DIY winter Aerator/Circulator...what do u all think?

[maryland_ponder]

I saw this & thought it was a good idea especially since its a good cheap design. CLick on the pics for the visual. Let me know what you all think.

http://www.skippysstuff.com/aerator.htm

[LizardBreath]

Quote: Originally Posted by maryland_ponder I saw this & thought it was a good idea especially since its a good cheap design. CLick on the pics for the visual. Let me know what you all think. http://www.skippysstuff.com/aerator.htm

I think it looks pretty darned good and would make an excellent addition to a pond. I know just where to put it.
It is simple and practical.
Hmmm
LizBeth

[Steve Nguyen]

generally, you don't need to add more oxygen to water during winter months because cold water contains more oxygen than warm water. I saw the bubble jets used at giant aquarium in Queensland, Australia. it sure added a lot of air. check out this one at http://koipondcentral.com/articles/pdair.htm I have not use it so I cannot say how effective it works; however, from looking at the picture, it looks like something one can easily build with pvc parts from Home Depot.

Steve

[dcny]

These aerators are based on venturies. There are two basic problems with venturies. The first is that they only work close to the water surface where the gas exchange is greatest anyway. The second is that they're generally inefficient because they add head pressure to whatever pump you're using.

IMO, if you were gonna spend $170+ on the skippy aerator, you'd be better off buying a cheap air pump like the Dolphin AV-50 for $70 and an few airstones. It wouldn't have any of the filtration capability (which would be minimal on the skippy aerator anyway) but you'd be able to pump out 50 liters/min, distribute it to multiple places in your pond and operate it at depths up to 6 feet without any problems.

Steve's right, there are lots of DIY venturis out there if you do a search. Here's my favorite example because it's so easy. All you need is a PVC tee. http://www.whom.co.uk/pond/venturi.htm

-Dan

[junglegeorge12]

Part of the goal mentioned here is to create surface action that keeps freezing from occurring that can prevent gas exchange.

Why not place air pumps inside your house, run small lines to the pond, and pump warm air into the water rather than freezing air? That will really reduce freezing risks and increase overall pond temps.

[LizardBreath]

Quote: Originally Posted by junglegeorge12 Part of the goal mentioned here is to create surface action that keeps freezing from occurring that can prevent gas exchange. Why not place air pumps inside your house, run small lines to the pond, and pump warm air into the water rather than freezing air? That will really reduce freezing risks and increase overall pond temps.

Um, if it is cold enough to freeze something, the warm air from inside the house is gonna be cold long before it hits the pond.
Dude!

[PapaBear]

I made mine for $10 + pump No venturi nozzle, no head loss, no skippy Don't need the pistol case or Zeolite/Carbon bag in the winter. They aren't eating anyway so ammonia is nil at worste with good aeration.

[junglegeorge12]

Quote: Originally Posted by LizardBreath Um, if it is cold enough to freeze something, the warm air from inside the house is gonna be cold long before it hits the pond. Dude!

Not true lizardbreath. I designed complete building automation, refrigeration, and heating and AC systems for years. It will help and will also help your home meet the 10% fresh air exchange code, which will help your family avoid the sick syndrome.

Although here will be heat loss along the tube, how much depends on length, tube size, insulating factors, rate of travel of the air (fps), and both indoor and outdoor temp. It won't heat the pond, but will help prevent freezing over from occuring. The same heat loss you are worried about happening before the pond will be happening in the the pond. It can also help take the edge off the heating bill for those who heat.

[junglegeorge12]

Another thought is to take a venturi and attach an air pump to the plastic air tube. Bet the air pump will put out much better with the added help of the suction from the venturi. All you would need to protect the pump bellows is a tee and a one-way valve(bfp).

[gregbickal]

Cute. And to think I was throwing those cases away

Isnt air great, fun to breath, and if pumped under ice, will always find a way to get back out.