Frequently Asked Questions

If you don't find the answer to your concerns in these frequently asked questions please contact us.

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. 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, planktonic 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. [Back To Top] 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 (disolvable) 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. [Back To Top] 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. [Back To Top] 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. [Back To Top] 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 depend on 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 [Back To Top] 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. [Back To Top] Q. Why is a system from ForeverGreen 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 supplier companies and their products. Experience with customer service, warranty claims research and development and personal are  taken into consideration before we elect to represent a product line.We have found that Vertex Water Features meet and exceed all of our expectations. The reputation of Vertex is unmatched in the industry.  We have noticed over the years that other supplier companies try to imitate the Vertex product lines which speaks for itself.  ForeverGreen prefers to talk to you about your pond or lake goals, current problems and concerns vs having you simply guess what system is right for you and then simply purchase it online. Having a proper system designed specifically for you is well worth the time invested.  We also offer you a choice of systems from a fully cabineted system, to one that needs to be housed by you in an existing shed or garage or boat house thus saving the added expense of a cabinet. (See the ForeverGreen Economy Systems)   Diffuser (airstation) technology has changed greatly in the past few years.  Many companies make claims to their diffuser performance  that just cant be backed up.  Vertex is the only company that offer a "No Questions Asked" 5 year warranty with all of their airstations.  Flow Control and StableTrak  bubbler  technology are but two of Vertex's latest innovations that keep them the leader in the industry.  For additional info on diffusers , bubbles, aerators see " Diffuser Comparison " page.  We have working displays in our two aeration display ponds located in NW Ohio (see contact page) and invite you to contact us to personally experience the Vertex Advantage.      [Back To Top] 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. [Back To Top] Q. 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. [Back To Top] 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. [Back To Top] Q. Do you sell aeration components for the do it yourself installer? A.  Yes, See “ForeverGreen Economy Aeration System” [Back To Top] Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions If you don't find the answer to your concerns in these frequently asked questions please contact us.