Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Types of membrane diffuser for MAX WATER LIFT

Hello all!
I need some advice on types of membrane diffuser to get max water volume lift. Last year we dug a flood and shoot 3/4ac waterfowl impound on one of our leases. When it is flooded it has a max depth of 5 ft. I wanted more depth to get increased upwelling so we dug an 8 ft. deep sump in the middle of the pond near our blind. I have a 240volt gast rotary vane compressor (not sure which pump as I’m at work) and the run is 1350 foot. I went with one inch black poly pipe. The question is which type of membrane diffuser will give me the most lift? I am not looking to add oxygen to sustain fish but move volumes of water to keep from freezing the pond. I do not expect to keep the whole pond from freezing just to keep a large hole open near the blind. For the most part winters here in DE aren’t that bad but it does get cold and the last two season by late January the ponds have had ¾ inch ice covering. Any and all advice would be appreciated.

Salt, Vertex diffusers produce the most lift. Diffuser Express would also be adequate or even soaker hoses with the volume of air you have

One other big consideration is from again, the large volume of air...you will likely need multiple diffusers.

FYI, one single Vertez diffuser (single membrane) was enough to keep a 30' diameter hole open in my pond when placed 5' below the surface of the water for the whole winter. If you want a larger open hole, use 2 diffusers placed about 30' apart. That was with 1/2 airline, and a 1/3 hp Thomas compressor. The run was 100'.

Thanks Rainman, not sure of how much cfm I will have from the new pump. I didnt order it my hunting partner did and I have yet to lay my eye's on it. The goal for us is to keep a roost open for late conservation season for greater snow geese. That extra half hour of shooting and no plug,and ecaller with open freash water can be a deadly combination. I will post some pics of the new install when I get home. Based on your post I gather no matter what the goal small fine bubbles from the vertex would work better than large coarse bubbles for water lift?

small is definitely going to bring more lift, BUT....you could theorettically create so much lift you supercool and freeze the entire body of water by not allowing enough contact time with the deeper earth to re-warm the water. More of a freeze/thaw cycle but it is highly unlikely to be that extreme...the best balance has to be found between lift and temps to keep the largest area open.

Rex, that might depend on how deep the BOW is, and at what depth the diffusers are placed.

Last winter, I did see the cooling effect of a diffuser running in the deepest portion of a pond vs. one set at 50% of max depth. There was a 5 deg. difference between the 2 ponds. No morts were noticed in the cooler of the 2 ponds.