How to Aerate Your Pond
Whether your pond is large or small, knowing how to properly aerate your pond is essential to its success. The process of aeration involves oxygen being dissolved into the pond water, a process that's critical to the pond's cleanliness and the health of its inhabitants. The base amount of oxygen dissolved in water is 5 parts per million and anything below that number will lead to serious problems, such as the death of your fish and an excessive amount of algae growth. The best way to prevent these harmful effects is to invest in a water aeration system.
There are two basic varieties of aerators, surface based and bottom based. If your pond is shallow, less than 6 feet deep, then a surface aeration system should suit your needs well. Ponds deeper than 6 feet will see better results from a bottom based aeration system. Whichever variety you choose, however, you will find that you have many different options to suit your pond's needs.
Popular types of surface aeration include paddlewheels, cascading water features, fountains and vertical pump surface agitators. There are many popular bottom based aeration systems, as well. Windmill pond aeration and diffused air compressors are two options commonly found in larger and deeper ponds.
While proper aeration is critical to a pond's health, homeowners don't have to worry about hiding the feature. Many modern aeration systems can be easily camouflaged in the surrounding landscape. Others are actually designed to highlight and enhance the beauty of your pond. No one will know that the windmill, fountain or stone waterfall at the corner of your pond is actually a functional feature.
Just as a lack of aeration can be damaging to your pond, so can improper aeration. Unless your pond is very round and has a uniform depth, it will be difficult to determine the right aeration system on your own. Consult with a professional to determine the optimal aeration system for your pond.
