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: Do I need an aeration system for my pond or lake?
A: Most ponds and lakes can benefit from the addition of aeration.
After many years of research, we believe aeration to be the foundation for improving and maintaining proper water quality in ponds and lakes. Lake bed aeration acts to increase dissolved oxygen levels while eliminating water stratification. Find more information on why aeration works under our resources tab or click here.
Q: What are the weeds growing in my pond?
A: Aquatic vascular plants or weeds are a natural part of aquatic ecosystems.
Under natural conditions aquatic plants will not overgrow their habitat. But, under eutrophic conditions (high in nutrients, such as Phosphorus and Nitrogen) aquatic plants can grow unchecked completely overgrowing the entire pond or lake.
Q: Why is my pond cloudy? I can’t even see my foot…
A: Cloudy water is a result of suspended particulates.
Question submitted 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 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.
Q: Is it hard to change the air filter on my aeration system?
A: No, Keeton Industries’ two types of air filters are relatively easy to install. Filters should be cleaned or replaced when they become soiled and air intake vents need to have all debris removed to allow unrestricted airflow.
Watch a video on installing your Quiet Line Aeration System air filter:
Below are images of a Solaer Aeration System air filter:
Q: Does the warmer weather “summer heat” effect my pond or lake?
A: Yes! It is a great time to enjoy your water, but two negative things can happen if your not prepared.
First, the warm weather heats up your pond creating a great place for aquatic plants and undesirable aquatic weeds to grow. An abundance of aquatic weeds can not only be unsightly, but they use an abundance of oxygen to grow and/or decompose resulting in suffocation of the desirable aquatic plants, fish and other life in your pond or lake.
Second, what is referred to as “turnover” or “mixing” during the stratification process. Stagnant waters experience turnovers when water temperatures warm up on the top and equalize with the colder bottom layers. Warm water does not carry as much oxygen and when it mixes with the bottom layer it can, bringing up large quantities of nutrients and causing the dissolved oxygen concentrations to plummet. In some situations this can lead to fish kills. Aeration is a solution for this type of phenomenon. It continually keeps the water from becoming stagnant and stratified, and keeps oxygen levels high throughout the body of water.
Question submitted by Donna L.
Q: Why does my pond/lake stink?
A: Ponds and lakes can smell for many reasons, but Hydrogen Sulfide gas and planktonic algae are the most common.
In many ponds and lakes, anoxic conditions (devoid of oxygen) can develop on the bottom. Anaerobic bacteria will flourish leading to the buildup of Hydrogen Sulfide gas, which has a very characteristic “rotten egg” odor. It can be especially prevalent under windy conditions or when a new aeration system is installed.
Planktonic algae (cyano-bacteria) can secrete compounds that have a very distinct chemical odor. The odor is often a result of large algae blooms. You may also have smelled something similar in tap water, as the compounds tend to make it through typical water purification processes.
Q: What is pond moss?
A: Pond moss isn’t actually moss at all. Pond moss is actually slang for filamentous algae.
These algae will either grow on the bottom, around the edge or will create “rafts” by trapping oxygen bubbles created during photosynthesis and float up to the surface. This group of algae, comprised by many species of Cladophora, Hydrodictyon, Mougeotia, Rhizoclonium, Spirogyra and Zygnema, is bright yellow to green in color and has a stringy texture.
