HIBLOW USA: pond aeration system

Showing posts with label pond aeration system. Show all posts

Friday, November 17, 2023

Tricks of the Trade for Winter Pond Aeration

If the diffuser is kept at the bottom 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 helps with reducing ice formation.

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

Choose HIBLOW for Pond Aeration

We’ve manufactured pond aerators and 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 pumps for your application.

Monday, November 6, 2023

Is It Important to Aerate a Pond in the Winter?

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.

What is happening under the ice?

In autumn as the leaves begin to fall and other matter starts to die off, ponds collect a significant amount of organic material. Aerobic bacteria in the water – fueled by an oxygen rich environment – eat away at the organic matter. As a bi-product, harmful gasses such as methane, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere. As winter approaches and the pond becomes completely iced over, the gasses are trapped and begin to replace dissolved oxygen. The loss of oxygen slows the digestion of organic matter which can make for a big clean up job in the spring.

If a pond is covered by ice, there is also a possibility of a fish kill. In addition to the reduction in dissolved oxygen from gas displacement, the lack of sunlight reduces the amount of oxygen produced by aquatic plants through photosynthesis. The combination of these two factors could result in your fish floating belly up come springtime.

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.

Tricks of the Trade

It is important to move the diffuser from the deepest part of the pond. If you have 6’ foot pond, move the diffuser closer to the shore to about 3’. In the winter, the warmest water in the pond is at the bottom – which is where fish reside. If the diffuser is kept at the bottom 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 helps with reducing ice formation.

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

Choose HIBLOW for Pond Aeration

Friday, June 16, 2023

How to Start Planning for DIY Pond Aeration

Want to DIY your own pond?

Looking for the right type of diffuser and other equipment?

We've got the info you need in our complete DIY pond aeration guide.

Choosing the Installation Location

If you are installing a solar system, then your aerator will likely be located right next to the pond.

If you are utilizing AC electricity, then there are a couple of options:

Running electrical power to the water’s edge: We have heard of many folks hiring electricians and running power to the water; however, it can be very expensive considering the labor involved and the wire gauge needed to run long distances.

The most common (and recommended) location is near your electrical power source. It is typically more cost effective to run tubing from your power source to the water’s edge – even hundreds of feet.

Choosing the best HIBLOW model:

Reference your notes on the size and depth of your pond and check out our article regarding choosing the best model and size air pump for your application. https://www.hiblow-usa.com/2021/04/12/what-size-air-pump-should-i-use-to-aerate-my-pond/

Tubing Type and Size:

If you are planning on installing the aerator at the electrical source, it is most cost effective to buy PVC pipe, reinforced poly, or irrigation tubing and run that to the edge of the water. If burying the tubing, make sure it can handle the weight of the earth or it may pinch which will reduce or eliminate air flow and put excess pressure on the pump causing it to fail prematurely.

Choosing the right diameter tubing is essential. Generally, the longer the pipe distance, the larger the diameter of the tubing needs to be to reduce friction loss and limit back pressure. Also, the more air flow (bigger the pump), the larger the diameter of the tubing needs to be.

Once to the water’s edge, weighted line is most often used, but not required. Some folks choose to save money by running rigid PVC or flexible poly into the pond. Of course, this requires bricks or cement blocks to weigh it down.

For detailed information on selecting the best tubing for your pond, please check out the following article: https://www.hiblow-usa.com/2020/06/16/what-size-and-type-of-tubing-should-i-use-with-my-pond-air-pump/

Diffuser Quantity and Type:

The diffuser sits at the bottom of the pond and produces microbubbles that rise to the surface. HIBLOW typically suggests a medium bubble diffuser that produces sufficient air bubbles for oxygen transfer but also enough power to mix the pond.

Medium bubble diffusers put minimal backpressure on the air pump and “self-clean”. However, fine bubble diffusers are sometimes the best choice if you have a shallow pond or are trying to grow certain breeds of fish.

