Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions New Aeration System

Hello all,

Wanting to buy/build an aeration system for my pond. Looking economical and I'm handy enough build custom or simply buy. I've been reading though this forum, which is great, gathering information to come up with the best solution. But I haven't caught completely on the technology of aeration yet to determine what is best for me. I don't want to under or over do it, so I figured I'd ask the pros of the pond boss family. Preferred setup and components:

I'm renovating an older pond. It was a catfish pond up until around 15 years ago. Back then it was cleared of all fish and drained. Since then it has basically been a raining holding pond. Well I've been getting it prepped to renovate it for bluegill and LMB.

I'm in the central Alabama area. The pond is roughly 1/4 acre and depth runs from 4' in the shallow end and around 7' on the deep end. It isn't fed directly. There is a good sized creek that runs along the side of the pond and water is pumped from that creek when needed. The creek constantly runs and produces good water.

I currently have 5 white Amur and roughly 300 bluegill. They are 3-4" and have been in the pond for a few weeks. I want to add bass in the fall. I'm gonna start with a smaller number of bass and attempt stay around the 30:1 ration.

I know my pond is too small to realistically grow trophy fish. My goal is to create a healthy pond that is pleasing to look at and provide recreation for my kids and family.

Thanks for any help.

Managed correctly you could grow big BG up to 9"-10" in the pond. The pond is small as you know so aeration will help maintain better water quality, a healthier pond, and a few more fish and generally healthier fish. I would look for a compressor that produces 3-4 cfm and psi at least 5 minimum but 10+psi is better. More psi capability will not hurt anything, but only about 4psi will be used. With a good diffuser mixer and your small shallow, low volume pond, you may only need to run the aerator 10-12 hrs per day at night IMO even in warm climate of AL. IMO worst case is you run it 24/7 during the hottest months; Jun, Jul, Aug.

If you haven't read the material about aeration in the archives see this:
http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=92494#Post92494

There are lots of discussions from members about aerating small ponds in the aeration section.

AERATION System Topics
http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=12&page=1

Do not hesitate to ask for help here when you need second or third opinions. In a small 1/4 acre pond aeration is not real complicated. You need a good reliable compressor (life span 20-30yrs) to produce 3cfm minimum, an airline, and a good diffuser; I prefer rubber membrane. Keep the diffuser out of the bottom muck with either a shield or on a stand. For shallow water I prefer on a shield or flat plate to get it as deep as possible to take advantage of what little depth you have - 7ft. Diffusers perform better when placed in the deepest water - generally. The boil spreads and increases as it ascends.

Thanks Bill, incouraging information. Where do you recommend purchasing equipment? What brands do you trust? Thanks

Which brands depends on the type of compressor. The two standard type of commercial compressors rocking piston and rotary vane. Most are made by Gast aka(Sweetwater), Thomas, and the brand that Vertex sells Brookwood. Don't fall into the trap of using a shop style piston air compressor for pumping tires and air tools such as Campbell-Hausfeld. Those are made to pump up and rest not for continuous duty. They will fail relatively soon. You also want an oilless compressor.
A google search will reveal numerous styles aeration diffusers. At this point, I prefer the rubber membrane disk or tube diffuser usually EDPM rubber. They are not clog free as some salesmen will unknowingly tell you.

Fish in 0.2 ac. IMO you will grow bigger fish and more fish faster if you only stock pellet trained fish both BG and bass. Pellet feeding high quality pellets can easily grow fish almost 40-50% larger and about 1.5-2.5 times faster than those living only on natural foods.

Ted Lea Forevergreen a member here sells rebuilt compresors for a pretty good price. He also 'handles' the high quality Vertex diffusers as single membranes (DIY) and complete diffuser units for those that are not handy or have extra time for DIY. If shopping check out his website for good aeration information and examples. www.cleanponds.com

Bill gives good advice as usual. What type air setup you say?? Well really that's all about what type of budget you have? You can setup an air station for as little as 350 to 400 bucks or as high as 4 or 5 thousand bucks!

I recently replaced my air pump with a Gast 0523 and needless to say I am VERY excited about it! That pump pumps awesome!! New these pumps can be a little pricey but maybe if you PM guys like Bill Cody or Ted Lea they could hook you up a bit cheeper then some 3rd party outfit? Or tell you who to talk to. Vertex diffusers are some of the best and they really don't cost all that much more than the cheeper ones. For example a 9 inch vertex fuser may be 35 to 40 bucks and a 9 inch spin off will be 17 to 20. What an extra 20 bucks when it comes to a good setup and peace of mind that your fish will be better off!Just make sure they have the built in check valves in them. That will help prvent any water coming back up your air hose and into your pump!! That wouldn't be good! Some folks even put a check valve in the line up near the pump for a just in case situation.

I have gotten parts and pieces from both Ted and Bill and if you ask they will offer advice that anywhere else would cost you. Good luck and keep us posted.

RC

RC, the Vertex diffuser has a check valve engineered into it.

Most rubber membrane diffusers have built in check valves. Buyer beware, check details, ask questions, do your homework. As RC51 says an insurance / backup check valve can be placed on the compressor. Most common diffusers that do not have check valves are air stones, odd style or usual diffusers, and homemade diffusers.