choosing an aerator

Below you will find information to help you determine an aeration system. If you would like help deciding, we would be happy to do a complete design for you, just call – 800.493.4831

how to size an aeration system for your pond:

Sizing is not an exact science. Every pond and lake is different and contributing factors such as size, shape, depth and water quality will all play a role in determining how many diffusers are required to get the job done. Each diffuser will have a specific “zone of influence”, meaning that it will only be able to make improvement to a certain area. This zone of influence is affected most specifically by depth. Diffusers placed in deeper water will be able to circulate larger volumes of water and dissolve more oxygen into the water column due to the time it takes the bubbles to reach the surface.

As a general rule, one diffuser is sufficient to aerate up to 1 surface acre as long as the diffuser is placed in water that is 10’ or greater. As the water depth decreases, so does the “zone of influence”, so the same sized pond may require more diffusers if the water depth is less than 10’.

lake shapes and diffuser distribution:

The overall shape of your pond or lake will also affect the size of the aeration system needed to properly aerate it. Regular shapes like circles, squares or triangles can all be aerated the same. As they spread out or become irregular more diffusers are typically needed. For example, if you took a circular pond, a kidney shaped pond and a long, skinny pond all 1 surface acre and 10’ in depth they will all require a different number of diffusers.

health and quality:

The last and probably most important factor to determining the proper aeration system is the overall health and water quality of the pond or lake. A newly constructed pond will typically need less aeration than an older, poorly managed pond of the same size. Highly Eutrophic ponds have so much more organic material and excess nutrients to process before improvements can be seen. If your pond or lake is in really bad shape to begin with, more diffusers might be the best option.

how to calculate surface acres:

When determining what aeration system and/or how much beneficial microbes to use, you will want to know your pond or lake’s size in surface acres. Here are a few diagrams with formulas to help out.When determining what aeration system and/or how much beneficial microbes to use, you will want to know your pond or lake’s size in surface acres. Here are a few diagrams with formulas to help out.

We are here to help. We can provide you with free aerial mapping of your exact pond or lake with aeration system recommendations (see example below). Call or e-mail us today!