What is an Aerator?

The most important factor in ensuring successful pond management of a large pond or lake is proper aeration. Aeration is the process of increasing the oxygen saturation of the water. Dissolved oxygen, or the amount of oxygen available in the water, is what keeps pond inhabitants healthy and the water clean.

A pond aerator (also called high oxygen transfer units) provides aeration by agitating the surface of the pond, pulling water up from below and pushing it into the air, producing a large crown of water. The surface area on each droplet of water is saturated with oxygen, which is then delivered back into the pond. The moving water mixes and agitates the water, spreading the oxygenated water throughout the body of water, greatly improving your pond or lake aeration.

Proper use of a pond aerator will prevent fish stress and mortality, increase growth rate, reduce feed costs, remove carbon dioxide and ammonia, and prevent algae growth.

Pond aerators are self-contained, lightweight units that float at the surface with a single power cord returning to shore and mooring lines anchoring the units. The units are easily installed and maintained by a single person and have proven to be an excellent choice for continuous duty pond or lake aeration and supplemental aeration for unique pond management applications. Depending on your pond’s size, you may need more than one unit to properly aerate.

Typical applications for a pond aerator include commercial aquaculture, agricultural ponds, industrial plants, municipal waste water and commercial and backyard ponds.

The benefits to expect from a good pond aerator are numerous:

Prevention of fish kills due to low oxygen levels
Beneficial pond bacteria is stimulated to efficiently break down waste, reduce the bottom muck layer, and control odors
Algae blooms will be less severe and less problematic
Pond water is destratified leading to the prevention of spring and fall turnovers and improved overall water quality
Gasses such as carbon dioxide can be vented
The need for maintenance products are reduced as a result of the ponds natural ability to regulate itself
A pond aerator will also help prevent winter fish kills by preventing the pond’s surface from freezing over and allowing the venting of gasses

A pond aerator can be a significant financial investment, depending upon the size of the pond being aerated. However, the costs associated with pond management such as monthly water treatments, regular maintenance and the constant worrying about the quality of the water and the health of its inhabitants are far greater than the long term benefits and peace of mind associated with a good aeration system.

For pond management applications where the appearance of your pond is just as important as water quality, see Aerating Fountains for more information.

>>View our full line of Aerators

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