bc - I would do a little more shopping for a bottom aerator than Aquatic Eco's DA1 and Vertex. Many places on web explain diference of fountains and botttom aerators. You basically do not want a fountain unless you want it basically for looks and sound. Most basic fountains do not upwell bottom water unless the bottom is only 5 - 6 ft deep.
Since you are in OH you can get the same type units in OH and a cheaper unit price and cheaper shipping. See
www.ridgeviewfinfarm.com and
www.ibnature.com. Also check: pond aerator, on eBay.
The problem with DA1 is it is a one head rocking piston compressor. It produces only 1.5cfm open flow and is pretty noisy compared to a rotary vane driven system that produces 4.5cfm open flow and runs pretty quiet. Since you have a 3/4ac pond, greater air flows will produce stronger water movement and can run multiple diffusers if needed. Stronger water movement mixes faster which means once the pond is mixed one can turn off (timer) & rest the pump until the pond needs remixing (usu next day). Undersized units need to be run continusously to get all the water mixed in 24 hours. Rotary vane units can be as cheap or cheaper as the DA1 if you shop around. Not sure of Vertex cost. Compressor is the most expensive and important feature of a bottom aerator system. Get the best with least & easiest maintenance for a similar or slightly more dollars.
Weighted tubing saves work and is very nice to work with, but is pricey compared to the commomn poly blk plastic pipe. Get out your wallet for weighted tubing it is 12x to 20x more expensive.
