Looking to do a new install for my quarter acre pond. I have stocked channel cats and feed regularly. This summer has drawn the water level down from about 8-9 feet to about 5 feet and I'm getting seriously worried about oxygen content.

I have a quote of $1275 to run electricity to the pond. I'm in North Texas so I get plenty of sun. And I've been told I could run just an air line from the house...3 options.

Any suggestions on these options, as well as equipment suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


Bill73

Running an air line is a lot cheaper than running elec. But in a pond that is a 1/4 acre with only 5' depth in the summer months I would have to consider surface aeration over bottom diffusers and that requires elec. I'm sure no expert when it comes to what would work best in your situation. Hopefully some experts will jump in. And welcome to the PB Forum. You might look into the forum list under aeration, a lot of information there.

Hey Bill, welcome to the forums!

We have been talking back and forth in another thread about aeration in the summer time and the affects of the heat throughout the water column. The thread is located here...

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=495553&page=1

It is a bit of a read, but will tell you a couple things...

First off, aeration is no where near an exact science (and most of us are pretty green) and, secondly, small or shallow ponds can be adversely affected by moving water that has stratified (cooler deeper waters). Bottom Aeration can create water temps throughout the water that can get risky (too hot).

I would like to be able to say that surface aeration would be better for you, but I don't have any experience in that department, It is something to check into however. Typically for the pond hobbyist, surface aeration is used as an emergency effort to put 02 into the water. Surface aeration may stir a shallow pond up and cause the temperature concerns I mentioned too, so definitely do some research.

You should spend some time reading in the following two forums to get your feet wet...

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=cfrm&c=6

As far as electric or air lines to the pond... Either way is a lot of work, so I just threw the extra money at running electric and have not looked back. Eventually, I'll have a fountain, maybe a pump for watering the grass on the dam, night lights, etc.

I think even tho more expensive you would get better usage out of running elec to the pond. Put a couple extra outlet on it so you can also rung other things ..radio..lights..other pond maintenance stuff. Also I'm not sure how cold it gets there but moisture in the airline during winter if you choose to pump then stinks.