FAQs
- What is the difference between an aerator and fountain?
- Why a floating aerator or fountain?
- What are the benefits of aeration during winter?
- What size system for your pond or lake?
- Where to place in pond?
- What are the minimum depths required?
- Will debris clog the aerator or fountain?
- Do I need an electrician to install the product?
- What type of power supply do I need?
- Why does my pond get algae?
- What is the Warranty on Otterbine systems?
- Where to Locate Otterbine Serial Numbers?
What is the difference between an aerator and fountain?
Aerators provide water quality management by adding oxygen and inducing circulation in your pond virtually eliminating algae growth, foul odors, insect breeding, and fish kills. Surface aerators do this by pulling water from the lower levels of the pond and throwing the water into the air. As the droplets travel through the air they trap atmospheric oxygen, releasing this oxygen into the water as they strike the surface. In essence, the more water that is pumped into the air, the more oxygen will be transferred into the water. Aerators pump high volumes of water at low pressure.
A fountain’s main function is to create an aesthetically pleasing decorative pattern with minimal aeration qualities. Fountains pump low volumes of water at higher pressure. By capping off the high pumping rate and channeling pressurized water through various nozzles you are able to achieve more decorative and elaborate patterns.
Why a floating aerator or fountain?
In addition to the aesthetics of an aerator and fountain, a floating aerator and fountain has these benefits:
- Adjust automatically to fluctuations in water level.
- Ease to relocate the aerator or fountain to a different area of your pond.
- Removal from the pond for general maintenance or pattern change is made easier.
What are the benefits of aeration during winter?
- Keep ponds open in the winter to support fish and water fowl.
- Deter ice skating or other potentially hazardous activities.
In ponds less than 6 ft (2m) we recommend 2 HP per surface acre or 4,000 square meters. In effluent lakes and ponds with a history of algae, fish kills, and odor problems use 2.5 – 3 HP per surface acre or 4,000 square meters.
Where to place in pond?
Placement of an aerator can vary depending on the pond condition and shape. A single aerator should be placed in the area that will give you the greatest amount of circulation. If the pond has severe algae conditions or is irregularly shaped, more than one aerator may be best to generate the maximum circulation. Click here to see diagrams of placement.
Placement of an aerator can vary depending on the pond condition and shape. A single aerator should be placed in the area that will give you the greatest amount of circulation. If the pond has severe algae conditions or is irregularly shaped, more than one aerator may be best to generate the maximum circulation. Click here to see diagrams of placement.
| Aerating Fountains | 30 in (75 cm)* + additional 10 in (26 cm) when adding lights |
| Large Aerating Fountains | 40 in (100 cm)* |
| Industrial Aerators - High Volume | 40 in (100 cm) |
| Industrial Aerators - Mixers and Aspirators | 3 ft (92 cm) |
| Diffused Aeration | 6 ft (2 m) |
| Giant Fountains | 6 ft (2 m) |
| Aqua Series | 13 in (36 cm)* |
| Instant Fountain | 18 in (46 cm)* |
* It is possible to excavate a small area under the aerator to allow it to float.
Most units come with a debris screen to eliminate clogging with the exception of the High Volume, Gemini, Saturn, Sunburst because they are designed with a “chopper” type impeller which cuts and passes weeds and debris through the unit.
Installation is fairly simple, but will require the services of a certified electrician for the electrical install.
When determining which unit will best fit your needs, you should also consider what power supply is available. Power supplies come in either single phase (otherwise known as ‘residential voltage’) or three phase, (which is associated with commercial and professional sites.). Our units generally operate on 115V or 230V Single Phase or Three Phase depending on horsepower.
First, let us find out what algae is. Algae are simple types of plant life ranging from microscopic specks to seaweed that conduct photosynthesis but without stems, roots, and leaves. Algae are components to your pond’s ecosystem, however an excessive amount of algae destroys your water quality. Some factors which point to excessive algae growth is sunlight and temperature, nutrients, and oxygen. To read more about these factors and water quality, please read the article “Causes of Water Quality Problems”.
| Aerating Fountains | 5 years |
| Large Aerating Fountains | 2 years |
| Industrial Aerators | 3 years |
| Diffused Aeration | 2 years |
| Giant Fountains | 2 years |
| Aqua Series | 2 years |
| Instant Fountain | 2 years |
| Fountain Glo™ Lights | 1 year |
Where to Locate Otterbine Serial Numbers?
Otterbine Serial Numbers can be found in a variety of places depending on the product line. Click here to See Images.
All product serial numbers can be found on:
- Label Inside the Door of the Power Control Center
- Back Cover of the Owners Manual Provided with Product
