FWIW, you don't HAVE to run the electric to the pond. You can have the compressor near the house and run 1/2" I.D. drip irrigation line to the pond, then swap it to sinking aeration hose. I know a guy that's running that airline 900' to his pond. He has an alcohol de-icer hooked up to the line, and the line never froze all winter long, and the level of alcohol in the canister never budged.

I doubt that the aerator will add $5.00 to your monthly electric bill. (depending on kwh prices of course)

If the pond is deep enough and the fish load not high you probably will be able to overwinter without a kill. It would help if you could shovel snow off the ice to let sunlight thru. Photoplankton will produce O2 even during the winter if they have enough light.

Last edited by esshup; 07/31/10 09:16 PM. Reason: added last paragraph
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