So you just bought a lake-house? Congratulations. Now let's show you how to maintain your water body.  

Lake aeration is non-negotiable if you want a clean and healthy lake. Aeration means adding air to the water to improve oxygen levels throughout the pond or lake. 

The right aeration system keeps your lake healthy year-round, providing ample oxygen for fish, reducing algae growth, and improving water quality. 

This guide is lake aeration 101. By the end, you'll know: 

• The importance of aeration for lakes. 
• Types of aeration systems and how to pick the best one. 
• How to install and maintain your pond aeration systems. 
• Quick fixes for common problems. 

Let's dive deeper. 

What Does Aeration Do for a Lake?

Nature is good at keeping lakes aerated with wind and heavy rains, but sometimes it needs help. 

Bodies of water without adequate circulation may need artificial aeration because fish, organic matter, and aquatic plants need oxygen. 

It also prevents the buildup of nasty-smelling stuff like algae and stagnant water.

Here are the signs that your pond or lake needs aeration: 

• Excessive algae and weed growth
• Foul smell, like rotten eggs
• Fish gasping for air at the surface because there's little oxygen at lower levels 
• Fish dying off
• Murky water

Poor lake aeration hits the bottom-dwelling fish, like catfish, the hardest.

It's like living in a stuffy room with no ventilation. Not too pleasant, huh? 

Fish need well-oxygenated water to survive. Bottom dwellers don't like coming to the surface for air. So they begin to die, and your aquatic ecosystem becomes imbalanced. 

Understanding Aeration Systems 

Lakes and ponds come in all shapes and sizes. So do aerators. Let's look at the different aeration systems so you know which to use and when: 

1. Diffused Aeration Systems

People often ask if you can put a pond aerator underwater. The answer is yes, especially for larger lakes. That’s exactly what diffused aeration is! 

Diffused aeration systems are underwater bubble factories. They pump air to the bottom, which rises, creating circulation. 

They're great for larger, deeper bodies of water. Plus, they're invisible on the surface, perfect for your lake's aesthetics. 

The parts of the bottom diffusion system are pretty simple. They have fewer moving parts, which means fewer things to break. They're also not prone to rusting as much. And if you maintain them regularly, you can enjoy them for many years. If you want the most thorough mixing of water, diffused aeration is the way to go.

2. Surface Aerators

Bubblers are a pretty nifty piece of tech. Their job is to "launch" water up into the air. When that water splashes back down onto the water's surface, it actually picks up some extra oxygen. 

You might have seen these bubblers in action before, especially if you've been around wastewater management sites. They're common there because they're so good at what they do: mixing the water not just on the surface but up to six feet down. 

While these bubblers are awesome at their job, they're a bit more complex mechanically than their diffused system counterparts. So they require a bit more attention in terms of maintenance.

But these might not be your first pick if you're all about the looks. It's always about what works best for your specific needs!

3. Aerating Fountains

They aerate the water and put on a great water show, adding a touch of pizzazz to your medium-depth pond or lake. Aerating fountains are ideal if you're looking for function and beauty. 

Aerating fountains are also commonly called display aerators or floating aerators. They only provide sufficient aeration in depths 6-8 feet or shallower, so they’re uncommon for aerating lakes.

Now you know all of that but may have more questions. Let's answer a few of them. 

What Is the Best Way to Aerate a Lake? 

To pick the best way to aerate a lake, you need to consider a few key factors.

If you prioritize function and have deep waters, use diffused aeration systems. They're less visible, effective, and require less upkeep.

However, if aesthetics matter and you're dealing with shallow waters, surface aerators, like fountains or bubblers, could be your choice. They look great but need more maintenance.

Lastly, your budget also plays a role. Fountains may cost more upfront but add visual appeal, while diffused systems could be more cost-effective and efficient in the long run. So the "best" way really depends on your unique needs and preferences.

How Big of an Aerator Do I Need for My Pond?

Choosing the right size aerator for your pond involves considering a few things:

• Lake Size: Calculate your lake's area in acres by multiplying the length and width in feet and dividing by 43,000. Once you know how many acres your pond is, that will help you determine how many diffusers you will need for sufficient aeration. A good rule of thumb for lakes is one diffuser per acre.
• Shape: If your lake is circular, a central aerator should do. You might need an aerator on each side in the deepest parts for complex shapes. For irregular shapes, consider the depths and shapes to ensure coverage.
• Depth: Shallow lakes (< 6-8 feet) work well with fountains and surface aerators. Deeper lakes require diffused systems. The deeper the lake, the more horsepower you need, as the air needs to travel further down.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all aerator. It depends on your lake's specifics and your preferences for function, aesthetics, and the type of fish you have.

How Do You Aerate a Lake Without Electricity?

Solar-powered fountains are one great way to aerate your lake without the grid. They can easily last for a long time with proper care and maintenance. 

These systems are eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run. And they're perfect for off-grid or remote locations where electricity access can be tricky.

The downside is that they rely on sunny weather, so they might not work as well on cloudy days or during winter. Initial costs can be higher, and without a battery, they won't work at night, which affects consistent aeration.

Solar-powered fountains can be a great way to aerate your lake without electricity. They're efficient and durable, but consider your local climate and budget before choosing this option.

