Surface Aerators

A surface aerator can propel large volumes of water into the air to enhance the overall well-being of a water body. This is a unique form of pond aeration, focusing on aggressive water movement at the surface of the pond.

This action brings in high levels of oxygen from the air and promotes a lot of water movement.  In doing this, a surface aerator helps to prevent stratification and stagnation, helps to reduce odors, reduces algae growth, and supports a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

Features And Benefits Of The Kasco Surface Aerator

Kasco Marine is well known for their surface aerators and circulators which are the two most recommended surface aeration devices for a variety of applications.  Kasco recently celebrated its 50th anniversary being the first company to bring this type of technology to pond management many years ago.  Here are a few of the main features and benefits of their surface aerators.

  • Efficient / Low Power Use: Highest efficiency design for low power consumption versus competing units. Reduces operating costs over the entire life of the unit.
  • Rugged Motor: Environmentally friendly design with a hard-face internal mechanical seal for protection against leaks. Long-life top and bottom ball bearings. Flood oil lubricated for excellent heat dissipation.
  • Corrosion Resistant: Superior dependability in salt water or other corrosive environments. All external metal motor, float, and hardware components are of stainless steel composition and protected by a sacrificial zinc anode.
  • Low Maintenance: Clean the motor housing once or twice per year and replace the sacrificial zinc anode when visibly corroded.
  • Fully Tested: ETL listed to stringent UL and CSA Safety Standards.
  • Dependable: Backed by a two-year warranty (three-year warranty for the 2, 3, and 5HP).
  • All models include a float and two (or three) 50′ braided nylon mooring ropes and are available with 50′, 100′, 150′, or 200′ (250′, 300′, 400′, or 500′ for 240V models) SJTOW underwater rated electrical power cords.
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Surface Aeration Works Well In Shallow Ponds

Surface aerators are very good to use in shallow ponds that may currently be stagnant or suffering from things like algae or bad odors. This particular type of aerator is also often called a high oxygen transfer unit because it creates a very aggressive bubbling action, or agitation at the surface of the pond. This is where oxygen can enter into the water.

A surface aerator also has the advantage of being able to work in very shallow water. Minimum depths range from 15 to 24 inches depending on the size of the aerator.

All Kasco Marine surface aerators are self-contained, lightweight units that float at the surface with a single power cord returning to shore and two or three mooring lines anchoring the unit. The units are easily installed and maintained by a single person and have proven to be an excellent choice for both continuous-duty pond or lake aeration and supplemental aeration for unique applications.

Pond Surface Aerators Are Used In A Wide Variety Of Water Applications

Typical applications include commercial aquaculture, agricultural ponds, industrial plants, municipal wastewater lagoons, and farm ponds. These units are usually selected for surface aeration when a decorative floating fountain pattern is neither necessary nor desired. Auburn University has performed independent product tests and has found that the Kasco surface aerator SAE (Standard Aeration Efficiency) is at least 3.0 lbs. of oxygen per horsepower per hour of operation, making them some of the most efficient and effective units available.

Common Questions About Surface Aerators For Ponds

How Does Surface Aeration Work?

A surface aerator, much like any pond fountain, will propel water up into the air.  What makes them different however is the high volume of water they are moving by comparison.  Their purpose is not to look good, but to aggressively move the water at the surface, effectively breaking the surface tension of the water.  This allows high levels of oxygen to come in from the air above.  This process could not happen without the space between the water and atmosphere being disrupted in some way. 

For those looking to rapidly increase oxygen in the water, there is no device that will have a more immediate and profound effect than a surface aerator.

What Are The Benefits of Aerating At The Surface?

Aerating a pond at the surface offers several significant benefits with the main one being focused on fish protection and water quality. 

  • Improved Oxygen Levels: Increases the oxygen concentration in the water, vital for fish and beneficial bacteria.

  • Enhanced Water Quality: Reduces the buildup of harmful substances like ammonia and nitrites, and decreases the likelihood of algae blooms.

  • Promotes Healthy Ecosystem: Supports a balanced aquatic environment, essential for the health of fish, plants, and microorganisms.

  • Prevents Water Stagnation: Keeps water moving, which helps prevent the formation of mosquitos and other pests.

  • Reduces Sediment Accumulation: Circulation of water can help reduce the buildup of sediments at the bottom of the pond.

  • Visual Appeal: Surface aerators often create a pleasing visual effect with their water movement.

  • Decreases Temperature Stratification: Helps in mixing different water layers, preventing the formation of separate warm and cold layers in the pond.

By enhancing oxygen levels and water movement, surface aeration plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and clarity of pond water.

Where Is Kasco Marine Surface Aeration Commonly Used?

Kasco surface aerators are commonly used in a variety of settings to improve water quality and circulation. Their typical applications include:

  • Commercial Aquaculture: For oxygenating water and maintaining a healthy environment for aquaculture activities.  Fish are protected from oxygen drops while growth rates and vitality improve.
  • Residential Ponds and Lakes: To enhance the aesthetic beauty of residential water features while also supporting the ecosystem within.  Surface-based aerators should be considered more for utilitarian purposes, however, the larger units can look very good with lights.
  • Retention Ponds: Used in managing water runoff and maintaining water quality in retention ponds.
  • Leachate Ponds: Important in the treatment and management of leachate, often associated with landfills and waste disposal.
  • Industrial Lagoons: For treating and maintaining the quality of water in industrial settings.
  • Wastewater Lagoons: Crucial in the aeration and treatment process of wastewater management systems.
  • Marina Entrance and Navigation Areas: To maintain water quality and prevent stagnation in marinas and navigational waterways.  Pond Circulators are also a very useful tool for marina management.

These varied applications demonstrate the versatility and importance of surface aerators in different water management and treatment scenarios.

What Is The Difference Between A Surface Aerator And a Diffused Aerator?

Surface aerators and diffused aerators are both used to increase oxygen levels in water, but they operate differently and have distinct applications or use cases.

Surface Aerators

  1. Operation: These devices work at the water's surface. They physically agitate the water, causing it to mix with air. This process introduces dissolved oxygen into the water from the atmosphere.
  2. Placement: They float on or are fixed near the surface of the water.
  3. Aeration Method: They create a splash or fountain effect, increasing the water's surface area exposed to the air.
  4. Efficiency: Generally more efficient in shallow water bodies where the oxygen transfer can happen across the entire depth.
  5. Visibility: Often visible and can be used for decorative purposes in ponds and lakes.
  6. Applications: Commonly used in wastewater treatment, aquaculture, and decorative ponds.

Diffused Aerators

  1. Operation: These aerators use a diffuser or air stones placed at the bottom of the water body. Air is pumped through these diffusers, creating small bubbles that rise to the surface.
  2. Placement: Installed at the bottom of the water body.
  3. Aeration Method: The rising bubbles create a column of water circulation, transferring oxygen into the water as they ascend.
  4. Efficiency: More effective in deeper water bodies, as they aerate the entire column of water from bottom to top.
  5. Visibility: Generally it's not visible from the surface and doesn't create a splash effect.
  6. Applications: Widely used in sewage treatment, deep water bodies, and industrial applications.

In summary, surface aerators are more suitable for shallow water bodies and often serve the dual purpose of aeration and decoration. In contrast, diffused aerators are ideal for deep water bodies and focused on efficient aeration across the entire depth.