Should an Aerator Run Continuously?

Continuous Aeration

• Continuous aeration occurs when you run an aerator 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Turning the aerator off at any point during the day breaks the operation of the machine, and therefore does not constitute continuous aeration. Continuous aeration is necessary in only a few situations, and in some cases might cause more harm than good. Never run an aerator continuously unless manufacturer information explicitly states that the unit can handle continuous operation. Otherwise, you risk damaging your aerator and aquatic environment.

Applications for Continuous Aeration

• Continuous aeration provides benefits in a select few operations. According to a publication by the University of Kentucky, continuous aeration occurs in fish farms with at least 5,000 lbs. of live fish per acre, though only from July to September. South Texas Wastewater Treatment recommends running large wastewater aerators continuously to avoid the high cost and wear and tear of stopping and starting aerators every hour, a requirement for such operations. Fish Farm Supply, a fish farm supply retailer, recommends running fish farm aerators continuously during the winter in cold environments to prevent freezing.

Continuous Aeration Benefit Analysis

• Whether continuous aeration actually provides any benefits depends upon two factors, cost benefit and aerator wear. Continuously running large or multiple aerators results in high power costs, which could make continuous operation unfeasible. However, the power required to shut an aerator off and turn it back on regularly throughout the day may actually cost more than running it continuously. Also consider wear and tear before continuously running an aerator. If starting and stopping an aerator regularly results in more wear damage than running it continuously, leave it on. If the opposite is true, avoid continuous aeration. You rarely need to continuously run an aerator for the sole purpose of aeration.

Small Aerators

• Continuous aeration provides little use in small operations such as fish tanks, aquaculture and home ponds. The amount of life and volume of water in these environments makes continuous aeration unnecessary. In fact, according to The Fish Site, an online aquaculture resource, the continuous operation of small aerators can result in mechanical or electrical failure. Such failure can kill aquatic plants and animals through electrocution. You can avoid freezing outdoor water features in cold areas by running an aerator at regular intervals throughout the day -- continuous operation is not a necessity. If your pond becomes extremely dirty and unhealthy for its inhabitants, you might need to continuously run an aerator for a short period to clean it up, though you should purchase a special aerator for this purpose.