Aeration in Small Midwest Ponds

[Bill Majewski]

I am researching the subject of aeration of small ponds.  A family member has a small pond that is approx. 1-2 acres, kidney shaped, with a maximum depth of 7 or 8 ft and a average depth of a couple feet.  It is a pond that suffered an organic fish kill a few years ago when the horse pastures surrounding it and the pond became one.  We have since restocked it with bluegill, bass, and fathead minnows.  There were a few bullheads, green sunfish, and a fair amount of golden shiner minnows that survived the flood.  We didn't follow the book while stocking, but there is now a good population of fish that I do not want to lose this winter.  I would like some opinions on a good and economical electric aeration system.   I am convinced that one is needed for overwintering the fish and for year round aeration.

 

Please offer your recommendations and/or experiences and where to shop for these. 

 

Thanks...Bill

 

 

[Magnolia Rick]

I have two different type aeration system in my 3/4 acre pond. One is a sub pump in a 5 gallon bucket set in one end of my pond. Takes water from the bottom and spry in the air picking oxygen and then pulling back down. The second is at the other end. I have an air compressor with a 3/4 pipe with four 1/2 outlet every 3ft. Pump oxygen into the bottom of pond. I run them both at night 8PM till 8AM.
Now that's just how a cheep old man in Texas does it.

[Hugh Greer]

Please explain ur air compressor in more detail. What size and type?

Thanks!

[Larry Mihalik (Adirondack Pond)]

Bill, I have a 1 acre trout pond and the last 3 seasons I have used an economical air pump which attached to a soaker hose works very well. I keep it in 4ft. of water in the winter to keep an area free of ice. To keep the soaker hose on the bottom I zip tied a garden hose filled with sand to it, it's an economical aeration system that has worked well for me.

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=139...

[Bill Majewski]

Thanks, Larry. I am considering the EcoPlus Air 5...how do you protect it from the elements? I like your ingenious idea with the soaker hose, but I may splurge for the Boss Hog 2X from the same catalog.

[Magnolia Rick]

soaker hose, Now that a great idea. My pond about 50ft from the back of my house. Air Compressor in the garge with piping and a valve to feed the pond or a tank to fill up my grandkids bike tires. I'm going to try the soaker hose deel. The air compressor is just the standed one I think I got it at Lowes to pump up tires in my shop. 120 volts 5 gallon tank set at 85 psi max.
Remember I'm not into hard work. Been there, done that, didn't like it. Gotta get yourself some son's with kids. I tell my grandkid don't you think were should do this at the pond? They agree then I tell them why don't we get your daddy to do this. Pay back great.

[Larry Mihalik (Adirondack Pond)]

Bill, I have my aerator inside of a plastic storage container with openings in the side and covered with furnace filter material to allow air flow, one of the guys on the pond boss forum put his in a pet carrier which also allows good air flow.

Rick, I don't know how much air pressure a soaker hose can withstand.

[Magnolia Rick]

most water pressure at you house is 40 to 45 psi I'm going to try it just for heck of it.

[Hugh Greer]

I just started trying to add oxygen to my pond. I got a 1/5 hp Wayne Sump Pump ($69) then bought two 90 degree elbows and a piece of 1 1/4 pvc pipe. I set the pump off the dock in 4' water on a concrete block. It pumps 2,700 gph and the water creates great bubbles. I bought a $10 timer that runs the pump from dusk til dawn. Anyway, for less than $100, I am adding oxygen to my 1/2 pond and it sounds nice too. I will add a pic later.

[Ryan McCaw]

Aeration is a great idea for your pond. You will be able to utilize a "bubbler" system with the depths you detailed which is much more cost effective than fountain units. Moving air down requires much less energy than pushing water into the air. You will need several diffuser heads to properly turn the entire water column enough times daily to fully oxygenate the water column which boosts the natural bacteria to consume large amounts of the nutrients present in the pond.

 

More importantly, keep the horses and horse sh*t as far from the pond as possible. That is the true root of the problem and unless addressed will continue to cause you headaches.

 

I have a site related to my business, Efficient Pond Management. Feel free to visit to learn more about aeration. I have a full page article discussing the benefits of this technique.