Theo,
The compressor for my BG pond sits in an outbuilding 15' from the pond. The compressor is noisy, in my opinion, so I choose to run it from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. to 5 a.m.. The compressor does get warm to the touch even with a fan blowing on it, however, the unit is thermally protected. No problems so far.
