Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Areation question

Well good morning and I'm happy to finally make my first post. I have been on the site many times before, and now I have a question about areation. I have a two year old pond and I just stocked my bass about a week ago. I have a very large population of bluegill and some other small fisk that looks like a guppy (that we all grew up with). They have a black spot on their lower part of their back belly. Anyone know what they are?

Ok for my question, I want to put in areation, when should I do it? Should I wait until next year, or start this year? Pond is about 1.3 acres and deepest spot is 12 feet.

Martin,welcome to the forum,and congrats on finally making your first post.As you probably know,Im not one of the experts here,but I would put it in as soon as possible.I dont know of any drawbacks and it does many good things.Hang on,and Im sure the experts will be along shortly.

Howdy, Martin, and welcome to the Forum.

This is a Gambusia holbrooki. Look familiar?


If your pond is two years old and has lots of BG/(Gambusia), it is probably getting close to being "full" as far as the total mass of fish is concerned. I would start looking to aerate sooner rather than later, knowing that 1) there is some time left before biomass peaks and 2) it's a fairly new pond, without decades of organic sediments built up to further increase oxygen demand. If you are or intend to start feeding, move the aeration up on your to-do list.

Hello Martin and welcome to Pond Boss. Thanks for joining in and posting.

Welcome aboard Martin,your getting some great advice. Investigate a system that will give you at least two turns per day for your percent of carrying capacity (which is or will be high)Two stations (depending on shape of your pond) may do the trick.You may want to consider taking advantage of Vertex's free aerial mapping service so you know the exact lifting rates and tubing runs needed. (did I mention that it was free)