Pond Aerator for Fish Kill Prevention Set-up Tips

Why aeration in the winter is critical to the health of a pond:

When a pond owner buys a linear air pump, it is often in the spring or summer when they are looking to beautify the water and/ or enhance fish growth. Yet the most important season for aeration may be the winter. Sub-surface aeration is essential for cleaning up autumn debris, preventing winter fish kill, and disrupting the formation of ice.

Why subsurface aeration?

Subsurface aeration is an energy efficient and highly effective way of increasing dissolved oxygen levels and circulating it through the pond. The circulation creates an opening in the ice which allows the deadly gasses to be released, and for sunlight to reach aquatic plants. There is no better way to keep your fish alive and continue the decomposition of organic material while at the same time offering an opening in the ice for wildlife to stop by.

It’s important to move the diffuser away from the deepest part of the pond. If you have a six-foot deep pond, move the diffuser closer to the shore to a depth of about three feet.

The warmest water in the pond is at the bottom and is where fish reside in the winter. If the diffuser is placed at the deepest part of the pond, it will circulate the warm water and evenly distribute the cold water – disrupting the natural habitat.

Moving the diffuser closer to the surface also makes it easier to create a hole in the ice and makes the pond safer for humans or animals. They can more easily get out of the pond if they were to fall in through the hole in the ice.

If possible, it’s best to keep your aerator in a warm building or under some type of shelter. Pumping warm air into the pond will actually increase positive results.

Read the full article about using a pond aerator for fish kill prevention during winter on our website!

Choose HIBLOW for Pond Aeration

We’ve manufactured air pumps for the pond and aquatic industries for over 30 years. We know that reliability, energy efficiency, and low sound levels are all extremely important for your aquatic systems. Whether you’re aerating tanks on fish transport vehicles, operating a commercial fish farm, or just keeping your backyard pond in a healthy condition—you can depend on our HP and XP series pumps for your application.

Contact us today to find the best pump for your application!

Pond Aerator for Fish Kill Prevention

Fish kill is a common occurrence in many northern states during the harsh, cold winters. 

As the temperature falls, ice can form across the entire pond and stay for months. 

This sets off a chain of events that can deplete oxygen levels and ultimately suffocate fish. Let’s dive into the science behind the reduction in dissolved oxygen levels and provide a simple solution to keep your fish alive and healthy.

Subsurface aeration: a quick and easy solution

Subsurface aeration – or bottom diffused aeration – is an energy efficient, quiet, and highly effective process of increasing dissolved oxygen levels and circulating water throughout the pond.

Creates an opening in the ice

One of the advantages of subsurface aeration in any season is that it mixes the pond from the bottom up – evenly distributing oxygen and helping the pond turn over.

As the pond turns over, water reaches the surface and absorbs oxygen. In the winter, water circulation helps create a hole in the ice. This allows for the deadly gases to escape, for sunlight to reach aquatic plants, and for water to reach the surface and receive oxygen from the atmosphere.

Adds dissolved oxygen

The tiny bubbles that are diffused with subsurface aeration infuse oxygen into the water column from the bottom up. This not only provides dissolved oxygen for fish, but it feeds aerobic (beneficial) bacteria, which can continue to consume the organic matter throughout winter. This should make for less cleanup and a clearer pond in the spring.

Read the full article on a pond aerator for fish kill prevention during winter on our website!