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Differences Between Electric Powered Fountains And Solar Powered Fountains
Aerating Your Pond When it comes to ponds, one of the most important things you need to do is find a way to aerate it. This is important because the pond needs to have oxygen for various reasons, including keeping it clean and keeping your fish healthy. However, there are different alternatives you can choose, which may make it difficult. If you are looking for top-down aeration, there are two great options to pick from: solar pond fountains and electric pond fountains. Even though both of these fountains will work to aerate your pond, they have their differences in how they operate. In this article, we'll go over the differences between these two options. An Electric Pond Fountain Our Classic Line of floating pond fountain is a beautiful and simple way to aerate your pond. It is available in ¾ up to 5 hp so it can aerate even large ponds and lakes. They are commercial quality and come backed up with a 4-year warranty on the pump and motor. Aside from aerating your pond, the electric pond fountain is also aesthetically pleasing and can complement the overall pond layout beautifully. The electric pond fountain is ideal for large ponds since it is electrical and can power a large pump for aeration. It is also convenient for those who live in the city if a solar pond fountain requires too much space. You may also find more varieties with these types of floating fountains. This is another thing to consider because the prices and features can vary according to your budget. On the other hand, a solar pond fountain may be limiting because of the space required to have enough power to aerate a large pond or water feature. The Solar Pond Fountain The solar pond fountain is an excellent alternative for smaller ponds or fountains. Our Classic Solar Fountain come in ½ and 1 HP and utilizes our Direct Drive Technology to run during daylight hours. These fountains work perfectly for small ponds and lakes. Plus, they can also be an excellent option for anyone living in a rural area where electricity is not easily accessible. Another essential difference between the electric and solar pond fountain is that solar energy is more friendly to the environment. This is where the solar pond fountain excels over the electric pond fountain. The solar fountain will save you money on your electric bill while being a safer alternative for the environment. What Stands out Between the Two? The main difference is the power these two fountains can give you. Most of the electric pond fountains in the market are electrical and are excellent for larger, deeper ponds. Moreover, electric pond fountains can provide more aeration for large ponds because the fountain's pump can push the water to great heights giving it more circulation throughout the water. The solar pond fountain also has significant power to create large waves of circulation, but this would depend on how much solar energy it has to operate. In both of these cases, the things that stand out the most are the pond's size and location. This would be the determining factor on which fountain would work best for you. The Final Word In the end, the investment you make will largely depend on the size of the pond and its location. If your pond is situated in a large, rural area where you get an abundance of sun without any obstructions, we recommend the solar pond fountain. However, if you live in an area where obstructions may keep the sun from powering the solar pond fountain with sufficient power, the electric pond fountain is your best bet. Make sure that you also consider your budget as prices could differ between these two choices. In either case, both of these fountains would be a great addition to any pond. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 1-855.690.6012 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.
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The Benefits of Solar Aeration
Aeration and Its Meaning If you have a pond, you have undoubtedly run into the term “aeration”. What does this mean? Why is it important? Moreover, what are the benefits of solar aeration? Well, in this article, we will go over the wide range of benefits that you can get from solar aeration for your pond. However, let’s first breakdown the meaning of aeration. The word aeration means to introduce air into a particular material. In this case, we will be talking about ponds, lakes, or other small bodies of water. Solar Energy is an Important Part Solar energy is essential if you want your solar pond aeration to work. Although there are several methods to aerate your pond, solar aeration is considered one of the best options. This is mainly because it is safer for the environment, and you’ll get more benefits. Solar aeration can help you save electricity and energy. The solar aeration setup is also ideal because it can work on those cloudy days. However, if you experience prolonged bouts of poor weather or want aeration 24/7, a battery backup system like our Solar Pond Aerator SB-2 will work best for you. This option is quite affordable as well when you compare it to other alternatives. The solar pond aeration system is also easier to install than other aeration components. The Benefits of a Solar Pond Aeration System One of the most significant benefits that you will get from solar aeration for your pond is oxygen. The last thing you want is stagnant water that causes lots of problems. This is especially important in deep ponds that need more aeration. For those ponds, we recommend the OWS DW Classic Solar Aerator. These can be configured to work for any depth. Oxygen in the water is vital if you are going to have fish and other pond life. Remember that you’ll have to invest in a pond aeration system large enough to handle the water depth in your pond. Fish will be able to live longer and thrive more along with your plant life in your pond. This will make your pond an enjoyable feature for you and your fish. A Clean Environment for Pond Life One of the reasons proper aeration is essential is because it will provide a clean environment for your pond. Although blankets of algae are considered natural in a pond, too much can be harmful if it’s not balanced correctly. Having a solar pond aeration system will help keep the algae levels perfectly balanced. Another benefit that comes from solar aeration is preventing bacteria from growing in the pond. If you have standing water, you can see the growth of bacteria, which can be a health hazard. Moreover, the standing water can also create a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can carry diseases. Plus, circulating water will eliminate any foul odors as it keeps the water moving. Great Results Mean a Beautiful Scenery If you invest in a solar pond aeration system, you will surely appreciate the results. Since it helps control the growth of bacteria, algae, and other pond scum, proper aeration will also give your pond an aesthetically pleasing appearance. This can be a great complement to any garden, farm, or other large areas of land. You can also find aeration systems for smaller ponds, such as our Solar Pond Aerator 3 AerMaster Direct Drive Aeration System that could be installed in suburban properties and any pond under 12’ in-depth. Convenient for Rural Areas The last benefit of solar aeration is that it can be an excellent alternative for rural areas. Those who live in rural homes or farms can have a difficult time getting electricity for aeration systems. However, since these types of homes are usually in open fields, a solar pond aeration system is the right choice. Ensure that you install the solar aeration away from any obstructions, such as trees, to get the full benefit of the sun’s solar rays. A solar aeration system is also much easier to install compared to an electrical aeration setup. Rest assured that you’ll get what you need for your pond and the overall final layout. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 1-855.690.6012 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.
