Q. How will aeration control my algae problem?
Q. I know that phosphorus is one of the leading nutrients that cause my algae bloom. Will destratification and aeration help cure the release of this nutrient?
Q. I use my pond as a source for my drinking water. What can I expect an aeration system to do in this case?
Q. How many times per day do I need to turnover the entire volume of my lake?
Q. I do not have power at my lake. Is there an alternative to an electric system like a windmill system or solar.
Q. Can the pond owner install these systems?
Q. Why is a system from ForeverGreen right for me?
Q. I currently own a windmill type aerator, is there anything I can do to improve it?
Q. Does ForeverGreen do chemical and microbial pond treatments?
Q. Aqua shading type products, are they OK?
Q. Do you sell aeration components for the do it yourself installer?

Q. How will aeration control my algae problem?

A. First, algae obtain their nutrients from the water column combined with the sun to produce chlorophyl. Aeration when sized properly will bond those nutrients to the bottom sediments. Secondly by circulating the entire volume of the water, plantonic algae (pea green soup-like) is relocated to the lower regions of the water column where the sun can not penetrate. This type of algae will be unable to produce chlorophyl by photosynthesis when this occurs. 

The effects on phytoplankton (algae) are less predictable. Destratification may reduce algae through one or more processes: 1) algae cells will be mixed to deeper, darker lake areas as described above, decreasing the cells' time in sunlight and thereby reducing their growth rate, 2) some algae species that tend to sink quickly and need mixing currents to remain suspended (e.g., diatoms) may be favored over more buoyant species such as the more noxious blue-greens, 3) changes in the lake's water chemistry (pH, carbon dioxide, alkalinity) brought about by higher dissolved oxygen levels can lead to a shift from blue-green to less noxious green algae or diatoms, and 4) mixing of algae-eating zooplankton into deeper, darker waters reduces their chances of being eaten by sight-feeding fish; hence, if more zooplankton survive, their consumption of algae cells also may increase.

While algae blooms have been reduced in some lake destratification/circulation projects, in other lakes phytoplankton populations have not changed or have actually increased. For shallow lakes, it's even less likely that complete circulation would result in any of the above-mentioned benefits. This is because algae are less likely to become light-limited in shallow lakes, nor would water chemistry changes be as pronounced.

Q. I know that phosphorus is one of the leading nutrients that cause my algae bloom.  Will destratification and aeration help cure the release of this nutrient?

A. Destratification has the potential to reduce phosphorus (P) concentrations in some lakes. During summer stratification when the hypolimnion is oxygen-poor, P becomes more soluble (dissolvable) and is released from the bottom sediments into the hypolimnion. Because stratified lakes can sometimes partially mix, this allows greater amounts of P to "escape" into the epilimnion. These increased P levels in the lake's surface waters can potentially stimulate an algae bloom. For similar reasons, algae blooms often are seen at fall turnover. Because destratification increases the bottom water's oxygen content, it follows that P release from the sediments should be reduced, which in turn can lead to decreased algae abundance. However, the most suitable candidates for P reduction are deep, stratified lakes where a majority of the lake's P comes from anoxic, hypolimnetic sediments (i.e., internal sources). In lakes where the majority of P comes from external sources (such as watershed runoff, the atmosphere, waterfowl, septic systems), a reduction in sediment P release may not be enough to cause a noticeable change in algae abundance.

Q. I use my pond as a source for my drinking water.  What can I expect an aeration system to do in this case?

A. A common result of destratification is an improvement in industrial and drinking water supply quality (in fact, the first artificial circulation system was used in 1919 in a small water supply reservoir). Under anoxic (without oxygen, anaerobic) conditions, lake bottom sediments release metals (iron, manganese) and gases (hydrogen sulfide) which can cause taste and odor problems in drinking water. When the anoxic hypolimnion is eliminated, these problems are eliminated or greatly reduced as well. Water treatment costs also decrease.

Q. How many times per day do I need to turnover the entire volume of my lake?

A. This depends on nutrient loading of the water body, climate and location. In most lakes and ponds, a turnover rate of 0.75 times per day is enough to bond orthophosphates to the bottom sediments and suspend iron from the water column. Water bodies that have a higher nutrient input like golf courses and farm ponds with livestock may require a higher turnover rate. This can be as high as 1.3 times per day. In larger lakes and lakes in a northern climate may reduce that rate to as low as 0.5 times per day. Design and layout are free of charge. Call for a free quote at 877-607-5296 or fill out the Questionnaire online.

