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!