Pond Boss Forums AERATION Should I aerate? winter aration mild climate

My understanding of aeration is from what I have learned mostly here on the forum. I understand colder or cooler water holds much more 02 than hot or warm water.

Is aeration in a S. GA / N FL pond really needed during the winter. I know it all depends, But assuming typical recreation pond with normal to slightly heavy bio mass, not an overloaded commercial pond.

I was recently talking with a fellow pond owner in central N. FL that had a tilapia kill in his pond and no other ponds or bodies of water had this issue. He aerates constantly so I am assuming the entire water column chilled much quicker as a result of the contestant mixing not allowing a bottom refuge for warm water.

He was concerned about o2 levels but I kind of think he would be fine with turning it off during the cold spells we get down here from time to time.

I wouldn't bother in winter if you don't get ice and snow.

Maybe should be a new topic but what are your thoughts of only night time aeration during our really hoy months?

I'm not convinced it makes that much of a difference. For years I ran the diffuser in my trout pond only at night to keep warming down during the hottest part of the summer. At some point i spaced out on turning it off during the day for a few days and didn't see much of a difference. Of course I had well water running in 24/7.

If the water warmed up during the day, mixing with the water at night once the diffuser(s) are turned on, what's the difference if the diffuser is on during the day?

Just my opinion of course and I could very well be wrong.

Bobby I'm here in Arkansas and for the most part it's fairly mild here in winter and I don't run my air after mid to end of Oct. I haven't had a problem yet in 5 years. Pro's and Con' of this.

Pros,
1. It gives your pump a break for awhile and will last longer.
2. Your electric bill will go down 10 to 20 bucks a month for a few months.

Con's,
1. Your fusers could get some build up on them of green funk and such so your gonna want to go and cycle them on and off for a 30 to 60 seconds every month or so. Or pull them up and scrub them off.

I think Bill said once your water temps hit about 60 or below your entire water column will start to be saturated with D.O. hence the reason why your don't need air on. Under normal circumstances as you say.

I won't turn my air back on then till about end of march remember you need more then just a couple nice days to start really warming your pond up and having to worry about mixing D.O. again.

RC