Benefits Of Pond Aeration

A backyard pond can be a haven of relaxation. A place for you to unwind and unstress after a busy day at work. But the fish and plants healthy, you’ll need to aerate the pond. This simply means introducing a device that will add oxygen to the system. But why is keeping your pond aerated so important? Here are some of the biggest benefits.

Reduce Stratification

In the summer months, the top of the pond will be heated by the sun. However, at the bottom of the pond, the heat can’t penetrate. This causes two different temperature layers in a process known as stratification. This can be a big problem for the fish who live in the pond. The bottom layers will have less oxygen than the upper layers. Until you add an aerator, the problem will grow steadily worse. Eventually, this can cause fish deaths.

When you add an aerator, these layers will mix. This eliminates stratification, helping heat and oxygen circulate throughout the pond. This ensures that plants and fish will be able to get the oxygen they need.

Reduce Algae Growth

For many pond owners, one of the biggest complaints is the amount of maintenance required to keep the pond looking its best. When you increase aeration, you’ll be able to control algal growth. There are a few ways it can do this. First, when an algal spore lands in the pool, the aerator will move it around. It will be pushed into the deeper water. This limits the amount of sunlight it receives, limiting its growth. Also, it limits the amount of food that is available.

Prevents Freezing In The Winter

In some states, the winter might get cold enough to freeze the water. This can create big problems for the fish. Without any holes in the ice, they won’t be getting oxygen. This causes them to do. Additionally, the gases will build up under the ice. When it melts, you might notice an unpleasant odor.

An aerator will continually stir the water. This disruption will often be enough to stop it from freezing. If you live in a location that has very cold winters, you might also want to consider purchasing a heater. This will protect the fish from freezing temperatures.

Prevents Bottom Sediment

When you don’t aerate a pond, the sediments will settle to the bottom. There they will accumulate. Eventually, you will need to dredge the pond to remove the build-up. This can be an unpleasant, time-consuming process.

However, when you have an aerator, the sediments will always be moving around. This makes it easier for the organic material to break down. This will make it a lot easier to keep the pond clean. It will also improve the water clarity. You’ll be able to get a better view of the fishes swimming around.

Lowers Mosquito Activity

When it comes time to breed, mosquitos look for stagnant water to lay their eggs. This can make an unaerated pond an attractive option. Aeration is a simple way to prevent this. The aerator will make waves on the surface. This makes it harder for the mosquitos to land and lay their eggs. As a result, they will move on to a new location. If you have fish, they will eat any eggs that mosquitos do manage to lay.

Stops Gases From Being Produced

If you don’t aerate your pond, you might notice a smell that resembles rotting eggs. This is caused by the gases in the pond. Without aeration, the sediments settle at the bottom. There they break down slowly. As they do, they will be producing harmful gases. When these rise to the top, they can make your pond stink. This process also has an impact on water quality. If you have fish or plants, it can start to impact their health.

Aerators Can Be A Beautiful Feature

Lastly, an aerator can be a stunning addition to your pond. The sound of water rippling on the edges of the pond can be soothing. If you prefer a more visually appealing aerator, you can consider a waterfall. Sometimes, you can even install a fountain in the middle of the pond. This can be a simple way of turning your pond into the centerpiece of your garden. Despite their impressive appearance, an aerator will be inexpensive to operate. If you get one that runs on solar power, it will cost next to nothing to run.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you now have a better idea of why an aerator is so important. The good news is that it’s easy to add an aerator to your backyard pond. You can choose an aerator kit. This contains everything you need to install the aerator.  To check out what’s available, explore this list of pond aeration kits. So, get an aerator to improve the water quality and keep your fish happy.