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!

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!

Linear Diaphragm Air Pump Heat Test – Enclosures and Stand Alone

HIBLOW USA did a heat test, measuring the temperature of 3 different enclosure types and a HIBLOW air pump in the shade and in direct sunlight.

Testing Conditions:

• Temperature was measured at the top and bottom of the enclosure every 30 minutes between 10:30 AM and 2:30PM
• The temperature at 10:30 was 83F (real feel: 94F) and 86F (real feel: 97F) at 2:30.
• Location: Saline, MI.

Temperature Rankings: Coolest to Hottest

#1 – A: No enclosure in the shade. This comes as no surprise because the pump is getting the best of both worlds – it’s out of the sun and has 100% open air flow. Often, people put the pump on the north side of the house, under a tree, in a shed, in a garage, under a deck, or in a crawlspace, etc.

#2 – B.  Enclosure with 2 open ends. Many ATU companies have gone to a similar design with two open ends.  It provides good air flow while keeping the aerator in the shade. We think this is a quality set-up.

#3 – C. No enclosure directly in the sun. The fact that this option measured slightly higher than the first two proves that air flow is likely the most important factor when trying to keep the pump cool.

#4 – D. Fake rock without vents. We understand that folks like the look of the fake rock, but it comes with a price. Your diaphragms will likely rupture much faster than they would with proper ventilation.

#5 – Tuff Tite top without vents. Unfortunately, HIBLOW aerators are often installed under Tuff Tite riser tops which are in the ground above the septic tank. In addition to the risk of water flooding the pump and damage from toxic sewer gases, the aerator “bakes” inside. As seen above, the riser measures 20 °F hotter than the pump by itself in the shade, in Michigan. In hotter states such as Texas and Louisiana, the temperature difference is amplified.

Read more on our website!

If you want to extend the life of your aerator and save some money, find a way to maximize air circulation and keep the pump shaded.

If you have any questions regarding enclosures or your HIBLOW linear diaphragm air pump, please give us a call.  We would be happy to make some suggestions on how to improve your set-up.

Should My Septic Air Pump Be Covered?

For the past 20+ years, linear diaphragm air pumps have been the heart of most residential aerobic septic systems – also referred to as aerobic treatment units (ATU’s).  However, that was not always the case.  For years, rotary vane compressors were the most common and the technology required an enclosure to keep the pump protected from the elements. As a result, enclosures (seen below) were installed and became the standard.

Linear Diaphragm Technology – Outdoor UL

HIBLOW aerators and other linear diaphragm pumps in the industry are rated outdoor UL, meaning they can stand alone without an enclosure, regardless of the weather. A HIBLOW aerator has an aluminum housing that in essence isthe enclosure.  However, much of the industry still uses the same enclosures designed for the rotary vane with the belief that it’s required.  While some enclosures can be beneficial, others can be detrimental to the life of the aerator.

Heat is the Enemy

HIBLOW’s diaphragms are made from EPDM rubber. The hotter the environment, the faster the diaphragms will wear and rupture. Other rubber materials such as the base and filter gaskets will wear quicker in the heat as well. You can’t control the temperature at your location, but you can put the pump in the best position to be successful. Keeping the aerator out of direct sunlight and allowing sufficient air circulation is the best way to extend the life of your pump.

Read more on our website!

The Bottom Line

If you want to extend the life of your aerator and save some money, find a way to maximize air circulation and keep the pump shaded.

If you have any questions regarding enclosures or your HIBLOW linear diaphragm air pump, please give us a call.  We would be happy to make some suggestions on how to improve your set-up.

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!

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.

Read more about spring pond aeration on our website!

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.

Contact us today for more information!

Beware of Fake HIBLOW Repair Kits!

Have you seen HIBLOW repair kits on Amazon or Ebay recently?

Are you sure they're genuine? 

For over a year, we've been getting reports of counterfeit repair kits being sold on the internet. Some of our customers have been fooled, and we want to make sure you don't waste your money!

Unauthorized repair parts in a HIBLOW linear air pump will void your warranty, and will ultimately cause you more issues with your pump than you started with.

Read more about how to spot fakes on our website, and how you can help us get these counterfeit products off the market!