What does everyone think is the best solar aeration option out there? it can be a direct drive (works only when the sun is out) or a complete kit you've used that works well.

Talking about the direct-drive systems, does it matter when you aerate your pond? Like what time of day/night? Is it better to get something that moves a lot of water in the day, than something that moves a smaller amount throughout the day and night? Like a 5 cfm solar setup that works for 8 hours a day vs a windmill that might average out to 2 cfm over the course of a day.

Thanks!

The diffuser has a lot to do with this, as does the depth of water it's in.
General rule of thumb is to roll your entire pond volume in a 24hr period. A good diffuser properly placed with 1.5-2cfm flow will move in the neighborhood of 2500 gal/min +/-..
Knowing the volume of your pond will be key in choosing.
What size is your pond?

In theory, the best time to aerate would be on calm windless nights or very cloudy days. Plants give off O2 during photosynthesis when you have sunlight and wind is a natural aerator via wave action. That being said, I've heard many times (by people much smarter than myself) any aeration is better than no aeration. If you can afford a system with a battery and controller great, but a direct drive system correctly sized for your pond is a fine option, imo.

G dub,

Where you are, what type of fish you have, your water temps, what temps your fish need, O2 levels, needed O2 level of your fish, and so many more things matter as to when and how you want/need to aerate. It all depends.


That said I have built several solar power systems. Both surface and bottom diffused systems. Building your own allows you to size everything for your needs. It also allows you to add features as you would like (an inverter to run dock lights might be one option).


Why don't you start with your goals and your setup, then we should be able to help get you pointed in the right direction.

Thanks for all the input. My pond is about 320,000 gallons to 350,000 gallons. I'm not using it for fish, it is just for swimming.

Then I would look into a direct drive fountain. It would look good and run during the daytime hours.