Pond LAKE & Aeration - Smith Creek Fish Farm

1. POND LAKE & AERATION - SMITH CREEK FISH FARM www.smithcreekfishfarm.com

2. How do I Choose an Aerator? NEW YORK FISH HATCHERY & KOI FISH POND SUPPLIES Many of my discussions with customers often start with the pond or lake owner telling us that their pond is “X” feet deep, spring fed and “Y” acres. My followup question is “what are the dimensions?” This is how we start the conversation of whether or not they need aeration. All ponds will benefit from aeration, this is a fact. There are a few variables that will determine what type of aeration will give you the best results in your situation and value for your money. Many factors determine how oxygen saturated your water is. Some variable factors that effect oxygen level are: vegetation density, wind, sunlight and rain. As experts, we can use an oxygen meter to determine oxygen saturation at a given point at a given time. Pond constants, like diameter and depth can be used to determine potential aeration issues. You can use some simple math to determine if your pond may need aeration. Take half your shortest diameter and divide it by the the depth at that point. If your answer is greater than 3 you may need aeration. For example a 100 foot diameter pond 12 feet deep would work like this: 50/12=4.2 . This calculation is based on a hydrodynamic property of water and its ability to circulate. This means that the bottom couple of feet in that area could be “dead” water. “Dead” water is water that cannot effectively support life. Small pockets of “dead” water are normal, but when the percentage of dead water gets too large, your pond becomes less productive and possibly you could have a low oxygen turnover situation.

3. Pond Size The surface area of a pond is often measured in acres or square feet where 1 acre is equal to 43,560 square feet. Surface area will give use an idea of how powerful a unit will be effective. This is similar to the way an HVAC technician will use the square footage of your home to determine the size heating and or cooling unit you need. Pond Depth Depth of your lake or pond determines the method in which the air is compressed or if a surface aerator is appropriate. Surface aerators are great for ponds having a depth less than 16 feet. Diaphragm aerators work well for depths of 6 feet or less and require routine diaphragm replacement. Rocking piston aerators can work in depths greater than 30 feet and are extremely durable. A vane compressor is great for situations where the depth is between 6 and 18 feet and where multiple aeration sites are needed. Pond Shape The shape of a pond also factors into the equation when purchasing an aerator. A 1 acre round pond may require a 1 horsepower surface aerator while a 1 acre horseshoe shaped pond may benefit best from a 1/3 horsepower vane compressor with 2 or 3 diffuser sites. Power? Aeration units generally fall into 3 power categories: Standard electric, Wind power and Solar power. Generally if you have the ability to have a standard electric unit, that is the most efficient and effective. Solar and Wind aerators cost more to buy, but are practically free to run.

4. Website : www.smithcreekfishfarm.com Smith Creek Fish Farm 5540 Route 362 Bliss, NY 14024 PHONE : 5853227805