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Benefits of Pond and Lake Aeration
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Aeration is an extremely valuable resource for aquatic biologists in pond and lake management. Through the direct infusion of a continuous supply of dissolved oxygen, aeration improves water quality and clarity, while reducing nutrient availability for excessive plant and algae growth. Unlike decorative surface fountains, aeration systems circulate oxygen throughout the entire water column in a more efficient manner. A properly configured aeration system for your pond or lakes provides a strong foundation for a healthy ecosystem and effective aquatic management.
The Basics of a Aeration System
An aeration system consists of three main components: A aeration cabinet, associated aeration tubing and a aeration diffuser.
The weatherproof aeration cabinet is installed on the bank, occupying a minimal footprint near the bank. All electric for this system is contained within the aeration cabinet and is GFCI protected, meaning no electric is sent out into the water.
The weighted aeration tubing moves air from the compressor(s) to the various aeration diffusers. One dedicated aeration line leads out to each individual aeration diffuser.
The aeration system sits on the bottom of a pond or lake in the deepest water possible allowing for optimal air water interface and air movement throughout the water column. The end results is a plume of thousands of dissolved oxygen rich bubbles that circulate throughout the entire water column.
Oxygenation is Key to Healthy Ponds and Lakes!
Oxygen levels in a waterbody fluctuate greatly from season to season and even more so day to day during the summer. In general, cooler water retains dissolved oxygen far superior to warmer water. As waters warm up during the spring and summer months, dissolved oxygen levels can severely plummet throughout the water column.
Oxygen deficient, warm waters pose a risk for fish kills due to a lack of usable dissolved oxygen to support the entire fish population. This is known as exceeding the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) of the ecosystem.
Lack of dissolved oxygen can lead to an extreme stress on fish populations and can even lead to oxygen depletion related fish kills.
In addition, nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen will begin to release from the bottom sediments, leading to excessive plant and algae growth.
An aeration system will negate these oxygen problems in the most efficient and cost-effective manner!
Natural Benefits of Aeration
Aeration improves water quality and clarity simply through the introduction of a high volume of dissolved oxygen. This quality makes aeration truly an invaluable resource to highly effective pond and lake management.
Under anoxic (lack of oxygen) conditions, nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, along with other metals and gases, begin to release from the organic sediments (bottom layer) of a eutrophic (nutrient rich) waterbody. The release of these noxious gases, such as hydrogen sulfide leads to foul and unpleasant odors. Metals introduced into the water column significantly reduce water quality. In the presence of aeration, these metals and gases are not released from the sediments and remain sequestered.
The release of phosphorus and nitrogen in turn, will lead to excessive plant and algae production. Too much algae growth is not only unpleasant to look at, but it can also lead to further oxygen depletion problems. When substantial amounts of algae die off at once, oxygen levels decrease rapidly during decomposition, further exacerbating a lack of oxygen. In the presence of aerobic (oxygen rich) conditions of aeration, phosphorus is oxidized into a unusable form that is not suited for algae production.
Aeration is also an effective tool in breaking down the accumulated organic sediments. Excessive oxygen produced through aeration increases the rate of decomposition of organic materials at a much quicker rate than a poorly oxygenated body of water. Excessive amounts of accumulated sediments in a pond will reduce the overall depth, requiring a dredging for removal.
Plumes created by the diffusers cause surface disruptions that egg laying mosquitos avoid. Mosquito prefer stagnant, still-water to lay their eggs and will seek out more preferential habitat when an aeration system is installed in a waterbody. This natural deterrent will keep disease carrying pests away from your property!
Elevated levels of nutrients entering a pond can lead to increased aquatic plant and algae production, leading to more organic sediment accumulation over time
Proper Aeration System Sizing and Placement
Choosing the proper sized system and placement of diffusers is essential to optimizing the beneficial effects of aeration. When choosing the size of the system and number of diffusers needed, it is important to consider pond or lake size (in acres), shape, maximum water depth, and average water depth. Diffusers should be placed in the deepest water possible to ensure maximum water circulation caused by air plumes.
Claymore Pond and Lake Management can help you determine what size system and diffuser placement will be the most beneficial for your project!