The Differences Between Windmill and Solar Aeration in Ponds
The Benefits of Pond Aeration When it comes to maintaining a pond, one of your main goals is to have proper aeration. Rest assured that you'll have a wide range of options for your aeration needs, including windmill and solar aerations. The benefits of aeration in your pond is to enhance the entire habitat. This can include improving the water's overall quality for healthy fish and removing algae in the water. Aeration can also aid in breaking down and eliminating harmful bacteria that can kill fish in the pond. Moreover, you'll also be able to remove foul odors and mosquitos that result from standing water. Although the different types of aeration have the same purpose, you will find key differences in the systems overall. The Windmill Aerator What is windmill pond aeration? The windmill aerators work great for ponds up to 3 acres. The aerator windmill is also ideal for farm ponds or ponds located in rural areas. The windmill can be a cost-effective method of keeping the water in your pond circulating. The best thing about this alternative is that you can usually count on steady winds throughout the day ranging from 6 hours up to 20+ hours. The standard heights for these windmills can start at 15 feet and reach up to 27 feet in height. They come in three and four-legged towers to support the turning windmill. You’ll have plenty of choices in metal and wood towers for all your structural needs. The wind works by turning the windmill head and compressor. This will give circulation to your pond when it is placed nearby. Solar Pond Aeration Years ago, solar energy was considered one of the most expensive investments, but solar energy has become much more affordable today. This includes solar pond aeration. This is an excellent option for those who live on farms or in rural communities. Moreover, it can also be handy for anyone who doesn’t have electricity readily available for their pond. Rural residences can take advantage because the sun is usually abundant in a clear and open field. Even on a cloudy day, the solar panels can soak up the sun’s energy to operate the solar aerator. However, some solar aerators will not work in the nighttime since the sun is not out and shining. If you’re looking to keep your solar aerator working for up to 20 hours daily, you can always consider investing in a solar aerator with a backup battery aeration system. Windmill Aeration vs. Solar Aeration One of the main benefits of having windmill or solar aerators is letting nature do all the work. Consider the weather characteristics you live in before deciding between a windmill or a solar aerator. You can gather local information regarding average wind speeds for both day and night. You can also gather data on the average sunshine your area experiences day to day and per year along with this information. This can give you an idea of which investment would work best for you. PSI for Windmill Pond Aeration Remember that the primary purpose of both the windmill and solar aerators is to create sufficient aeration for added oxygen. An aeration windmill can perform great at 30 PSI. This is plenty of PSI to ensure proper oxygen levels for ponds and lakes up to 30’ deep. Outdoor Water Solutions offers windmill heads up to 73”, which have high torque to ensure proper aeration even when the wind is low. You want to have good oxygen levels throughout your entire pond, and our windmills fit the bill. PSI for Solar Aeration Ponds Solar aerators are designed to aerate both shallow and deep ponds and are most effective in areas where wind is not an option due to structures, trees, topography or just lower wind areas. Outdoor Water Solutions manufactures a Direct Drive solar aeration system that is designed for shallow ponds and also a Classic DD solar for deeper ponds. Both options are available and will do a great job with aeration. The Results In the end, both the solar pond aerator and the windmill pond aerators are considered great options. Aren’t sure which options work best for you? Call us, and we can help you work through the differences before making the final investment. Aeration will give you a new level of appreciation for your healthy and clean pond as well as a more pleasing landscape overall. Aeration systems make pond water clearer, and your fish will live much longer. The added scenery can also provide you with a relaxing feeling at the end of the day. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 1-855.690.6012 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.
Top 5 Reasons Pond Aeration Matters
Pond aerators improve the health of your pond's ecosystem and provide much-needed oxygen for the fish in your pond. Here are the top five reasons you need to have proper aeration in your pond. Aeration improves oxygen levels in the pond Fish require adequate dissolved oxygen levels to thrive in ponds, and anaerobic bacteria don't thrive in oxygen-rich environments. Both windmill pond aeration and solar pond aeration improve dissolved oxygen levels, which allows your fish to thrive. Fish without enough oxygen struggle to survive. Anaerobic bacteria thrive in ponds without proper aeration. This is detrimental to your fish because anaerobic bacteria produce acids and release ammonia, carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen sulfide, which are toxic to fish. Aeration in fishponds is key to maintaining a healthy balance in the ecosystem. Aeration boosts water quality Water quality is something every pond owner worries about. No one enjoys a dirty, muck-filled pond. As a result of under aeration, you will see an increase in carbon dioxide levels. The sediments at the bottom of your pond will release an assortment of gasses and metals that decrease water quality. Muck builds up in environments that lack proper aeration. To have a clear, beautiful pond, you must have good pond aerators. Aeration keeps ice open on your pond If you live in an area where your pond freezes over in the winter, bottom diffused pond aeration is key to keeping the ice open. This is key to maintaining healthy fish populations over the winter. By keeping the ice open, you can help prevent a fish kill and fall pond turnover. It helps release toxic gasses released by anoxic sediment. Having the gasses trapped in your pond all winter can make for a nasty spring and require extra work to clean your pond when it thaws. Using aeration to keep ice from covering your pond also attracts wildlife during the winter months. It also helps keep your fish alive as one of the major reasons for winter fish kills is pond freeze up which can prevent photosynthesis which produces much needed oxygen,. Aeration reduces pond algae You don't want to deal with a pond full of algae, and there are a couple of ways aeration can help fight algae. First, solar pond aeration generates high oxygen levels, which can cause a shift in the algae in your pond from harmful blue-green algae to less toxic green algae. With the proper farm pond aerator, algae spores are mixed into deeper waters in your pond, where light is less plentiful. Algae needs sunlight to grow, and by incorporating it into deeper water, aeration can help slow down and prevent its growth. Aeration reduces harmful phosphorus Phosphorus is one of the key reasons you see algae blooms, and it can be challenging to get rid of. However, the right farm pond aerator can force existing phosphorus to bond with iron that naturally occurs in your pond's ecosystem. As a result, precipitate turns into the sediment where it is useless to pond algae. The Results You don't want muck and algae to take over your lovely pond, so make sure your pond has proper aeration. Outdoor Water Solutions offer a variety of solutions for all your aeration needs. If you are unsure what aeration system works best for your pond, contact us. We will help you identify the best aeration system for your needs. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 1-855.690.6012 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.
