Most activity in a waterbody happens within a metre or two of the surface and on the bottom. This is where the organisms tend to live and where most aeration needs to be focused. So for ease, we focus on surface area more than volume when sizing up an aerator. 

The best thing to do is get a FREE recommendation. Fill in this Dam Diagnostics form and I'll look at your dam on Google Maps and provide advice. If you have an aerator in mind, feel free to mention this in the comments box. The truth is we double check every enquiry that comes in anyway, so even if you make a choice on a motor size, we'll double check it's the right fit for your conditions.

Hakko is likely to be the most affordable option in this setup if you have shallow water, less than 2m deep. If you have water deeper than 2m, Matala is likely to be the lowest cost option. 

There is no universal definition of a small dam because dams vary considerably in shape and depth.

For the purpose of selecting an aeration system, we generally consider a small dam to be one with a surface area of 1,000 m² or less (approximately ¼ acre).

Surface area is only one factor, however. Depth, shape, water quality and the intended use of the dam can all affect the type and size of aeration system required.

Both surface and sub-surface aeration systems can be suitable for small dams.

Most of the systems we recommend for small dams are sub-surface aerators using relatively low-powered compressors, generally below ½ HP. These systems are particularly useful where you want discreet aeration without a fountain.

Surface aeration is also effective for smaller dams. An aerating fountain such as the Air-O-Lator Carnival can provide both oxygenation and a visible water feature.

The best option depends on the dam's depth, shape, location, intended use and the water-quality outcome you're trying to achieve.

There isn't one aerator that is right for every small dam.

For a shallow dam where you want discreet aeration, a sub-surface system such as Hakko can be a practical option. For a dam where you want visible surface movement as well as aeration, an Air-O-Lator Carnival can provide both.

Other factors such as depth, shape, swimming use, available power and existing water-quality problems can change the recommendation.

Rather than choosing an aerator based on surface area alone, we can assess your dam and recommend the appropriate system.

The small-dam aeration systems we typically recommend are relatively low powered, with our most powerful recommendations reaching approximately ½ hp, equivalent to around 375 watts.

Actual electricity consumption depends on the motor or compressor, how long the system operates each day and the particular system configuration.

Solar-powered options are also available where reducing mains electricity use or operating away from the grid is important.

Yes. Solar-powered aeration is an option for small dams, particularly where mains power is unavailable or expensive to run to the dam.

Keep in mind, however, our systems do not store energy in batteries. The aerators only run when the energy source is active. So, when the wind is moving the turbine or the sun is shining on the solar panels.

Yes. Small dams can be aerated using solar or wind power.

Solar systems can incorporate solar panels, while wind-powered systems use a wind turbine or windmill to drive a compressor and deliver air to underwater diffusers.

These options can make aeration practical for remote dams where connecting mains electricity isn't feasible.

Yes. Remote installations are very achievable.

We offer off-grid options using solar panels or wind power, depending on the location and aeration requirements.

When designing a remote system, we consider factors such as available sunlight or wind, the required operating hours, dam size and depth, and whether continuous or intermittent aeration is required.

Yes. Aeration systems can often be expanded if the dam increases in size or your water-quality requirements change.

The upgrade may involve installing a more powerful motor or compressor, increasing the number of air stations or adding additional aeration equipment.

We supply systems for small, medium and large dams, so an existing system can sometimes be expanded rather than replaced completely. Planning for future expansion at the initial design stage can also make upgrades easier.

The appropriate aeration technology depends partly on the depth of the dam.

Sub-surface aerators work by releasing air through diffusers near the bottom. As the bubbles rise, they lift deeper water towards the surface and create circulation.

Very shallow dams may be better suited to surface aeration, while deeper small dams can often benefit from sub-surface aeration. We consider the actual depth of the dam when recommending a system.

Yes, but very shallow water needs to be considered carefully when selecting the system.

Sub-surface aeration relies on bubbles travelling through the water column, so there needs to be sufficient depth for the system to create effective circulation.

Depending on the depth and shape of the dam, a surface aerator may be more appropriate. We can assess your waterbody and recommend the most suitable approach.

Surface aerators sit on the water and move water through the air, creating surface agitation and oxygen transfer.