The quantity of diffusers depends on your pond size and shape. For instance, if you have a round pond that is 1/8th of an acre, you may need only 1 diffuser to turnover the pond. If you have a kidney shape ½ acre pond, you may need 3 diffusers. Most systems utilize at least 2 diffusers.

For help selecting the best type of diffuser for your pond, check out the following article: https://www.hiblow-usa.com/2021/05/03/pond-aeration-system-diffuser-options/

We Can Help with DIY Pond Aeration!

Overwhelmed by the options and process for DIY pond aeration? We’re happy to help. If you have any questions during the process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Happy DIYing!

Thursday, June 1, 2023

DIY Pond Aeration: A Complete Guide

With careful planning and diligence, setting up an aeration system is manageable and can save you a significant amount of money if you do it yourself. Below is a step-by-step guide for installing an aeration system.

Planning for Installation

Determine Your Goal:

What are you trying to get out of your aeration system? Are you trying to reduce algae and other organic matter and improve water clarity? Are you trying to increase the fish population? If yes, what type of fish are you trying to grow? Do they need a specific temperature to thrive? Are you trying to prevent fish kill in the winter? This information is important as we work through the set-up.

Power Source:

Choosing your power source impacts the balance of the installation. Utilizing AC electricity is the easiest and often most cost-effective solution, certainly in the short-term. However, sometimes electrical power is too far away. In that instance, solar or wind power can be very effective, but the installation process becomes more complex, and the up-front cost is significantly more. If solar is of interest, check out our article on DIY solar aeration: https://www.hiblow-usa.com/2021/06/07/diy-solar-pond-aeration/

Pond Size and Depth:

The size and depth of the pond is essential to understand before proceeding as it impacts which size and type of aerator you need, the diameter of the tubing, and the type of the diffuser. Take careful measurements and note the shape of your pond.

Choosing Aeration Technology:

The 3 most common aeration technologies for homeowners are: fountains, rocking pistons, and linear diaphragm air pumps.

Fountains are visually appealing and provide some aeration to the pond, however they are considered surface aerators only pulling water from the top couple of feet. They are often used in addition to subsurface aeration. They require a significant amount of energy, so are not typically powered by solar or wind.

Linear diaphragm air pumps and rocking pistons provide subsurface (bottom diffused) aeration. Subsurface aeration adds dissolved oxygen to the pond, but most importantly, mixes the oxygen rich surface water throughout the water column. The oxygen starved water at the bottom of the pond is cycled to the surface where it releases toxic anoxic gas into the atmosphere while absorbing oxygen.

Read the entire guide to DIY pond aeration on our website!

We Can Help with DIY Pond Aeration!

Overwhelmed by the options and process for DIY pond aeration? We’re happy to help. If you have any questions during the process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Happy DIYing!

Monday, April 17, 2023

Spring Pond Aeration Steps from the Experts

Getting your pond ready for spring?

Make sure you have everything you need for the health of your pond with these steps.

Pond Aerator Spring Start-Up Steps:

HIBLOW Linear Air Pump Maintenance

Clean or replace the air filter. HIBLOW suggests cleaning the filter every 6 months and replacing it once a year. Wipe off excess dirt and dust in the housing around the filter.
Check the filter gasket and base gasket. In hot climates or after years of use, the gaskets can become brittle and allow for air to escape reducing air flow into the pond. Gaskets are available for purchase.

Check each of the diffusers to make sure they haven’t clogged.

Clean or replace them as needed. Clogged diffusers can add excess backpressure which reduces air flow and can decrease the life of the diaphragms. For more information on choosing a diffuser that will not clog, check out the following article: https://www.hiblow-usa.com/2021/05/03/pond-aeration-system-diffuser-options/

Make sure the weighted line is not clogged with ice.

Most diffusers have a check valve, but water can find its way into the tubing. If you were to start the aerator with water and ice in the tubing, it will put excess back-pressure on the pump which can cause reduced diaphragm life. Pour 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol down each line. Turn the aerator on to blow out any ice particles.

Read the full list of spring pond aeration start-up steps on our website!