How Do Windmill Aerators Clean Water?
Stagnant water grows bacteria, kills fish, and builds up muck at the bottom of ponds. Windmill aerators are an eco-friendly, long-lasting solution to clean pond water, keep fish alive, reduce future algae growth, and more. This windmill water aeration system adds a dominant, classic windmill structure to your landscape, but how does it work? The mind and owner behind Outdoor Water Solutions, John Redd, describes the process of pond aeration as adding oxygen to a body of water. “We’re basically adding compressed air to the bottom, which allows the water to circulate, and we take that oxygen-rich water from the surface down to the bottom, getting rid of a lot of muck and also getting a lot of the algae on top,” said Redd. How do windmill pond aerators work? The Outdoor Water Solutions’ aeration windmills only need three miles per hour of wind to aerate a pond or lake. As the blades rotate, fresh air is forced down a sturdy tube that is connected to the multi-bladed rotor and leads into the water. To oxygenate the water throughout the pond, basin, or lake, the tube splits and attaches to air stones that should be placed in the deepest areas of the water reservoir’s floor and separated far apart. The windmill aeration rocks need to be placed at a wide distance to encourage the circulation of the water necessary to clean it. Click here to see the process animated in a video from our YouTube channel. If need the Outdoor Water Solutions’ durable fake ducks are floated above the aeration rocks as markers to simplify locating the rocks in the future. It is extremely important to clean your pond water and keep it healthy with Outdoor Water Solutions’ windmill aerators for ponds and lakes because they can serve more than fish. Waterfowl, such as ducks, geese, and swans, as well as livestock and any wildlife you want on your land that drink from stagnant water bodies will benefit greatly from the installation of a windmill pond aerator. Healthy water keeps animals healthy. Drinking unclean water can lead to moderate or major health problems in livestock. Another video from our YouTube channel goes into detail about how necessary pond aeration windmills are for the health of animals and people: Why Buy A Windmill Aerator. Keep your water and animals healthy with Outdoor Water Solution’s Windmill Aeration Systems. OWS Windmill Aerators: 24 Foot Windmills This is one of the TALLEST windmills on the market! The impressive 24′ tower stands over 27 feet tall when fully erected. If you’re not quite sure about your location and wind speed, then going taller is typically better. Four Legged Windmills We now offer a 4 Legged windmill tower for customers who prefer to have an extra leg! We’ve sold thousands of towers with 3 legs, but some customers just want an extra one. Galvanized Traditional Windmill This is one of our most popular product lines. High quality galvanized windmills, just like the old-time farm windmills. Designed to last for 15, 20, or even 30 years, these windmills are made in the U.S.A. and are not an import line. Powder Coat Windmills If you’re looking for a nice windmill that works great and looks even better, then you need to take a look at our powder coated windmill line! We use a high-quality UV protective powder coat paint that is baked on, just like a new car. This is not spray paint and is made to last. We can powder coat almost any color you can imagine and can also customize your tailfin with the name of your farm, business, Golf Course, subdivision, etc. on it. Windmill Heads Are you looking for a windmill head? Maybe yours blew down or you have an old windmill tower that needs the head replaced. Either way, we offer complete windmill heads that can be functional for pond aeration or can just be purely Ornamental. Wood Windmills Want a more Nostalgic look and feel? Our new wooden windmill towers are a masterpiece in design. Manufactured in the U.S. with a light cedar colored pressure-treated wood, this windmill will look great for a long time! Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 1-855.690.6012 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.
Save money with a Solar Pond Aerator!
