Why is aeration necessary in my pond?

Fish, snails, and tadpoles all need oxygen to survive underwater. The invisible life, like bacteria, that keep the pond water clean also require oxygen to keep the pond healthy. Oxygen enters the pond by diffusing into the water from the atmosphere. Submerged aquatic plants also produce oxygen during the day. Decomposing algae and fish waste, plus the normal respiration of aquatic life, use up the oxygen faster than it can diffuse back into the pond water. This is especially true during hot summer months. The warmer the pond water is, the less oxygen it can hold. You must run an aeration device like a fountain or waterfall 24-hours a day, especially in summer. Do not turn off the pond pump at night. The pond will continue to use up the oxygen. Turning off the pond pump during this crucial time could result in finding dead fish floating on the pond surface.

What is the best way to aerate my pond?

The best way to get oxygen into the pond water is through vigorous surface agitation. Agitating the pond water surface with a waterfall or fountain will drive oxygen into the pond water. A slow trickle however, will not sufficiently aerate the pond. An pond air aeration pump and air diffuser will also agitate the surface and add oxygen to the pond water. Keeping the pond clean also helps increase the oxygen-holding capacity of the pond water. Decomposing algae, plant leaves, uneaten fish food, and fish waste use up oxygen. By reducing the "oxygen demand" caused by decomposing organic matter, the oxygen level will naturally increase. Clean your pond filter at least once a month. Remove dead plant leaves before they begin to rot. Use a clean-up bacteria like CrystalClear Biological Clarifier Plus or Pond Care Pond-Zyme Plus regularly to keep the bottom of the pond clean.

Do I need to aerate in winter?

If your winter season is mild (the fish still feed), you should keep the pond pump and pond filter running. Although the fish are eating less fish food, they still produce waste that consumes oxygen. If your pond normally freezes, turn off the pond pump and pond filter, but keep some type aeration on. Dormant koi and goldfish still need oxygen under the ice. When a pond is frozen, naturally occurring gases (hydrogen sulfide and methane) cannot escape. Keep a small section of the pond open with a fountain or air pump and diffuser. This allows toxic gases to escape and adds oxygen to the water.