Q: How long does aeration (solar aerator) take to clear a pond?
A: Changes take place in your pond immediately after starting up an aeration system, no matter if it is electric or solar. However in typical situations, it takes about 6 weeks to actually SEE improvements.
Question submitted by Anne.
Q:Why can’t my fish live through the winter?
A: Winter fish kills are a result of low oxygen levels, typically caused by a natural phenomenon known as fall and spring turnover a process that takes place during the stratification cycle. Please visit www.fish-kill.com for more information on winter fish kills, summer fish kills and ways to prevent a fish kill.
Q: When I install an aeration system on a lake or pond, can I expect any negative impacts on water quality initially…from stirring up “junk” in the water/on the bottom?
A: When an aeration system is initially installed there will be a period where the aerator will draw up large amounts of poor quality water and some organic debris from the bottom that can have an impact on the water quality.
It will increase the oxygen demand and potentially raise the phosphorus and nitrogen levels for a short period of time. This is a critical time for the lake, but as long as the aeration system is running it will be able to combat these issues and in time the lake will turn around.
Question submitted by Paul.
Q: How long does it take for Aqua-Tron (beneficial microbes) to work?
A: Aqua-Tron, our beneficial microbial product designed to improve water quality and create a balanced aquatic ecosystem, is a natural “good bacteria” that “graze” on excess nutrients. As soon as Aqua-Tron is dropped into your pond or lake, these microbes begin to consume the unwanted excess nutrients!
However, if you have an abundance of excess nutrients, it may take a few weeks, even a few months for you to visually see a difference. In typical situations, a significant change can be seen in 4-6 weeks. But, keep in mind that you can apply more dosing in the beginning to “jump start” the process.
Question submitted by Ken.
Q: Is my waterfall enough aeration for my pond?
A: In almost all situations, a waterfall will not provide enough aeration to improve water quality.
Although they can be helpful, they will not do enough to maintain proper and healthy water quality. The falls may be large and drop deep into your pond, however the force is typically not powerful enough to add oxygen to the water column at varying depths. Also, if your pump intake is located near your waterfall, it will not circulate the whole pond.
Question submitted by Amanda.
Q: Why are my fish gapping at the surface?
A: Gapping fish indicate low oxygen levels.
The fish gape at the surface where oxygen levels are the highest in the water. In many cases this will be seen during a fish kill event and supplemental aeration is needed to increase oxygen levels immediately.
Q: What is a pond bubbler?
A: A pond bubbler is another word for aeration system.
A pond bubbler/aeration system uses air compressors to force air to the pond bottom which is released through diffusers creating millions of small bubbles that rise to the surface. As the air bubbles up to the surface it eliminates stratification and increases dissolved oxygen levels.
Question submitted by Dave.
Q: Why is my pond cloudy? I can’t even see my foot…
A: Cloudy water is a result of suspended particulates.
Question submitted June 10, 2011 by Ray.
Cloudy pond and lake water can be caused by dissolved organic material or suspended clay particulates. Organic particulates often give the water more of a brownish color, where clay leaves the water more tan in appearance.
Q: Is Aqua-Tron safe for animals/wildlife/dogs that love to swim?
A: Of course! Beneficial microbes (like Aqua-Tron and WSR) are naturally occurring and are completely safe for all wildlife, pets and humans alike.
Question submitted 6-7-2011 by Jan.
Our beneficial microbial products are made from all natural nutrients and ingredients and are non-toxic. Traditional applications used to restore unhealthy waters are just a band-aid – they require repeat applications and can jeopardize the health of pets, kids, wildlife, and even trees and grasses nearby because they typically use chemicals.
