OK, guys, I've read through many, many threads on aeration, learned a lot, decided it was something I wanted to do for my new one acre pond, spec'd the system with a reputable manufacturer and installed it at approximately 22' depth this weekend. Ran it for the recommended 15 minutes today (it ran like a champ) and will continue for the 8 day startup period. Now the Question:
Can I get basically the same aerobic benefits for my fish and my pond's aquatic life by running evening hours 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. rather than running it 24/7. This tough economy and the cost of energy leads me to ask questions I might not have asked a few years back...in other words I don't want to spend money unneccessarily.
My goals are basically: protect my fish from seasonal turnover and low DO levels (and hopefully increase my pond's carrying capacity); lower the possibility of unwanted algae; keep bottom muck from building up too much (the pond is surrounded by woods).
I'd appreciate your thoughts.
