Aeration in water treatment is essential for maintaining the oxygen supply in the water. It can help reduce the growth of algae and sludge while simultaneously creating a healthy pond environment for aquatic life. Read on to learn everything that you need to know about proper aeration for your pond.
What is Aeration?
Aeration is the process of putting more oxygen into the water. This is done by using aeration systems, such as pond fountains or bubble aeration systems, to increase the circulation of water or to push air into the water via tubing. Both of these methods of aeration work to increase the level of oxygen in your pond.
Benefits of Aeration in Backyard Ponds
There are several benefits to having a proper method of aeration in your backyard pond. Not only will it promote healthier water, but it will also help keep aquatic life healthy.
Proper aeration in backyard ponds is essential for preventing algae growth. It helps to slow the sludge process, preventing microbial growth from taking over your pond. Once you install an aeration system, you'll notice that you do not have as many algae in your pond.
Aeration systems can help reduce the level of carbon dioxide in your pond. As they push more oxygen into the water, carbon dioxide is forced out of the water. This helps prevent algae growth from species of algae that rely on carbon dioxide to survive. It also creates a healthier environment for fish and plants that need large amounts of oxygen to survive.
Using any method of aeration will help reduce pond muck. It does this by encouraging the circulation of healthy bacteria. Then, the healthy bacteria kills the bacteria that is bad for your pond and eats organic material to slow down the sludge process.
Proper aeration is necessary during the winter months to prevent fishkill. As ponds freeze over, it traps carbon dioxide and other gasses in the water. This slowly depletes the oxygen level, which suffocates fish. Aquatic life will not survive in the absence of oxygen.
Surface Aeration
Surface aeration is the most common option for shallow ponds and ponds that are large enough to require both surface aeration and deep aeration. This type of aeration involves using a pond fountain or aeration system with tubes that sit towards the surface of the water to increase oxygen levels in the top layers of the pond.
Surface aeration is not helpful for reducing the number of algae in a pond. In order to reduce algae, the water needs to circulate properly and oxygen needs to be increased throughout the entire pond. Surface aeration systems work to infuse the top layers with larger amounts of oxygen and do not provide as much water circulation as other aeration systems.
Windmill Aeration
Windmill aeration systems work by harnessing the power of wind in order to power aeration systems. These smarter aeration systems are more energy efficient than aeration systems that require electricity. On the other hand, they tend to cost more upfront than systems that use electricity. It's important to keep in mind your budget when deciding if this type of aeration for ponds is right for you.
Diffused Bubble Aeration Systems
Diffused aerators, which are also called diffused bubble aeration systems, are systems that deliver more oxygen to the bottom of a pond. These conventional aeration systems come with an air diffuser, compressor, and tubing. The air diffuser and compressor shove oxygen through the tubes to increase air circulation and the oxygen supply.
There are various types of tubing available. For example, the AirPro Diaphram Compressor comes with weighted tubing that instantly sinks to the bottom of the pond. Other products are designed to float so that they provide more oxygen to the mid-level water in a pond. Consider where you want the tubing to be in the pond before purchasing a diffused aerator.
Using Pond Fountains As Aerators
Pond fountains are a common choice for pond owners that are in need of aeration for shallow ponds. Fountains increase circulation and oxygen in the top water level of a pond. This makes them a great choice for shallow ponds.
If you would like to use a pond fountain as an aerator for a large pond, you can purchase both a pond fountain and a diffused aeration system to increase oxygen throughout the entire pond. This is an exceptional choice for pond owners that have large ponds.
In Conclusion
Learning about pond aeration, and the systems available is essential to maintaining a healthy pond. Aeration can prevent green water, help control algae and create a healthy environment for aquatic life. Check out our extensive collection of aeration products to find the perfect system for your pond!