Many options are available, whether you’re looking for a fountain to add some extra flair to your backyard or a pond aerator to keep your water clear. But what exactly do they do?
Aerators help fight muck and excess nutrients in the bottom of your pond by circulating oxygen throughout the entire pond. This improves your pond’s water quality and clarity by reducing algae and weed growth.
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How They Work
Pond aerators and fountains work by introducing oxygen into your pond. This process helps keep your pond healthy and reduces the risk of die-offs.
Increasing dissolved oxygen levels in your pond ensures fish thrive and beneficial bacteria can break down toxins and other waste. When a pond doesn’t get enough oxygen, it’s easy for dead organic matter to accumulate, creating muck and sludge that can require costly dredging.
There are three main types of systems regarding pond aeration: fountains, surface aerators, and sub-surface aerators.
The first type of aeration system, surface aerators, is designed to work in smaller ponds. They use a pump to move air, creating bubbles that circulate the water. These bubbles break up the surface tension of the water, which has a few beneficial effects, including preventing mosquitoes from using your pond as a breeding ground.
Aesthetics
Pond fountains and bubblers are not only an eye-catching feature in a pond, but they also help to move and aerate the water. This movement and aeration benefit the aquatic ecosystem and keep the water clear.
Aesthetics are the primary purpose of a fountain, while aeration and water movement is the primary purpose of an aerator. Both are beneficial, but knowing which is right for you is important.
Bottom aeration is recommended for deep ponds (over 7′ of average depth). This type of aerator uses an air compressor at the shore and a hose that carries the air to a diffuser unit at the bottom of the pond. This incredibly efficient type of aeration uses only a quarter-horsepower compressor. The compressors need to be housed to protect them from the elements, but they are quieter than they used to be.
Maintenance
Pond aerators and fountains can make your pond look stunning while soothing you and your family. However, like any mechanical part in your pond, they will need regular maintenance to keep them functioning properly.
Keeping your aeration system clean is important to ensure it continues performing well. Many experts recommend using a skimmer to clear out algae and other debris that may block the pump or cause the unit to work less efficiently.
Algae is an important component of most ecosystems and is necessary for oxygen production. The added aeration provided by an aerator can help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria that break down nutrient-rich waste matter and algae blooms, making it easier for the waterbody to return to a healthy balance.
A pond’s aeration can also help reduce the overall buildup of bottom sediment that can cause the need for dredging. This is because low oxygen levels will lead to a slower decomposition of organic matter, which results in sediment accumulation on the bottom of your lake or pond.
Repairs
Fountains and aerators can be expensive equipment that requires maintenance to ensure longevity. They should be serviced yearly to keep them in good working condition and to prevent them from breaking down prematurely.
If your pond aerator or fountain breaks down, you’ll need to call a company experienced in repairing these devices. They should also be familiar with all facets of lake and pond management, so they can easily identify and fix the problem quickly and effectively.
The aerator or fountain may have a broken motor, which can be easily fixed by removing the unit from the pond and replacing the motor. The pump head may also need to be replaced due to obstructions in the intake screen or nozzle that cause the flow rates to diminish.