The 10 Best Pond Aerators to Buy in 2024
If you take care of a pond, it’s important to know that taking proper care and aeration of the pond’s water is essential to its overall health. A great way to take care of your water and everything living within it is with a pond aeration system.
A pond aerator helps to keep your pond looking healthy and smelling pleasant. It will increase the oxygen levels in the water, prevent stagnation, create water movement, control algae growth, regulate temperature, promote the growth of healthy bacteria, discourage the growth of bad bacteria, and improve overall water quality. If you live in colder climates, an aerator will also keep your pond from completely freezing over during the winter.
Not only will aerating your pond help with the vitality of the water, but it will also ensure the health of all of the species and ecosystems living within the pond. Fish, turtles, amphibians, aquatic plants, and microorganisms living in the sediment all depend on proper aeration to thrive. Keeping your water properly aerated will keep your pond and it’s critters happy and healthy.
If you are a pond owner and looking to correctly care for your body of water, having the right aeration system is important. If you’re looking to improve the overall quality of your pond, keep reading below to learn how to shop for the best aerators and systems for your pond.
- Different Types of Pond Aeration Systems
- Top 10 Best Pond Aerators 2024
- 1. Best Overall Pond Aeration System: Aquascape 75000 Pond Air 2
- 2. Aquascape Pro Aeration Kit
- 3. Best Budget Pond Aerator: Rootscape Large Pond Aerator
- 4. Best Premium Pond Aerator: Living Water Aeration Airpro
- 5. iYeHo Solar Water Air Pump
- 6. CrystalClear PondAir Aerator Kit
- 7. Laguna Aeration Kit for Ponds
- 8. Hiblow HP 80 Linear Air Pump
- 9. CrystalClear KoiAir Water Garden Aerator Kit
- 10. TetraPond Air Pump Kit
- Pond Problems: Reasons to Aerate Your Pond
- Finishing Up
Different Types of Pond Aeration Systems
Pond aerators all serve the same common purpose, but there are different types of aeration systems that you can use depending on your specific wants and your pond’s specific needs.
Picking the right aeration system for your pond depends not only on your preference and budget, but on many factors including but the shape of your pond, the size of the pond, the depth of the pond, and the general flow of the water.
Fountain Aerator
A floating fountain aerator is an aerator that oxygenates the pond via a spouting fountain. This is also the most aesthetically pleasing option for those who love the look and sound of a fountain on a body of water. This kind of aerator takes water from the pond and throws it into the air where it collections oxygen from the open atmosphere, incorporating it into the rest of the water when it falls back into it. This will help increase both movement and oxygen levels in your pond water.
Fountain aerators are best for people with an average budget, people looking for an aesthetically pleasing option, shallow ponds, ponds that are oval-shaped, round-shaped, square-shaped, or triangle-shaped. If you have a deeper or more irregular shaped pond, fountain aerators will still work but more than one fountain aeration system may be required.
Submersed Diffusion Pond Aerator
Submersed (or submerged) diffused pond aerators are aeration systems that reside on the very bottom of your pond. These aerators release oxygen directly into the water at different and specific areas of the pond. Placing a few of these submerged diffusers in varying areas of the pond will ensure that every part of the water is getting the proper oxygen and movement necessary to keep water quality high.
Submersed or submerged aerators are best for people with an average to high budget, deeper ponds, ponds that are irregularly shaped, asymmetrically shaped, or long and narrow in shape.
Solar Powered Aerator
A solar-powered aerator is an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient aeration option for your pond. They are big and powerful aerators that can aerate large bodies of water. Running purely on solar energy, they can be run up to 20 hours per day on the average sunny day. Many also have backup battery systems that will allow them to run on dark, cloudy, or stormy days. Using almost no electricity compared to standard aeration systems, this is a huge money-saver for your monthly electric bill.
Solar-powered aerators are best for smaller budget buyers, environmentally conscious consumers, large ponds, and even large lakes.
Windmill Powered Aerators
A windmill-powered aerator is another environmentally friendly and energy-efficient aeration option. Powered by windmill units outside of the pond, this aerator is run completely on renewable energy and will save you a lot of money on your electric bill every month. These aerators usually offer a bit less aeration than other models because the wind can be an unpredictable and sometimes unreliable resource, so they are a great option for ponds which don’t need anything too powerful. Windmills can also be very aesthetically pleasing to some property owners.
Windmill powered aerators are best for budget buyers, environmentally conscious consumers, people who are looking for an aesthetically pleasing option, people with limited access to power, remote locations, and ponds that do not need a lot of aeration.
