Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Areation questions

Also good luck with good knowledgeable aeration detailed answers from the NRCS. The most you can expect them to know is aeration is beneficial for ponds.

Your are correct, air stones are prone to clogging, but so are ALL diffusers to some degree, clogging rate depends on each pond conditions and style of diffuser. Some diffusers are much easier to clean than others.

IMO your first basic error is to use the GAST compressor to charge two LP tanks. Not necessary for various reasons. Two styles of standard compressors from Gast & Thomas for aeration are the rotary vane and rocking piston (aka wobble piston). See piston style pump info below. The rotary & rocking compressors are designed and are apply used for aeration because they are built to run continuously. Although if you can circulate your pond in less than 24hrs, then 24/7 operation is "normally" not necessary - this depends on many chemical, biological and pond morphology factors. Most aeration suppliers say, operate 24/7 to best cover all aspects or variables - plus IMO it results in more pump maintenance a benefit to the company.

For these two style of rotary/rocking pumps you want to use all the CFM of air they produce; send it all to the diffusers, make as many water lifting bubbles as possible - do not store it. The philosophy of storing air in tanks is for piston and/or some diaphragm compressors that are built to pump-up and rest between cycling episodes. Continuous duty compressors are built to 'handle' continuous operation, but it is not a requirement.

Depending on the output CFM of your compressor you might be more efficient in air use if you increase the number of diffusers. Each diffuser is capable of moving a general amount of water gallons/minute or hour. Gang the diffusers together to a point and you move more water per hour and turn your pond over faster. "Generally" for average ponds one compete turnover per day is adequate. But what is an "average" pond. If you don't circulate it enough a fish kill becomes more likely. This is why aeration places say run 24/7. Less operation than that becomes more risky for fish kills especially when the pond owner does not know the pond's BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) or they do not have an oxygen meter to monitor DO at the bottom.

Snrub is correct ""If you are looking for a single paragraph solution to what is a complex problem........ well good luck with that."" Pond aeration is a steep complicated learning curve and few if any are anywhere near the top of the curve.