Taking initiative at the beginning of the spring is imperative to the health of the pond in the summer. The two primary ways that a pond receives oxygen are from plants and the atmosphere. Water circulation from a HIBLOW aerator evens out oxygen levels and temperature and pushes water to the surface where it absorbs oxygen. In addition to breaking down organic matter or muck, a healthy aerobic environment early in the spring helps combat the increasing levels of ammonia as life in the pond starts a new. Contact us for more information!

Saturday, April 1, 2023

Spring Pond Aeration

Are you working on getting your yard and pond ready for spring?

Spring pond aeration is crucial to maintaining the health of your pond.

HIBLOW USA recommends pond aeration 24/7, 365 days a year, particularly if fish health and water clarity are a priority. If your pond freezes over for an extended period, oxygen levels will diminish which can cause fish kill and prevent muck from decomposing. For more information about what’s happening under the ice and the benefits of winter aeration, check out the following article: https://www.hiblow-usa.com/2021/01/25/pond-aeration-winter/

Taking initiative at the beginning of the spring is imperative to the health of the pond in the summer. The two primary ways that a pond receives oxygen are from plants and the atmosphere. Water circulation from a HIBLOW aerator evens out oxygen levels and temperature and pushes water to the surface where it absorbs oxygen. In addition to breaking down organic matter or muck, a healthy aerobic environment early in the spring helps combat the increasing levels of ammonia as life in the pond starts a new. Excess nitrates – the bi-product of ammonia – is food for plants, but also algae. Subsurface aeration is a great tool to prevent and combat algae blooms.

If you do not plan on aerating your pond during the winter, we recommend preparing the pond the best you can in the fall. Remove leaves, twigs, branches, and other matter floating in the water as winter nears. Rake dead plants and leaves from the shore to prevent them from blowing into the water. The less decomposition happening at the bottom of the pond, the less chance that oxygen levels will deplete to harmful levels. It is best to move the HIBLOW air pump inside if it is not running in the winter.

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Why Fall Pond Aeration is a Good Idea

Each season has its challenges for keeping a pond sufficiently oxygenated. While cooler water does retain more oxygen, there are other conditions in the fall that can be detrimental to oxygen levels and pond health. Whether using a HIBLOW or a different type of aeration technology, running the aeration system 24/7 in fall is highly recommended for short term and long-term pond health.

Reduction in oxygen from plants

Aquatic plants, due to photosynthesis, create oxygen for ponds. Naturally, as the cold sets in and there is less sunlight, algae and other aquatic plants start to die off or go dormant. The green plants that survive produce much less oxygen because of the reduction in sunlight. At the same time, respiration (oxygen plants consume) increases as the days become shorter.

Increase in organic matter

Organic debris is most prevalent in the fall. As leaves change color and drop to the ground, they and other dying aquatic vegetation are swept into the pond. Fertilizer and decaying insects/ animals also find their way into the water, further impacting the water composition. Nature uses beneficial micro-organisms (aerobic bacteria) – which require oxygen to live and thrive – to decompose organic matter. With the influx of debris in the pond, more oxygen is needed to speed up the decomposition. If there is not sufficient oxygen, the organic matter will be slow to decompose and can build up at the bottom of the pond. Not only will this make for a major spring cleanup, the condition can contribute to fish kill in the winter.

Friday, June 17, 2022

Steps to Calculate Friction Loss in Your Pond Aeration System

Example 1: We have a ½ acre circular pond at 8’ depth. The pump will be 100’ from the diffuser. We looked at the HIBLOW pump sizing chart and determined that the HP-80 with 1 medium bubble diffuser is the best solution.

Step 1: Add the water pressure and the diffuser pressure together. 8’ deep/ 2.31 = 3.46 PSI. Our medium bubble diffuser adds 0.25 PSI. Total: 3.71 PSI
Step 2: Determine the airflow of the HP-80 at 3.71 PSI. First, click on the HP-80 in the HIBLOW Model column on our website. Under product details, click “download specifications”. Looking at the HP-80 graph (pictured below): the air flow is right around 2 CFM or 57 LPM at 3.71 PSI. The red line shows how the graph is interpreted.
Step 3: Reference the HIBLOW USA Friction Loss Chart (link here). The chart specifies PSI per 100’ of tubing. The friction loss at 2 CFM or 57 LPM is about .45 PSI for 3/8” diameter tubing or 0.14 PSI for ½” tubing. In this case we would probably suggest going with the ½” tubing to reduce the pressure and increase the airflow.