Sub-surface systems keep the compressor on land and pump air through hoses to diffusers positioned underwater. Rising bubbles draw deeper water upwards, creating circulation and allowing oxygen to enter the water at the surface.

Sub-surface aeration is discreet and particularly useful where you don't want a fountain. Surface aeration can provide stronger visible water movement and, with an aerating fountain, can also create a feature.

Sub-surface aeration is often a good option for swimming dams because the compressor and electrical equipment remain on land and there is no fountain or large surface spray.

It also provides discreet aeration without changing the appearance of the dam significantly.

For a swimming dam, we will consider the depth, size, shape and intended use before recommending the appropriate system.

No. Some fountains are designed specifically for aeration, while others are primarily decorative.

An aerating fountain is designed to move and agitate water in a way that promotes oxygen transfer. A decorative, non-aerating fountain may create an attractive display and some water movement without providing the same aeration function.

If improving water quality is your objective, make sure you choose an aerating fountain rather than assuming any fountain will provide the same result.

Surface area is a useful starting point, but it isn't the only consideration.

We look at the surface area, depth, shape, water quality, nutrient load, intended use and available power when selecting an aeration system.

For example, a shallow 1,000 m² dam may require a different system from a deep 1,000 m² dam. Similarly, an irregularly shaped dam may need multiple air stations to achieve good circulation.

The goal is to size the system around the actual waterbody rather than simply choosing the biggest or cheapest aerator available.

Positioning depends on the type of aerator and the shape and depth of the dam.

For sub-surface systems, diffuser placement is particularly important because each air station creates a zone of circulation. Long, narrow dams, islands, coves and irregular shorelines may require more than one diffuser to circulate the entire waterbody effectively.

Surface aerators should also be positioned to make the most of their circulation pattern.

We can determine the appropriate position and number of aeration points based on the layout of your dam.

It depends on the size, shape and depth of the dam and the aerator being used.

A small, straightforward dam may only require one or two air stations, while an irregularly shaped dam may require additional diffusers to prevent poorly circulated areas.

The objective isn't simply to add as many diffusers as possible. They need to be correctly sized and positioned to create effective circulation throughout the waterbody.

Aeration can help improve the conditions within a dam by increasing oxygen and encouraging aerobic biological activity.

Aerobic bacteria can help break down organic material and support the natural biological processes within the waterbody. Improved circulation can also help prevent stagnant, oxygen-depleted areas.

However, algae is generally associated with an underlying nutrient problem. If nutrient levels are high, aeration may need to be combined with other water-quality measures to address the cause of the problem.

Aeration can support the biological breakdown of organic material accumulating on the bottom of a dam.

Increasing oxygen encourages aerobic bacteria to break down organic material such as decomposing vegetation and other organic waste.

Where a dam has a substantial existing sludge layer, the process can take time and may need to be combined with biological treatments such as Biostim.

Yes. Aeration can help manage odours associated with oxygen-depleted or anaerobic conditions.

When parts of a dam become low in oxygen, anaerobic processes can produce unpleasant-smelling compounds. Increasing oxygen and circulation encourages more aerobic conditions.

If a dam has persistent or severe odour, however, the underlying cause should be investigated rather than assuming aeration alone will solve the problem.

Many small aeration systems are suitable for DIY installation.

Sub-surface systems typically involve positioning the compressor on land, running weighted air hose to the dam and placing the diffusers in the appropriate locations. Floating surface aerators need to be positioned and correctly anchored.

Correct sizing, diffuser placement, hose sizing and electrical installation all affect system performance. We can provide advice, supply the equipment or design and install the complete system.

Yes. Small doesn't necessarily mean standard.

We design custom aeration systems every day and can design a system around the actual characteristics of your dam.

We can assess the size, depth, shape, water-quality problems and intended use, then select the appropriate technology, motor or compressor, number of air stations and positioning.

We can also design solar, wind, surface or sub-surface systems, including systems that can be expanded later if your requirements change.

Yes, we do.  Typically for customers close to Melbourne but we do travel for project work and may also be able to refer you to a local installer if we know of one in your area. Please reference this in your enquiry and we can provide an idea of the cost. We also have installation videos for those who want to go it alone.