How to Build Pond Aerators

How Aerators Work

• Oxygen is created within the pond in one of two ways: respiration of plants and transference through the water. In a still pond with no waterfalls, transference is the primary way that oxygen enriches the water. To supplement for the lack of oxygen, you can install pond aerators that pump oxygen into the water. When correctly placed, the aerators will also move oxygen through the water.

Supplies

• You can build a pond aerator with a standard pond pump and some tools that you most likely already have in your house. You’ll need a 10-gallon bucket with a tight fitting lid, gravel, rope and a buoy to show you where your pump is resting.

Amount and Technique

• For a healthy pond, experts recommend one pump positioned every acre underwater. If you must prioritize, experts recommend placing pumps in the areas where there are confirmed fish or areas where the water is shallow, as fish tend to gather more readily in these areas. Additionally, pumps should be placed as close to the center of the acre as possible to ensure proper distribution of the oxygen.

How to Make an Aerator

• Bore 10 to 15 holes in the body and lid of the bucket. This allows water to pass through and will give the tubes exit points. Bore two holes in the center of the lid for tying a rope. Place the pond pump in the bucket and surround the legs with gravel. The gravel will weigh down the bucket and pump. Feed the pump’s outlet tubes through the holes in the bucket so that the tubes slightly stick out. Place the lid onto the bucket and tie the rope onto the lid. Attach the buoy to the top of the rope. This will allow easier recovery of the pumps for repairs and maintenance. Fill the buckets with water until the pump is covered and turn the pump on. Replace the lid and lower the bucket down. Observe the pump until you see bubbles continuously surfacing. This means the pump is circulating water.