Solar Aeration and Why It Matters

Solar aeration can help with the health of your aquatic system!

Many ponds or lakes suffer from the threat of stagnant water. A still pond is heated on the top from the sun's rays while the bottom of the pond or lake stays cold. This situation is called stratification. Stratification is yet another invitation to algal blooms and their accompanying fish kills. It also encourages mosquitoes and other unpleasant insects. A pond or lake needs oxygen from water moving in order to support a thriving ecosystem. To that end, a healthy pond should have an air pump or bubbler in it. Some of the best pumps are solar powered. Of course, you will have to invest up front in solar aeration installation, but it is well worth it for all the benefits that will accrue to your pond or lake.

Solar aeration basically utilizes pumps that are powered by solar panels. They are generally set up with the bubblers under the water. This makes it a form of subsurface aeration called a submersed diffused air system. The array is hooked up to a compressor which pushes air through a tube to a diffuser. The diffuser has a membrane over it that forms the air into bubbles. The bubbles forming causes air to mix in with the water and breaks up the layers of temperatures in the pond or lake by pushing it towards the surface. The pumps can form coarse or fine bubbles, depending on what you need.

Photograph of algae prior to treatments.
Photograph of pond algae free after treatments, including aeration.

Of course, a big question to ask when installing your aerator will be where you put it. The solar panel utilized for solar aeration has to face the sun. Although, most solar power systems can store energy like batteries for a couple of days in case of cloudy weather. The compressor it is attached to needs to be big enough to work for the size of your pond. The compressor will also need a place on the shore.

If you think solar aeration is for you, contact us and we'll be glad to discuss it with you.

Dragonfly Pond Works installs solar aeration systems and fountains throughout the southeast including Charlotte, Raleigh, Sarasota, Tampa Bay, Naples, Wilmington, Charleston and beyond!

Learn More!

Learn about our Integrated Pest Management Services, which include aeration, as part of a comprehensive maintenance plan.

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