How to aerate your pond
Just like humans, fish need oxygen to live, which is why aerating your pond is essential for looking after your fish and water. Wind and rain naturally add oxygen to the water, but they aren’t always present, especially in the summer months. In this guide, we’ll explain why aeration is needed for your pond as well as ways to oxygenate your pond effectively.
Why add aeration?
Fish and pond wildlife require oxygen-rich water to remain healthy, during warm weather when oxygen levels in the water drop.
Even though during the day oxygenating plants produce oxygen at night, they stop photosynthesising and start depleting the pond of oxygen.
Beneficial bacteria in the pond and filtration systems also require oxygen to flourish. Ensuring the breakdown of highly toxic ammonia and nitrites, keeping the pond free from toxic waste. Using treatment and medications in your pond often reduces oxygen levels; adding aeration will benefit the fish and wildlife when they are most vulnerable.
If your pond is poorly aerated, it can cause several problems such as algae blooms, fish stress, and an imbalance in the pond’s ecosystem. Low oxygen levels can kill your fish if not addressed promptly. Stagnant water can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and parasites, further harming your fish.
Signs of poor aeration
Some noticeable signs of poor aeration in your pond can include:
- Foul odours almost like rotten eggs
- Your fish are dying
- Increase in algae growth, particularly green surface algae
- Cloudy or murky water
- Fish gasping at the surface for air
- Poor pH readings
If you notice any of these signs, it’s vital that you address the issue right away to keep your fish from harm.
Installing an air pump is one of the easiest ways to add a reliable source of oxygen to your pond. Pumps like the Blagdon Oxygenator will dramatically increase the level of oxygen and reduce carbon dioxide levels. By creating circulation, the oxygenator will aerate the pond, disrupting the surface tension film, allowing toxic gases to escape and oxygen in.
In contrast, during colder months when the pond is likely to freeze, adding an oxygenator will keep an area of the pond ice-free and prevents the build-up of toxic gases.
Keeping your pond aerated will give your fish the best chance of thriving, especially during periods of heat or when treatments are applied. However, it would help if you also carried out regular upkeep and water changes to make sure your water is clean and healthy.
Learn more about the Blagdon Oxygenator Air Pump by watching the video below:
Can you over-aerate your pond?
While aeration is needed, it’s possible to over-aerate your pond, though rare. Aggressive aeration may even stir up too much nutrient-rich sediment from the bottom of your pond causing an increase in algae growth. If done correctly, there should be little chance of over-aeration.
Some species of fish thrive in lower oxygen environments, while others require high levels. This means that over-aerating can lead to an imbalance in the pond’s ecosystem, potentially causing stress in your fish.
To find the right balance, monitor your pond’s oxygen levels keeping them in line with the type of fish and plants you have.