Having a pond is great but when you start getting contaminates in your water then it causes problems for your fish. Contamination of water in your pond can result in illnesses, bacteria and also loss of your fish. Having a pond aerator helps maintain the oxygen levels in the water and ensure the safety of the fishes living in it. There are many pond aerators to choose from but there is one that will save you money on your electric bill. Solar Pond Aerators are powered by sunlight. These pond aeration kits have solar panels that transform sunlight into electrical energy to power the aerator. Not only will a Solar Pond Aerator save you money it will also save you time if you don’t have an electrical source and don’t want to run electrical cables. Outdoor Water Solutions offers some of the best solar pond aeration systems in the industry. Choice of three different solar pond aerator systems: DD Solar Aerators – Any Depth Operate during the daylight hours and are designed to aerate and circulate your pond for 8-12 hours. A DD solar aerator for ponds of all depths. DD Solar Aerators < 12' Depth Operate during the daylight hours and are designed to aerate and circulate your pond for 8-12 hours. DD solar aerator for ponds less than 12’ in depth. Solar Aeration Battery Back Up Solar Pond Aeration Battery Backup for solar pond aeration systems is designed to aerate at night or during extended periods of poor weather. These solar aeration units have 3 days of battery life and can operate up to 20 hours a day. Why do you need a solar pond aerator? If you have a pond, you know that stagnant water can cause unwanted bacteria, pests, as well as illnesses that can harm your fish. Having a pond aerator is essential to keep circulation of water and air inside your pond. The more oxygen you have the better off your pond will look and also healthier your fish will be. A great option for an aerator is a solar pond aerator. These aerators are made up of solar panels that transform sunlight into electrical energy to power the aeration system. By using sunlight to power your pond aerator, you can minimize the use of environmental resources thus saving on electricity. Solar pond aerators are also a great option when you can’t run a cable from your power source to your pond. Solar pond aerators come in different sizes. The larger the solar panel, the more sunlight it can absorb and convert. Larger solar panels are able to emit and create higher amounts of electrical energy. It can, therefore, operate a more powerful and efficient aerator. Ponds with lots of direct sunlight will be ideal to power a solar pond aerator. Before you order your Solar Pond Aerator, take note of the depth of your pond, size and also your sunlight conditions will help with choosing the most efficient solar pond aerator for your pond. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 1-855.690.6012 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.
Aeration Windmill Systems, which one is right for you?
Have you been thinking about getting an windmill aeration system for your pond? Having aeration to your pond can improve water quality, reduce algae, enhance pond fish habitats as well as breakdown unwanted bacteria and remove unwanted odors from your pond. There are many choices for aeration systems but if you are looking for a system that doesn’t use an electric source and you don’t want to pay to have one installed, a Aeration Windmill System is a great choice! Outdoor Water Solutions have many choices in Aeration Windmill Systems: 24 Foot Windmills This is one of the TALLEST windmills on the market! Impressive 24′ tower stands over 27 feet tall when fully erected. If you’re not quite sure about your location and wind speed, then going taller is typically better. The amount of wind you can capture at 27’ is substantially more than at 15’ especially if you have smaller tree’s or buildings in proximity. Any of our three or four-legged metal windmills are available with our 24’ towers. You can have yours galvanized or powder coated and with a personalized tailfin if you prefer. This 24’ windmill tower can also be a fully functioning aeration windmill or an Ornamental version if you just want a decorative windmill on your farm or property. Shop 24 Foot Windmills Four Legged Windmills We now offer a 4-Legged windmill tower for customers who prefer to have an extra leg! We’ve sold thousands of towers with 3 leg’s, but some customers just want an extra one. Our 20’ towers measure 20′ in height or over 23′ with the head. You can also choose our 24’ tower which makes the windmill 27’ tall. Our four-legged windmills come in both galvanized and a broad range of powder coat colors. Structurally, both the three and four leg towers are sound and we have not had issues with either one from a high wind situation given our self-governing heads, but some people prefer the look of a 4 legged aeration windmill so to meet customer needs, we added this to our product line up. Shop Four Legged Windmills Galvanized Traditional Windmill This is one of our most popular product lines. High quality galvanized windmills, just like the old-time farm windmills. Designed to last for 15, 20 or even 30 years, these windmills are made in the U.S.A. and are not an import line. All of our windmills feature our unique BalCam II™ Technology that spreads the workload across three internally mounted sealed bearings. No other company out there has BalCam™ Technology and no one else has a 5-year warranty on their compressors. In fact, most of our competitors only offer 1- or 2-year warranty on their compressors. We honestly feel ours are the best, so we are confident in standing behind them. Shop Galvanized Traditional Windmill Powder Coat Windmills If you’re looking for a nice windmill that works great and looks even better, then you need to take a look at our powder coated windmill line! We use a high-quality UV protective powder coat paint that is baked on, just like a new car. This is not spray paint and is made to last. We can powder coat almost any color you can imagine and can also customize your tailfin with the name of your farm, business, Golf Course, subdivision, etc. on it. We can also powder coat the heads on our wooden windmills as well. Shop Powder Coat Windmills Wood Windmills Want a more Nostalgic look and feel? Our new wooden windmill towers are a masterpiece in design. Manufactured in the U.S. with a light cedar colored pressure treated wood, this windmill will look great for a long time! Assembled height of the windmill and head is 19′. The legs are 4” x 4” lumber with 1” x 4” cross braces. The maintenance platform is constructed out of 2” x 4” pressure treated wood and looks great connected to the windmill tower. All screws and hardware are either hot dipped galvanized or treated for use with pressure treated wood ensuring your windmill will stand for a long time. All mounting plates are powder coated to prevent rust. Shop Wood Windmills Outdoor Water Solutions worked together with a team of engineers to develop the most advanced technology available for wind driven aeration on the market today. Our new “BalCam II” technology revolutionizes the industry by significantly increasing the amount of air produced with a single diaphragm utilizing our new balanced camshaft system. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Our products are proudly made in the U.S.A. Please email or call us at 1-866-471-1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote.
