Wow Pond Pro you would make a great salesmen!
Blue72 if you have the time and want to make your own setup you can do it. I find it funny how folks are worried bout how much noise the pump will put out! Most pumps are down by the pond side and if not there next to the garage or something. I have a gast 0523 rotary pump and it's in a pet crate down by the pond about 80 feet from my cabin and I really have to listen to hear it? To me loud is relative as to what you think is loud I guess?
I made my first system for about 350 bucks ran like a champ on my 1 acre pond! I since have upgraded my pump to the 1/3 hp gast 0523. Got a few parts from Mr. Cody and it's been running like a champ! So I say I now have about 450 bucks in my setup.
Not bashing Vertex they make a great setup and if you can afford to just say hey come put air in my pond then I would say go for it!! But like most of us that just is not an option! A little elbow work and some good advice from guys out here and you should be well on your way to making D.O. in that pond!! Just hang in there and see what others have to say!
I am living proof it can be done! I had no pond experience when I bought this pond and I now have had my DIY system for 5 years and no fish kills yet..... I run my setup about 10 hours a day and my bill it about 11 bucks a month. This will vary depending on your electric in your area that is one part I agree with that Pond Pro said!
RC
Of course pump cost will vary depending what you find, but if your thrifty enough you can find what you need at the price you can afford.
