Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions New Pond Aeration

I have a pond that I just dug last weekend. It is roughly 1/2 acre and 16+ foot at the deepest tapering up to around 6' on the other end. I have spend enough on my pond and a solar well pump to keep it topped off that I don't want to drop another chunk on an aerator. I was looking at putting something together myself. I live in Iowa so it does get cold so I wanted to aerate to keep a small hole open, but still be able to ice fish safely. I am looking for some help on a pump that I could run off solar power charging a deep cell marine battery. Could anyone suggest a good 12V DC pump that could move sufficient air to help with my problem? Thanks in advance!!!

Have you seen this thread?

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=386488#Post386488

I did just read this article. That brings up another question. I do have the option to run power out there so is the cost of running an AC pump vs. a solar DC pump more than I would save by going solar? Thank you again for your help on this. Just don't want to build somethign and have to redo it in a year when I don't like it

If you've got grid power available, that's the route that I'd take.

Yep what ESSHUP stated. Without question or hesitation, IMHO...if you have AC power available that is the route to go!

I guess I am a little slow in the head, but I have always planned to run some power down to the dock I will build for a light, radio, etc. Guess I should have though AC all the way.

After doing some research on RC51 systems, I think the Eco Plus 7 pump sounds like what I would go with. Since I live in NE Iowa, should I plan to run the aeration 24/7 over the winter even or could I run it on a timer and not have to worry about it freezing??

Thank you again!!!!

Since you're doing a DIY system, your learning curve will be steep. How many diffusers you'll need for your pond, where to place them (summer and winter), number of turns per day, etc., will all have to be calculated.

The aeration systems that we spec out are designed to run 24/7/365......... It goes back to correctly designing and sizing the aeration system for your pond. Rule of thumb is a minimum of 1 turn per 24 hrs. (for your summer diffusers).

Since you are in a climate where ice will be on the pond, yoy'll need to understand "supercooling".

The general recommendation is that if you run the aeration system in the winter, don't walk out on the ice.

That was something I wondered about. I thought I'd run the unit in the winter to keep O2 in the water for the fish, but thought I'd keep the diffuser in the 5-7' area and be able to fish on the 16' portion.

Thanks for all of your help. Yeah, I have A LOT to learn!!!

Cwright,

The Eco 7 pump I used on my 1 acre pond for 4 years 10 hours a night. I never ran it 24/7 but it did the job. Keep in mind it wont do the job in 16 feet of water. The Eco 7 pump I had with the fuser setup I had worked good in 7 to 8 feet.

I have upgraded now and have a GAST 0523 1/3hp pump. I love the gast pump it's got power to burn! They are more expensive yes but when you can afford it that would be something I would look into. Until then I don't see why you cant use the Eco7 for your size pond and to keep a hole in your pond for the winter. This pump will work great for that in the 4 to 6 foot range.

RC