Pond Aeration
Pond Aeration
What does a Wingard Aerator do and why do you need one?
A pond that is not properly maintained in cases has poor quality water. When you see a filthy, dirty or smelly pond, there is a problem. The problem is low in oxygen and too many bacteria in the water caused by water runoff and groundwater which has a lot of minerals in it. These multiply with help from sunlight and cause plant growth in the water.
In the winter these plants die off and sink to the bottom to be decomposed. To decompose something it takes oxygen. Oxygen in water does not go down much further than 3 feet from the surface. That is why some ponds have sludge on the bottom. The plants sink to the bottom partially decomposed and lay there creating an anaerobic (a non-oxygen using) bacteria to further decomposing the plant.
By letting this happen it releases hydrogen sulfide gas and contaminates the water which is called anoxic condition-black smelly water. According to the DNR aerating your pond is the best treatment it takes a minimal amount of chemicals, which some chemicals may activate other problems. Let’s go natural!
superior pond aeration
for a healthy, happy pond
What is winterkill?
Once an icy mantle covers a body of water, surface replenishment of oxygen from air stops. It must rely on rooted aquatic plants an oxygen reserve. These plants need sunlight to produce oxygen by way of photosynthesis. If too much snow and ice blocks out light then the plants stop producing oxygen. Consequently, the plants die and you get even oxygen consumption due to their decomposition. Once there is a build-up of harmful gas like carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and methane. With no way to escape you wind up with a precarious situation for fish. Ponds susceptible to winterkill are shallow fertile ponds with a lot of organic matters. Add to that a heavy snow cover for an extended period and you have a recipe for a winterkill of fish. Biologists say 3 inches of ice covered with 5 inches of snow will keep out 99% of available light.
Oxygen devoid layer – In fertile ponds, an oxygen devoid bottom layer can develop in late summer which not only reduces the area in which fish can inhabit but cause a fall fish kill when the water cools and the oxygen devoid layer mixes with the rest of the pond. The thorough mixing of the water also aids in the breakdown of nutrients from the feeding of the fish and it keeps the water crystal clear without excessive amounts of mats floating algae.
It is a small price to pay for a healthy and good quality clear water and faster-growing fish. To prevent the severity of winterkill and die off on small ponds, use a Wingard aerator windmill to get oxygen into the bottom of your pond.
Aerator Specifications
Aerator Specifications
- Aluminum Structure
- Stainless Steel Nuts And Bolts
- 60” Diameter Fan
- Stainless Steel Shaft
- Anchors Included (No Cement Needed)
- Approx. 3 Cubic Feet Minimum At 12 Miles An Hour Wind
- 1 Rubber Membrane Diffuser
- 100 Ft Of .5” Airline
- A Start-Up At Approximately 3-5 Mph Wind
- Automatic Slow Down In High Winds
- Very Low Maintenance And Long-Lasting
- Sizes Are 20ft And 30ft
- Aluminum Structure
- Stainless Steel Nuts And Bolts
- 60” Diameter Fan
- Stainless Steel Shaft
- Anchors Included (No Cement Needed)
- Approx. 3 Cubic Feet Minimum At 12 Miles An Hour Wind
- 1 Rubber Membrane Diffuser
- 100 Ft Of .5” Airline
- A Start-Up At Approximately 3-5 Mph Wind
- Automatic Slow Down In High Winds
- Very Low Maintenance And Long-Lasting
- Sizes Are 20ft And 30ft
REMEMBER: Stainless steel and aluminum will never rust. No rust means no painting EVER!!!
REMEMBER: Stainless steel and aluminum will never rust. No rust means no painting EVER!!!
The Most Asked Questions & Answers On Pond Aerators
How does it work?
Strictly wind-driven. No electric bills to pay.
How many MPH winds does it take for it to startup?
When it is new it takes about 8 – 10 MPH, once it’s been broken in it will take 3-5 MPH winds to start.
What if the winds get too strong?
The way the fins are angled and the size of the tail fin it will turn out of the wind and slow down by itself, you
don’t have to be there to shut it down, there is no break on the windmill, we would rather see it turning, avoiding
unnecessary stress on the windmill.
How fast does it spin before it slows down?
85 – 90 RPM.
How many CFM’s does it put out?
3 cubic feet at 15 MPH of wind. It all depends on the wind speed.
What is the size of the fan?
The windmill fan blade is 60” in diameter.
What kind of pump is it?
It is a heavy rubber airbag. Made by Good Year Tire.
What is the life expectancy of the pump?
We have been using these since 1997 and have yet to experience a problem.
What is the structure made of?
It is all aluminum and stainless steel nuts and bolts.
What if there is no wind and the pond freezes over?
As soon as the wind picks up enough to turn the windmill fan it will open it up or melt the ice.
NEVER WALKOUT TO CHECK THE ICE WHERE THE DIFFUSER IS.
Does it work in all seasons and ice build-up on fans?
It does work in all seasons, the ice build-up has never effected the fan.
What is the diffuser?
A device with thousands of tiny holes in it to distribute the air bubbles (or oxygen) we use a diffuser that is made of
rubber the same they use in sewage ponds it will not clog or gum up, also serves as check valve so the water can’t back
up into the airline to freeze up. It is set at the bottom of the pond or approximately 10ft to 12ft of water depth.
How big of a pond does it aerate?
It will depend on the wind, you have to set this windmill where it can get a good source of wind. The diffuser is designed for a 2-acre pond with continuous airflow. Remember you are depending on the wind speed.
Does the airline freeze during winter?
No.
Is the airline weighted to keep it from floating on top of the water?
We have weighted airline and non-weighted airline, you can choose when purchasing the aerator. The non-weighted
airline comes with the windmill.
Can you hook more than 1 diffuser to 1 windmill?
Yes, you can, but you have to hook up control valves so you can adjust the airflow to both diffusers, the 1 that is going to release the air is the one that is in the more shallow waters.
In the winter does it keep an opening in the ice?
Yes, as long as the wind is blowing enough to keep the windmill fan turning.
How to determine the size of the windmill to the size of the pond?
If you are in wide-open space 20ft will do, but if you are in a low spot you need to get up high enough to catch the wind. You may have to go with a 30ft windmill. Or you can add more airlines maybe up to 300ft, again remember you need to have wind to drive the windmill.
How is the windmill anchored?
The windmill comes with anchors, they are 32” long with an 8” x 10” plate welded to the bottom, they need to be buried 32” in the ground.
Is there any kind of warranty?
Yes, 1-year workmanship.
Does lightening have any effect on the windmill?
The windmill is grounded through the anchors.
