An efficient pond aerating fountain keeps your pond clean and clear by putting oxygen back into the water, which maintains algae growth to a minimum. It also inhibits the breeding of mosquitoes, while promoting a healthy aquatic environment for fish and seeing wildlife. Another bonus is that it also prevents odors normally associated with stagnant water.
Definition
Aerating fountains, pond and pool aerators, water circulators and even pond de-icers are names frequently incorrectly used interchangeably to get a device used to include oxygen back to pond, lake or pool water. Water circulators and de-icers move stagnant water, mainly to reduce ice damage, but are not intended for aeration. Pond aeration is the inclusion of oxygen into standing water because of depletion as a consequence of aquatic, algae and plant life consumption.
What to Look For
A one-quarter horsepower or hp aerating fountain may effectively aerate as much as your one-fifth acre pond. A one-quarter to a single acre pond should have a one-half hp aerator. Aerators are also accessible in three-quarter, two and one hp. When purchasing an aerator, the package will list the appropriate hp for the size of pond you’ve got. To ascertain the size of aerator you need, use a pond sizing calculator, don’t guess. If you choose an aerator too little for the pond, then the efficacy is greatly decreased, so always err on the side of greater hp.
How to Determine Efficiency
Efficiency is determined by the oxygen transfer speed, which can be based on the quantity of water in your pond and the total amount of horsepower of the aerator. An efficient aerator transfers 3 pounds of oxygen per horsepower per hour. The aerator should remain efficient even when the water level drops, even though it is not sensible to work with the unit in less than 12 to 15 inches of water. The constant circulation of superficial water finally stirs up sediment from the base of the pond, which eventually clogs the filter, drastically cutting down the aerator’s efficacy.
Recommended Care
To enhance the efficiency of the aeration system, it’s a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and procedures. Because the unit is sitting at water 100 percent of the time, proper installation and maintenance not only keeps your warranty intact, but it also prolongs the life span of this machine. Never enter into a pond having an operating aerator, due to the prospect of shock if the cord has degraded at all.