Beneficial Microbes
Microbial life is the most abundant form of life on earth. These organisms can be single-celled or a cluster of multiple cells, but their defining trait is that they are all invisible to the naked eye. Only with the assistance of a microscope are we then able to truly begin to understand what these organisms are and what role they play in our lives. When discussing microorganisms, generally pathogenic microbes are the first to come to mind such as viruses, bacteria, and harmful fungi. But, the number of neutral or even beneficial microbes outweigh pathogens substantially. As humans, we rely on a myriad of microorganisms in our intestines and elsewhere to live happy, healthy lives. If these microbes become unbalanced or substituted with the incorrect species, a host of problems can arise in a persons life. Thus, we have no choice but to forge a symbiotic relationship with the unseen world. This collaboration between the micro and macroscopic world exists in every ecosystem known on earth, including ponds and lakes. Much like humans, waterbodies need the appropriate strains of microorganisms present to be conducive for life. Fortunately, we have been able to isolate different strains of bacteria, specifically Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, that can provide immense benefits to your waterbody. This species of bacteria has been widely used across several industries due to some of its characteristics. Naturally found in soil, this bacterium is extensively used in wastewater treatment plants due to its ability to decompose organic material such as fats, proteins, and nutrients that accumulate in water overtime. The stagnant organic matterwill slowly leach nutrients into the water such as phosphorus and nitrogen, leading to eutrophic conditions. When water becomes nutrient rich, unwanted plant and algae growth will inevitably follow. By supplementing this bacterium, we can take the natural process of decomposition and accelerate it, lowering the organic matter and nutrient concentration in your waterbody. Most microorganisms are either aerobic or anaerobic, meaning they either require oxygen to function, or require a lack of oxygen to function. Bt is considered a Facultative Anaerobe meaning it can respire with or without oxygen. This is important because many waterbodies are not properly aerated, so some waterbodies will lack oxygen on the bottom, while aerated ponds will have oxygen present. In either case, whether you have an aeration system present or not, our bacterial blend will work for you. Outdoor Water Solutions Bacteria – Outdoor Water Solutions is proud to offer the highest quality bacteria in the marketplace. Our proprietary blend contains 5 different strains of Bt that were chosen with ponds and lakes in mind. Several things make our product stand out from other competitors, one being the concentration of bacterium. Due to our dry barley straw blend, we are able produce 2 Billion CFU’s per gram of bacteria, whereas most other companies are only able to establish 1 Billion. This dry blend allows us to get 20-50x more active bacteria in the package than possible with a competing liquid product. On top of the higher concentration, the ease of application is unmatched. Our formulation is packaged in water-soluble bags that will quickly dissolve, releasing the bacterium into the waterbody. Application – Your beneficial bacteria will come in individually wrapped bags in a larger bucket. Before application, you will want to ensure that your water temperature is not below 50 °F. Below this temperature, the bacteria becomes dormant and will not decompose at its optimal rate. For the first treatment of the year, it is recommended doing what is called a “shock” treatment. The normal dose is two bags for every quarter acre, or 8 bags per acre. For your shock treatment, you will want to double this, making it 16 bags per acre. In doing so, you are giving the bacteria the best chance of colonizing and remaining in the water column. After this, you will want to do the normal dose of 8 bags per acre every two weeks to ensure the concentration stays at optimal levels. Try to evenly spread out where you are throwing the bags, ensuring that the entire waterbody is inhabited by these microbes. Benefits – Without aeration and/or the supplementation of beneficial pond microbes, your pond will age like everything else in life. As previously mentioned, this aging process can result in high levels of nutrients and even loss of depth as a result of organic matter accumulation. By supplementing your waterbody with these environmentally friendly microbes, you can turn back the hands of time by reducing the nutrient content and even gaining back lost depth. Another benefit of using our brand of microbes is that they are totally safe for fish and plants. As stated, these microbes were discovered in soil, so they are already naturally occurring. We are simply increasing the concentration present. By doing so, this can accelerate decomposition of dead algae and plants. A consequence of increased decomposition can, in many cases, reduce odors that are often associated with stagnant water. So, if you are looking to enhance the overall health of your waterbody, enriching your pond with our beneficial microbes is the one of the best steps you can take to restore balance to the ecosystem.
Why Do I Need A Solar Pond Aerator?
If you have a pond, you know that stagnant water can cause unwanted bacteria, pests, as well as illnesses that can harm your fish. Having a pond aerator is essential to keep circulation of water and air inside your pond. The more oxygen you have the better off your pond will look and also healthier your fish will be. A great option for an aerator is a solar pond aerator. These aerators are made up of solar panels that transform sunlight into electrical energy to power the aeration system. By using sunlight to power your pond aerator, you can minimize the use of environmental resources thus saving on electricity. Solar pond aerators are also a great option when you can’t run a cable from your power source to your pond. Solar pond aerators come in different sizes. The larger the solar panel, the more sunlight it can absorb and convert. Larger solar panels are able to emit and create higher amounts of electrical energy. It can, therefore, operate a more powerful and efficient aerator. Ponds with lots of direct sunlight will be ideal to power a solar pond aerator. There are several choices of solar pond aerators. Knowing the depth of your pond, size and also your sunlight conditions will help with choosing the most efficient solar pond aerator for your pond. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 1-866-471-1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote.
Can I Aerate a Pond Without Electricity?
