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Calculate Proper Aeration

How to Calculate the Proper Aeration Required for Your Large Pond or Lake:

Sizing Requirement Guidelines:

CALCULATE LAKE SURFACE AREA A)  Multiply the length of the lake (in feet) by the width of the lake (in feet) to get the square feet of the surface.   Area = L x W

B)  Divide the surface area (in square feet) by 43,560 to get the number of surface acres.  SURFACE AREA =  NUMBER OF ACRES       43,560

 

CALCULATE NECESSARY AERATION  Normal aeration requires the displacement of 1 (one) acre foot or 325,900 gallons of water every 24 to 48 hours.  This will add a minimum of 3.2 lbs. of oxygen per horsepower per hour.  For normal water conditions use a minimum of 1-1/2 HP (one and one half HP) aerator per surface acre.  For warmer climates or excessive algae growth use a minimum of one 2 hp aerator per surface acre.

 

CALCULATE NUMBER OF AERATORS Number of aerators = Number of acres (rounded upward) Example:  The lake is 220ft. wide x 370 ft. long (220' x 370' = 81,400 sq. ft   =  1.87 acres (rounded up to 2 acres). 

                                                                                                 43,560 Lake requires either: (2) 1 - 1/2 hp aerators for normal conditions or (2) 2 hp aerators for warm climates or lakes with a history of high algae problems.

TO MAXIMIZE WATER QUALITY Begin aeration prior to hot weather and algae build up. Physically remove or chemically treat excessive algae and sludge prior to aeration.   If water quality is compromised (light to moderate algae), aerate 24 hours/day continuously until algae is under control.

Choose the right size of aerator for your pond.  We have these categorized by the size of pond they will treat.  If you have excessive amounts of fish or waste, you may need to go with a larger unit.  That's a little tricky, so please contact us with the size of pond you have including it's shape and depth so we can assist you.  Also, please indicate how far the electric source is from the pond's edge.  Many folks have their compressor near the pond's edge under one of our vented fake rock covers as the compressor has to be protected from the elements (like wind, rain, snow, etc.).  However, you may be able to locate the compressor 1000 feet away from the edge of the pond and run poly tubing to the edge, then connect the tubing to the diverter/splitter and run weighted or poly tubing to each diffuser that gets placed into the pond. 

This is all a very simple process.  It consists of stainless steel hose clamps and a screw driver.  Tightening the clamp to the adapter and hose.  Running it out into the pond and connecting it via another hose clamp to the diffusers and then lowering them into the water.  Then, on shore, where your compressor is located, you simply attach the tubing(s) to the compressor and plug it in.  Super simple!  Lots of folks bury the poly tubing which works fine. 

Don't forget to add beneficial bacteria to your pond on a regular basis.  This accelerates the decomposition of organic matter (leaves, silt, muck, fallen debris, etc.) which continually provides nourishment to your pond algae and weeds and cause them to grow more readily.  Pond bacteria also helps keep the bottom of the pond 'healthy' so the fish who live in that area have a better environment to live and are not struggling to survive in an anaerobic, toxic environment.  We recommend PlanktoniX for large ponds and lakes.

Hope this helps!