Looking for the best aerator for keeping from having muck on the bottom of my pond. I thought from researching the bottom diffusers were the best for this application. Than I go and find a picture(attached) that shows the fountain type with a water smith down tube showing it has better results. I like the fact that on a diffuser i can have the pump up by house and no electric running to pond which would not be the case if i went with the fountain type. Which type do you guys recommend diffuser or fountain? And which brand.

Thanks,
Todd

All fountains regardless of the length of the draw tube throw water into the air. Water weighs 8.3 lbs /gallon which is quite heavy and requires lots of energy based on how much and how high the water is pushed. This high work load puts undue stress on the fountain motors-pumps which often have comparatively short life spans and more maintenance compared to electric air compressors considering how much water is moved per kilowatt of electricity. The diagram does not take into account efficiency and electrical usage. Plus the diagram of the unit with long draw tube does not spread the circulation out to large areas of the pond as noted by the water flow - movement pattern - limited lateral circulation; mostly the force is up and down not outward. The main water circulation force is up (fountain) and down gravity of the spray pattern. IMO the diagram is biased to sell a concept. You want efficient water mixing, use air lift technology; you want aesthetics use a fountain. You want high oxygen transfer use a special paddlewheel aerator or similar unit.

To minimize muck on pond bottoms the best way to do it is to reduce the eutrophication and nutrient inputs of the pond more toward oligotrophic conditions with low organic inputs such as leaves and very clean water (only roof water) or minimal water from the water shed. Pond muck comes from dead organics that have grown, blown or washed into the pond. Ideally invertebrates, a few vertebrates, and bacteria temporarily bind and/or process that muck into the basic nutrients that feed the pond plant community. Nutrient cycling. Lots of nutrients results in lots or excess plant growth and some animals that when dead, results in muck. Reduce the nutrients and it reduces the annual accumulation of muck. Lack of oxygen on top of the sediments results in anaerobic conditions which is a much slower form of decay of dead organics, thus the muck can accumulate faster than it can be decayed or processed. Excess chemical additions can often suppress the bacterial decay - recycling processes.

I was thinking the same thing they are just trying to sell a product. I think i will stay with my first plan and go with diffuser on the bottom I just need to decide which brand to go with.I will be fighting a leaf problem in the fall with pond.

Many people like Vertex aerators.

I've loved mine

That diagram is a soooo bad! I hate how some fountain/aeration companies mislead people!! Todd, you should contact Ted Lea, he's in Ohio and will give you an excellent price on an aeration system for your pond.

I second getting in touch with Ted. He's a great guy to do business with!

http://www.cleanponds.com/information.php?info_id=6

Todd,

I just private messaged you my recommendation for your pond.

I go with what the fish farmers use...



Some time use bottom diffuser system - sometime use both...

George

Looks familiar! Diffuser in deep water in the left of the pic.

I third that notion!

I fourth that notion!!!

Ted Lea is the way to go.

Couppe

Ted Lea at Clean Ponds is an excellent choice. He was a great help for me, sold me on a Pondlyfe II system.

Thanks guys for all the information very much appreciated.

Todd, Let us know if we can be of any help. Stop by sometime if you can. Thanks "all" for the comments !! Ted