Product and Service Frequently Asked Questions
Windmill Pond Aerators
What do i need to do for maintenance on my windmill?
What do i need to do for maintenance on my windmill?
Very little. We use high-quality sealed bearings so there is nothing to grease inside of the compressor. You might have to change out the diaphragm and check valves every 4-7 years. Other than that, you should periodically check your air stone or rubber disc diffuser and clean it, if necessary, every year or two.
At low wind speeds, I can only get air to come out of one diffuser, how come?
At low wind speeds, I can only get air to come out of one diffuser, how come?
At low wind speeds, the windmill might only be producing .5 to 1.0 CFM of air. This is sufficient for one diffuser, but probably isn’t enough air to operate two diffusers. As your wind speed picks up, the second diffuser should kick in if your valves are adjusted appropriately.
Why do you need a two-way selector valve when running two diffusers. Can't I just split the airline with a "T"?
Why do you need a two-way selector valve when running two diffusers. Can't I just split the airline with a "T"?
Air will always go to the point of least resistance. If one diffuser is a little shallower or has a shorter airline, it will want to take most of the air. You’ll have to restrict the airflow to this diffuser with a valve system with ball valves so that air is forced out of your other air diffusers equally.
Why do you put your air stones in a bucket?
Why do you put your air stones in a bucket?
We sell several different styles of diffusers. Some have their own bases and some do not. The air stone diffuser does not have a base so we put it inside of a bucket to keep it out of the mud and the muck on the bottom and to also weight it down into something so it sits on the bottom flatly and pushes air and water upwards. We recommend adding some rock, sand or concrete to the bottom of the bucket for weight and tying a marker onto the bucket so that you can raise and lower it or move it if needed.
Why does my windmill head rock back and forth?
Why does my windmill head rock back and forth?
Usually, this happens when you have low wind speeds or winds coming from multiple directions vs. a head on wind. The rocking back and forth is due to the backpressure on the system. If you have your diffuser at 12’, then it will take about 5 pounds of pressure to push air thru the airlines.
To build up 5 lbs. of pressure it might take a 4, 5 or 6 mph wind to get the head to turn. This is a normal part of operation, especially at low wind speeds or if you have inconsistent winds. If you have tree’s or buildings within 200-300’ of your windmill, they might block the wind or cause the wind to “swirl”, which can sometimes prevent your windmill head from finding a straight on wind.
Electric Pond Aerators
What do i need to do for maintenance on my Pond Aerator?
What do i need to do for maintenance on my Pond Aerator?
Not much. You’ll want to clean or replace the air filter once or twice a year, check your diffusers for buildup, and replace diaphragms or seals every few years depending on use. Most customers tell us they spend less than an hour or two a season keeping their system in good shape.
What if it’s not working right — no bubbles or weak airflow?
What if it’s not working right — no bubbles or weak airflow?
That usually means there’s a clog, a leak, or the diaphragm inside the compressor has worn out. First, check your airline for cracks or loose fittings. If the compressor’s running but no bubbles are coming up, the diffuser may need a cleaning. If it’s been a few years, it could be time to swap out the diaphragm kit. These are all routine fixes we can walk you through.
Why do you need a two-way selector valve when running two diffusers. Can't I just split the airline with a "T"?
Why do you need a two-way selector valve when running two diffusers. Can't I just split the airline with a "T"?
Air will always go to the point of least resistance. If one diffuser is a little shallower or has a shorter airline, it will want to take most of the air. You’ll have to restrict the airflow to this diffuser with a valve system with ball valves so that air is forced out of your other air diffusers equally.
Can I run the aerator in winter?
Can I run the aerator in winter?
Yes, and in fact we recommend it in many cases. Aeration helps keep a hole open in the ice so harmful gases escape and oxygen gets in, which is critical if you’ve got fish. That said, in really shallow ponds you’ll want to move the diffuser closer to shore in winter so you don’t super-cool the entire pond.
How do I know what size aerator my pond needs?
How do I know what size aerator my pond needs?
We size aerators based on pond depth and surface area. Deeper ponds can move more water with fewer diffusers, while shallow ponds need more surface coverage. A small half-acre pond might only need one diffuser, but a large 2- or 3-acre pond may need multiple. The goal is to turn over the water every 24 hours so nothing goes stagnant.