Learn to Keep Algae Under Control

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A private pond is a beautiful addition to many homes. Ponds accentuate the beauty of the home and enhance the outdoor environment, providing a tranquil spot for people to relax and find a little peace. Ponds are definitely a beautiful thing, but they require maintenance, or else they won’t be so attractive. Neglected and stagnant ponds will begin to see a rapid buildup of algae and a certain smell that is, in no way, a pleasant one. If you have a pond, or are planning to have one built, be sure to take certain precautions. To keep you water clean, provide aeration, remove debris, and add pond chemicals, if necessary.

Aeration

Aerating your water is probably the most important thing you can do to keep your water clean and fresh. The process of aeration involves dissolving oxygen into the water supply, and this process can be achieved in many ways. Many people use pond fountains, or aerators. These devices pull water from the top few feet of the pond and shoot it into the air. As the water splashes back down, it breaks the surface of the water and mixes it with the surrounding oxygen. This process is so important because it allows the process of decomposition to happen much more efficiently. If the algae and organic materials are able to break down faster, they won’t stick around and start to smell.

Skimming Debris

One way you can make it a little easier on your pond is by taking time to manually remove debris from the water. It is common for wind and rain to wash leaves, sticks, and other materials into your water. These materials will begin to decompose in your pond, releasing gases during the process, and can eventually begin to become a real nuisance. With a regular cleaning, your pond will look beautiful, and your water will be fresh.

Pond Chemicals

Regular skimmings will keep the leaves and sticks away, but, there is only so much you can do about algae. Sometimes, you have to bring out something a little stronger. There are several fountain chemicals available to keep these nuisances at bay. Adding a little to your water can provide stunning results. Regular cleaning with chemicals that combat the growth of unwanted materials is a sure way to keep your water clean and free of bacteria and algae. Find which one is right for your body of water.

Your pond is one of the main elements of your landscape. It is a defining feature of your home and its surroundings. It’s important that you keep it looking fresh and presentable. With proper aeration, regular cleanings, and pond chemicals, you can be sure that your pond is as beautiful as it was meant to be.

Support the Health of Your Pond with Aeration

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Having a pond on your property is a wonderful luxury. It provides your landscape with beautiful scenery, and having a body of water of your own is a treat that everyone doesn’t get to enjoy. Such a treat does not come without responsibility. It is important to be sure to make the most of your pond, and keep it in its best condition. Not only are you maintaing a body of water, but you are responsible for the thriving of an ecosystem. If you have fish in your pond, this is especially important. One of the best methods for maintain your pond is through aeration, the process of dissolving oxygen into the water.

Methods of Pond Aeration

Pond Fountain

One of the most popular and attractive ways you can provide your water with aeration is with a stunning pond fountain. Pond fountains come in a wide range of spray patterns and designs, and they always produce a constant show of water design.  You can even accent the design with LED lighting. Available in a plethora of colors, they are a great way of adding an extra flair to your nighttime scene.

Pond Aerator

A pond aerator is a great choice for the pond owner who doesn’t want to put on as much of a show. Pond fountains and aerators both achieve the process by pulling water from the top few feet of the pond and shooting it upward. When the water lands and breaks the surface tension, the oxygen in the air near the surface mixes with the water, achieving the desired goal. The difference of the aerator is that is doesn’t shoot the water up so high to create a visual. The water stays near the surface, moving enough to mix with the air but not to create a scene.

Benefits of Pond Aeration

Health of Fish and Other Animals

If your pond contains wildlife or pet fish, it is important to aerate their environment to keep them healthy. Fish need oxygen to survive, and their only source for it is what has been dissolved into the water. If you keep your water properly aerated, you will be able to support a larger and healthier population of thriving fish.

Aerobic Decomposition

Whenever there is vegetation or other organic material in your pond, it must go through a process of being broken down. With a source for oxygen your pond will be able to achieve this process much more efficiently through aerobic decomposition. Aerobic decomposition utilizes the oxygen to rapidly break down organic material; anaerobic decomposition, on the other hand, takes much longer. This slower process produces undesirable organic compounds and acids that give off foul smells.

Be sure to avoid all of the consequences that come along with a lack of dissolved oxygen in your pond. Create a healthy and thriving ecosystem by giving the environment what it needs: air. Your fish will be healthy and abundant, and your algae will be tame and controllable. Enhance the beauty and health of your pond.

Five Ways to Use Water to Enhance Your Home

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Many people change the setting of their home on a regular basis. Some even redecorate with the change of every season. Redecorating and landscaping is a great way of bringing a fresh new energy  to your home. There are countless ways of enhancing the look and feel of your home, but accenting your space with water features is in a league of its own. Whether you are looking to accent a small indoor space or a large outdoor space, there is sure to be something for your area. There are many indoor and outdoor options available in a wide range of sizes and styles.

1. Table Fountains

A great way to accent a study or office is space is with a small tabletop fountain. They are a great accent to a quiet space for concentration. Their small desktop design takes up very little space and is a great enhancement to your office. The steady sounds of the water will help to mitigate unwanted noises and support focus.

2. Wall Fountains

Another great indoor water feature is the wall mounted fountain. Wall fountains and water walls are stunning ways of transforming your indoor scene. They are great alternatives for hanging art, and the steady water flow even helps to humidify and purify the air in your home.

3. Garden Fountains

Outside of the home, the water feature options begin to expand. Many people have gardens or decorative landscaping outside of their homes. A beautiful way of enhancing those spaces is with a special outdoor fountain. You can choose a small accent piece or grand centerpiece, ranging from classic tiered designs to modern abstract styles.

4. Pond

If you are looking for a more drastic outdoor change, one of the best things you can do is to build a pond in your yard. Having a private pond is a great way of completely transforming your home. The options for size and shape are virtually endless. You can even accent your pond with a fish, a pond fountain, or LED lighting.

5. Waterfall

Another great accent to use with, or without, a pond is a waterfall. Waterfalls are some of the most impressive outdoor water features. They can be built over pools, ponds, and basins in a wide array of settings and designs. Installing a waterfall in your yard is like painting a beautiful picture that your get to experience in real life.

Whether you are looking to make a subtle indoor update or embark on a major outdoor landscaping project, there is certainly a water feature that is appropriate for your new space. With the many options and styles, there is a fountain that fits is almost any setting. When you’re making plans for updating your space, consider the improvements a water feature could make!

 

Build a Natural-Looking Outdoor Setting

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The weather has finally broken, and many people are beginning to take on those outdoor projects they had been fantasizing about all winter. When it comes to redesigning your outdoor space, there are endless possibilities to choose from, and a wide selection of accessories to help you create your vision. Sometimes these choices can be overwhelming. With all of the different types of fountains and water features, some people find it hard to settle on a single theme. One of the best themes you can choose is a scene that simply accentuates the beauty that exists in nature. With the right waterfall or pond, a collection to beautiful wildflowers and plants, and a couple of stone benches, you’ll be ready to create the perfect natural setting.

Waterfalls or Ponds

When it comes to choosing which type of fountain or water feature to use in your outdoor environment, a waterfall or pond is best for the person looking to evoke a natural feeling. What better way to accentuate the beauty of nature than recreating processes that occur naturally. There are a wide range of waterfall and pond kits to get you started. You can choose from many styles and sizes. If you are looking to make a major installation, contact your local professional. There are plenty of dedicated people out there who are willing to help you create your vision.

Wildflowers and Plants

One of the most enjoyable things about having outdoor space at your disposal is the possibility of growing your own plant life. Many people enjoy growing vegetables and herbs, while some people enjoy the simple gratification of growing a bed of flowers. When deciding on plants for your natural scene, remember to keep it simple, but diverse. Choose a collection of some of your favorite flowers and greenery, and plant them in a seemingly random design. To create that all-natural scene, some people even mix seeds and allow plants to grow where they may. The trick is to not be too precise. Mother Nature will help you along the way.

Stone Benches

To better enjoy the time spent in your newly built home oasis, it would be beneficial to have seating for you and your guests. While there are a wide range of outdoor furniture and seating options, not all would complement a more natural-looking setting. If you are looking for something that will accent your outdoor scene, opt for classic stone furniture. There are a wide range of benches, stools, and tables made from quality stone, such as granite, jade, marble and more.

When it comes to cultivating the perfect scene, don’t let the endless options send you into a fit of frustration. If you enjoy being outdoors for the simple fact that it’s the outdoors, decide to build a scene that accentuates those properties. With the right water feature, greenery, and stone furniture, your natural oasis will be complete in no time!

Enhance Your Private Pond

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Has the time arrived for a major landscaping change at your home? Every so often, it is a great feeling to reimagine the look and feel of your surroundings. It’s refreshing to go out into your scene and have a sense of new energy. There are countless ways you can enhance your outdoor setting. A beautiful, beneficial, and popular way that many people decide to do this with the installation of a pond. You can enhance your pond with a pond fountain, the presence of fish, and even a connecting waterfall. You will love the new scene that you have created.

Pond Fountain

If the pond that you install is large enough, a great enhancement to consider is the installation of a beautiful pond fountain. Pond fountains come in a wide range of spray patterns and designs. You will be able to add a stunning and energetic touch to your outdoor scene. Pond fountains also help to keep your water clean and fresh by constantly aerating the water and keeping algae at bay. You can accentuate the beauty of these fountains and their designs with the installation of LED lighting. The nighttime visual that is created will be even more dazzling than before.

Pet Fish

Another great way to make the most of your pond is by introducing fish into your body of water. It’s a great way of enhancing the visual, while giving your scene even more energy, and an enhanced connection to nature. The fish will also be very appreciative of the pond fountain. The aeration process provides them with the oxygen they need to survive. There are many types of fish that you can get for your pond, the most popular being koi fish, a type of carp. Not only will your landscape be even more beautiful, but you will have new pets to care for.

Waterfalls

If you are looking to make a grand change to your landscape, why not go for installing a dynamic waterfall to flow into your pond. The water cascading over rocks and into the calm pool will create a wonderfully serene setting. The steady flowing sounds of the water will mitigate unwanted surrounding noise. This is great for people who enjoy their peace. It is a major change, but well worth the transformation. You will enjoy the benefits of this impressive enhance immensely.

Your outdoor space shouldn’t be plain and bare. Install a beautiful pond to accentuate the beauty of the surrounding nature. Make the most of your new pond with gorgeous enhancements. Fish will add life and energy, while the right pond fountain or waterfall will completely create a new look. Allow a pond to change the look and feel of your space!

Create a Theme with the Right Garden Fountain

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Spring is here, and in full swing, and there’s nothing like taking the time to get outside and tend to your gardening and landscaping. A beautiful fountain or water feature is the perfect addition to any landscape, and there are countless possibilities available for your own backyard. When deciding which elements you would like to implement, be sure to remember that they all fit within a central theme. People often make the mistake of choosing elements that clash, creating an energy that doesn’t flow properly. Begin by deciding if you would like a classic, natural, or contemporary look, and choose a fountain to inspire the style of your space.

Classical

There is no denying the elegance and beauty of a well-designed classic garden. With the right elements, it transports you to a place that feels timeless and soothing. The most appropriate fountains for this type of setting are classic tiered fountains. With their round finials, and simple, but detailed, design, they are capable of evoking an old Roman style. Many options even have sculptures or figurines, such as lions, gargoyles, cherubs, and maidens. Complement this type of fountain with beautiful urns, and stone benches, and your setting will be complete.

Natural

A natural setting is one of the most peaceful and relaxing settings. When designed correctly, the natural setting evokes an old-world feel that reminds you of the true beauty of Mother Nature. If you are looking for a water feature to accent this kind of space, a waterfall installation, or even a small pond is best for adding water into your landscape, rather than on top. Whether you’re planning on relaxing at your pond, or meditating next to your waterfall, your natural scene is sure to be well on its way. Accent this type of scene with simple stone planters, rocks, or stone benches.

Contemporary

We do live in a new millennium, and some people have no problem accepting that. A well-designed contemporary space is a place of simplicity, where less truly is more. One of the best choices of fountains or water features for a more modern space is a new spillway. A spillway pours a smooth sheet of water into a basin below, creating a look that is sleek and stunning. The way that the water flows in such a steady shape creates a look that is simple, yet mesmerizing. Take your contemporary look to the next level by installing LED lights to illuminate your spillway and landscape.

When you are tossing around ideas for design in your head, be sure to remember that theme is crucial. You wouldn’t want to have a scene that evokes all kinds of conflicting feelings, leaving the energy unsettled and confusing. Whether your theme is classical, natural, or contemporary, be sure to stay within the realm you have chosen. Once, your landscape is complete, you’ll see how choosing a theme is what truly created the look.

Cleaning your Pond and Fountain

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Having a pond with a fountain installed on your property is a great way to transform your landscape and maintain a system of life and energy. There is nothing like seeing a grand display of water in the center of your pond, knowing that there is entire ecosystem of fish, plants, and other organisms below. As such a large feature of your landscape, and the home of many animals and plants, it’s extremely important to keep your water healthy. Your pond is a collection of life; there is an abundance of nutrients and bacteria. Both are necessary for proper health; the most important thing to consider is balance. There are a few ways to keep this under control.

Remove the Sticks and Leaves

The main way to keep your water healthy is to simply clean it physically. One of the best things you can do is to skim the organic material out of your water. It is expected for leaves, sticks, and other pieces of natural debris to fall into your water. What people don’t always consider is the effect that this debris has on their water. As it begins to decompose, it releases toxic chemicals, and depletes the supply of oxygen in the water. If you want fresh, clean water, it’s up to you.

Some people look to chemical cleaners for the pond, but it’s important to know that using chemicals to keep your water clean is usually only appropriate for shallow ponds that do not house any animals. For those of us with fish, plants, and other organic life, it’s important to keep the water clean without the use of harsh or toxic chemicals. The best way to stay on top of this is with the process of aeration, which increases the levels of oxygen in the water. That is the purpose that the fountain will serve in your garden.

Aeration

The main type of pond fountain that you will encounter is the floating fountain. It is designed to sit on top of the water, and pull up gallons, shooting them into the air. These are not only useful for the stunning display they create. When the water lands on the surface of the water, gases are released, air and water mix, and the oxygen levels increase.

These are very effective, unless you have a very deep pond. For bodies of water where the floating lake fountain doesn’t provide enough aeration, there are diffused aeration systems. These units, appropriate for depths of eight feet or more, push air down to the floor of your pond, aerating the entire body. The air pressure creates a constant flow of bubbles, a great way to increase the levels of dissolved oxygen in the water.

Like anything that involves the responsibility of preserving life and balance, owning a pond requires attention and care. The addition of a fountain to your pond, along with regular cleaning, will help with the health of your water and all of the organisms that live in it.

Build Your Own Garden with an Outdoor Fountain

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Building a garden in your own backyard is sounds like a beautiful idea. Imagine the thriving plants, the vibrant colors, and the entrancing aromas. Not to mention the gratification you feel knowing that all of this life sprouted from actions you took. And, if you grow your own vegetables, you don’t have to worry about getting them from the grocery or worry how they were grown. What’s not to love about having your own garden? To most people, it’s the all of the time and effort they imagine goes into taking on such a project. If you go into with a game plan, it’s actually not that overwhelming of a task.

Location and Area

Before you go into any major planning, your first task is to choose your garden’s location, and to determine the size. Be sure to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight. You don’t want to grow your plants under a shaded tree, or against a shadow-casting wall. You want a location that is out of the way, and if you are just starting, don’t be too ambitious with size. A small, modest garden that is out of the way allows your yard to be used for other activities.

Plants

The next phase one of the more fun tasks you’ll complete: choosing what to plant in your new garden! There are countless options for what type of plant life you should cultivate. For some people, they just like to tend to flowers, and create a beautiful scene with pleasant aromas. For others, the point of their garden is to grow vegetables to use in their own kitchen. When you are deciding which types of plants to grow, be sure to take your climate into consideration. You don’t want your plants to struggle; be sure to choose plants that will thrive where you live.

Add a Garden Fountain

Once you’ve chosen the location and the plants you want, it’s time to bring it all together. There are plenty of outdoor decorative options available to complete the scene you’re creating. Installing a water feature in your garden is the perfect final touch. There are a wide range of stone fountains, garden fountains, and ponds you can choose from. You can even take the life in your garden to the next level by installing a pond with fish. With all of the types of outdoor water features there are to choose from, the look and feel of your garden will be of top quality.

Building your garden doesn’t have to be a hassle at all. The key to success is proper organization. Create a plan, and follow it precisely. Once your project is underway, you’ll be glad you got it started. The fountain you choose will create therapeutic environment, and you’ll love to spend your time there. There will be plenty of outdoor activity and sunlight, which will do wonders for you mood. Start planning your garden now; you’ll love the colors, aromas, and the fruits (or vegetables?) of your labor.

Add Life to Your Pond: Plants and Fish

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Installing a pond in your yard or garden area is a great improvement to make to your landscape. It enhances the scenery, and the view and sound is calming and therapeutic. When you have a pond installed on your property, it becomes a responsibility. You must be sure that is stays clean, and that the water is fresh and safe. The maintenance factor is what keeps some people from actually getting a pond they want. But, did you know that adding life to your pond aids the health of your pond? There are several benefits that come along with planting in your pond and adding fish.

Plants

Adding plants to your pond is the perfect place to start. One of the most important factors of cultivating a healthy body of water is a good supply of oxygen. Planting a little greenery will immediately support this need. As plants grow, they produce oxygen, allowing your water to stay clean and healthy. They are also able to create shade in the water, which keeps algae from thriving. Their ability to break down the detritus in water is also very helpful. Combined with the supply of oxygen, you will be able to naturally eliminate waste, naturally decomposing organic material at a healthy speed.

Fish

With plants improving the water quality, it’s time to consider introducing fish to your setting. Not only do fish provide movement and energy that people love to observe, there are actually a number of health benefits. The simple act of the fish swimming around in the water agitates it, keeping the consequences of stagnant water at bay. They also provide carbon dioxide, from which your plants will benefit greatly. With the plants providing oxygen for the fish, and the fish providing carbon dioxide for the plants, they create the perfect cycle.

Koi (Carp)

When you are choosing what type of fish to have in your pond, you will probably want to look at types of carp. The most popular type of pond fish is probably the Koi fish, a type of carp. Carp are a great choice because they thrive in many climates, and are beautiful to observe. Not only will they produce movement and carbon dioxide, but fish will gladly eat the algae in your pond. With fish living in your pond, the frequency of maintenance will drop, while your time spent enjoying your pond will increase substantially.

Adding life to your pond will be a brand new sense of energy and nature to your pond and outdoor space. They will provide a beautiful visual, while producing many factors that benefit the cleanliness and health of the water. Having plants and fish in your pond is a win for everyone.

How a Pond Fountain Will Add to Your Landscape Design

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Water Feature Pros loves to work with landscapers and be a part of large scale design projects. A type of fountain that we recommend would be a lake fountain. Lake fountains add a floating or diffused element to man-made or natural bodies of water. If you are designing for a place that already has a pond or lake, then a lake fountain will add much to your entire project.

A lake fountain keeps the water looking great

An aeration device will make sure your natural or man-made lake looks great at all times. Aeration is very important in multiple ways. Dissolved oxygen needs to be present throughout the lake so that the fish can live off of it. Also, aeration keeps the water from becoming stagnant. We all know stagnation is a terrible thing and symbolizes death and decay. I’m sure you do not want that. Stagnation works to destroy bodies of water in another way. Unwanted algae or other vegetation growth will prosper if the pond or lake becomes stagnant. Your client will appreciate how their lake area always looks pristine.

Add a spectacular sight to your lake

High powered water works will represent your amazing water feature. You can buy your pump at whatever horse power suits your lake. A typical statuary fountain flows with gravity, but lake fountains send water skyrocketing, keeping your client’s head high and expression amazed.

The flow pattern

Other than sheer power, lake fountains have varying flow patterns. These patterns have multiple streams which bend in varying degrees. Our online catalog features the different lake fountains according to their flow patterns.

Lighting

Lighting is essential for all outdoor landscaping in our opinion. Lighting insures that your clients will not be bored with their outdoor space once the sun has gone down. Actually, lighting should add an element that will encourage the clients to stand outside and watch the light show that their lake fountain can give them. For the price, it is certainly a worthwhile investment. Lights are often times interchangeable and can be turned off as need be.

