5 Reasons Why Your Pond Needs a Fountain Aeration System
Aerators are a good solution if you want to keep your water clear and healthy but don’t need the visual impact of a fountain. These systems use a compressor located on the shoreline to push air into underwater diffusers on the pond floor. The bubbling action of an aerator increases dissolved oxygen levels in the entire body of water. It also helps reduce bottom sediment accumulation by increasing the rate at which organic silt decomposes.
Increased Oxygen Levels
When water is well-oxygenated, plants and fish thrive. Oxygen is a crucial element of healthy water, and it can decrease due to various factors, including hot water temperatures and algae blooms.
According to experts in aquatic weed control Florida, pond aeration systems increase oxygen levels by adding bubbles to the water surface, which transfer oxygen into the water from the atmosphere. They also destratify the pond and keep the water moving, which helps maintain oxygen levels. In addition, an aeration system will reduce organic silt deposition by promoting the natural decomposition of waste matter at the bottom of the lake or pond. This can help to prevent the need for future dredging. Most importantly, aeration keeps mosquitoes at bay.
Increased Water Circulation
A fountain aerator is great for ponds because it encourages constant water movement. This movement allows more oxygen molecules to be exposed to air, making the pond healthy for fish and other organisms. The motion of the aerator can also help prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your pond. The agitation created by a fountain can also help break up a layer of dead vegetation and organic debris that can collect on the bottom of your pond. This helps to reduce the “rotten egg” smell that can occur when the accumulated materials decompose in stagnant water. In addition to preventing stratification, an aerator can move algae spores to deeper areas of your lake or pond, reducing their time to spread. This also helps to keep the weeds from getting out of control.
Reduced Stagnation
If a body of water is stagnant and lacks circulation, oxygen levels decrease, bad odors increase, and organic sediment deposits and unwanted weed growth occur. A fountain aeration system provides movement of pond water that reduces these issues. Aeration also helps prevent algae blooms by disrupting their spores and giving them less access to sunlight for a quicker cycle to maturity. The agitation created by fountain spray or bubbles also helps to eliminate the layer of warmer, oxygen-starved surface water called the thermocline. Continuous pond water movement also keeps mosquito larvae from laying their eggs and is a natural mosquito control method. Constant pond water churning reduces the amount of organic silt pulled into your lake or pond and decreases future dredging costs.
Increased Fish Thrive
Fountains and aerators do more than elevate your property’s aesthetic; they help water bodies thrive. They improve water quality, increase circulation and oxygen levels, decrease odors, and reduce unwanted aquatic weed growth. Aeration eliminates the thermocline between warmer surface and cooler, deeper water by churning up the whole body of water. This helps to keep bacteria and phytoplankton active and working throughout the pond. This process also breaks down organic sediment and muck, eliminating foul odors by driving off hydrogen sulfide. Unlike a fountain, which sprays water into the air, aerators use an airline that runs from the pump on the shoreline to a diffuser on the bottom of the pond. This allows the aerator to push water and oxygen into the pond quickly.
Increased Water Clarity
A fountain’s aeration process disturbs thermal stratification and provides balanced oxygen levels throughout the water. This is an important factor in preventing murky water, nuisance algae growth, and fish kills.
The constant movement of the water by a fountain eliminates stagnant water, which helps reduce smell and odor as it breaks down organic waste (bottom muck) and animal waste. It also helps to reduce nutrient loads which are the primary cause of many pond algae blooms. In addition to these practical benefits, a fountain creates a gorgeous focal point that can add considerable value to your property. We’ve seen properties increase in value by having a well-maintained pond with an attractive water feature
