Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Simple Solar Solution

Ok, so there I was, thinking about building my own solar aeration system for WAY cheaper than pre built kits for sale. As I read through the forum for solutions, it seemed to me that everyone was more caught up in the mechanics of making a DIY system work than the cost. That's when I remembered a company who's products I already use for camping and travel between the States and Afghanistan: GoalZero.com. They sell solar panels, portable batteris of various sizes, and other solar odds and ends. The reason I enjoy their products so much is the plug-and-play ease of use. The 'Yeti' line of batteries have multiple outlet types including the standard plug found in your house. They readily connect to any GoalZero solar panel and you can chain together as many solar panels as you want. I also have found another company called Powerfilm that makes good panels with adapters to fit the 'Yeti' battery. I'm sure you could take your favorite electrically powered aerator and simply plug it in to one of these simple systems. Most of these products are usually cheaper on Amazon.com, but go ahead and tell me what you think! I plan to try this out myself once Stateside again!

Look at the compressors that are available. You need to look at the cfm produced at "X" psi, and how much power they consume.

You have to work backwards from the pond water volume.

To figure out a proper aeration system here's what you do.

Figure out the total gallons of water in the pond.

Figure out how many diffusers you need (and at what depth they are placed at) to move that much water to the surface at least once a day for "X" amount of run time, 2 times is better.

Figure out what compressor you need to provide the correct cfm of air at the psi needed.

Then figure out the electric supply requirements that you have to have.