You sure can! Solar Aerators are an excellent way to oxygenate ponds in areas where there is limited access to electricity or wind power. Solar aeration is a green energy alternative that will help you save on your electric bill. Here at Outdoor Water Solutions we offer industry-leading solar pond aeration systems. To meet your individual aeration needs, we provide three different solar aeration systems available in multiple configurations, with and without accessories, all with “Direct Drive” (DD) technology: DD Solar Aerators – Any Depth Operate during the daylight hours and are designed to aerate and circulate your pond for 8-12 hours. These DD solar aerators are for ponds of all depths. DD Solar Aerators < 12′ Depth Operate during the daylight hours and are designed to aerate and circulate your pond for 8-12 hours. These DD solar aerators are for ponds less than 12’ in depth. Solar Aeration Battery Back Up The Solar Pond Aeration Battery Backup for solar pond aeration systems is designed to aerate at night or during extended periods of poor weather. These solar aeration units have 3 days of battery life and can operate up to 20 hours a day. Why Do I Need A Solar Pond Aerator? Water carries a fluctuating supply of oxygen that is determined by the atmospheric pressure, temperature, and salinity, (amount of salt). Having a pond aerator is essential to maintaining the water circulation and oxygen in your pond. The more oxygen you have the better off your pond will look and the healthier your fish will be. Photosynthesis generates most of the oxygen in water; however, a multitude of circumstances can block photosynthetic oxygen production. A stretch of hot, cloudy, windless weather, for example, may lead to oxygen depletion. Fish are cold-blooded so hotter weather leads to higher consumption of oxygen as a result of their scaly bodies working harder to regulate body temperature. Excess cloudiness leads to the death of phytoplankton as a result of insufficient light which is essential for photosynthesis while a lack of wind blocks pond circulation limiting atmospheric oxygen diffusion. Innovation Begins with Outdoor Water Solutions You’re in the best place for Solar Pond Aerators. Outdoor Water Solutions’ solar powered aeration systems were pioneered by our president, John Redd. Click here to see John Redd discuss solar aeration systems in a video from our YouTube channel. We can provide more details on each unit and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs. We have customers who use a combination of wind and solar aeration or even wind and electricity using our innovative control box to regulate the systems. Our service department has over 22 years of experience in this industry, and on staff we have an Aquatic Biology expert with a Bachelor’s in Science in Biology from the University of Arkansas. Solar pond aerators come in different sizes. The larger the solar panel, the more sunlight it can absorb and convert. Larger solar panels are able to emit and create higher amounts of electrical energy. It can, therefore, operate a more powerful and efficient aerator. Ponds with lots of direct sunlight will be ideal to power a solar pond aerator. Before you order your Solar Pond Aerator, take note of the depth of your pond, size and also your sunlight conditions will help with choosing the most efficient solar pond aerator for your pond. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 1-855.690.6012 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.
Outdoor Water Solutions Partners with Bill Dance Outdoors to Promote New Products and Technologies to Fisherman and Pond Owners Across the U.S.
Springdale, AR – Outdoor Water Solutions, Inc. has recently entered into an agreement with Bill Dance Outdoors to jointly market and promote new and exciting products for the pond and lake landowner market, of which most are actively engaged in growing bigger fish. “Bill brings a wealth of experience and knowledge and has been one of the leading promoters of fishing across the country while teaching his audience about some really great outdoor products,” says John Redd, President of Outdoor Water Solutions. Bill is a three-time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year and has always believed that it's not how many fish you can catch but how you catch them, and he demonstrates his tricks of the trade every week. Outdoor Water Solutions has been developing an Elite line of aeration systems and fountains that are only sold through their network of Elite dealers. “With Bill’s help on promoting the product line, more customers and more dealers will become aware of the high quality, innovative products that our company has been developing,” says John. His knowledge, experience and credibility are great assets that we feel fortunate to partner with. Outdoor Water Solutions joins other Bill Dance partners like Bass Pro & Cabela’s, Garmin, Mercury, Tracker Boats, Zebco/Quantum and others in this new partnership. As part of this partnership, Bill plans to use Outdoor Water Solutions products exclusively on his own properties and to promote OWS products on Bill Dance Outdoors and on Bill’s social media sites. About Outdoor Water Solutions Outdoor Water Solutions is one of the leading manufacturers of products for ponds and lakes. Selling through a network of Elite dealers, they can design systems for most bodies of water including solar, wind and electric aeration systems, fountains up to 7.5hp, docks, microbes, and a wide range of other products. The Outdoor Water Solutions brand stands for exceptionally high quality products with better performance and longer warranties than other companies while continually innovating and developing new systems. Their line of Direct Drive™ (DD) Solar aeration systems and Elite™ Solar Fountains lead the market with cutting edge technology and offer high quality systems for remote locations that don’t have ready access to power. About Bill Dance Outdoors Bill Dance is widely regarded as “Bass Fishing’s First Superstar.” His prolific career began on the professional tournament circuit where the accolades quickly began filling the boat. Bill is the accomplished holder of 23 National Bass Titles, along with numerous top seven finishes and an impressive array of prestigious awards. Bill retired from competition in 1980, but has been a mainstay in fishing television since 1968. Bill Dance Outdoors has aired over 2000 shows, while Bill himself has produced over 36 educational videos and 12 audio CDs during his career as bass fishing’s top personality. “Outdoor Water Solutions” is a leader in our industry and makes quality products that I’m proud to represent,” commented Bill Dance. “It gives me great pleasure to tell America about the tremendous products they manufacture, they are the best of the best!” he continued.
What is a Windmill Pond Aerator?
