Seeking to Aerate 5 acre Lake in St. Petersburg,FL - 12/31/15 12:33 AM
Hello everyone,
First, I have been reviewing these forums and am immensely impressed with the passion towards ponds/lakes that is maintained by the members (such as Bill Cody and RC51), in conjunction with the comradery.
I live on a 5 acre lake in St. Petersburg, FL. I purchased the home in 2010 and was amazed by the amount of life it contained (e.g., Bass, Florida Gar, Talapia, etc.). However, starting last winter, a large number of fish were killed off. It was heartbreaking to see hundreds of Bass floating lifeless.
I researched the problem and discovered that the lake had most likely "turned over" once it became cold. I spoke with the neighbors who said this happened 8 years ago and has occurred in similar cycles prior to that. As a result, I figured that I had a few years to work on a solution.
Two days after our first cold night, I awoke to see flocks birds (pelicans, seagulls, etc.) diving into the lake. I rushed out to my dock where I could see a multitude of juvenile fish at the surface gasping for air. I desperately tried aerate the water by turning on my sprinklers and directing them towards the lake.
I am at a loss as to what to do. The lake is in the shape of a rectangle 770 feet X 300 Feet with a maximum depth 30 feet along the entire length of the center (I used a depth finder, but will use a different method tomorrow). I tried to come up with a cost effective way to aerate the lake for the long term. I explored possibly installing a solar aeration system. However, the air pumps (Hakko Matala 250L)would require a significant number of solar panels and, more importantly, are only effective at a maximum depth of 13 feet. I would love to get a larger, more capable system, but I am worried that I will be in over my head, especially with regards to the monthly electric bill.
I thank you all for your courtesies.
First, I have been reviewing these forums and am immensely impressed with the passion towards ponds/lakes that is maintained by the members (such as Bill Cody and RC51), in conjunction with the comradery.
I live on a 5 acre lake in St. Petersburg, FL. I purchased the home in 2010 and was amazed by the amount of life it contained (e.g., Bass, Florida Gar, Talapia, etc.). However, starting last winter, a large number of fish were killed off. It was heartbreaking to see hundreds of Bass floating lifeless.
I researched the problem and discovered that the lake had most likely "turned over" once it became cold. I spoke with the neighbors who said this happened 8 years ago and has occurred in similar cycles prior to that. As a result, I figured that I had a few years to work on a solution.
Two days after our first cold night, I awoke to see flocks birds (pelicans, seagulls, etc.) diving into the lake. I rushed out to my dock where I could see a multitude of juvenile fish at the surface gasping for air. I desperately tried aerate the water by turning on my sprinklers and directing them towards the lake.
I am at a loss as to what to do. The lake is in the shape of a rectangle 770 feet X 300 Feet with a maximum depth 30 feet along the entire length of the center (I used a depth finder, but will use a different method tomorrow). I tried to come up with a cost effective way to aerate the lake for the long term. I explored possibly installing a solar aeration system. However, the air pumps (Hakko Matala 250L)would require a significant number of solar panels and, more importantly, are only effective at a maximum depth of 13 feet. I would love to get a larger, more capable system, but I am worried that I will be in over my head, especially with regards to the monthly electric bill.
I thank you all for your courtesies.