A definitive solution to toxic algal blooms,
water quality problems and winter icing.

The Cause. (What the experts say)
Water movement, or rather the lack of it, together with higher temperatures such as those experienced at this time of year are likely to be of more importance in determining the onset of algal blooms rather than nutrient levels.

“Whilst nutrient pollution, i.e. Phosphorus, of waterways exacerbate the growth of algal blooms, there is little unequivocal evidence to support the view that most algal blooms are caused by excessive nutrient pollution. It is possible to argue that the key to determinant in the onset of an algal bloom is the physical mixing rather than nutrient status of the water body”.

“Calm water conditions combined with temperature stratification around the warmer months of the year provide a catalyst for algal blooms.  The nutrient status of the water enables the bloom to grow quicker but not necessarily is a reduced nutrient status going to minimise the bloom size, just slow down the reproduction. (Sainty & Jacobs. 1994).

“Well mixed waters reduce the release of nutrients from the sediments and disperse nuisance algal blooms. Also the use of aerators promotes the growth of the biologically friendly aquatic fauna which compete against the algae. (Entwistle, Sonnerman & Lewis 1997).

The Solution.
The installation of re-circulators such as the Rio and Brio systems which provide flow and de-stratification, and the aerator/circulators such as the EOLO and Force 7, both of which not only provide flow but also utilise the Venturi principle to introduce up to 2 cubic metres of air a minute into the aerator slipstream, providing greatly improved oxygenation.

Furthermore, all the above mentioned being of the submerged motor type, they are capable of being submerged at varying depths from close to the surface, where they can also help with de-gassing, to up to five metres depth so as to further intensify the beneficial effects of aeration, de-stratification and circulation.

Since submerged motor aerators and re-circulators of this type are inconspicuous as well as being silent in operation, they are particularly well suited to rod and line fisheries where they do not in any way detract from the enjoyment of both the sport and the tranquillity of the environment.

Where additional degassing as well as the introduction of oxygen is required, the Splash aerator which throws up a dome of white water of around two cubic metres of water per minute in the half hp version and over three metres of water a minute in the one hp version, can provide both a very efficient and low cost answer to many problems.

The new 1.5hp Splash provides roughly the same aeration and de-stratification effect but with the added appeal of a higher throw of water in an attractive fountain effect which may be a bonus to those who wish to have a feature lake such as hotel fisheries, caravan parks and landscaped gardens.

For deeper waters, the Splash can have an extended water draw skirt fitted so as to intensify the de-stratifying and degassing effects by bringing up colder water from close to the bottom aerating it and releasing unwanted gasses formed by rotting vegetation and other nutrients locked in the pond bottom.

In the winter months the lifting of water from the bottom can be very useful in helping to keep fishing lakes ice free since the then warmer water is brought to the surface thus helping offset the freezing surface temperature.

The cost.
None of the above aerators need necessarily break the bank since costs vary from around £500 +VAT for a Splash aerator and around £600 + VAT for an EOLO or Force 7 aerator.

All of the above aerators and more are available from Aquaculture Equipment and it’s distributors throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland who can offer everything from help and advise, both of which come free of charge, to a complete installation package including the provision the full electrical installation and full after sales service.

For further details, literature and a free DVD or VHS video showing the aerators working both above and below the water, please contact Aquaculture Equipment Limited. Tel (44) 01706 715550, Fax (44) 01706 645255 or email info@aquacultureequipment.co.uk