Large Ponds

How To Install A Pond Aerator

Pond aeration is one of those things that any pond can benefit from. It provides protection for fish and can help with a variety of water quality problems. It’s important to get the right sized aeration system for your pond for the best results.

Installing a pond aerator is a simple and straightforward process. It’s best done with at least two people. And it involves just a few steps.

First, select a suitable location, ideally near a power source, to place the aeration pump and protective cabinet.
If using a ground based cabinet, make sure to provide a level area for placement.
If using a post mount cabinet, secure the post or pole in the ground and mount the cabinet.
Assemble the diffusers using the manufacturers instructions.
Attach the airline to the heat resistant lead hose coming out of the cabinet.
Attach the diffuser to the weighted airline.
Using a boat, take the diffuser out to the location in the pond where you want to deploy it.
A second person on land can feed the weighted airline out into the pond.
Using a light tie-line, lower the diffuser to the bottom of the pond.
Remove the lowering line or leave attached and tie off the top with a small buoy.
Test the aeration system by plugging in the compressor.
Follow the manufacturers suggested start up procedures if you have fish in the pond.
Run the pond aerator 24/7 for the best results.

[Read more…]

What Size Of Aerator Do I Need For My Pond?

Large Ponds, Q & A Of The Day

Today’s question comes from John in Indianapolis. He writes, “I have a 1/2 acre pond with no aeration, but I want to add some to help my fish. What size of pond aerator do I need?

Thanks for the question John!

Sizing a pond aerator to a pond or lake is a pretty straightforward process. Most pond aeration systems are tested or analyzed by the manufacturers for their ability to mix and oxygenate a certain volume of water in a set period of time. Usually every 24 hours. The surface area of the pond is a consideration of course, but the depth (both max and average) of the pond, is a greater determinant of an aerators coverage. In essence, the deeper you place a diffuser in a pond, the more pond area it will affect. You can use this knowledge to easily choose the right pond aerator for your particular pond.

[Read more…]

How To Use Grass Carp For Natural Weed Control In Ponds

Large Ponds

Grass Carp can be a viable and effective management tool for dealing with a variety of pond and aquatic weeds and vegetation. They offer a non-chemical and eco-friendly way to keep many unwanted plants at bay. Their cost is pretty affordable, particularly in relation to how long (usually years) they may provide valuable support for a pond.

That said, they may not be the complete solution to every invasive plant, and using them does come with a few potential downsides. In this article, we’ll cover some tips on how to use them most effectively, while avoiding any unintended, or undesirable side effects that people might experience when adding them to a pond environment. [Read more…] about How To Use Grass Carp For Natural Weed Control In Ponds

DIY Pond Aeration – How To Build The Best Pond Aerator

Large Ponds

In this video I want to cover some tips for you if you’re looking to do something in a DIY form of pond aeration. The topic of DIY is very popular these days and I’m all for it because it helps people save money particularly those on a budget that are trying to keep the cost down of investing in their pond a bit, but they want the advantages that aeration can give them. So you know, despite the fact that I have worked in commercial aeration for many years I understand the need for for that kind of flexibility, so hopefully some tips here will help you as you go through your research and as you design a system for your pond. [Read more…] about DIY Pond Aeration – How To Build The Best Pond Aerator

Should I Run My Aerator In The Winter?

Large Ponds, Q & A Of The Day

Tom from Wisconsin, a traditionally cold state in the winter time, wrote in and asked if it’s a good idea to use a pond aerator even in the cold months of winter? In addition, his pond is very shallow (around 4 feet deep and about 1/3 of an acre in size) so the particular aerator that would be used might be a bit different than a typical farm pond.

Answer: Tom, thank you for your timely question and it’s one that many people wonder about. The base answer is yes, it’s a good idea to aerate a pond all year round.

Pond Weed Control And Treatments

Fish And Plants, Large Ponds

There are many things that can grow in a large pond or lake. Algae is one of the more common things you’ll find but along with that, or in place of it, a pond weed will take root and sometimes take over a pond or water way. Some of these aquatic weeds can be very invasive and the more well established they become the harder they can be to control. In this article we’ll talk about some of the more common pond weeds one might find across North America and we’ll provide some tips on the best ways to control them. [Read more…] about Pond Weed Control And Treatments

Large Ponds

Your Pond Deserves The Best!