Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions 1/4 HP pond aerator pump

I'm got a 1/2 acre pond and I'm thinking that I need a 1/4 HP air pump, but I'm only seeing 1/2 and 3/4 HP pumps on Amazon and Ebay. Where are people finding the 1/4 HP pumps at. Thanks,

Try calling one of the aeration companies. It's not only about the pump size, it's about how many CFM air it can furnish at the depth that you will need to place your diffusers.

For instance a 25' deep pond will need a rocking piston type compressor whereas a <15' deep pond could use a rotary vane compressor.

Look at the warranty and ease of rebuilding too, AND if parts are available to rebuild the compressor. We are distributors for Vertex and Stoney Creek aeration supplies. Compressors we sell are from 1/20th hp to 1 hp.

IMO pond depth and pond volume are important when buying a compressor for aeration. Note good info from 'esshup'. 1/4hp to 1/3hp is plenty for a 1/2 ac pond. You want that pump to produce 3.5cfm to better a 5cfm open flow of air that can operate upto 3-5 diffusers. Ease of rebuild is important for DIY. Age of the pond, pond water volume, type or density of the plankton bloom, water clarity, and number of diffusers each receiving about 1cfm all have an influence for how long you run the compressor each day in a pond less than 1 acre. Many or all suppliers will say run it 24/7 just to be on the safe side of possible error. But if one knows their pond conditions well or are WELL advised in the science of pond ecology then some form of daily on/off can provide adequate pond mixing for the pond's conditions. Volume of water mixed per day and pond volume are important for determining run time.

Thanks for the info. My 1/2 acre pond is only 8' deep at full pool, that's why I'm looking at a smaller pump. I have lots of weed and algae problems with this pond. It's about 40 years old. Esshup, I checked out your website, but I couldn't find specific info, pricing etc. Would you guys recommend one or two diffussers for this type of pond? Thanks again.

Steve:

Send me a PM with the pond address. I can map it from a satellite to verify the size. Go Daddy decided that they wouldn't support the web store format and couldn't transfer any of the data to their new system so I am looking into a new store format.

From where the compressor will be placed the first diffuser needs to be in the deepest part of the pond. That will give you an idea of the length of self sink tubing you will need. If the compressor will be at the edge of the pond, it needs to be inside a cabinet that has a fan to suck out the hot air - similar to a large desktop computer fan.

If the compressor will be in a building away from the pond, then you will need to trench in 1" black poly pipe to the edge of the pond and switch to self sinking tubing. If you need more than one diffuser, you will need a manifold box at the side of the pond or a manifold inside the cabinet that the compressor is in at the side of the pond.