Do I remove my lake aerator in winter?

Lake aerators are designed to increase circulation and to oxygenate the lake water during the warmer seasons but, they can also be used during winter to maintain circulation.  Most importantly, the aerator will create pockets of ice-free water to allow toxic gasses to exchange at the surface, which would otherwise poison fish and aquatic inhabitants.

Assuming you have a robust, purpose-built floating aeration system (i.e. from reputable manufacturers such as Otterbine Barebo, Kasco Marine Inc. and OASE GmbH), the fountain or aerator can be run for a few hours per day during winter to minimise surface ice formation.  The wave action will also help to reduce ice build-up further away from the aerator.

In the case of a diffused aeration system (i.e. a land-based air pump, leading to air diffusers underwater), care should be taken to ensure the pistons or rubber diaphragms do not freeze, so these are best left running constantly during winter as the heat produced during operation will prevent components from freezing internally.

If you need further advice on aeration or you have lake issues, call the team at Water Garden Ltd for friendly, expert advice.