Aquaculture Engineering

Aerators - Placement of the aerators

Unit 12 - Management of ponds

Aerators

Placement of the aerators
Proper placement of aerator in ponds plays an important role in efficient mixing of water throughout ponds. In rectangular pond, the best position is to place the aerator at the middle of one of the long sides of the pond directing water parallel to the short side of the pond. Placement of aerator in the corner of the pond to direct water diagonally across the pond should be avoided. Depending upon size and shape of the pond, the placement pattern of the aerators aimed to achieve the best water circulation will vary. Water circulation in the pond is important in breaking up the stratification of water parameters such as oxygen, temperature and salinity. Positioning of the aerators in the pond should be decided taking into consideration the prevailing wind direction so as to effectively distribute the oxygen saturated water all over the pond and to promote the water circulation in it.