I was wondering about running my bottom diffuser aerator through the winter months here in East Texas.

I have a 4.5 acre pond, basically triangular shaped, with an 18� maximum water depth grading to ~2-3� along its major axis. Four diffusers have been running since mid-June of this year, when I installed the 220v powered diffuser. I have a pool thermometer at ~7� depth (actual ~10 depth to bottom) and have measured the temperature dropping dramatically over the last 3 to 4 weeks. It appears to have stabilized at ~40-42� and seems to be quite cold to me or is it?

I have largemouth bass, cats (blue & channel), bluegills, redear, threadfin, tilapia, fatheads, and crawfish stocked. Last year some tilapia were dying off in early January which I suspected/expected due to the 50� water temp at ~10�. Today I saw a floating/wiggling shad which appeared to be suffering from possible cold water effects. BTW, I have not seen any tilapia, but I have not been at the pond for a couple of days either.

I was wondering if I should turn off the aerator during the winter months to prevent any water �superchilling� effects on the tilapia and shad?

If I do turn it off, when should I turn it on again? Should it be based in water temp profile, water quality, filamentous algae presence or other factor(s)?

Thanks in advance for your response,
Jim