Pond Boss Forums Thread Like Summary - Build an Aeration System for me

I'm new to the pond building game. I have one that is filling that is that's about 1/3 full.

3.5 acre total pond
19' deep
While there are a couple wet weather springs that feed the pond, it's not spring or creek fed. It's run off fed from a big bowl above the pond. I'm confident I can get it full, just wanted to know if, when it's dry and hot, the aeration would help the cause.


I have no electric run to the premises, but it's only about 100 yards off the road, so I'm sure that'd be an option if I really wanted to.

I know nothing about aeration systems and sizing them, but want to do this once and have the bill hurt once.

What would you recommend? I'm partial to a solar setup as I'd have a nice south facing slope to mount things, but am not sure what and how to go about it.

I'm open to hearing what you guys would do.

Roy,

I couldn't remember the exact parameters on the trade offs between pushing air versus pushing electrons.

I found an excellent old thread on that very question. It should probably be bumped up to the present from way back in 2006 anyway, since lots of people are in your exact same situation!

https://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=31304#Post31304

I agree with FishinRod, I would prefer grid power, but in my case it was not a feasible option. And I did not want to run 1/2 mile of airline through rocky, hilly terrain, so I was forced to learn more about solar than I ever wanted to.(not an expert just a reader) One thing that we may overlook, when you only have air and not electricity at the pond, how will you have emergency aeration if the need arises? Read the July/Aug issue of Pond Boss mag. "Early Summer Water Crisis". It made me laugh, I can relate to the grandpeeps practicing their wresting moves on you! But the serious part is about using a sump pump in a "pre fish kill". You may not ever need it, but if you don't have electricity or solar you will need to be ready with a gas pump or something else.
Solar is not as expensive as it used to be, especially if you DIY. Highflyer and others here can help. The way I had to understand it was to start with the pump and work back to the solar panels. Figure what pump you require, then what battery bank it will take to run that pump and then the charge controller and panels to charge the battery. I may be all wrong, but this is how I wrapped my head around it. Also I have a DC sump pump on a timer I run early morning just for insurance.