Will an Aerator Clear up a Pond?

Yes, pond aerators will clear up a pond or a lake. However, if the water is in bad condition, you may have to manually remove algae or weeds from the surface and clean the bottom. 

Can I Use a Large Pond Aerator for a Small Pond or Lake?

Yes. A large pond aerator can work well for a small lake, especially if it's deep or has a lot of fish.

Don't know which aerator is best for your small pond? Click here to view options and use the filter to find the best matches.

Purchasing the Right Aerator 

Getting an aerator as a first-time buyer can be overwhelming because there are too many options. To make shopping easier, consider these factors when buying an aerator: 

• Pond or lake size: Small pond or vast lake? The larger the body of water, the more heavy-duty your system needs.
• Type of fish: Different fish have different oxygen needs. If you've got a trout-stocked lake, they'll need more O2 than carp. 
• Available power source: Electric or solar? Know what power source you have and think about the long-term costs. 

The main categories of aeration systems at Everblue Pond are: 

• Diffused aerators 
• Surface aeration 
• Fountains 
• Muck blasters 

Installation and Initial Operation of Lake Aerators 

Installing an aerator isn't rocket science, but it could mean the difference between life and death for your fish. 

No pressure. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to installing a lake aerator: 

1. Choose the Right Spot 

This will depend on your lake's shape, size, and depth. Check the manufacturer's guidelines for the best positioning. The center of your lake is usually a safe bet. For situations with multiple diffusers, you will want to place them in the deepest spots around your lake.

2. Assemble Your Aerator

Follow the assembly instructions provided with your lake aeration kit. You'll need some basic tools for this. Generally, an aeration system has an air compressor, air diffuser, cooling fan, tubing, and pressure relief valve.

3. Secure Your Aerator

Diffusers are self-weighted, meaning you can drop them right into the water, and they will land in the perfect position every time. Many people will tie a rope to their diffuser and attach a bobber that floats on the surface so that they can easily find them the next time they need to be retrieved. Conversely, fountains are anchored to the bottom of the lake with cement blocks and a mooring line.

4. Connect Your Aerator to Its Power Source

Be sure it's safe, waterproof, and up to electrical code.

5. Fire up That Aerator, but Go Slow

Before you submerge anything, do a quick test run on dry land. Make sure everything's humming along nicely. Start at a low setting and gradually increase over a few days.

Turning the aeration system on full blast immediately will shock your fish, which can upset them and disrupt the lake's ecosystem. 

Maintaining Your Lake Aeration System 

Like any other machine, pond aerators need a little care to stay in tip-top shape. Here's the rundown on aeration system maintenance:

Clean Regularly

Algae and debris can clog your diffusers and slow them down. Clean them regularly by giving them a gentle scrub.

Check the Power Supply

Ensure the connections are dry and secure. Always disconnect your unit from its power supply before opening it or doing maintenance. 

Routine Checks

Inspect the equipment and look for wear and tear, especially on moving parts. Look for any visible damage to the outer structure. Lubricate the aerator parts to keep the locking mechanism, valves, and hinges rust-free. Check the air filter and replace it if necessary. 

Winter Care

If you're in a freezing area, consider removing your lake aerator in the winter to prevent damage. Every manufacturer has different recommendations for winterizing, so be sure to check out your manual for full instructions. 

Your lake aeration system may have specific maintenance needs. 

As for how often to check, a general rule of thumb is to perform a quick inspection every few months. But for a large pond aerator or a lake aerator system, monthly checkups are good.

Troubleshooting Common Aerator Problems 

You can't afford to have your lake aerator malfunction before it could endanger your lake's ecosystem. Follow these tips to troubleshoot common issues with pond aeration systems: 

It's Not Running

Check your power source first. Is it plugged in and switched on? Double-check your circuit breakers and fuses. Inspect for damaged cords or a faulty ground fault circuit interrupter.

Get professional help if you can't find the error. 

Reduced Bubbles

This could indicate that your air diffuser is clogged or the impeller is damaged. Clean any algae or debris that might be clogging it up. Replace all damaged parts. That can also mean it’s time for a routine repair kit for your compressor, which you can expect to do once every few years. 

Motor Overheating

If your lake aerator system or large pond aerator feels hot to the touch, it might be working too hard. Check for a blockage and whether the voltage supply matches the motor's needs.

Fish Dying

If you notice that your fishes are in distress, check the oxygen levels in your water. You may need to adjust the aerator's settings. Remember, a gradual operation is key to preventing fish from going into shock!

Noisy Operation

Your large pond aerators should be quiet. If they aren't, inspect for loose or worn parts and replace them if necessary.

Conclusion 

Aeration is as important for lakes as air and sunlight are for us. 

Let's review what we've just covered: 

• Three main categories of pond aerators: diffused aeration systems, surface aerators, and aerating fountains. 
• Consider lake size, fish type, and power source when buying a pond aerator. 
• Follow the instruction manual for installation. 
• Regularly clean the pond aerator and ensure its parts are well lubricated. 

Pond aeration systems improve dissolved oxygen levels, prevent algae and weed growth, and keep the fish happy.

Get your lake aeration system sorted before things go belly up... literally. Reach out to our team at Everblue Pond today. Let's find the best aeration system and install it for you.