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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 115
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 115 |
OK, the hard winter is over here in SE Michigan and the large amount of snow we have is now starting to melt all over the edges of our 1/2 acre skating rink. (pond) The question I have is when is the best time to start the aerator back up? Last year I ran the aerator 24/7 and turned it off in November. I know there are many different thoughts on how much time during any given day the aerator should run, but I like the 24/7 routine as it keeps the surface of the pond clear of any scum or debris, pollen etc. I am a little concerned about the next month or so when there is still ice on the pond, but not enough to be able to go out and shovel it off so I thought I would post the question. The pond is 1/2 acre, about 14 feet deep with very little shallow water, steep side slopes, and about 12 months old, Drainage area is about 80 acres +/- and mainly surface water fed.
Its not how well you do something, Its how well you look doing it!
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 969
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 969 |
fozz, I would not be in any hurry to aerate.With the melting snow you will have clear to semi clear ice when it refreezes.With your surface water drainage you have some water movement. It is still winter and a little early to force the warmer lower waters to the surface. I would imagine that you have plenty of DO.A little sunlight goes a long long way this time of year.I would not turn your system on before April. Just my .02 cents. Ted
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 20,043 Likes: 1
Hall of Fame Lunker
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Hall of Fame Lunker
Joined: Aug 2002
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I wouldn't even start it up until just before stratification which won't be until sometime in May or June. Your pond will be mixing until it stratifies so there is no need to waste electricity by turning on your aerator.
If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 111
Member
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Joined: Jan 2003
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We usually fire up the deep diffusers when the surface water temperature hits about 50F. In northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin this usually happens in April.
Mike Robinson Keystone Hatcheries
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 15,146 Likes: 488
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 15,146 Likes: 488 |
I also favor turning on the aerator at around 50F (+or-5F)surface temp. The warmer you allow your pond surface water to get the more compressor running time it will take to destratify it and the harder it will be to get a initial complete mixing.
aka Pond Doctor & Dr. Perca Read Pond Boss Magazine - America's Journal of Pond Management
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