Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions aeration system timers

Hello,all

I have a 6 acre lake with a vertex HF 4 XL2 aeration system

What timers would the group recommend for this system?

i want to run the system from 8PM to 7 AM

thanks

bill

I run a 240 VAC 1/2 hp compressor on a simple 24 hour 240 VAC timer from Amazon. I am on the third timer in 17 years. The last time I bought one it was about $30.

I use a cheap 120 VAC 24 hour timer to run a 22 cfm cooling fan for the system (starting it an hour or so before the compressor every day). I'm not sure it's ever gone bad.

The 240 VAC timer I continue to use is an Intermatic Model Number HB112, 3600W capacity (which is overkill even for the initial startup surge on a 1/2 hp compressor).i

For my 1/3 hp compressor, I use a commonly available Heavy Duty Mechanical 24 Hour Timer Dual Outlet 125V 15amp 3-Prong Indoor (around $12-$15). Several model brands are available. Mine is an Intermatic brand mechanical style timer not a digital model, however digital is probably okay. Mine has been running okay for 26 years.
There are outdoor models probably water/moisture resistant availalbe if needed. But if moisture concern is a problem then you are better to more worry about the moisture damage to the much more expensive compressor compared to a low cost timer. KEEP compressors cool and DRY.

Question: How many compressors and individual 9" diffuser heads comprise your vertex HF 4 XL2 aeration system? For 6 ac of water is a lot of gallons or acre feet of water and depending on the shape and depth of the basin you might want to run the compressor/s 24/7 at least during Apr-Nov.
How fast will the aeration system turn over the pond?
Do you know if the aeration system is creating least 1 or maybe 2 turnovers per day for 6 acres of water?

If not the system might be vulnerable to some form of a fish kill during special weather periods.

Thank you for the response

My system has (2) 3/4 hp compressors and eight 9" membrane disc diffuser heads

The surface area is 5.7 acres and the complete turnover /day is 1.42

I haven't run the system in several years

I ran it for 1 hour last week( all stations working well) and would appreciate guidance in safely increasing the time intervals without killing fish

thanks

bill

Start with one hour and add an hour of run time per day. Check downwind of the diffusers for smell; if you get a lot of Hydrogen Sulfide ("rotten egg"), you may want to slow down the ramping up of aeration hours.

If you are operating 2 3/4hp compressors from the same timer then you should increase the quality of the timer to a more heavy duty Intermatic metal box timer. They are commonly available.
Example.
Intermatic T101 24-Hour Mechanical Time Switch - Reliable Control for Various Loads, 12 ON/Off Operations - Manual Override & Included Trippers, Designed for Industrial, Commercial, Residential

Depending on the pond clarity and water quality in my experience the air station diftusers should be raised, inspected and usually scrubbed clean each year, usually prestart-up. Manufacturers claim that diffusers are self cleaning but my long experience has been the system runs more efficiently and lasts longer with less stress on the compressor when the diffusers are manually cleaned each year.

Many thanks for the guidance

I will upgrade my timer and clean the diffusers

bill