Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Need aeration advise-1.5 acre Idaho pond pic heavy

OK, I need some advise. A little background first to help. I built this pond that I have on 175 acres approx 9 years ago. I did not live in the area when I had it built I lived 500 miles away in Nevada. It was build my a pond developer who does numerous ponds in this area.

That said I understand that I need to get rid of the willows on the damn now that I have moved here and done some studying and as money allows I will do so by buying a chains saw and getting rid of them.

I rent my upper pasture to a rancher who has cows on it for approx 2-3 weeks a year. They get the very tip of the pond for water. I need the funds for the rent, plus it allows me tax benefits as it shows some income or I would keep the cows off. Besides I HAVE to have the cows to help maintain the intermediate wheat grass.

So, this year I am getting some new algae on my pond a secondary type and my grass is spreading in the shallow ends.

I simply can not afford an expensive aeration system at this time as I am trying to sell a rental home and another piece of property to try and afford to build a home here as we are living in a 5th wheel and small structure attached to my shop. I live on pension which does not go very far.

So I am trying to attempt to do some of aeration on the cheap. Not knowing a thing about it I am reading a lot. Aeration seems to be the first option.

I have a few catfish in this pond, (unknown how many/ could be a hand full) as U put some babies in here, maybe 5-6 fish, years ago. Yesterday I was given permission to catch some small mouth bass from a private pond and put three small 8-12 inch bass in here. I have tons of frogs and some other small bottom fish that I found in a minnow trap on here in an attempt to see if I had any baby catfish, as thats how I caught the originals that I put in here.

I bought this 3/4 horse irrigation pump at a garage sale for 5.00. a while back. It does work as I tested it. I want to attempt to submerge a line into the pond and use this pump to elevate some water and dump it back into the pond causing it to aerate the pond.

I have a commercial farm irrigation place that I will go to and see if they have any items I can use but am looking for advise.

I am hoping I can buy a weighted pond line, a check valve and a filter and make some sort container or base for that filter and get it into the pond. Then I will use a discharge line and elevate it a bit in a shore location and blow the water back into the pond.

Does that sound like it will work? I have attached pics of the pond, algae problem and pump.

I do have a question on this pump. It has a pressure switch like the one on my well pump tank? That switch can not be removed as its plumed back into the pump head. see pics. I have no idea why that is or if that switch will allow this pump to operate in the fashion I need it to?

FORGOT - the pond is approximately 1.5 acres in size maybe a bit more before it lowers its levels that typically start in late may. TONS of water run of goes in and out in the spring and its fed primarily by a underground spring it sits on and some run off.














what this a prime opening?


the line that attaches to the pressure switch? WTH




PUMP INFO.

It's much cheaper energy wise to push air than water.

As an experiment last summer I hooked up a 1/2 horse submersible pump. 2 month electric bill was $200 higher than normal. Doesn't take long to pay for a compressor at those rates. Moving water had an impact but not something I wanted to do long term. I found a 5023 Rotary Vane Gast brand new for $385. From what I hear I should expect an electric bill of under $15. We'll see, have only had it in a couple of weeks.

My guess is that the line connected to the pressure switch will shut the motor off if you lose prime. The pump probably was designed for a spa tub or small pool. Any idea what its gpm is? What is your pond's depth? Electric supply close?

Ok, with that said, I dont want a major power bill. So using a compressor, are these submersible ones and what system will work for my application.

Pond is approx 10-12 deep depending on time of year.

If I buy a new aeration system, whats a good one for the money? I have power down by the pond.

Are these systems all inside the pond or are some land based with lines into the pond?

RUMBLON

Here is a good resource for your project.
Check out their site and contact them for a system quote.
http://www.vertexwaterfeatures.com/

I spent $1500 on an aerator. Took about ten minutes to install it. The fish are healthy and feisty.

The fisherman are happy.