Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions New CA member - aeration equipment consideration

Greetings - considering the SENTINEL 1/4 HP DELUXE AERATION SYSTEM from AMERICAN Pond Aeration for my pond to control algae and water clarity. I am a bit confused about the depth and defuser placement issues since my pond varies between 2.5' and 5.5' with an island in the back center of the pond. I have attached a drawing with approximate size and depths (normal). Mosquito fish, frogs, crawdads, turtles, and all types of birds enjoy this area of our property. Different types of pumps, output and whether to aerate on bottom or top have been reviewed. Once the aeration issue is settled, controlling Parrotfeather and Cattail next. Any advice appreciated.

Welcome to PBF!

Just curious, what makes you think your pond needs aeration? IMO not all shallow ponds do as wind action can keep the pond aerated in some cases.

Any additional info like whether you have a muck problem, age of the pond, fish kill history, North or South CA, etc. will be helpful for the pros to offer up good advice.

Again, welcome!

Bill D.

Thanks, Bill D. Northern California, Sacramento specifically. Last year with the heat, we had a good algae bloom and my wife is concerned about blue-green algae as poisonous to dogs and other animals in our country setting. The island and cattails block a lot of the Delta breeze from the southwest and the pond is surrounded by large indigenous trees as well. We purchased the home in 1999 and a year later I emptied the pond and cleaned out all of the "muck", parrotfeather, and cattails for a fresh start. No fish to speak of except the mosquito fish for control, frogs, crawdads and many species of birds. Not a fan of chemicals and thought aeration would be a good alternative to them. Appreciate your interest.

Charlie C

Hey Charlie,

IMO aeration sure won't hurt anything but it sounds like your pond is very fertile. IMHO as long as all those nutrients aren't tied up somewhere else, like other pond vegetation, you will still get blooms. What is your goal for the pond? Do you want game fish? Just looking for a wildlife refuge? If you have a goal in mind then some of the pros can offer you better thoughts and advice.

Bill D.