Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Research windmill aeration system for ponds

Hi all,

Is there any research info on windmill aerators' for small less than one acre ponds. Looking for info on durability, and output over lifetime of unit.

Thanks!

Windmill aeration obviously relies on wind to operate. Lowest dissolved oxygen levels occur before dawn when wind is characteristically lowest. That is why most choose electric power.
BTW, you don't have to have power at your pond. Instead you can run buried poly pipe to your pump 1000' or more feet away. My pump is 600' from my pond with virtually no loss of pressure or airflow. I spent six weeks reading aeration threads on PB trying to convince myself that I wanted windmill aeration, but I couldn't, so I waited until I could afford an electric-powered system. I don't regret it.

It's true that a few windless cloudy days could spell disaster. I have two 20' Koenders wind aeration systems. They have worked well for three years now. I think it depends on the pond and water source. It also makes a difference what the terrain is like if you can get it on a hill with no trees or other obstructions it may be OK. My ponds have a 15 gallon a minute flow of spring water, so for me its more about limiting stratification. As with all things pond wise.... it depends. As dg84s stated, electric at the house and run ploy pipe it's the safest way to go. In my opinion some kind of aeration is a must for any pond, the water quality improves tremendously.

I echo that the best way to go is electric pump and trench poly air tubing to the pond. I have a Becker 20' aeration windmill and it is not really effective overall. One of the big problems that the windmill companies won't let you know is that yes it takes little wind to get the windmill "going" but getting the diffuser going is a totally different animal because a couple of things:

1. The windmill has no reverse brake and will turn in the reverse direction which DOES NOT provide air to the diffuser.

2. This back pressure now must be counteracted and start to go in the other direction to keep going.

3. So unless you have a tall windmill 20 plus feet and ZERO Trees I would not mess with the lawn ornament... oops I mean windmill aeration systems.