Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Thoughts on Solar Aerator Package

I've got a pond around 1/3 to 1/2 acre that I'm looking for a solar aerator package for. Max depth 12 feet. I'd like battery backup as hopefully I'd run overnight rather than through the day. There's a few packages I found around 7k, but I found the attached package for quite a bit less. It's a 1/4 hp pump, which may be on the low side. My other thought would be to ask for a 5/8" manifold and weighted line rather than the advertised 3/8". Otherwise, does this seem like a reasonable package for my size pond? Thanks!

https://discountpondshop.com/product/off-grid-solar-kit-for-ponds-more-than-12-deep

I looked at it but I couldn't see a volume/pressure curve for the pump. Ask them how many CFM the compressor furnishes at 8 psi. Then ask them what the CFM ratings are for the diffusers, i.e. min and max. You want the compressor to put out about 2 CFM more than what the diffusers need as a minimum to compensate for compressor wear and periphyton build up.

A definite yes to the 5/8" manifold, fittings and hose vs. the 3/8".

The Matala brand compressor company should have the compressor specs. The pond shop may not have 5/8" fittings thus you would have to use bell reducers to up size the manifold yourself. I doubt the compressor will have enough cfm for 2cfm more for each diffuser. IMO those diffusers should have minimum 0.5 cfm (best is 1+cfm) each for adequate bubbling action. Remember to clean the diffusers each year usually Spring. The pump will operate 2 9" diffusers although just not as strongly if they were receiving 2CFM each. IMO the system will do what "most" ponds 1/3 ac need for bottom aeration. If you mount the system at the pond and split the air, the two 3/8" airlines should work okay because this style of compressor is designed to produce higher pressures (20-25psi) and the amount of back pressure from the 3/8" airline will not be very detrimental to the pump other than somewhat prematurely shortening the pump life span due to it having to run at a slightly higher pressure compared to operating with 1/2" or 5/8" ID airline.

Thanks for the info, guys. I found the specs on the matala website (https://www.matala.com.tw/aeration/products-31-2.html). It looks like at 10/15 feet the cfm output is 2.5/2.4, respectively. The spec sheet specifies that this is with a two way manifold, does that mean each diffuser will have that cfm output, or would it be split between the two? If it's split, would it be best to have one diffuser at the deepest part of the pond rather than two?

CFM at the diffuser is regulated by the valving on the pump manifold. You have control of CFM. Pressure needed to operate the diffuser is determined by the depth diffuser is located. Deeper it is the more psi needed to have it produce bubbles. For 2 diffuser set up, establish location of diffusers. With system running, fully open deepest valve diffuser - get it bubbling max. Then gradually open shallower diffuser until it and both diffusers produce bubbles that you are satisfied with. All you are doing is allowing air to escape from deep diffuser to shallower diffuser.

How far are you from a power source? I use an electric air pump that pumps through a weighted air line to my diffuser. But I am only 100' feet from a power source. This may not work for you but if it does, it is the best way to go. I use a powerful Blue Diamond pump for around 200.00 that has lasted over two years and is still working.

Life span of an air compressor has numerous variables. With the right air compressor and size of airline one can push air to a diffuser 1000-2000ft. That air compressor (rocking piston 1/2hp) can then produce twice the amount of air volume compared to the solar one (single head) you listed above. Plus in a 1/2 acre pond the air diffused aerator with the right diffuser system would only have to run 3-5 hrs per day in an average 0.5 ac, 12 ft pond. What is average - a pond not surrounded by trees, decent wind exposure, not full of submerged weeds, not highly eutrophic with average water clarity around 3-4ft.