Without oxygen, your pond will undergo a process called stratification. During this time, the lower level of your pond won't receive the oxygen it needs to maintain an efficient ecosystem.
Fortunately, a well-selected and installed pond aeration system can make sure that the water is constantly disturbed and oxygen is introduced.
The question is, what kind of pond aerator do you need? People often discuss fountain aerators and underwater aerators as if they perform the same tasks, but that's not necessarily true.
Read on to learn more about the differences between fountain aerators and underwater aerators.
When to Get a Fountain Aerator
The truth is that it is more accurate to refer to this device as simply a pond fountain, rather than a fountain aerator. Why?
Pond fountains (or fountain aerators) tend to spray water anywhere from 10 to 30 feet into the air. They may spray water in a circular pattern, straight into the air like a jet, or some combination of the two. Ultimately, their function is aesthetic, as they can transform any pond of any size into an elegant feature of your property.
Most pond fountains float atop the surface and are held in place with two or more cement blocks that sit on the pond's surface. A power cable is then run from the fountain to a nearby electrical box. It is recommended that you have your fountain aerator installed by a professional, as there are certain code requirements and safety concerns that your electrical box must meet.
When to Get an Underwater Aerator
If you are looking for consistent, large-scale aeration, you will want to use an underwater aerator.
Underwater aerators are not used for aesthetic purposes, as the movement it generates is not visible from the surface. Instead, underwater aerators disturb water from below to prevent stratification from happening in any area of the pond. If your pond is home to any fish or other aquatic life, an underwater aerator is a necessary mechanism to install to ensure good ecosystem health.
These underwater aerators have a pump that connects to two lines, rather than one. The first is the electrical cable and the second is the airline. The pump sits on the shore so that the electrical line, which is usually about 6 feet long, can connect to the electrical box. The airline then runs from the pump into the water, connecting to the diffuser that rests the pond's floor.
Get the Aerator You Need
If you're wondering how you can avoid stratification and damage to your pond's ecosystem, you probably need an aerator. The first step to purchasing an aerator is knowing the difference between a fountain aerator, which is more aesthetic than practical, and an underwater aerator.
Next, you'll need to figure out where to purchase your device. Living Water Aeration is happy to supply you with any pond aeration devices you need. If you have any questions about our products, contact us today.