Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Hypolimnetic aerator idea

Keep in mind that when we talk about things like venturi's and relying on the bubbles for aeration, this is a much different application than your standard pond aeration system. It is the difference between mixing and oxygenation. Generally we pondmeisters rely on mixing from an aeration device to deliver oxygen via transfer from exposure to the atmosphere. Oxygenation refers to the transfer of oxygen between the bubble and the water. Oxygenation is enhanced with smaller bubbles and longer contact times between bubble and water.

Txelen, assuming your well water has zero dissolved oxygen, I'm skeptical as to whether you would have enough contact time with the bubbles in your original design to provide the oxygen that your fish need. However, oxygenation could be enhanced with this design by incorporating ozone with the aeration system. Ozone transfers oxygen into water about 11 times faster than atmospheric air. Higher oxygen transfer rate = more oxygen in less time.

You could insert a venturi and corona discharge ozone system on shore near the well. The water would then be ozonated and under pressure in the pipe that leads to your column in the pond. These are ideal conditions for mass transfer of any gas and I would guess should be effective in providing your DO goals. Then simply allow the oxygen rich water to cascade into you column as originally planned. Of course this assumes that your well is pumping enough gpm to provide vacuum on your venturi.

Alternatively, you could go with your current drawing and simply incorporate an ultraviolet ozone system between your compressor and the diffuser so that the bubbles would achieve better oxygen transfer as they rose through the column.