Okay, so I'm gathering from the last two posts that the soaker hose method may not be the best place to skimp. Considering the huge cost savings on my compressor I'm thinking I could spend a few extra bucks on a membrane diffuser.
I'm looking at this, or something like it:
Membrane Diffuser from Aquatic Ecosystems Please let me know if that is a good product and if there are equally performing products for cheaper.
What I would do is run 30 yards underground of 1/2" black poly hose from home depot from the compressor in my garage to the bottom center of my pond. I would mount the diffuser in the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket with a small hole for the hose to enter the side, near the bottom. I would put a few rocks around the diffuser on the bottom of the bucket to make sure it stays anchored. This way the diffuser won't get burried in the muck.
Does this plan sound like it would work?
Another question, since my pond is pretty muck-filled, should I use some bacteria to eat the muck right away? I think someone mentioned that you should run the diffuser for a few weeks to make sure that the water is full of DO before you send in the bacteria to eat. On what kind of schedule should I run the compressor?
Quick reveiw of my pond:
30 X 30 yards, round, 15 feet deep.
Fed by springs and a small runnoff creek.
30 Trout, brookie and brown.
Northern Wisconsin, cold.
