Quote: "I am sure my bottom layer is much greater than top." Do you mean volume of water as "bottom layer"? If yes, then this is rare in most bodies of water especially ponds. One does not really know the size/volume of the bottom layer unless the depth of the thermocline is known, plus other items. Why is your pond unique or different than most? Do you have a depth contour map of your pond? Or do you know the average depth? What is the shape of the pond? Shape and to a lesser extent depth determines how many diffusers one needs for producing turnovers. What type of air compressor/s are you planning to use?
Daily turnover does not become as critical in certain pond situations - less critical for aeration are those with lower productivities, (lower nutritent inputs) such as mesotrophic or oligotrophic (nutrient poor waters). Very clear water ponds (secchi disk readings ranging from 6ft-10ft) also have less need for aeration. The more enriched a pond is the more the need for turnovers and oxygenated bottom waters to minimize oxygen depleated conditions - anoxic - anaerobic. Fertilizing a pond increases the need for aeration if water quality is important. Of course if one does not care if the pond ages prematurely and lower water quality occurs more frequently as time passes then there is no need for aeration. Mother nature will do what she normally does - age your pond at her pace based on the surrounding conditions.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 02/11/13 11:33 AM.
