As many areas around the country face record heat it’s time to talk about how this summer weather is affecting your backyard pond. Whether you have a small ornamental pond or a large lake or pond you can expect to have trouble with algae, pond odor or low oxygen. I want to offer a few aeration pond suggestions for improving the quality of your pond, bringing back clear, sparkling water with a clean fresh smell – a healthy pond.

Aeration
Aeration, simply put, is the process of bringing oxygen into the water. Warm temperatures cause the surface water to become warm trapping the colder, denser water at the bottom of the pond. The debris; leaves, animal matter, and other organic matter sinks to the bottom and decays.
The decaying process causes a reduction in available oxygen, leading to the growth of anaerobic bacteria which causes various poisonous gases; hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and methane. The gases rise through the water bringing unpleasant odors and algae growth. They can kill fish and damage pond plants. It’s unsightly and an all around unpleasant situation for the pond owner at a time when you want to enjoy your outdoor environment.
Introducing oxygen to the pond restores the necessary oxygen that the fish and pond needs and helps the sludge and nutrients on the bottom to decompose faster.

There are different ways to aerate your pond or water garden.
For water gardens you can use a small fountain or a small diffuser system.

Larger ponds require a different approach.
Learn more here.
Depending on the pond size, depth and the customers wishes for only aeration or aeration with a fountain that could result in 3 different manners to aerate.

For shallower ponds (8′ deep or less) there is nothing more efficient at getting the job done than a surface aerator.
For deeper ponds over 8′ deep the best method to aerate the entire depth of water is to use a diffuser type system that releases air at the bottom of the pond to de-stratify the water and add needed oxygen.
The other option is a fountain, fountains are excellent in providing aeration to any pond, but they can only work as far down as about 7 – 8″ in depth. They are a great choice for providing both aeration and bauty. Even in deep ponds they do an excellent job of keeping water moving and keeping the surface of the pond clear and enjoyable.

Beneficial Pond Bacteria
The 2 best things you can do for any pond is to aerate and supplement with beneficial bacteria. Pond Vive is a specialized blend and is designed to remove excess gases and nutrients as well as reduce pond sludge.
All ponds contain bacteria, some of it is what we call anaerobic bacteria, which does not need oxygen and some is called ‘beneficial pond bacteria’. As the name would suggest, this beneficial type of bacteria works along the pond bottom to digest the decayed matter without causing further harm to the water environment. We recommend using Pond-Vive every 2 weeks, when the water temperature is above 55 F to improve the quality of your pond.
If you have a large amount of muck or sludge on  the bottom of you pond use the slightly modified version of Pond Vice that focuses on sludge. Sludge Remover Pellets are another way to introduce beneficial pond bacteria into a lake or pond. The pellets sink directly to the bottom and will target the specific area; it’s considered the best treatment for larger bodies of water, near docks and in swimming areas.
We would be more than happy to chat with you about your specific needs. When you contact us be sure to include the size and depth of your pond and a description of the specific problem you’re experiencing. We can advise you on equipment purchases, additional pond supplies as well as troubleshooting. We want you to get the most enjoyment out of your pond or lake this summer…and anytime.

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New! Sentinel Deluxe Aeration Systems

 
Each package includes our deluxe powder coated locking cabinet complete with a GAST air compressor, a cooling fan and a electrical box/outlet already mounted and ready for your incoming power line.

Of course each kit also comes with the amount of diffusers and tubing for your application.
All valving is complete and there are holes in the cabinet to run your hose out to you diffusers.

Every compressor has a valved outlet assembly, a pressure relief valve, air filter and a pressure gauge installed. You simply set cabinet in desired location, install the air diffusers and
connect the tubing!

Warranties:
      Cabinet - 5 Years!
      Diffusers – 5 Years!
      Compressor – One year!

Best of all we are offering the lowest prices available and FREE SHIPING !We can also custom design an aeration system for almost any application.
The type of compressor, the length of tubing, weighted vs. non-weighted tubing, the number of diffusers, etc. We can all be mix and
match to give you a system to fit your exact needs. Please contact us for design assistance.

Custom Aeration Systems

Google Earth Mapping
For ponds and lakes one acre or larger we can view your aeration application
using Google Earth Mapping. Provide us with site address, pond depth (Google
isn’t that good yet!) and where power is located (or desired), we can then size a
system for your application.

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