You probably get more aeration benefits from a very low or zero angle, though straight up is more aesthetically pleasing. Circulating the water and exposing more of it to the surface is more efficient than local splash aeration.
Is there an extra zero in the GPH rating? 17,000 gph is a monstrous volume, even from a 2" pipe.
Your handle and terminology have me intrigued. Are you a displaced Cajun, a dentist, an oak tree aficionado, or any of the 3?
