5 Reasons to Aerate

5 Reasons to Aerate

5 Reasons to Aerate

Aeration is one of the 4 fundamental elements to achieving crystal clear water and a balanced ecosystem. Aeration, like PondAir and KoiAir Aeration Kits, work from the bottom up, circulating water and increasing dissolved oxygen levels. Increasing the dissolved oxygen levels in the pond provides many benefits including thriving fish and plants, more efficient filtration, and protection for fish during the winter months.

Here are 5 great reasons to aerate a water garden.

  1. A properly sized aerator adds valuable oxygen to a pond more effectively than a typical water feature such as a waterfall, fountain feature or spitter.

    Most water gardens rely solely on waterfalls to aerate the water. While effective, waterfalls only circulate/aerate the surface of the pond leaving the bottom virtually untouched. This can cause an anaerobic environment (low oxygen) to develop on the bottom of the pond which is unsafe for fish and causes increased organic build-up.
    A properly sized aerator like PondAir or KoiAir Aeration Kits, work from the bottom up to ensure all areas of the pond are circulated and saturated with dissolved oxygen.
  2. Higher oxygen levels stimulate and increase the number of natural aerobic bacteria in a pond.

    In any pond environment, there are billions of live bacteria living at the bottom of your pond. These bacteria colonies perform an essential function in keeping ponds clean and clear by eating up organic debris. However, there is less oxygen available at the bottom of a pond which can have a detrimental effect on bacteria populations.
    This can cause discolored water. Adding oxygen via aeration stimulates bacteria and helps their colonies grow so they can keep up with the constant organic load coming into the pond.
  3. Aeration replaces the need to use a de-icer or heater during the winter.

    As your filtration system and fish are dormant for the winter months, organic debris will continue to decompose and release gas into the water column. These gases become trapped by the ice and begin to take the place of oxygen, which can be fatal to fish.
    Heaters and de-icers can melt a hole in the ice to provide ventilation, but they are not able to help circulate gases from other areas of the pond. The consistent water movement from an aeration kit not only discourages ice formation but also carries these toxic gases to the pond's surface to be released. This ensures your fish stay safe throughout the cold winter months!
  4. Saves Money!

    Aeration can save energy costs from running a waterfall pump in the winter. A properly sized aerator can aerate a pond effectively and efficiently on its own, allowing you to turn your waterfall pump on only when you're there to enjoy it. This can save you hundreds of dollars each year.
  5. Reduce Pond Maintenance.

    Keeping your aerator running year-round can significantly reduce the amount of pond maintenance you have to perform. An oxygen-rich water column stimulates a strong bacteria population to remove organic debris, neutralizes harmful gases, and helps lower ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.

With all the benefits an aeration system can provide, your pond is just one step away from a cleaner, more balanced ecosystem. Now you can spend more time enjoying your pond than working in it!