Q. I do not have power at my lake. Is there an alternative to an electric system like a windmill system or solar.

A. These systems do exist. Both have good points in that you are receiving compressed air free.  But they also dependon either the wind or the sun to provide this energy. The entire concept of aeration and circulation is to eliminate the highs and lows of oxygen in the lake. The lows being during the night and the highs being during the middle of the day.  If a system is unable to provide constant circulation, then it is not working to its optimal level.  Our systems can be mounted up to 5,000 feet away and still provide air to the bottom of your lake.  It is cheaper to run air through PVC pipe than to run your electricity that far.  Contact us for a free design and quote: info@cleanponds.com

Q. Can the pond owner install these systems?

A. Yes, we can lay out the placement in the design phase and you can install it yourself if you wish. We will provide you with all needed information to do this.

Q. Why is a system from ForeverGreeen right for me?

A.This is always a very good question. In order to offer the greatest value to our customers we are constantly evaluating companies and their products and personnel. We represent Vertex Water Features because they offer unsurpassed products and service. The reputation of Vertex products speaks for itself. They are designed specifically for ponds and lakes, not for the wastewater industry. Independent test results for their diffuser shows water circulation rates that are among the best in the industry. The custom built Thomas piston pumps are housed in fiberglass cabinets. We will spend whatever amount of time it takes to determine the size system that meets your goals for ponds and lakes. Our position has always been to offer the customer choices: be it rotary vane pumps vs piston pumps, aluminum vs fiberglass cabinets, rubber bladder membrane diffusers vs rubber membrane or airstones. The features of diffusers vary and can be confusing. The goal is to properly place an efficient system in your pond or lake, while offering the best possible pricing value.For more information about diffusers see our "Word about Diffusers" page.

The last features to consider are experience – Add that Vertex has many years of experience in the aeration business. Equipment – The diffusers are warranted for 5 years on a “No questions asked” basis. The pumps carry a two year warranty and the cabinets are warranted against rust for lifetime. Local Service – ForeverGreen is the authorized sales and service distributor in Ohio. We stock most units on an all year round basis. We have working system displays in our on site ponds to better better demonstrate to you the advantages of a Vertex System. These systems can be viewed any time at ForeverGreen 22877 Fairmount Road, Waynesfield, Ohio 45895. or call 877-607-5296. click here fo map

Q. I currently own a windmill type aerator, is there anything I can do to improve it?

A. Perhaps. Your windmill should start to produce some air at about 5-7MPH wind depending on the depth of your diffuser or stone. I provide a “conversion kit” to adapt your existing 3/8” air line and check valve to a Vertex Co-Active AirStation that will move approx. 2800 gallons per minute with 1-1.5 CFM of air supplied to it at a 12ft depth versus a 7" round air stone that produces approximately 500 gallon per minute turnover. This self cleaning, maintenance free diffuser carries a 5 year warranty and is self-weighted, just drop it in. this AirStation produces the largest lifting column per CFM in the industry. If not satisfied with this unit we offer a full refund within 30 days. Contact us for more details.

Q. Does ForeverGreen do chemical and microbial pond treatments?

A. Microbial treatments or adding “Beneficial Bacteria” are not for every pond owner. Depending on what your pond is used for Typically, a swimming, fishing, recreational pond will benefit little compared to the great expense associated with the cost of buying “Beneficial Bacteria” and products such as Aqua-Mats. My suggestion is to concentrate on proper aeration first. Proper aeration will most likely do everything you expect for a lot less money. I would commit to proper aeration for at least 2 years and then evaluate your expectations for your water. All microbial or “Beneficial Bacteria” type programs require proper aeration.

Chemical treatments – Proper aeration will reduce and in many cases eliminate a lot of chemical use. Most chemistry for today’s ponds are used as a curative measure, but in fact are treating the symptoms instead. Let me explain, you have algae on your pond surface so you apply a copper based product like Cutrine-Plus or copper sulfate. The symptom of the problem is the algae but the problem may be too high of a nutrient load that can’t recycle itself perhaps due to lack of aeration. You may have grass carp eating all of your plants which allow for additional nutrients to be available as the plants are converted to algae-producing fertilizer. Killing the algae will increase the demand for oxygen (Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and use the oxygen in the water that fish will have to compete for if you are not able to aerate it. As the dying algae uses this oxygen in the decomposing process a summer fish kill can results. Products that are commonly used such as unlabeled Karmex, Aquazine and certain Copper Sulfates upset the natural balance of the water life cycle. Oxygen is natures cleanser and aerating is the only way to aid Mother Nature.

Q. Aqua shading type products, are they OK?

A. I like the look of a “little” dye in the water, I use only 10-25% of the labeled rate with proper aeration. When you block the light and negatively change the environment for one plant you also create a favorable environment for another, some plants thrive is shade and now you’ve created it. Use pond dyes as an aid in a total programmed approach to your pond or lake and not a major component expected to control problem situations.

Q. Do you sell aeration components for the do it yourself installer?