An aeration system must be started carefully during the summer to prevent oxygen depletion

Diffused air systems, sometimes called “bubblers”, are often the most efficient and least expensive aeration systems for lakes and ponds. Virtually all lakes and ponds will benefit from aeration. The hot dry weather we have been experiencing this year makes aeration particularly valuable. However, you don’t want to further stress your fish, or kill them, by beginning aeration improperly. Proper start up of your system is critical during the summer.

You’ve probably felt the much cooler deep water in a lake during the summer. That deep cool water may be deficient or very low in dissolved oxygen.  Most oxygen gets into your pond through either plant photosynthesis or being absorbed from the air at the water surface. During the summer the deep dense cool water does not mix with the warmer less dense surface water. The pond becomes stratified.  Very little dissolved oxygen is produced in the deep water and lots of things, primarily decomposing organic matter, is consuming the oxygen that does exist in the deep water.  The volume of that deep oxygen deficient water may be greater than the volume of surface water that may have plenty of dissolved oxygen. Circulating the entire water column with bubblers may actually deplete the surface water, and therefore the entire water column of oxygen, killing your fish.

There is a simple and effective process to use when starting up a diffused air system during the summer. All you have to do is operate the system progressively longer each day. Run the system 2 hours the first day, 4 hours the second day, 8 hours the third day, 16 hours the fourth day and then you can let the system run all day every day. An inexpensive timer can be plugged into your power outlet. The bubbler system compressor can be plugged into the timer to automate the process.

A properly designed diffused air aeration system can circulate your entire lake or pond. The circulation will eliminate the stratification. Even the deep water will be available to all of the bacteria, worms, insects, small fish and large fish requiring dissolved oxygen. The organic matter, muck, will gradually be digested and the health of the pond will improve. The water temperature will be more stable, the fish will grow faster, nutrients will be better distributed and you will have fewer problems with nuisance algae growth.

Bubbler systems are very easy for a do-it-yourselfer to install. A boat does make it easier to place the diffusers in the proper locations. We will be happy to design your system and install it if desired. We sell only the most reliable equipment and have 30 years experience doing it correctly. Call or email us and let us get started helping you make your lake or pond more attractive and healthy. We enjoy helping you get more enjoyment from your pond.