I am looking for recommendations on putting together an aeration system for my new pond.
The (excavated) pond was completed about a month ago, and there is about 3.5-4 feet of water in the deepest portion. I would like to get a system installed in the next 2-4 weeks, as this is the last of my free time until next summer. Additionally, it would be much easier to do before it fills up.
I am located in SE Michigan. The pond is approximately 1.5 acres. About 1.1 acres is at full depth (12-15 feet) with 3-1 slopes, and an addition 1/3 acre is leveled out at a 6ft depth with an 8-1 entry slope for a swimming area.
My goals for this pond are,
IN THIS ORDER :
1. Low Maintenance
2. Clean Swimming.
3. Recreational Fishing.
My initial thinking is that I would go with a single compressor & 4 outlets/diffusers. I would normally run 3 diffusers in the locations noted (see diagram below). The 4th line would normally be turned off, but during the winter months, I could use it to run a diffuser (maybe in the top right corner, on the slope?) to keep a small hole opened up on the ice. I would ideally like to do some skating over the shallow end, so I don't know if it is a good idea to keep ANY of it open with this in mind, but I am open to opinions.
As for the aeration system, I am not the greatest do-it-your-selfer, but if I can save some money by buying different parts from different vendors, I am all for it. I haven't been won over by any of the prepackaged deals that I have seen yet.
As for the compressor specifically, I would like to try and keep the operating cost down as much as is reasonably possible (ie I would like to avoid systems with 2 compressors or ones that run at 10-12 amps). My power is about 300 ft from shore, so I will have to run my air lines around 500 feet each to most deep parts of the pond.
I have looked at most of the major systems out there, and I have done a little exploring on the various diffuser types. If anyone has good recommendations based on my particular pond & goals, I would be very appreciative.
Here is a link to various current pictures:
MY NEW POND Here is an approximate diagram of the pond layout. The measurements are based on the preliminary plans and are not exact, but most of it is pretty close:
