Sitting quietly alongside a pond you will observe a whole new and exciting world flowing by with each breath of the wind. From the many varieties of dragonflies buzzing overhead, the tiny fish swarming by the shoreline, the occasional snake skimming along the water top and the flip flop of the feeding fish as they reach out for an insect or two. The skies are full of chirping music and the bushes and trees hide those awaiting a chance to explore the water below.
The importance of maintaining our pond was obvious as we struggled to save what was close to becoming a swamp. We knew a healthy pond required proper aeration and researched our options. Our final decision was to install a Surface Aerator which would move 900 gallons of water per minute on our 3 acre pond!
The aerator adds oxygen to the water which allows the fish to thrive and the bacteria to consume decaying vegetation. After shopping around, we purchased a 3 horsepower Surface Aerator with a 200 ft. underwater cable with disconnect. I would not recommend undertaking this type of project unless you are well versed in working with electricity or know an individual who can assist you. Initially, the project was slated as a “One Day” endeavor. After working through all the mechanics involved it actually took three days to complete!
Day 1 – A trench was dug from a telephone pole to the water’s edge in order to install additional pvc piping to feed the underwater cable through to the junction box. The soil in Southern Illinois is heavy clay and this task was no simple feat.
Day 2 – A control box was constructed inside the barn for the electricity to run the aerator along with a timer so it can be programmed to run a specific time each evening. We will be running the aerator each evening from midnight to 4 am.
Additional pvc piping was added in the barn to connect to the existing piping that was already installed. An existing buried pipe was also used to bring power to the telephone pole from the barn. Both runs of cable were a challenge since 4 wires were fed through and they kept getting “hung up”. The buried pipe had to be blown out and dirt and pebbles were removed. All cleared, cable all through … more challenges overcome! (pictures of control box & timer, outside box for pump)
Day 3 – The aerator which arrived in 4 boxes several weeks ago was assembled. This procedure took 2 ½ hours and the unit weighed roughly 200 lbs. when completed. This is the point the second man was needed to move the aerator without damaging it. Of course, I was the second set of hands all along but when it came to moving 200 lbs. that was out of my league! The aerator was driven down to the pond dock and dropped in the water.
At this point, I jumped into the paddle boat and my mission was to use the anchoring ropes to pull the aerator to the chosen location (the middle of the pond).
I was fighting against the current in the water and the navigation of the paddle boat (you have to understand navigating a paddle boat is no easy task … you steer the rudder the opposite direction you want to go) and fumbling with 2 mixed up anchoring ropes made me want to scream! Each time I felt I was moving the heavy load a few inches it seemed to pull me back – it wasn’t working as expected. Finally, Stan jumped in the canoe with additional rope, tied it to the aerator and delivered it to the other side to be anchored in the post. The second man then managed to pull the aerator into place and all the anchoring ropes were tied down! Then the moment of truth . . .
The aerator was turned on and it was GREAT! I expected it to sputter and twitch a bit but the result was Fabulous!
We let it run for a couple of hours as we marveled at our accomplishment. We tossed in our fishing lines and it didn’t take long before 2 catfish stopped by to Thank us for making their home a much happier place to live!
