Fountains and Aeration
Aeration and circulation are ways of improving water quality issues in a lake or pond, especially dissolved oxygen (D.O.) levels. Most nuisance aquatic vegetation thrives in stagnant waters with low D.O. levels and high nutrient loading. Proper usage of aeration systems can directly help remedy these problems. 
There are two main types of aeration equipment in use today. One is the floating type of fountain or display aerator. The other is a bottom diffuser type. Chosen, planned, and installed correctly, both systems are capable of providing adequate aeration and circulation. The largest and most noticeable difference between the two is that floating systems pump water and provide a visual display above the surface. Their spray patterns are attractive, make a pleasing falling water sound, and can be dressed up with lights for a striking nighttime display. Bottom diffusers emit a large stream of tiny bubbles from the bottom of the lake via an air compressor mounted on shore, creating a surface boil above the diffuser heads. For floating fountains or display aerators, we recommend those 
manufactured by Aqua Control, Inc.
( www.aquacontrol.com ). We chose to represent this company because of several nice features not found on most floating aerators, plus their reputation for quality products and customer service. Their standard vertical configuration units draw in water well below the surface, even extending several feet towards the bottom of the lake. This adds the benefit of breaking up stratification and providing circulation, bottom to top. Their units with horizontal configuration can operate in as little as 25” of water, opening up aeration benefits to shallow water areas. Over 30 different spray patterns are available. Units range in size from ½ to 40 Horsepower. In addition, check out their selection of waterfall pumps, bowl fountains, and other specialty equipment. For bottom diffuser systems, we recommend Vertex Water Features ( www.vertexwaterfeatures.com ).
This company provides several nice features, packaged together to provide easier installation and maintenance of the system. The company also provides very beneficial technical assistance for help in sizing a custom system for lakes and ponds. Shore mounted quiet-running compressors pump air through self-weighted tubing into lake bottom mounted diffuser head assemblies.
Compressor units are mounted on the ground in a rust-proof metal cabinet. Diffuser assemblies are available in standard or XL sizes. Compressors can operate from 1 to 7 diffuser assemblies per cabinet. These systems are very energy efficient, providing aeration and circulation for an economical price.
Introducing the Evolution Series!
This handy floating display aerator 
comes in a box with all the equipment. All you need is an outlet to plug it into and 20” of water depth. Get it now for as low as $1195.00! Lock in 2008 prices and save on this smaller unit. But don’t think that a small price means small performance. As pictured, it throws water 6’ high and 15’ across. Other nozzle patterns are available, even LED lights. Contact us for more information.
