Pond aeration refers to the process of increasing or maintaining the total amount of dissolved oxygen that is in a pond. It involves the mechanical or natural movement of water that will break the surface layer of the pond, bringing the water into direct contact with the air. Increased air contact causes both higher and more consistent oxygen levels in the water, which is a key element of a healthy and inhabitable aquatic ecosystem.
However, issues like waterfalls, heavy rain, and wind are all sources of natural aeration in a pond or lake. If these things are not present, or if they are inconsistent, aerating fountains and mechanical circulators are used for keeping dissolved oxygen at higher or optimal levels. While Living Water Aeration offers an array of options for proper aeration, learning more about why it is important is essential.
What Happens if a Pond is Not Properly Aerated?
If bodies of water, including a pond, are not circulated naturally, they will begin to stratify into different layers based on the temperature, density, and oxygen level. When this happens, the water column will separate into a layer of epilimnion or oxygen-rich water toward the surface, a layer in between that is called the thermocline, and a layer close to the bottom of the pond called the hypolimnion, which is cold water that does not have much oxygen in it.
If stratification occurs, it may cause serious issues for the pond and result in several issues. The most notable issue is in ponds located in temperate regions that will see the thermocline begin to collapse as the water gets colder. This can result in the mixing of the water column, which results in oxygen depletion and that can cause the fish in the pond to die. Fish deaths that occur because of stratification will not only occur during the winter months. Heavier rains will break up the warmer weather stratification, which can cause mass deaths of fish during the summer.
Also, cases of stratification will result in a very deep layer of bad-smelling mulch near the bottom of the lake or the pond.
If proper pond aeration is not present, aerobic bacteria found on the floor of the pond will not receive the needed oxygen to break down the organic material that will fall out of the layers that are warmer and full of oxygen above. This is going to result in thicker deposits of gunk and muck, which is essentially organic material that has begun to rot.
The muck is full of nutrients, which may lead to ongoing and unchecked algae growth, unhealthy fish, unwanted floating plants, breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other insects, and more. The muck in the pond will also impact the clarity of the water along with the pond’s aesthetic value. If the problem continues on, the increased muck levels will create eutrophication, which basically means the pond will be dying slowly.
How to Tell if a Pond Is Properly Aerated
If a pond is not properly aerated, a few tell-tale signs will appear. These signs include things like bad smells, which most people describe as spoiled meat or rotten eggs. If this is not bad enough, a thicker layer of mulch may form on the bottom of the bond. Other issues that may arise include unwanted algae blooms and plant growth, subpar water clarity, improper pH readings, dying or unhealthy fish, and a higher concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Proper Aeration for a Pond
One of the best and easiest ways to achieve proper aeration and oxygenation for a pond is by installing a diffuser, circulator, or aerating fountain. An aerating fountain will use an electric motor and a turbine assembly to pull the cooler water from the base and then push it to the surface through the fountain in a decorative pattern. These are able to be used in shallower ponds and in some cases require just 30 inches of water. They are designed to combine aesthetic enhancement along with powerful aeration.
There are a few types of pond aeration systems to choose from that are known as pond circulators. This includes aspirators that are responsible for transferring oxygen from the surface and into the water through a venturi tube. This is what will create no type of surface spray.
Another option is using numerous aerator pumps. These are designed to pump large amounts of water over the surface. Usually, these are used in more severe or industrial settings, such as a wastewater pond. Another option is a mixer. This will circulate the water horizontally to help break up water that has become stratified or stagnant. The diffusers will serve as a type of underwater bubbler, which will aerate, circulate, and de-stratify a pond without impacting the natural surroundings.
Create a Healthy Pond Ecosystem with Proper Pond Aeration
If someone notices their pond does not smell good, is overrun with too much algae, or is not producing fish that are large enough, the issue is probably poor aeration. When the water movement increases and contact with the air will help to turn the stagnant water into a healthy and thriving system. It is a good idea to realize that not all the pond fountains will aerate. Aerating fountains that will impact a pond in some positive way will be beneficial for many reasons.
When buying a pond fountain, be sure to keep aeration needs in mind. This is going to help ensure that the desired results are achieved and there are no problems with the health and well-being of the plants and fish that live in it. Be sure to purchase the fountain that best suits the needs and size of the pond to ensure the best results are achieved. This is going to pay off and minimize issues regardless of what they may be.
When it comes to pond aeration, a person cannot take chances. Being informed and knowing what to do to ensure it meets the needs of the pond will pay off in the long run no matter the type or size of the pond in question.