Originally posted by pebaugh:
Mike, we can control the aerator whether it be time, temp or combinations. I have the equipment and know-how to control yet finding a strategy on when to control is what we are missing. Cecil has a good point in that if we do not peridically stir a column in the deep areas we will get an oxygen depleted zone down low and even though the temps are cool there, the trout will not want to stay there if little or no oxygen.
We may want to reconsider placing both back in the deep areas and judiciously running them at night and/or when the air temp or surface temps drop below some value say 65 degrees. That way we oxygenate all the water and take care not to mix it up too much when the air temp is too warm. We could also have an additional aerator head in the 4-5 foot section and run it all the time. In the winter, all three could run to keep the ice from forming.
I can add electronic and electrical controls to turn the pump on/off as a function of time, time of day, air temp, water surface temp, deep temp, month etc and in any algorithmic form. I can also selectively turn on the deep head, the shallow head or both based on any measured parameter. Too bad we don't have an extra $600 to buy a quality electronic O2 meter to give us direct feedback on oxygen levels. will have to stick to the chemical tests for now.
If I have this reqally cool control system, any thoughts out there on what the control methodology should be.
I agree. You want to keep one or both of them deep but only run them judiciously. I wouldn't run the surface aerator in shallow water myself unless you densities are really high.
Sunil's right. At most all you need is to run a small diffuser in shallow water in winter. I've actually let my trout pond freeze over without aeration as long as I keep the snow off or in strips. In cold water not much oxygen comsumption is taking place.
If you end up not getting a surface aerator why not spring for a D.O. meter? BTW there is a good one now in the $200.00 range if you're interested.
