A lot of change is happening.

HOW DO I CHOOSE
A POND AERATION
SYSTEM?
www.smithcreekfishfarm.com

SMITH CREEK FISH FARM

5540 ROUTE 362 BLISS, NY
14024
PHONE : 5853227805
EMAIL :
INFO@SMITHCREEKFISHFARM.
COM

Located approximately one hours drive

from Buffalo or Rochester NY or western
NY (WNY)
 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?” Hence, this is how we start the conversation of whether or not they
need pond aeration.
Aeration Benefits all Ponds and Lakes
All ponds will benefit from aeration, this is a fact. There are a few variables that will
determine what type of pond 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.
Do I need Pond Aeration?
Pond constants, like diameter and depth, can be used to determine potential aeration
issues. Using some simple math, you can determine if your pond may need aeration.
Take half your shortest diameter and divide it by 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.
What Does the Calculation Mean?
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. When the percentage of dead water gets too large, your pond becomes less
productive and possibly could have a low oxygen situation. Pond aeration effectively
limits the percentage of dead water
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. The surface area will give users an idea of how powerful a
unit will be effective. Similar to the way an HVAC technician will use the square footage of
your home to determine the size heating or cooling unit you require.
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 simple
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 when 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
diffusers.
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.
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