Causes of oxygen depletion
The most common oxygen problem occurs when consumption by respiration exceeds the amount of oxygen produced through photosynthesis and diffusion from the air. Algae grow in large quantities as a result of heavy fish feeding. As the quantity of algae increases, it accumulates closer and closer to the surface to gather sunlight and increasingly shades the lower depths. As a result, most of the oxygen is produced near the surface, leaving a large volume of water below the first 2 to 4 feet deficient in oxygen production. Eventually, oxygen produced during the day is less than the demand for oxygen during the night, resulting in possible death or undesirable stress on fish.
Another type of oxygen depletion occurs when algae die suddenly. When algae die, not only does the pond lose its source of oxygen but the decaying algae use considerable amounts of oxygen. All causes of sudden algae die-offs are not fully understood, but it is known that die-offs can occur after pond treatments with certain chemicals and herbicides. Predicting natural algae die-offs is difficult. However, they are often associated with surface algae scum and very heavy algal "blooms." When a die-off occurs, the green water often becomes streaked with gray, black or brown. The color of the water may eventually become totally brown, gray, black, milky or clear. A distinct foul smell may also be noticeable.
The third and most serious kind of oxygen depletion is referred to as a "turn-over." During hot summer weather, surface water becomes less dense as it absorbs heat and it floats over a cooler, denser layer of water. All the oxygen is produced in the warmer layer and the two layers may not mix for weeks at a time, especially in deep water ponds. Eventually, all the oxygen is used up in the lower, cooler layer. A cool snap or a thunderstorm with wind and hard rain can cool the warm surface water making it heavy enough to sink and mix with the oxygen deficient bottom layer. The net result is a dilution of the oxygen and an increase in the demand for oxygen from dissolved minerals and decaying organic matter. To complicate these problems, the algae usually die at the same time. "Turn-overs" cause the most catastrophic fish kills in ponds.
Solution to air depleted pond water
Pond Aeration for Backyard Water Gardens & Koi Ponds
- Pond aerators
- Increases water circulation and prevents stagnation
- Can be used to help prevent icing-over in the colder weather for you outdoor pond
- 1YEAR WARRANTY!
- Oxygenate your pond healthier fish and plants.