*The chart is for schedule 40 PVC tubing. Use the nominal diameter sizes for PVC. Reference in the inside diameter numbers for weighted tubing.

**If you were running the tubing 200’ for example, you would need to multiply the PSI by 2 to get the total friction loss. Friction loss at 200’ would be 0.9 PSI if using 3/8” diameter tubing and 0.28 PSI if using ½”.

Step 4: Calculate the Total System Pressure: Water pressure + diffuser pressure + friction loss.

For this example, our total system pressure using ½ diameter tubing is 3.85 PSI (3.46 PSI+ 0.25 PSI+ 0.14 PSI). Looking back at the HIBLOW flow chart/ pressure chart (above), the total airflow entering the pond will be around 50-55 LPM or 2 CFM. At this point it is important to make sure the airflow fits within the diffuser recommendation range.

Read the full article on our website!

Choose HIBLOW for Your Pond Aerator

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 pond aerators for your application.

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

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

How to Calculate Backpressure for a Pond Aeration System

Calculating or measuring the backpressure is important when planning and maintaining an aeration system.

Backpressure and air flow have an inverse relationship – the higher the pressure, the less the air flow. In reverse, the lower the pressure, the higher the air flow. The amount of airflow entering the pond is important to understand when choosing a pump, diffuser, and tubing. To estimate the amount of air flow we need to first calculate the total system pressure.

Calculating System Backpressure:

Calculate water depth backpressure: Every 2.31 ft. of water depth is = 1 PSI. Example: the water pressure for an 8’ deep pond is: 8’/2.31 = 3.46 PSI
Identify diffuser backpressure: A popular suggestion on the internet is a fine bubble stone diffuser, which can add as much as 1.5 PSI to the system and can easily plug. HIBLOW recommends a medium bubble diffuser which typically puts less than 0.25 PSI on the system. Regardless of which diffuser size/ type you choose, it is important to be able to estimate the amount of pressure the diffuser adds to your system. Also note the amount of air flow recommended for the diffuser. If below the minimum flow recommended, the air may not be strong enough to open the pores and “self-clean”. This information will be important at the end of this exercise. For more in-depth information on diffusers, check out our article: https://www.hiblow-usa.com/2021/05/03/pond-aeration-system-diffuser-options/
Calculate friction loss: Air flowing through the tubing will create friction loss (added pressure). The air pump size, length of the tubing, number of lines, elbows, and diameter of the tubing will all factor into the calculation.

First, we need to figure out the diameter of tubing that is best for your set-up. As a rule of thumb, for any run within 50’ a 3/8” tube is likely ok. From 50’-100’ we typically suggest ½” diameter tubing. Anything beyond 100’ we suggest ¾’ diameter tubing. However, that is just a rule of thumb and there are exceptions based on the amount of air flow from the pump (pump size) and the back pressure.

Learn the steps for calculating friction loss on our website!

Monday, April 18, 2022

Choosing a Pond Aerator? Consider the WG Series from HIBLOW!

HIBLOW manufactures 3 air pump models for pond applications: HP, XP, and WG Series. All 3 models are made to the high quality HIBLOW brand standard yet have some differences. Water depth, the energy source, size requirement, air volume, noise level, and budget may all be considerations when choosing the best model for your pond.

Consider: The WG Series!

The WG Series – specifically designed for ponds and aquaculture – is the culmination of nearly 50 years of engineering innovation.

Constructed with the same precision and quality as the best-selling HP and XP Series, the WG Series is built for continuous 24/7, 365 use. The pond aerator runs on less power than a standard incandescent light bulb with a real-life noise level far closer to a whisper than a normal conversation. The WG can be rebuilt twice for a fraction of the cost of a new pump, extending the life by many years. Not only is a HIBLOW the highest quality option on the market, but it is also the most cost-effective when considering the repairability and longevity.

