Hey guys, let me explain more about where I'm coming from.
A month ago, had you asked me what aeration was, I would've said something you needed after a long day in the field. So, that should about sum up my level of knowledge on the subject.
Some of you chimed in on my initial post, discussing the best option for expanding the pond. Well I even feel a little ridiculous about that now. I had been eye-balling the pond without taking any actual measurements and assumed it was about an 1/8th of an acre.
Well, after measuring, it is definitely a 1/4 acre (the size I wanted to expand to). We've been getting a lot of rain and snow these past two weeks and the pond is now completely full. It is drastically fuller than when I placed my first post.
With that said, now on to the aeration.
Without knowing anything about the issue, I wanted to go with a windmill system simply because of the aesthetics. I mean it's a farm, so of course I need a windmill right!
I nixed the idea of an electric pump from the start, simply because their are "free" solar/wind options. Plus, it would cost me whatever to run electric 1000 feet, then the additional monthly cost. Electric is off the table in any case.
After hearing so many negative things about windmills, I've abandoned that idea as well. Reluctantly abandoned that idea I should say. I really wanted that windmill, even if it performed slightly worse than the other options.
But, with that said, saving $1000 sounds good, so I'm now willing to part ways with the windmill if I must. So hello solar. And, if I go solar, could I avoid battery costs with this AC system, or should I still go with a DC system?
I've spent the past few days looking at all kinds of solar options and configurations...but as y'all can tell, still not exactly sure what system I should go with to satisfy my needs. So what are my needs?
I plan to stock the pond with an assortment of catfish, hybrid bluegill and bream. (Sorry I haven't gotten the PondBoss lingo down just yet...is that CF, HBG and B?) The pond has no fish in it now.
The pond will also serve the hydration needs of 6-10 head of cattle. (I am going to run a watering system so that they do not have direct access to the pond.)
That's about it. Sorry for the novel. Thanks if you read all that.
