can be different. Following is a look at different methods.

WindMill
(No electric needed)

The windmill is a direct drive system without gears and few moving parts. It is efficient and easy to maintain. Twelve galvanized steel blades catch the wind turning the crankshaft which is attached to the diaphragm. This acts like a piston, forcing air out on the downstroke,1.2 cubic feet a minute and 30 P.S.I. of air is produced as a result.
 The windmill package consists of a 12' tower and a 5 ' diameter turbine with 12 blades. 100' of 3/8" vinyl tubing and a pond diffuser system which sits in a plastic basin. All parts are galvanized for years of service.  The only service ever required is a yearly greasing of one fitting and a diaphragm replacement as needed. The windmill can be located hundreds of feet from the pond if necessary to catch the wind. The windmill can also operate to a depth of 50 feet if necessary.

Linear Air Compressor

They are extremely energy efficient. The largest model only drawing 80 watts. They are super quiet and low maintenance, thirty five thousands hours of continuous service before replacing the diaphragm and valves. The covers are weatherproof and can be left out without protection. They are effective in aerating a pond to a depth of 12 feet.

Diaphragm Compressors

Diaphragm compressors are for aerating deeper ponds to a depth of 35'. Because of their high pressure the compressors can be located up to 2,000 " from the pond and still operate successfully. It's built for years of continuous service with only occasional air filter cleaning and an eventual diaphragm replacement. They draw approximately 3.5 AMPS and are not weatherproof and must be covered.

Rotary Vane Compressors

Rotary vane compressors can aerate large ponds and small lakes. They can aerate to a depth of 27' with the high pressure model. The carbon vanes self adjust for years of maximum efficiency and can be easily replaced when needed. They draw between 5 and 7 amps and must be protected from the weather.
* Please contact us for prices on Aeration *

Synopsis

Each of the above compressors send air through tubing to air diffuser manifolds which rest on the bottom of the pond or lake in a special container. The only maintenance is an occasional cleaning of the air diffusers.

We have used every compressor mentioned at our fish hatchery and have sold and installed successfully many of the above. There is no better pond or lake aeration system available. We use and sell only Alita and Gast compressors which we believe are the best in the industry.

We are available for pond and lake aeration consultation and pricing as each pond and lakes needs may be different.

Bacteria

Bacteria over the last few years the availability of cultured bacteria has helped in pond restoration. They are now used in fish farms all over the world. The bacteria are already present in established ponds, but by adding billions of additional sludge eating bacteria, the cleanup process is enhanced. The bacteria are 100% non-toxic non-pathogenic, and non-corrosive. The bacteria have proven results in eliminating foul odors, improving oxygen levels, improving water clarity, reducing sludge buildup and controlling algae. The bacteria control algae by out-competing algae for nitrogen and phosphorous.