Do you think a horizontal system might work better? How about just a diffuser stone? I think my first order of business is going to be raking out the massive amounts of aglae and weeds, pulling some cattails and seeing where I'm at then. Like I mentioned before, this isn't something that I'll be stalking or swiming in, but if I can better the lot for wildlife and viewing pleasure then I'll be happy. I'll probably wait until after winter to do the aerator so I have some time to think this through.