I have been researching DIY aerators for what seems like forever. The rig by RC51 seems to be exactly what I need. My pond is about .7 acres and 6 feet deep at most.

My problem is there is no electricity nearby, so my only option is to have the compressor at my shed, and then run the air hose about 500' to the pond (with maybe a 5-7 foot drop in elevation to the pond bank).

Once I hit the water I will use good weighted hose. But, to save on money I need something cheap to cover the 500' distance to the pond.

Does anyone know if the cheap drip irrigation hose would work? It comes in a 1000' roll for about $80 and is rated for 80 PSI. Thanks for any and all advice!

You shouldn't see more than about 10 PSI max. If it was my pond and system, I'd trench in 1" flexible black polyethylene tubing to both lessen the back pressure over that length of run, and to minimize the possibility of the air line freezing during the winter. Run it to a manifold at the ponds edge, so you can turn off and on different diffusers for winter/summer use. From the manifold box, go with the weighted tubing.

Thanks for the tip. Know any good places to get the manifold?

With a little research you should easily be able to build your own.

Just googled some photos of homemade manifolds. Looks easy enough. Thanks.

My other question is about the Ecoplus 7 compressor. From all I see, it should be plenty for my size pond. Apparently it's main limiting factor is the diffuser depth affecting PSI. My pond is shallow so that shouldn't be an issue. My question is, does a drop in elevation over dry land, from the compressor to the water's edge also affect the PSI?

No

Great. Thanks a lot for your help. I think I'm in business.

swampmusic
Just saw this, don't know if you've already proceeded. While the 80psi drip irrigation hose should work, I wouldn't bury it very deep at all. It compresses considerable easier than the 125psi hose. I recently picked up a 500' roll of the drip irrigation tubing for bucket habitats. I was suprised how easy it was smashed or kinked compared to the 125psi stuff.
Personally I would have hesitation using it in a below ground application after seeing it and having it in hand, especially in a 500' run.
Let us know how it works for you if you do decide to use it.