I have a 1/2 acre pond. 2/3 of the pond is probably 3-4 feet with the deepest section being 7-8 ft. Pond is shaped like a Y, with the deepest end being one of the top arms. I have read alot of info and not sure what would benifit me the most. Have read that diffuser does not work as well in shallow ponds. Local store is recommending a aeration fountain. Seems all the talk on here is the diffuser. Pond is stocked with bream/catfish and will be fed if that makes a difference. Located in Louisiana.

Thanks

Depending on just how this "Y" is designed you may run into probems with effectivly aerating the pond. Others will add opinions as well. Did you just dig the pond or do you know its history? Your down south like me, i would want the pond deeper. Down in Fl. you can just about figure if the lake is shallow the bass (and other fish) are small and visa versa if its deep. The depth gives a cold place for the fish to go when the temp climbs in the dog days of summer. When they have a cold place to go they will still eat during the summer wereas the shallow BOW'S the fish's metabolism slows and they dont eat due to the heat.

I still think diffusers are the way to go. You may need three.
Vertex makes aerators designed for shallow water. A friend of mine had a fountain and it caused excessive evaporation. He had to take it out and replaced it with a diffuser.Other people may have had different experiences with fountains. I love my Vertex

I agree that a diffuser is the way to go. That being said fountains have their place, just not at my place. I have a sweetwater setup from aquaticeco.com and am very pleased with it so far.

Don't forget the advantage of using bubble tubing if your aerating shallow.

CSCS, With what you said regarding the size of your pond and the overall depth I would think it's fair to say that you have 1/4 ac @ 3-4 feet and 1/4 ac @ 5-8 ft, correct? If that's the case or the depth is split by a dropoff or ledge, then all you really have to focus your efforts on is the portion that's 5-8' or 1/4 ac. Whether you choose a bottom based aeration system or fountain is really up to your expectations of the pond and your budget. Dantheman was correct saying that bottom aeration is effective and that fountains do lose alot to evaporation, but in somewhat less rain dependent areas like LA that may not be as big of a factor.
If the pond is heavily stocked AND you are feeding heavily I say bottom aeration is the route to take. High effeciency due to depth, long bubble contact time and a large DO demand from the fish. A package with three diffuser manifolds would be excessive, you should only really need one with 1/4 at that depth. If you like the idea of a fountain, we have a bottom drawing fountain that provides good circulation and decent aeration values.
If you would like to talk about specifics send me a private message.