AERATION

Adequate dissolved-oxygen concentrations can be maintained by mixing pond water through aeration.  Aeration not only creates proper dissolved-oxygen levels for fish and other aquatic wildlife, it also minimizes anaerobic zones and anaerobic bacteria in pond bottom water and soil, thereby decreasing unwanted concentrations of nitrite, and sulfide.

The two most common methods for aeration in ponds and lakes are diffused-air aeration systems and fountains.  Although fountains can be very attractive, they typically will not completely circulate the water in ponds and lakes making diffused-air systems preferable if your goal is to add substantial amounts of dissolved-oxygen to your body of water, improving the water quality and ecological health and wellness of your pond or lake.  In addition, diffused-air systems are more cost effective and require much less maintenance.

Best management practices for Aeration:

• Properly installing and maintaining an aeration device will help to increase dissolved-oxygen concentrations, resulting in higher water quality.
• Due to declining oxygen levels during the night time hours, when low dissolved oxygen is a concern it is recommended to keep all aeration running at a minimum from midnight to 8:00 am.  Diffused-air systems should run continuously from spring to fall.