Whether your goal is to improve the clarity of your water, prevent plant and algae growth, or to grow bigger and more fish, the WG Series can help you reach your goals.

Read the full article on our website!

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 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.

Friday, April 1, 2022

Which HIBLOW Pond Aerator Model Should I Buy?

HP Series – best for deeper ponds up to 10’

The HP Series has been around for a few decades and is the most reliable and longest-lasting aerator on the market. Larger than the XP and WG, the series uses more electricity, but is very quiet and robust – able to handle up to 10’ in water depth. The HP Series has the widest range of pump sizes aerating ponds from 7K gallons up to 2 acres. Since it is outdoor UL rated, it can be left out in the elements, however we do suggest covering the pump for longest service life.

XP Series – best for energy savings/ solar applications

HIBLOW engineered the smaller XP-Series utilizing a high-powered rare-earth magnet for the shuttle rod – which the diaphragms attach to. The design requires less copper for the electromagnets and therefore runs on less electricity than the HP Series. The series is an excellent choice for those seeking energy savings or for solar applications when wattage is a major factor. The XP Series operates at about the same sound level as the HP Series and is outdoor UL rated. It has 3 pumps sizes aerating ponds from 16K gallons up to 1/2 acre. HIBLOW recommends using the XP for shallow ponds up to 6-8’ in depth.

WG Series – best for the budget

The Water Garden Series was developed specifically for pond applications. To keep the cost down, the WG Series is molded with a plastic outer housing and therefore should be placed under a cover. It is louder than the aluminum housed XP and HP Series yet still operates at a dB level far less than an indoor conversation. The WG Series is more energy efficient than the HP Series. Like the XP Series, it has 3 pumps sizes aerating ponds from 16K gallons up to ½ acre. HIBLOW recommends using the WG for shallow ponds up to 6-8’ in depth.

Have more questions about pond aerators? Read the full article on our website!

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 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.

Monday, May 17, 2021

Common Pond Diffuser Types

Looking for a diffuser for your pond aeration system?

There are so many options available, but here are our recommendations:

Disc diffusers: Have a larger surface area than stick diffusers and often more holes. Disc diffusers typically create more back pressure, however.
Membrane disc: Usually a fine bubble diffuser (some medium bubble available) made from EPDM rubber. They are easier to clean than an air stone diffuser, but still require regular maintenance and can crack over-time.
Ceramic stone disc: Usually fine bubble (some medium bubble available) and the standard go-to for aquarium, koi ponds, and ponds with a large/ dense fish population. They can typically clog very easily and require constant maintenance. They also need to be replaced more frequently.
Stick diffusers: Have smaller surface area, but typically put less pressure on the aeration system and are better for pond mixing.
Membrane: Usually fine bubble and made from EPDM rubber with the same characteristics as the disc version. There are some medium pore membrane diffusers.
Ceramic stone: Usually fine bubble with the same characteristics as the disc version.
Polyurethane stick diffuser: HIBLOW’s RECOMMENDATION - Medium or course bubble diffusers usually made from polypropylene. They are durable, require little maintenance and rarely ever clog.

Monday, May 3, 2021

Selecting a reliable and effective diffuser for your pond aeration system

The main reason bottom aeration is beneficial – as opposed to a surface aerator or a fountain – is that it mixes the pond from the bottom up, while transferring oxygen into the water.

Many industry professionals believe that the mixing is more important than the oxygen transfer itself. Mixing evens out the dissolved oxygen (DO) at all depths and prevents thermal stratification – a barrier that separates cold water at the bottom from the warmer water at the surface. Surface water naturally receives oxygen from the atmosphere and through photosynthesis of algae/ aquatic plants.

If a pond has stratified, the bottom can become depleted of oxygen which prevents “muck” from decomposing and therefore can produce a smell and impact water clarity. Also, fish will not get the oxygen they need to thrive and survive when they seek refuge from the warmer surface water during the warmer months.