Other things to consider

Lake fountains can be either floating or diffused. Floating lake fountains obviously float and pump only the top two feet of the lake. These fountains are appropriate for shallow lakes. Diffused lake fountains have an element that can gather water that is deep in the lake.

The Benefits of a Beautiful Lake Fountain

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When the winter weather finally breaks, it’s always great to go out and enjoy the warm breezes and blue skies. And, there’s nothing like relaxing next to a calming body of water on a summer afternoon. Some of us are lucky enough to have a lake or pond in our own yards. If you are one of the lucky ones, you should consider the benefits that come along with installing a lake fountain in your private body of water. The right lake fountain will transform and enhance your scene, aerate your water, and mitigate unwanted surrounding noise.

Stunning Visuals

The most obvious benefit of installing a lake fountain is probably the aesthetic value. When people think of lake fountains, the image of towers of water and beautiful moving shapes begin to inundate the imagination. There are a wide variety of spray patterns and strengths available to create the perfect visual for any setting. There are even LED lighting kits available to bring the most of your nighttime scene. If you thought your fountain was impressive during the day, just wait until the streams of water reflect the light and create bright and colorful shapes in the night.

Water Aeration

One of the most useful benefits of having a fountain installed in your pond or lake is the occurrence of aeration. Aeration is the process of increasing the amount of dissolved oxygen in a body of water. Keeping your lake or pond aerated is extremely beneficial to the health of your water. This is especially true if you have fish in your water; they need to oxygen to survive. Aeration also prevents the development of organic matter that can build up in your water. Remember that your body of water is an ecosystem, and it requires a healthy balance to thrive.

Noise Mitigation

Another wonderful quality associated with lake fountains is the soothing sound created by the steady flow of water. There is a profound serenity that overcomes a person when they allow such sounds to soothe and relax them. The water splashes continuously on the lake’s surface, mitigating surrounding noises that may be distracting. This is especially beneficial if your lake or pond is near a street or other noisy area. Once you hear the sounds of your new lake fountain, you will see that your outdoor scene is finally complete.

Make the most of the lake or pond on your property. Allow a beautiful lake fountain to transform your scene. With the wide ranges of styles and designs, you are sure to find the right fountain to complement your space. You (and your fish) will be pleased with the increased health of your water, and the soothing sounds will enhance the entire atmosphere. As beneficial as lake fountains are, they’re almost necessary!

The Importance of Water Aeration

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A beautiful pond or lake is always a beautiful feature to have present in your landscape. A fact of those bodies of water that people often forget is that they are living, breathing ecosystems of their own. If you have a pond or lake on your property, it is your responsibility to maintain the health of that ecosystem. The main thing you must do for your water is to maintain a healthy level of oxygen through a process called aeration. This process introduces necessary oxygen from the atmosphere into the water.

The Benefits of Aeration

In nature, the motion from the wind creates waves and introduces oxygen to the water at the surface, while the photosynthesis of the plants and algae underwater release oxygen from below. But, with the unpredictability of nature, it is easy for water to become stagnant or to be deprived of a healthy amount of sunlight. This leads to unwanted algae, dirty water, and unpleasant odors. Aerating your water is also necessary for keeping it fresh and healthy for your fish and other organisms.

Methods of Aeration

Aerating Fountains

One of the most popular choices for water aeration are floating decorative lake fountains. These devices allow you to keep your water fresh and to improve the look and feel of your landscape. They accomplish the process of aeration by pulling water from the surface of the water and shooting it up into the air in various patterns. The oxygen mixes with the water as it lands, agitating the surface.

Pond Aerators

For people who would like to put on less of a show, there are options that are not as commanding. One of these options is the floating pond aerator. This device uses the same method as decorative fountains for introducing oxygen into the water without shooting the water up to such great heights.

Diffusers

Decorative fountains and aerators are useful for many applications, but they aren’t quite capable enough once the water reaches certain depths. If a body of water is greater than 8 feet deep, diffused aeration is sure to be more beneficial. This method occurs by releasing compressed air into the bottom of the water and creating motion that affects more than just the top few feet of water.

No matter your method for aeration, it is a necessary process for maintaining the health of your pond or lake. If you have fish or other organisms in your water, this process can not be overlooked. Create a new scene with a floating decorative fountain, or maintain a peaceful scene with a pond aerator of diffuser.