Pond Aeration

Volcano II

Bottom Base System

There are varying types of pond aerators to choose from; the two main types of pond aeration systems are surface aeratos and bottom based aerators.  A good rule of thumb for figuring out which one would be best is to use the average depth of your pond as an indicator.  If your pond is less than 6 feet deep, than a surface aeration system will probably work well, while deeper ponds will benefit more from a bottom based aeration system.

What is the difference between the two?  Surface aerators, like Sanco Industries Crystal Blue Volcano II aerator are floating aeration units that pull in water from the top foot or so of the pond and splash it into the air.  As the water crashes back down onto the pond, oxygen transfer takes place as well as the venting of gases. Because the oxygen transfer is taking place just at the surface, these aeration systems or best suited for shallower ponds. Surface pond aerators, like the Crystal Blue Volcano II, give you a subdued, stunning water feature.

Bottom based pond aeration systems or diffused aeration, like Sanco Industries Crystal Blue aerators, involves pushing air down to the bottom of a pond or lake and allowing the bubbles to naturally rise to the surface.  These aeration units are the most efficient for aerating deeper pond and lakes as the bubbles are providing the bulk of the work.  However, diffuser systems can be used in shallower ponds, but in those cases more aeration units will be needed and installed evenly throughout the pond, thus adding more cost into the system. As the bubbles rise, they oxygenate the water eliminating the oxygen poor zone at the bottom and mixing it with the oxygen rich water above creating a healthier water column.  Crystal Blue aerators also create very little surface agitation other than a gentle bubbling action.