When looking forward to aerating your pond, it is quite hard choosing between a fountain and an aerator. Getting appropriate knowledge is necessary to allow selecting the ideal system to make a significant difference in your pond. Given the immense benefits of aeration, weighing your options between a fountain floating on the surface and a sub-surface aerator is important. The aerator has a pump to drive air through diffusers at the pond bottom. Here is a guide to make you make an informed decision.

Fountains vs. aerators

Some people commonly refer to a fountain and aerator interchangeably. However, a fountain and aerator are different pond equipment.

Fountains

These enhance the aesthetic look of a pond while offering aeration. A fountain shoots water 15 to 30 feet into the air according to the model. Additionally, the effect of the fountain depends on the spray pattern on the head and focal point. A fountain can move water in the pond while increasing oxygen on the pond surface. However, this might leave distant areas and deeper spots of the pond unaltered.

You can purchase Kasco fountains for ponds online from an authorized distributor. This will have a range of options from which to select one appropriate for your pond. A fountain plugs into an electric source. This has a cable running out to a point where water shoots out at the center. A fountain has multiple hooks on the float for anchoring in place.

Aerators

Investing in an aerator is necessary when you have fish in your pond. This works tirelessly to ensure the appropriate oxygen level in the pond. An aerator needs a source of power just like a fountain. One powered by electricity needs placement near a source of power for plugging in. Ensure to find a unit compatible with the available voltage rating. Aerators, unlike fountains, have double lines coming off the pump including the electrical cable and airline. Additionally, an aerator sits on the pond floor without floating on the surface like a fountain.

The aerator pump sits on the pond shoreline with a 6 feet electrical cable for plugging into an electric source. Ensure to have an electric post near to your pond. The aerator airline runs from the pump into the pond water to the diffuser sitting at the bottom. Anchor the airline with a rope and brick in multiple spots along its length.

Aerating shallower ponds or deep ponds

A shallow pond with a depth of about 6 to 8 feet or less needs a fountain for appropriate aeration. The fountain also enhances visual beauty with its patterns and water stream. A well-chosen fountain offers the best of both worlds. Its pretty looks will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your water feature while keeping it well aerated for fish and aquatic plants to thrive.

Ponds deeper than 8 feet need more than a sub-surface aeration system. Some fountains can do the needful but an aerator will reach greater depth. This is installed at the bottom to release streams of diffused bubbles. These rapidly rise to the pond surface where they break up or disrupt water surface tension. This allows oxygen to enter the water from the atmosphere. Well, this oxygenated water can stay up on the surface. However, a sub-surface aerator pushes the oxygen deeper into the pond through vortex-lie circulation.

Benefits of water circulation in a pond

Limits stagnation

Circulation of water in the pond is necessary to limit stagnation. This exposes your pond to a host of problems including bad odor. Movement of water allows oxygen to reach deeper levels of the pond bottom. This allows organic cleaning powered by microbes for your water feature to become cleaner and healthier.

For aquatic organisms

Appropriate aeration is necessary for fish to thrive. During winter, subsurface aerators work tirelessly to ensure oxygen reaches deeper ends of the pond during cold winter months. This protects the pond and fish from icing that might become a big problem. A sub-surface aeration system keeps your pond in great condition regardless of the season.

Prevents mosquitoes

Water circulation in your pond limits the chances of infestation by mosquitoes. These thrive in stagnant water where they lay their lives. From here, the mosquitoes will attack you and your family to make you sick with diseases like malaria. However, keeping the water in the pond moving using a fountain or an aerator limits stagnation to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Tips to keep prolong the life of your fountain

  • Drain the water whenever it appears dirty
  • Scrub inside the fountain after draining
  • Ensure the fountain pump is always covered in water
  • Remove bugs, leaves, or other debris to eliminate clogs

Bottom line

Investing in a water feature in your outdoors is a wonderful idea. This enhances the aesthetic appeal of your landscape while offering a tranquil space to unwind after a hard way at work. A pond needs appropriate aeration to keep it clear and clean. With options like a fountain and an aerator, ensure to understand your needs to pick the appropriate equipment for your water feature.