The idea of a Windmill has been around since 500 A.D. and perhaps even before that. They were first used by the Persians as water pumps and grain mills, but the principle was the same; man, harnessing wind to do achieve goals in society. All throughout history, wind powered devices were engineered to ease the physical burden on workers when power tools and combustion engines did not exist. Today, man is using wind energy to help power the modern-day electrical grid. But, even the most cutting-edge wind turbine still uses the same basic mechanism to harness wind energy for pond aeration. If only there was a way to utilize the technology of our ancestors to help make your pond healthier and look aesthetically pleasing while do so. Fortunately, there is. As previously stated, the windmill has been used as a water pump, but with modification, it has been engineered to be quite an efficient air compressor and pond aerator. In this case, every revolution of the blades on your windmill generates one pump of a piston that helps form the air compressor. This wind energy is then channeled into weighted tubing leading to one or two air stone diffusers, depending on the pond size. This agitation that a windmill aerator can provide is more than adequate in most ponds. Due to the compressors design, you can place the aeration windmill up to 1000’ away from the pond in case you want to admire it from your porch, while knowing it is benefiting your pond simultaneously. Here are some of the benefits this modernized piece of history can bring your property using pond aeration. Water Quality Health – In general, when there are no measures in place, a pond or lake will age just like everything else. Nutrients, sediment, and organic material will find its way into the waterbody and will start to accumulate over time. There are a multitude of factors that will affect the rate at which these things occur, but on a large enough time frame, it is always the same story. Ponds will become eutrophic (nutrient rich) and will lose depth overtime, making it easier for plants to grow and harder to sustain a healthy environment. All these things are made possible due to the anaerobic nature of stagnant water bodies. With bottom diffused aeration, the water column can be completely destratified and oxygenated. In turn, this halts and even reverses eutrophication due to aerobic decomposition of nutrients. With the introduction to oxygen at the depths of your pond, it becomes an environment suited to support healthy microorganism growth suited to decompose the organic matter that is contributing to the problem. Fish Health – Fish, like humans, need oxygen to survive. It's just the mechanism in which they obtain oxygen is different. As you know, fish filter oxygen from the water via gills. So, it makes sense that fish will seek out and inhabit water with high oxygen concentrations. Without aeration, there are two ways a waterbody becomes oxygenated; contact with the atmosphere at the surface, or when plants release oxygen via photosynthesis. It should be noted that plants also take oxygen out of the water at night via respiration, so they are not a dependable source of oxygenation. And with no disturbance, the upper and lower layers of water do not mix, meaning the lower portion of water never touches the surface. With no oxygen in the lower portion, the fish are forced to inhabit only the upper portion. This decreases their foraging and growth potential, as there are fewer resources and less options. With aeration, as the bubbles ascend to the surface, they bring with them the surrounding water completely breaking up the upper and lower layers. This makes it to where the lower water rises to the surface and touches the atmosphere where it becomes oxygen rich. This vertical movement of water results in oxygen concentration that are suitable for aerobic life. So, if you want your fish to be at their full potential, bottom diffused aeration is essential, much like the oxygen it provides. Fish Kills – If you own a pond, you may vividly remember a fish kill you’ve had, as they can be quite unsettling. A fish kill can be caused by a myriad of reasons, but one of the most common causes is when a pond turns over. As mentioned previously, when a pond isn’t aerated it forms distinct layers. These layers have different properties about them, meaning they are two different environments that support forms of life. The upper layer is warm and aerobic, or oxygen rich, and supports life that requires oxygen. The lower layer is cold and anaerobic, which supports species of life that do not need oxygen to survive. This is mainly unicellular organisms, with a few exceptions. When the changing of the seasons occurs is when having two mutually exclusive environments in the same waterbody becomes devastating. For example, in the fall, a rapid cooling of the warm, upper layer can result in a violent mixing of the two layers. When this happens, the oxygen concentration in the water can plummet, making it impossible for the fish to find water with adequate oxygen. As you know by now, bottom diffused aeration breaks up these layers, solving the problem before it has the chance to happen to you. Mosquito Deterrent – As you may know, mosquito reproduction happens in stagnant waters, that have no movement and are synonymous with foul smells. It can happen in your bird bath, old buckets, and containers, but on a larger scale, can happen in stagnant ponds and lakes. With bottom diffused aeration, this problem can be remediated and cured! As the compressor pumps air to the bottom of the lake, the air stone is designed in such a way that it “splits” the air into many bubbles. In turn, these bubbles rise to the surface and make a disturbance to the surface of the water. Depending on wind speed and consistency, this disruption to the surface could be 24/7. Mosquitoes, in turn, will seek water that is not being disrupted, and will not choose your property as a breeding ground. This is especially helpful if your waterbody is close to your residence. Why choose OWS Windmill Aeration? There are several options you can choose from when shopping for a windmill aerator. What makes Outdoor Water Solutions’ stand out is our compressors’ unique design and sizing. The compressor in our aeration windmill is designed to produce maximum air flow due to the larger diaphragm, larger check valves, and larger airline than competing windmills. Our 73” windmill heads will catch more wind than our 65” Canadian competitors. These modifications have been shown to produce more airflow, ensuring that your pond will be properly aerated. Additionally, we offer a 5 years warranty vs. competitors 1-2-year warranties due our Balcam II technology. You can be sure that you are getting high quality and heavy-duty material for your aeration windmill. The upgraded ½” airline ensures that your pond is receiving optimal airflow. And finally, assembly of your windmill will be a breeze due to the offset holes in the tower. Ease of assembly and windmill efficiency were the top priority when designing our aeration windmills, so that customers have nothing but a positive experience with our product.
Why use Aluminum Sulfate in a Pond?
