How Do You Aerate A Lake?

Lakes can look stunning but if left unchecked, can suffer from a variety of issues, even when generously planted.  Leaf debris, dead and dying plants, fish and wildfowl excrement alongside surrounding water run-off will all affect the lake, so it is important to try and manage this.

One of the most effective ways of managing the water quality in a lake is aeration.  The two most common types of Lake Aerators are ‘surface aeration’ (i.e. a fountain-esque volume of water above the surface) and ‘sub-surface aeration’ (air bubbles rising from the base of the lake to the surface).  Both methods are highly effective at circulating and oxygenating the water, so long as these are correctly sized and specified for the lake’s individual size, shape and needs.

In addition to circulation and oxygenation, a lake aerator will encourage the growth of invisible, ‘friendly’ bacteria.  This aerobic bacteria will help to break down organic waste at the base of the lake and compete against suspended algae which would otherwise flourish in a nutrient rich pond.

Surface aerators are usually in the form of a floating pump which will eject a high volume of water onto the lake surface.  This will mix the water and introduce oxygen.  Generally, the water is ejected low down to help spread the circulated water over a larger area, but a wide range of decorative displays are available for those looking for an eye-catching water display in the form of a Floating Fountain.

Sub-surface aeration is most effective in deeper lake waters and produces little or no surface disturbance.  An air compressor is mounted beside the lake shoreline and special diffusers are then submersed on the lake bed.  When air is forced through the diffusers, a mass of small air bubbles rise up through the water column, helping to circulate, de-stratify and oxygenate.

If you need help selecting the right type of aeration for your lake, call Water Garden Ltd on 02392 373735 for expert advice.