Homemade Pond Aerator - How to Make a Pond Aerator

Pond aeration increases the oxygen content of the water by infusing air into the bottom of the pond to release toxic gases. Aerating the pond will help one to get rid of polluting substances that often collect at the bottom of the pond. A pond aerator pumps compressed air into the bottom of a pond using a diffuser, causing air bubbles to rise, resulting in surfacing of the bottom water to the top. When the bottom water surfaces, it not only releases toxic gases, but also picks up oxygen from the atmosphere. Oxygen dissolved water enhances quality of water, and ensures a healthy condition for all aquatic animals to thrive in. Besides this, aerobic bacteria that thrive on oxygen, help in decomposing organic matter. This explains what pond aerators do. If you are interested in installing a homemade pond aerator (to save some bucks), take a look at these tips on how to make a pond aerator.

How to build a Pond Aerator

Method I: Bottom Pond Aerator

Materials required for pond filter

• Large sized bucket with a lid
• Driller
• Pieces of red lava rock

Directions

Take the bucket; it should be larger than the pond pump one is planning to use, and drill about eight holes in it near the top. Fill the bucket a few inches with red lava rocks and place the pond pump inside the bucket. Add more red lava rocks around the pump, filling the bucket. Drill a hole in the bucket lid to pass the pond pump's outlet tubing through it. Drill some more additional holes into the lid, to allow water to enter. The pond filter is ready.

Materials required for pond aerator

• One standard pond pump
• One small fountain spring
• One PVC pipe
• Rigid tubing
• Measuring unit
• PVC cutter

Directions

Use a standard sized pond pump, in accordance to the size of the pond and the gallons of water it holds. Measure the depth of the pond with the tape, and deduct the measured height of the pond filter. Cut a piece of rigid tubing to the measurement got, after deducing the pond filter's height. Attach rigid tubing to the pond pump outlet tubing. Make sure the attachment is fixed well and the screws are tightened. Attach the fountain's head to the rigid tubing, and place the aerator in the pond. It is preferable to place it in the center. Test run by starting the pump; you should have a 360 degree water spray.

Method II: Waterfall Pond Aerator

Materials required

• One standard pond pump
• Rocks
• PVC pipes
• Concrete

Directions

Determine the height of the waterfall, and use the pond pump (capacity) accordingly. Start the waterfall formation placing the rocks at the bottom of the pond using the concrete, and work your way up. Place the rocks in such a way, that it gives a step like look. The water should fall and splash over the bottom ledge. The more the steps, the more turbulence will be generated by them, enhancing oxygen carrying capacity by the splash of the water. Make sure there are no holes left, while placing the rocks. Affix PVC pipes, to carry the water and attach it to the pond pump. Test the waterfall, by pumping the water through them.

A pond aerator will help increase the oxygenation levels in the lower areas of the pond, keeping Koi and other fishes alive and healthy. While homemade versions are easy to make and pond aerator installation too is not cumbersome. Try it to have plenty of fishes splashing in the water!