CBRS2K, I copied the below and want to make a few comments.
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Cons: - Pond circulation (Second "Pro" bullet) becomes a "Con" if aeration is not shut down during the winter months, as this would eliminate the natural thermalcline (sp?) that would occur to insulate the fish from further cooling effects due to weather conditions. AN ACTUAL THERMOCLINE IN A KOI POND???
- May need to be shut down when "showing" the pond/fish as the bubbles can hinder visibility to the fish - True, but you can buy a remote to plug the air into at Home Depot for under $20!
- Could be a maintenance issue, as (any?) aeration unit will tend to clog over time.
- If shut down for each winter season, I am also wondering if this would further add to maintenance issues. The bottom drains I referred you to, the "koi toilets" have a new model of air diffuser. They have a built in check valve type flap that seals from back water entering your air lines. They work very well!I would assume that shutdowns would allow for water to back fill the feed lines. No When re-activated, I would also assume that this extra moisture in the feed lines would provide a fertile environment for molds and bacteria to grow, furthering my concerns about maintenance. N/A If this would occur, I would not only have to worry about replacing the aeration dome, but also trying to figure out how to snake the feed line(s). If this is the case, I'm thinking the "Cons" really begin to outweigh the Pros. Won't happen!!
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First of all, Unless you have an EXTREMELY deep pond, you will not get a "thermocline". Thermoclines reuire depth to occur and in the typical Koi pond the depth simply isn't there and you won't find more than a degree or two difference. In addition, by failing to "mix" the water, even in the winter, you are subjecting some areas to poorer water quality than others. The issue of air to air domes becomes one of where the air is draw from and not whether it is on or not during the winter.
Mike has inserted some very valid points. I've had the same diffusers now for 7 years....never a clogging issue.
Steve