Another Pond Aeration Option

There is an additional option that I hadn't considered. In addition to fountain and bubble aeration systems, there is also circulation. In this scenario, a circulating pump moves the water from the bottom of the pond, and spreads it across the surface. Apparently this oxygen void water quickly absorbs oxygen when it reaches the surface. This circulation process also limits temperature stratification, and can reduce the sledge or muck at the bottom by supplying oxygen rich water to support the decomposition process.

Pond Aeration

It seems that there are two widely accepted methods to increase oxygen levels in small farm ponds, fountains or bubble aeration systems. However, it seems that the general consensus is that bubble aeration is the best option. This method allows for the deeper water to rise to the surface while adding oxygen to the water. This prevents the surface water from increasing in temperature to the point where algae and duckweed are prolific. In addition, it promotes the growth of bacteria that will actually consume nitrogen, which is often excessive in farm ponds due to nearby farming. This information comes from a variety of web sites. In addition, I received free booklets on farm pond management from the Illinois DNR. For a full list of suggested links and how to obtain the booklets from the DNR, please refer to www.pridge.com.

Fountains and electric aeration systems will require power in order to operate. Assuming that your pond is not too far from a power source, this may not be a problem. However, if power is not an economical option, there are alternatives. I found several companies that offer wind powered compressors that will provide the necessary aeration for smaller ponds. I also identified a company that offers a solar unit.

The cost on these systems range considerably as low as $200 on eBay and as much as $1500 from various suppliers. I will have a complete list of options posted on the Pine Ridge Farm web site www.pridge.com within the next couple days.

I recently acquired a floating fountain, similar to those used in public parks. I realize that this may not provide the best possible oxygenation, but it is difficult to pass up free equipment. It requires 220 VAC which will need to be run down to the pond. I intend to ask an electircian friend of mine to specify the parts list. After the snow melts, and the ground is soft, I will rent a trencher and run the wire down to the pond. Once the basic installation is completed, I will again call on my friend to make the final connections.

Summer Fish Kill

The first order of business in restoring the pond is to determine why the fish died. My root cause analysis has led me to one conclusion. Lack of oxygen is the most common cause of summer fish kill here in the Midwest. This information comes primarily from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources found at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/fish/fishing/faqpond.htm#avoid. Based on information from this site, I believe that the extreme dry stretch we had last summer led to a huge algae bloom. This algae bloom limited the amount of sunlight that could get to the plants, which restricted their ability to generate oxygen. At this point, the only oxygen in the pond was being generated by the algae. Being concerned about the amount of algae on the pond, I treated the algae with a healthy dose of copper sulfate. This quickly turned the algae brown and it began to decay. Now there was no oxygen producing plant life in the pond, in fact the algae decomposing was actually absorbing oxygen. The fish already being stressed from limited oxygen and extremely warm surface temperature, died only a few days after the algae treatment.

The next activity will be to determine the best way to prevent this from happening in the future.

My Farm Pond

I have a small farm pond which until recently was fully stocked with Bass, Catfish, Bluegill, and some Triploid Carp, (carp used for weed management). Unfortunately last summer, we had a tragic summer kill and lost all the fish. This great loss, coupled with my desire to develop a more useful farm pond, have prompted me to start a blog to discuss the restoration of farm ponds. My hope is that those viewing this will post good information to assist me in establishing a productive pond. In addition, I hope that my postings of new information along the way will possibly provide guidance to others who might have that old pond out back that needs a basic face lift. Much of my information can be found at http://www.pridge.com/ under the Farm Pond link.