In the water, you preferably want a check valve that does not have a spring. Springs underwater tend to clog, corrode and cause malfunction. Check valves underwater should be cleaned annually for dependable operation. Some commercial diffusers have built in check valves. Do due diligence.
I prefer adjustable pressure relief valve to optimize the pressure relief for the type of compressor and aeration system.
Aerating too much - all depends. Too strong of aeration, as in sewage treatment and turning your pond into a 'blender', keeps fine detritus particles in suspension causing turbid water but relative fast decomposition of organics. If the aeration system is sized 'properly' then operation of 24/7 is suggested mainly to error on the conservative side and cover most all cases. I prefer to slightly over size the system and then run the system on a timer to reduce electrical costs yet maintain adequate oxygen on the bottom. There are many exceptions. Each pond similar to humans is different in age, history, chemistry, and nutrient budgets thus it is hard to promote blanket statements.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 04/21/14 09:23 AM.
