I was able to get multiple readings this weekend for evaluation. Aeration was set to run 8:30pm to 10:30am the night before and left there all weekend for the following data points. The two days were very sunny and peaked in the low 90's (hot and humid).
6/6 ________6"deep_____24"_____36"_____7 foot deep (at the bottom by the dock)
(6am) DO____2.7________2.7_____2.6______N/A
(12pm)DO___3.5________2.9_____2.8_______N/A
(5pm) DO___7.0_________2.4_____2.3______N/A
(6am)Temp___74 F______74_____74_______73
(12pm)Temp__84________74_____73________73
(5pm) Temp__87_________75_____74_______73
6/7 ________6"deep_____24"_____36"_____7 foot deep (at the bottom by the dock)
(6am) DO____2.9________2.9_____2.9______N/A
(12pm)DO___4.2________3.2_____2.9_______N/A
(5pm) DO___8.2_________3.2_____2.9______N/A
(6am)Temp___74 F______74_____74_______74
(12pm)Temp__83________76_____75________75
(5pm) Temp__88_________77_____75_______75
Secchi readings hovered at the 10-11" visibility the whole time and PH readings were consistent in the morning from top to bottom around the 7.5 to 8 range which changed as the day grew long landing at the low 8's at the surface to the mid 7's at 36" down.
The only conclusions I can draw from this is that the daytime hours really boost the uppermost DO levels along with rising temps while the aeration mixes is all back in at night to yield lower DO levels throughout the water column along with consistent temps top to bottom. I have to admit...I don't know what to think of the data beyond that. I suppose I will continue running the air "as is" until temps get obnoxious and then consider shutting the air off completely (gradually) and then get more readings to see what happens without air.
I am open to comments and advise (as usual)!
