Aeration oxygenates bodies of water. This added oxygen improves the smell and look of these water features and the health of the fish within them. If you have a pond or lake on your property, you may wonder about the different types of lake aeration.
Destratifiers
Submersed systems, or air injection (diffuser) systems, provide oxygen to the lower depths of deep lakes or ponds. In this type of system, an onshore air compressor is used to push air through a tube that flows under the lake. Bubble diffusers push the oxygen out of the tubes and through the water levels until they reach the surface, enabling the oxygenated water on the top to mix with the less oxygenated water at the bottom of the water feature. This diffuses oxygen-rich water throughout the entire pond or lake.
Mechanical axial flow pump systems start at a floating platform. An electric motor moves a propeller that is positioned a few feet under the surface of the water. As the propeller rotates, it pushes water from the top of the lake or pond to the bottom, circulating the water so it is oxygenated equally throughout its depth.
Floating Systems
Floating fountains are placed at the surface of lakes and spray water into the air. These fountains are attractive, but they also benefit the water as they improve oxygenation when the water splashes back into the pond. Fountains also pull gasses under the water to the surface and release them. Floating fountains work best in shallow water features because they do not affect the water deep within ponds and lakes.
Impeller-aspirator systems also sit on the top of the water, but they have shafts that angle down into the water. Instead of pushing water up, they pull air down into the water producing air bubbles. The agitation from these aeration systems oxygenate the water.
Finally, pump-and-cascade systems pump water over a ramp that extends as far as possible from where the water is drawn out of the water feature. This water is then returned to the lake or pond and flows away from the ramp.
If your water feature has an odor, algae growth, unhealthy fish or poor-quality water, consider investing in an aeration system. An aeration professional will provide you with the best oxygenation options for your water feature based on its characteristics and your goals. Proper research will help you choose the aeration management tool that is right for you.