Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions aeration

I have a new reworked pond that is aprox. .5 acres with a depth of 5 to 6 ft deep. Is there an advantage between a bottom aerator vs a fountain? Will one help with pond clarity more than another?

i have a pond the same size but deeper, i bought a eco air 2 from ted at forevergreen (bottom diffuser). It has made my pond more clear, but i am only @ 16-17" of clarity at the moment. The clarity issue can be due to being dredged this spring (mine was also)

Hubcap - Bottom based aeration has been shown to improve water clarity pretty dramatically, but it all depends on what is causing the clarity issue (turbidity). Algae blooms tend to vary in color from aqua / light green to greenish - brown. Suspended sediments are going to color the water a similar shade as the pond mud, especially if it's been recently reworked. Being in NC, if you've got red clay than it's a good bet that you might be seeing a reddish tinge to the water or possibly a black water from tannins f you're on the coast. Those are a couple quick ways to see what's causing the clarity issue.

Doing a jar test is simple as well. Take two jars, fill em with pond water. Put one in the window sill and one in the cupboard. After 24 hrs compare the two side by side. An algae bloom will stay the same in the window and the cupboard will settle out. If both have settled or both are still cloudy then it's most likely a suspended sediment problem.

NC has a really good aquaculture extension service and you can find a local number in the blue section of your phone book. They will typically offer up some advice on what is available to help your situation.

If you're looking for some professional advice you can try Southeastern Pond Stocking in Pender, Foster Lake & Pond in the Triangle & also Mountain Lake & Pond out in Sylva. All three have been in business a good long while and all of them know their stuff.