I have watched this thread and the other thread now since last night when I got back to civilization and I really had to just stop and consider all of the ideas and statements and from where they came. I did not have the wisdom to add anything to the conversation so I just thought about it until I read this mornings posts.
This is one of the best groups of people I have ever worked with, and felt closer to, short of my real family. I have traveled to help some of my pond boss friends and I have invited them to my farm to gather and and share good times and ideas. I love that I can "live" here and get advise from others while I share my experiences.
I read this thread and I see all four sides clearly now. Everyone was right to a degree. Eric was absolutely correct about both the ideas and reminding us to remain professional as we call our family members out on a BS statement. That said, I believe George was trying to discuss both surface and bottom diffused aeration and the different purposes they serve. Did he do it right, you be the judge.
Mike's and Tony's statements were also a great reminder as to the family spirit here. We always forgive, that's what families do. We did loose part of our family. In time we will all move on, its the nature of life. Allen and I will still be George's friend, that is not going to change and the rest of you will still see George in my postings because he is still invited to be a part of my life.
Warts and all, this is still a family, it is what makes PondBoss great. George has lived more than any normal 5 men. He has been told to get his affairs in order twice because of cancer. He buried more friends by the age of 20 than most of will ever have to do. He has been there through some of the greatest geological explorations in history. I just hope when I get to 89 I can still contribute as much as he does. But with all that said, he still does not get a pass, I guarantee he would not give one if he saw BS, but he would forgive.
I would not have George any other way, his passion for teaching and passing on his experiences is part of his foundation. Without it, he is just another fishing buddy holding a flyrod.
Shelby County,
You asked one of the age old questions. Should I do something for my pond or not, the real answer depends on the results you want and from where you are starting. Bottom diffused aeration circulates water bringing up stagnate water to the surface where mother nature can clean it up some and add O2 with normal wind action. This process destratifies the water column and allows your fish to inhabit deeper waters. Surface aeration adds O2 directly into the water because of its ability to expose large surface areas of water directly to the air with direct contact which allows for near instantaneous O2 transfer to that surface water. If you want to expand the envelope of your pond, consider using both. If you want to clean the muck off the bottom, use bottom diffused, if you want to increase you O2 levels for bio-loading protection, use surface aeration. I am playing with both because I want to learn and I can afford to "play." I am convinced that aeration is the best thing you can do for your pond. No one system is best, that is why I am playing with both types.
