Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Aerator maintenance

I have a small (1/4 acre) spring-fed pond in southwest Virginia. I installed an aeration system [Airmax Model AM30] two years ago when I moved here. The pond had a bad algae (Chara) problem in the drought summer of '02 which I successfully treated with Cutrine Granular. I installed the aeration that fall in hopes of alleviating potential O2 problems, and so I could stock trout. The system has been running 24/7 ever since -- and seems to have worked: my trout stocked 11/02 and 3/03 (including browns and brooks) have survived through two Virginia summers.
Question: How frequently do aeration systems like this need maintenance? I noted in the catalog from the supplier that they carry both a Repair Kit and Replacement Filter for the aerator. Anyone have either experience or guidance on this type of Airmax system? Am I already on "borowed time," or can I get another year (or more) before heavy maintenance is called for? What about the air stones -- maintenance now or later? Many thanks for any assistance.

That system utilizes a simple rocking piston compressor. That compressor should be fine for up to 3-years before any internal maintenance. I would suggest changing the intake filter to ensure that it is not clogged.

This is a very reliable compressor and you will have many years of good work out of it. Happy ponding!

Many thanks for your reply -- very reassuring indeed. I believe I'll go ahead and get that replacement filter. Thanks again -- MLSmith

While on this topic, should I make preparations to "sideline" my windmill aerator for the winter? If so, what is the proper way to do this? Perhaps Ted or some others who are familiar with these rigs can give me some advice. From what I have read in past posts, you don't want an aerator going all winter because of the mixing of severely cold water at the surface. When would be a good shutdown date? It does get cold here on the shores of Lake erie.

Hey Mark C, its been awhile.I dont remember if when you bought your windmill you had them ship it with the 7 inch stone or not. If yes and you are not using it (arent you using a CoActive Airstation ?)then consider placing the stone in about 2 ft of water as they make great winter diffusers.If you dont have the stone then go another month at best or until average depth is at or around 45-50 F and you wont need any aeration for some time.I switch our windmill in the display pond from the AirStation to the airstone the first week of Nov as a rule and shutdown the electric system at the same time.73 F air temp today so will wait a little longer this year perhaps.I would not be concerned about the airstone inshallow water this winter unless it was keeping the water open and temps remaimed 15 F or less with zero nights and the pond was 1/2 acre or less. The size of the pond is important.Everyone with windmill aeration and aeration in general remember that often neighbors, children and pets dont know that there is potentially "THIN ICE" Always weigh the RISK when considering winter aeration as fish are just fish !!

Thanks, Ted. Actually, I have been using my Co-Active air station since I got it from you and it has been doing a really great job. The bad news is that the float I had attached to the rope to the airstaion broke off and so I'll have to "fish around" to find and bring back up the station when I need to. At any rate, the station is in the middle of my pond, at it's deepest point (of course). I didn't know if I could place a cut in the air line on shore to stop air to the station and then reconnect it back up in the spring with a metal tube coupling I got at a hardwrae center. I haven't done it yet. In addition to the thin ice factor, I was concerned with the infusion of very cold water into the pond, and its impact on the fish, if I kept the mill running all winter. Hence, my question to stop the air flow.

Mark, If you leave the Vertex Airstation in all winter you may chill the bottom, I manifolded a seperate line to a shallow spot for the stone, I have a spare stone if you need one its yours NC $$, if you just want to stop the flow to the Airstation just T in 2 valves on the mill leg and bypass to the air vs water. Ted

Thank you, Ted. I beleive I stored my stone somewhere, but If I can't find it, I'll contact you for a used one. I will do the T valve and divert the air to the stone in a shallower area of the pond to help keep some of the ice off for the obvious benefit to the fish population. One thing I learned about windmill aeartors. It's all about location. Mine has run pretty constantly since I got it, even on some otherwise calmer summer nights. If its in a wide open field away from the woods, like mine, you are going to see it run pretty constantly. And, I like my airstation. So, I'm happy.

To anyone: I did set up a second line to a second stone in which air from my aerator will be diverted via a T-Valve arrangement. I have read past posts to place your "winter aeration stone" off to the side of the pond someplace to keep some ice open for oxygen purposes. I have a nearly two acre pond. Where would be a good place to situate the stone "off to the side" to be effective for winter aeration? I know that you shouldn't place it in deep water because of the stress to the fish by the mixing of super cold water from above, but how far out do I need to go? Right now I have the stone placed just about 10' off shore and in about 5' of water. Thanks for the advice from those of you who have done this!!