Pond Aeration

  Some bodies of water naturally have more aeration than others but even those ponds need mechanical aeration. 

   Is aeration a requirement in my pond?  That question is equivalent to…Does a plant need water? Aeration is important in all ponds!  Pond aeration can help prevent stratification, pond turnover, and fish kill.  

   Stratification is the process in which cooler pond water collects at the pond floor and the warmer water rises to the surface.  This cooler water lacks sunlight and therefore lacks the ability to sustain any plant life and is the settling place for all the dead weeds and algae.  This lack of growth and decomposing material leaves the water low in dissolved oxygen.  At the same time the warmer water at the surface has plenty of light, plant growth, and therefore oxygen. 

   Pond turnover occurs when the cooler, oxygen deficient water mixes with the warmer oxygenated surface water.  This usually happens when there is a drastic change in weather conditions and the warmer surface water will cool causing the layers to mix.   The mixing of the layers will create an oxygen deficit and toxic gases like hydrogen sulfide.  The water can appear dirty and will most likely smell.

   Shortly after or during your pond turnover you will likely experience a fish kill.  You will see fish collect around any place water is coming into the pond or just gasping at the surface for oxygen. Generally the larger fish will appear first because they require the most oxygen to sustain life.  Oxygen depletion is the single most common reason for a fish kill.  Conditions will last a few days.    

   Aerators usually consist of a pump, weighted airline, and a disk diffuser.  The disk diffuser will sit on the bottom of the pond, while the pump forces air though the weighted airline.  The air creates thousands of small oxygenated bubbles that will push your cooler, oxygen deficient water up to even and consistently mix with the warmer oxygenated surface water.  A pond aerator simply prevents stratification which can lead to pond turnover and fish kill.

   So YES…you do need pond aeration just like a plant needs water.  For those who haven’t experienced a turnover you have been lucky and your conditions have been just right.  Pond aeration systems are an investment well worth making and operate at a low cost. 

   For more information please Contact Sanco.