Pond Boss Forums AERATION Should I aerate? How many aerators should we have

On a 36 acre lake/pond, 8' max depth in Arizona, summer temps to 110 F. How many aerators will be effective in the hot months?

Ric, At a max depth of 8 ft if this means 5-6 ft depth common and as wide open as 36 acres is, you may not need any.Shallow being the potential key here.At sea level and 95F you can still have 6.9 ppm DO.If I have not had any DO problems I may not be too concerned, If you are not sure invest in a DO meter and do some testing on those hot days. Wind action on shallow lakes can aerate a lot, Ted

Ric - In additon to Ted's reply which was good advice. You will find that oxygen meters are pricey ($400-$800).

The first thing I would do in your situation, is go to a local marina and or a Walmart or place that sells electronic outdoor/indoor weather thermometers battery operated with at least a 10 ft temp probe. Marina's often have a simple cheap battery operated boat thermomoter with a 20 ft probe for $20 (AirGuide) . Attach a weight to probe end and once a month in June, July, August, and Sept perform a temperature profile of your lake in the deepest basin. Take temperature readings at every foot of depth from surface to bottom. Come back here and post your results and we can tell you how well the wind is mixing your lake and the likelyhood if oxygen is at the bottom. It would also be good if you made a note of the water clarity of the depth you can see a white coffee cup when you make the temp readings.