Pond Boss
Posted By: george Spillway-Syphon Systems - 06/24/02 02:56 PM
Is aeration necessary with a spillway-syphon system installed?

The one and a half acre pond is one year old – 14 ft deepest point.

The spillway-syphon system drains the oxygen depleted water, and sludge, from the bottom as rainfall fills the pond to drainage level.

The pond is located in N.E. Texas and the area has an average annual rainfall of 44 inches, currently 7.5 inches ahead of schedule for year to date.

I am currently investigating aeration systems.
If aeration is needed, would it be continuous operation – or as needed during the summer months?

Your help appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
george
Posted By: Bill Duggan Re: Spillway-Syphon Systems - 06/24/02 04:01 PM
George, The purpose of a syphon system is to not release water from the top of the pond but 6 or more feet below the surface. This is so you are not releasing the nutrient rich top layer. I do not believe a syphon system will have much effect on oxygen levels or remove much sludge.
Posted By: george Re: Spillway-Syphon Systems - 06/24/02 04:51 PM
Thanks for the response Bill.
The bottom of the syphon tube is anchored one foot off the bottom of the deepest area of the pond, in 14 ft of water.
Should syphon from the deepest area.
george
Posted By: Editor, Mark McDonald Re: Spillway-Syphon Systems - 06/24/02 05:32 PM
Consider installing a bottom diffuser-type aerator. They're effective in oxygenating the water, yes, but also in exposing tiny particles of organic material to oxygen and sunlight.

This "burning" process helps Mother Nature keep her pond clean of gooey muck that would otherwise collect in the pond basin.

Running 24/7, a one-third HP diffuser rig costs $18/month to operate.

For specifics, see the display ads in Pond Boss magazine and the Resource Guide here on this site.

Mark McDonald
Editor, Pond Boss
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