What is Aluminum Sulfate? Aluminum Sulfate, or alum, is a chemical that is very useful in the context of lake management. It is found in nature but can also be made in a lab very easily. It plays a role in several industries such as paper manufacturing and textile production, although one of the most common uses is in the water treatment industry as a coagulant. This process known as coagulation, or flocculation, is describing the physical accumulation of sediments in the water column with the alum. This accumulation will lead to larger particles which will sink to the bottom, resulting in clean, debris-free water. This process has proven to work on both small and large scale, which means aluminum sulfate use in ponds and lakes is a viable way to clear up your waterbody. Uses and Benefits of Aluminum Sulfate Due to the chemical makeup of alum, it will want to bind with a wide range of particles from clay sediment to nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. When added to the water, the alum has a strong positive charge, and most raw water particles are negatively charged, so they bind very tight to each other. Fortunately, this chemical property solves two of the biggest problems pond owners have; eutrophication and clarity issues. In other words, waterbodies will accumulate and store whatever is washing into it, whether it be nutrients from fertilizer or clay particulates from runoff. Overtime your nutrient levels will become higher due to all the input with nothing balancing it out. Aluminum sulfate can essentially act as a reset button for your nutrient content, as well as any other sediment that might be floating in the water column. Conveniently, phosphorus and nitrogen are the two nutrients that algae and rooted plants rely on the most for growth. When the alum binds with these nutrients, it renders them useless, and if done correctly can prevent plant growth before it happens. Precautions when applying Aluminum Sulfate When applying alum, there are some parameters that need to be watched so we can be confident that the application will go smoothly. The first and most important tests you want to perform is the pH and alkalinity on the waterbody you are going to be applying the alum to. When mixed with water, one of the byproducts of the alum will be sulfuric acid. Alkalinity is a measurement of how well your water can buffer changes in ph. These tests ensure that when the application occurs, your waterbody’s pH will not plummet when the alum is applied, potentially stressing the fish in the pond. You want your pH to be from 6-8, and the Alkalinity to be 50-200 ppm (parts per million). If the alkalinity is too low, there are products available such as calcium carbonate that you can apply pre-treatment to raise it to the appropriate level. Another test that is crucial to success is known as the jar test. This test can be performed at home with 4-6 glass jars, a syringe, and a stir bar. The purpose of this test is to calculate how much product will need to be added to your waterbody to adequately clear the water. First, you want to fill each glass jar with 1 liter of water. If you are trying to remove phosphorus from the water, you will want to buy phosphorus testing strips for each jar. Weigh out 10 grams of alum and thoroughly mix it with one of the jars. This creates a solution at 10 ppm of alum. You then take the syringe and add 2 ml of this solution to your first jar, making sure to leave one jar untouched as your control. You then go up by increments of .5 milliliters, until you run out of jars. So, you should have a 1-liter jar with 2 ml of the premade solution, one with 2.5 ml and so on. This should create a range of jars with different concentrations. Stir for several minutes and then let your jars sit for 24 hours. If the concentration reached the proper concentration, you should have at least one clear jar. If you are testing for phosphorus, simply test each concentration until the ppm has dropped to adequate levels. Why this test is crucial to success is because if you use less than the required amount, you will not achieve the desired results. Alternatively, if you use more than needed, you run the chances of wasting money and inflicting unneeded stress on your habitat. You can see an example of this in the picture below. If the concentration is not enough, you will still have turbid water and no noticeable effects will take place. The jar test also serves another function that can prevent a headache with one simple observation. If done correctly, you should have one jar that is untouched pond water acting as your control. By leaving this jar undisturbed overnight, you are testing to see whether the particles settle or not. If they do, this tells you that there is something mechanical in the water stirring the particulates such as bottom dwelling fish or violent runoff. If this is the case, the alum will likely not solve your clarity issues as those forces will still be present. If the particles do not settle overnight, then that tells you it is a chemical imbalance in the water causing the particles to remain suspended. If this is your result, you are a prime candidate for an alum treatment. Application of Aluminum Sulfate Once you know your desired concentration and confirmed that your pond can adequately buffer the change in pH, you can prepare for application day. If you would like to be extra careful, you can take another pH and alkalinity reading right before the treatment, to ensure the levels are still where you want them. If you have an aerator, leave it on while you are treating the pond. To get the most out of your alum, you will want to premix your supply in a tank of water on a calm day. The premixed solution should be thoroughly agitated to ensure that the alum is free floating in the water. The most simple and common way to apply this solution is with a tank and a gas-powered trash pump. Use the pump to fill the tank with water, apply the alum, mix thoroughly, then use the pump to empty the tank into the waterbody. You will want to apply the alum solution proportionately to depth, applying more in the deeper areas. Shortly after applying, you should see what looks like a cloud forming under the surface of the water. This is that flocculation process previously discussed and is to be expected. If you have an aerator, turn it off once the application is complete and leave it off for at least three days. Expect to see results after 72 hours. If the pond doesn’t have much runoff and cycling water (i.e. several inlets or outlets), the results can last 10-12 years! If runoff is a problem, the treatment may only last 3-5 years, it just depends on your specific waterbody. This product is most effective when applied as a slurry with water. If you do apply this product without pre-mixing the product is denser than water and will settle on the bottom. Ideally, you want the product to remain in the water column for several hours tying up excess phosphorus and sediment. Once on the bottom, it will tie up nutrients and sediment that are already resting but will not efficiently accumulate particles that are suspended. Before and After Aluminum Sulfate Treatments As one of our services, we offer alum treatments to local customers that are looking for a solution to high nutrient content or high turbidity. Here is a recent before and after look at how alum can benefit your pond both aesthetically and health-wise. Pre-application the visibility was 8”, whereas it was 3’2” following application. Before Pond Treatment After Pond Treatment