What is the difference between an aerator and fountain?
Aerators provide water quality management by adding oxygen and inducing circulation in your pond virtually eliminating algae growth, foul odors, insect breeding, and fish kills. Surface aerators do this by pulling water from the lower levels of the pond and throwing the water into the air. As the droplets travel through the air they trap atmospheric oxygen, releasing this oxygen into the water as they strike the surface. In essence, the more water that is pumped into the air, the more oxygen will be transferred into the water. Aerators pump high volumes of water at low pressure.A fountain’s main function is to create an aesthetically pleasing decorative pattern with minimal aeration qualities. Fountains pump low volumes of water at higher pressure. By capping off the high pumping rate and channeling pressurized water through various nozzles you are able to achieve more decorative and elaborate patterns.
Why a floating aerator or fountain?
In addition to the aesthetics of an aerator and fountain, a floating aerator and fountain has these benefits:
Adjust automatically to fluctuations in water level.
Ease to relocate the aerator or fountain to a different area of your pond.
Removal from the pond for general maintenance or pattern change is made easier.
Why does my pond get algae?
First, let us find out what algae is. Algae are simple types of plant life ranging from microscopic specks to seaweed that conduct photosynthesis but without stems, roots, and leaves. Algae are components to your pond’s ecosystem, however an excessive amount of algae destroys your water quality. Some factors which point to excessive algae growth is sunlight and temperature, nutrients, and oxygen. To read more about these factors and water quality, please read the article “Causes of Water Quality Problems”. Can my Aqua Series Aerator stay in the water during the winter season?
If the temperature in your region of the country falls below 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) for any extended period of time, Otterbine strongly suggests that you remove your Aqua Series Aerator from the water. However, if it is left in the water it MUST BE RUN CONTINUOUSLY (24 hours per day/7 days a week) to prevent the pump chamber from freezing up.
!! WARNING !!
Leaving your Otterbine Aqua Series Aerator operating during the winter can lead to it freezing in. If it freezes in, do not attempt to start the unit until the ice fully thaws as motor or pumping component damage can occur. This damage will not be covered under warranty.
Can my Instant Fountain stay in the water during the winter season?
If the temperature in your region of the country falls below 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) for any extended period of time, Otterbine strongly suggests that you remove your Instant Fountain from the water. In addition, since the Instant Fountain incorporates a water cooled motor, it is important to store it in a dry and above freezing temperature location. Storage in a shed or garage where temperatures drop below freezing may not provide adequate protection to the fountain's components.
!! WARNING !! Leaving your Instant Fountain in during the winter can lead to the Fountain freezing in. If your Instant Fountain freezes in, motor or pumping component damage can occur. This will not be covered under warranty.
What are the benefits of aeration during winter?
Keep ponds open in the winter to support fish and water fowl.
Deter ice skating or other potentially hazardous activities.Will debris clog the aerator or fountain?
The Aqua Series Aerator and Instant Fountain come with a debris screen which catches debris. General Maintenance requires the screen to be periodically cleaned. If the screen is not cleaned, the performance and efficiency of the aerator or fountain will decrease.
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