Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Aeration

I have a sensitive Aeration subject I want to address that may get me into trouble.

I have a problem with vendor and pond management professionals addressing water quality issues, advising only products that they sell.
Their advice is well qualified for parts of the country that do not have drought and heat problems that we are experiencing in many parts of the country, and especially in Texas.

Some ten years ago, my first bottom diffuser “aeration” system was a DIY system that well thought out, a work in progress resulting in the very best components recommended by PB forum members. It served me well, allowing increased “carrying capacity” that was my goal. Long story short – Texas drought – major fish kill!

Fast forward to record breaking heat wave and drought of summer 2011.
Major fish kill with bottom diffuser system running 24/7.
Perfect Pond – Had One:
http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=23883&Number=299979#Post299979

On the verge of approaching 2lb OTS CNBG and 10lb HSB – wiped out – started over.
If only I had known about surface aeration earlier I would have achieved my goals.
I checked our ponds Tuesday for the first time since mid-June and found our fish in excellent condition, surviving drought - so far the hottest September on record,

IMO opinion PB vendors and pros should give “fair and balanced” opinions based on regional pond requirements.

Below photos document healthy fish surviving a brutal summer, using a good bottom diffuser system during daylight hours and surface aeration during nighttime hours.

Gonna achieve our goals this time – rain forecast for Friday!
George

George,

That's what they do? I mean it would be like me working for the Chevy dealer and telling you to go check out the Ford place down the road??? That's not gonna happen....

Granted their advise should be as well rounded as can be no matter what, but vendors and even pros cant predict how much rain will or will not fall in a area at least not year after year? Heck if you would not have had the lack of rain you had you very well may not even be talking about this right now. Our weather here in Arkansas changes all the time. Heck we got more rain here in July this year then in the 25 years I have been here. Heck look what's going on in Colorado??? I bet no one saw that coming.

I know it sucks what you have gone throug for sure I know I would be unhappy with the fish kills you have had, but sometimes it's just chance and even the best pro may forget to advise you of something. Ten years ago did they know what they know now? Maybe not? A lot can be learned in 10 years I am sure you know that.

The nice thing is, is you have been kind enough to share with us what you have learned and now maybe some others might be able to avoid what has heppened to you. Thanks for that!!

RC

OH, RC - you comparing our respected PB advertisers and vendors to used car salesmen?
Shame on you...

George knows this so I am not saying anything new to him or for that matter many others on the Forum. A couple points to consider.

1. The harder you run a system the greater the chance it breaks. Ponds and cars are similar - run them for long periods at high RPM ( carrying capacity)and something is going to break.

2 Catfish farms and other aquaculture operations run at high RPMs all the time - no wonder they have surface aeration (paddlewheels) ready to go , in use with backups ready. As Bruce once noted it only takes a few (15) mins of low/no O2 to wipe the fish out.

3 Surface aeration and bottom diffused aeration are not the same , don't have all the same goals , provide positive results to meet goals. Mixing them like George does is a must IMO if you are going to push the limits of carrying capacity especially if you have the potential for drought.

Point well taken Eric!
I think an article on aeration for PB magazine or lengthy discussion on the forum will inform folks the options available for various regions and conditions.
We have folks on the forum that have icy conditions requiring bottom diffuser systems to protect their fish, and to the extreme, hot drought low water conditions that require other measures.

We have financial investments in our ponds, as well as blood sweat and tears.
I believe folks need to know all the options available.
George

George, I agree with you that for ponds that are pushing the limits on carrying capacity that both aeration systems are needed.

What pondmeisters don't realize is that each bottom diffuser aeration system is spec'd. out for each individual pond, which includes the depth at the time of the installation. If the depth of the pond changes, more diffusers should be added to offset the lowered lifting rate of each air station. Yes, the pond total gallons of water is lower with the lower water level, but that could lead to pockets of O2 laden water rather than spreading that same water over the whole area of the pond.

For most pond owners that don't push their ponds, a bottom aeration system is enough. If a pond owner can afford both types of systems, (and the maintenance required), then I think going with both systems is a good thing.

Don't forget that bottom systems are less expensive to run too.

I know right what was I thinking!! Sorry guys I didn't mean it that way!!!

....or none at all!
My little 1/4 acre post grow-out pond has NO aeration and produces trophy CNBG and quality HSB, but don't push the envelope - 9 years old and NEVER a fish kill!
G/

That's the key right there!

Brian (highflyer) has developed a solar powered Kasco pond aeration system that is well suited for small pond aeration.
He is presently “tweaking” the system in his forage pond.
I believe it to have great potential for small ponds far removed from electrical service.
Last I heard no final costs as yet, but savings on electricity should more than offset solar component expense IMO.

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=347149&page=9
G/

George, is the innertube and floating pond ornament included with the aeration system?

I'm telling our friend Brian on you - you'll get a talking to!

Innertubes are $1, The ornament is extra, a lot extra.....

K. 100% extra than? So I can have a nice pond ornament for $2? Cool!!!

I edited previous photo of Brian's solar powered 12 volt Kasco Surface aerator in order to return thread to a serious discussion of aeration of ponds not accessable to electricity.
George