Have you considered how important aeration is for water health? For a thriving dam, pond, or lake, oxygen has to flow through all the water. From keeping fish alive to supporting livestock and preventing algae blooms, aeration is crucial.
Once you recognise the need for proper aeration, you won’t look back. Your water body will thrive and you can say goodbye to all the big problems that come from stagnant and unhealthy water. In this blog, we’re exploring the science behind aeration and why it’s so necessary for the health of water.
What Is Water Aeration?
Water aeration is the process of increasing oxygen in water by moving it and exposing it to air. Wind, rain, and plants can help add oxygen to water, but on their own they usually don’t do enough. If the climate is very hot or the water body is well stocked with fish, some help is needed. For this reason, people install aerators.
How Aerators Improve Oxygen Levels
Aerators are used to boost oxygen levels in a water body, which is great for many reasons. They make sure oxygen exchange takes place at the surface and improve water circulation, keeping it moving at all times.
There are two main types of aerators:
Sub-Surface Aerators (Diffused Air Systems)
Sub-surface aerators are installed right at the bottom of the dam or pond. A shore-based compressor pushes air through tubes, sending tiny bubbles into the water.
- The bubbles rise slowly, pulling water that’s lacking oxygen from the bottom to the top. This exposes deeper water to the air at the surface, letting oxygen in and allowing unwanted gases to escape.
- This circulation oxygenates (adds oxygen to) the deeper layers and prevents thermal stratification.
- Sub-surface aeration is very efficient for deep dams and ponds because it reaches areas that surface aerators can’t.
Surface Aerators
Surface aerators move the water at the surface, helping oxygen from the air mix in. The motor usually floats on the water and powers the flow.
- These aerators let oxygen dissolve more easily by giving water more contact with air in the atmosphere as they stir the surface.
- Carbon dioxide, ammonia, and other unwanted gases are also released by them.
Both types of aerators matter, and many dams and ponds benefit from using both since they work very well together. The right combination depends on the dam or pond’s depth, size, fish load, and water quality goals.
Why Is Aeration Important for Dam and Pond Health?
Let’s unpack why aeration is so important in more detail. Here are some reasons why it’s necessary for any body of water:
It Boost Dissolved Oxygen Levels
In order for a dam or pond to be healthy, it needs high levels of dissolved oxygen which fish, other aquatic life and “good” bacteria need to survive. A waterbody that has low levels of oxygen can become very smelly and aquatic life won’t survive. Anaerobic bacteria (also known as “bad” bacteria) thrive in low oxygen environments and the general condition of water deteriorates. But aeration keeps the water moving and adds oxygen, especially in deeper layers where it naturally runs low.
Supports “Good” Bacteria
Aerobic bacteria (also known as “good” bacteria) is what keeps a waterbody healthy. They work to break down organic waste like leaves, fish waste and leftover food. Good aeration will help these “good” bacteria to thrive and improve natural flirtation as a result, as well as reduce sludge. As well as eating organic waste, “good” bacteria consume nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, leaving less for algae and weeds which depend on these nutrients to survive.
Reduces Algae Blooms and Aquatic Weeds
Anyone taking care of a waterbody knows how detrimental algae and aquatic weeds can be. Still water makes a great breeding ground for these pests, and water will quickly suffer as a result. Algae blooms and other weeds block sunlight and oxygen getting to the water. However, aeration keeps everything moving and spreads oxygen equally and as the “good” bacteria thrive, they consume the nutrients algae and weeds need to survive. So the “good” bacteria essentially starve out these pests.
Prevents Stratification and Turnover
Dams and ponds can develop layers of water at different temperatures, especially in warmer weather. This results in the water at the bottom being left with little or no oxygen and the top layers being fully exposed to it. Pond turnover is a process that happens when the layers mix, and it can cause a sharp drop in oxygen levels. Aeration stops this from happening because it keeps the water circulating and well oxygenated all year round.
Stops Bad Smells from “Bad” Anaerobic Bacteria
If oxygen levels are low in a waterbody, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia can produce a rotten egg smell. Aeration boosts oxygen levels and encourages “good” bacteria to dominate instead. With oxygen circulating at all times, you can keep your dam or pond odour-free.
Reduces Sludge and Organic Muck
When leaves, dead organisms and fish waste and leftover food sink to the bottom of a waterbody, they settle and form a layer of sludge. Without enough oxygen, this sludge slowly breaks down and releases nutrients that algae blooms and weeds love. It is essentially fertiliser for them. Aeration helps waste break down faster and keeps muck and aquatic weeds from building up.
Improves Water Clarity
Aeration helps break down organic particles and keeps “good” bacteria active, which clear up the water. Clearer water supports a balanced ecosystem, lets sunlight reach plants, and looks much more appealing to swimmers.
Reduces Fish Kills and Sick Wildlife
Fish kills and harm to dam and pond wildlife like frogs, turtles, and birds can happen from low oxygen, toxins, or sudden algae die-offs. Preventing conditions that could lead to widespread illness or death, aeration stabilises water quality and oxygen.
Final Thoughts: Aeration Is More Than Just Bubbles
If you didn’t know the importance of aeration before, you should be fully informed now and on your way to install a proper aeration system. Nobody wants to deal with a smelly dam or pond that’s full of algae and unhealthy wildlife or dead fish. Aeration is the key to a thriving water body, keeping conditions in check.
Get FREE Advice / Shop Our Aerators
If you’re looking for an aerator, we’ve got the product for you. We stock a comprehensive collection of high-quality aerators, all designed to ensure your dam or pond is as healthy as possible. Explore our collection here or get in touch with us for more information or advice.