Generally I do not recommend starting aeration in our region until the water in the pond starts to clear to water visibilities of 3-5ft because a circulating water column in a new pond tends to keep the microscopic turbidity particulates suspended in the water column. Often in the midwest area once the pond is at full pool, we see noticeable clearing of the pondwater after 3-6weeks. This assumes the watershed is fully vegetated and shorelines are lined with stone to minimize affects of wave action. Some ponds have persistent turbidity problems in certain soil conditions and when mud exposed shorelines predominate.

Lots of our regional ponds have uncluttered bottoms so it is easy to drag in the diffusers from shore. There are a few notable exceptions. 1. Fish production ponds. 2.Ponds with fish habitat cluttered around on the bottom prevents dragging diffusers in and out of the pond so diffusers then need to be installed and lifted for cleaning from a boat. In those cases it is often best to lay the airlines prior to pond filling. Then the actual aeration can begin anytime the pond is full.

In a new pond with low organic bioload accumulations, significant measurable ecological damage to the pond will not occur if aeration is not started until year 2 or 3.

Last edited by Bill Cody; 11/29/18 07:57 PM.

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