Aeration

Aeration • Algae Control • Biological Control • Chemical Control• Dissolved Oxygen • Fish Health • Oxygen Depletion • pH Levels • Temperature/Shading • Pond Home

Understanding aeration is quite simple once broken down. Aeration means exposing to air, and in the case of ponds, forcing oxygen into the water. Oxygenized water is important on two key levels. First, it is related to the biological activity of your pond. Second, oxygen aids the production of helpful bacteria.

The fact is water can hold only a limited amount of oxygen. This amount is dependent upon temperature, salinity, and atmospheric pressure (force exerted by the weight of the air). Oxygen can enter water in a few standard ways: Through wind circulation, atmospheric diffusion, and through the process of photosynthesis by aquatic plants, which accounts for most oxygen found in water.

Aerating the water is quite simple and can be completed electrically or mechanically. Both are said to place as much oxygen into contact with water as economically possible. Here are a few things to remember about aeration methods:

• 1hp of electric aeration should be available for each surface acre.
• Oxygen levels are lowest just before sunrise each morning.
• If affordable and as a preventative measure, operate aerators at night for prolonged periods of time (2-3+ days) during cloudy, hot or rainy weather; immediately proceeding and throughout a sudden cold front passage, and when dense phytoplankton or algal blooms have developed.