Top 10 Best Pond Aerators 2024
1. Best Overall Pond Aeration System: Aquascape 75000 Pond Air 2
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The double and quadruple outlet styles help to create a wide area of aeration in your ponds
Notes and Features
This submersed aeration system comes in 2 outlet and 4 outlet options. It’s energy-efficient and quiet to run as well as winter-resistant. Preassembled check valves and weighted air stones come alongside an air pump speed of 8 to 14 liters per minute. The two outlet option can aerate ponds up to 2,000 gallons, while the four outlet option can aerate ponds up to 3,500 gallons. Unfortunately, the compressor must be covered or sheltered.
Review
A great budget option, the Aquascape 75000 Pond Air system is ideal for people who are looking to aerate stagnant areas in their ponds. Best for ponds on the smaller side, up to 9 feet deep. This aerator helps properly oxygenate ponds to reduce algae growth and stagnation. This is a small and quiet option that won’t disturb your fish, other surrounding wildlife, or your property’s peaceful atmosphere.
Pros
- 25-foot air line
- Has a check valve
- Wide aeration range
- Low energy use
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Lower air pump speed
- No cover for outside compressor
- Lightweight discs may float
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The outdoor-rated compressor is heavy-duty enough to stand up to the outside elements.
Notes and Features
This compressor is sturdy enough to survive the outside elements. Rubber feet keep noise and vibration to a minimum. The preinstalled valve is freeze resistant while the unit is weighted to stay at the bottom of the pond. It contains a self-cleaning rubber membrane and can aerate ponds up to 5,000 gallons in size. The Pro Air 60 Aeration Kit can aerate ponds up to 15,000 gallons in size.
Review
Good for pond owners with a low to moderate budget, the Aquascape Pro Air 20 and 60 Aeration Kits are great for ponds that are up to 5,000 gallons and 6.5 feet deep to 15,000 gallons and 11.5 feet deep. While it’s good for oxygen levels and water movement, it does not completely keep the ice from freezing over in deeper ponds, so those who are in cold climates should check out options like the Rootscape Large Pond Aerator. The system runs very quietly so it won’t disturb fish, wildlife, or the peaceful atmosphere.
Pros
- Weather-resistant compressor
- Weighted aeration discs
- Good for larger and deeper ponds
- Moderate budget
- Quiet system
Cons
- Higher wattage
- 10lb weight
- Air pump too visible
- Doesn’t completely keep ice from freezing over
3. Best Budget Pond Aerator: Rootscape Large Pond Aerator
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The weighted design keeps this aerator at the bottom of your pond, preventing all instances of floating and flipping.
Notes and Features
The non-clog design helps the system to self-clean and the weighted base keeps the aerator at the bottom of the pond and prevents floating and flipping. The device comes preassembled, adding oxygen to water and improves water quality. Unfortunately, the air hose and air pump are not included.
Review
The Rootscape Large Pond Aerator and Bubbler is a low to moderate budget-friendly option to oxygenate your pond water. The bubbler comes preassembled, but the air hose and compressor must be bought separately. The bubbler is extremely powerful, making it great for aeration in ponds up to 20,000 gallons. It may be a bit too powerful and vigorous for smaller ponds or ponds with delicate species of plants and fish.
Pros
- Weighted design
- Aerator bubbler is budget-friendly
- Self-cleaning design
- Adds oxygen and eliminates ice buildup
- Small and lightweight design
Cons
- Hose and air pump sold separately
- Too powerful for small ponds
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: Can aerate ponds up to 1 acre in size
Notes and Features
With a rocking piston system and weighted tubing, this 1/4 HP compressor comes with a two-year warranty. The system is large; 46 pounds and 20.4 x 19.1 x 18.5 inches.
Review
For pond owners who have a larger pond and a higher budget, the Air Pro Deluxe Pond Aerator Kit by Living Water is a great option. For those who want to aerate a large body of water, this powerful aerator can oxygenate ponds up to 1 acre long and 50 feet deep. This model also comes with a two-year warranty for the compressor and a five-year warranty for the tubing, ensuring the product is taken care of and the customer is satisfied.
Pros
- Extremely powerful
- Weighted tubing won’t show
- Aerates ponds up to 1 acre long and 50 feet deep
- Comes with 2-year and 5-year warranties
Cons
- High budget
- Uses more electricity
- Heavy and bulky system
- Too powerful for small ponds
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: Solar energy makes this an energy-efficient option for small and peaceful ponds. Three different mode settings add more control to aeration schedule.
Notes and Features
This solar-powered, energy-efficient, and environmentally-friendly small design relies on a rechargeable battery backup for periods without sun. Its quiet design weighs less than 2 pound, while the unit has three modes: continuous, short cycle, and long cycle.
Review
This pond aerator is a great option for the environmentally-conscious consumer who’s also on a budget. This is a very affordable option for those who want to save on price and on their electric bill every month. A small design, this is a low powered aerator that’s best for small ponds. If you want a bigger unit, check out the Aquascape 75000 Pond Air 2. This system is also great for pond owners who may want to aerate their pond on a timed schedule. With three different modes (continuous, short cycle, and long cycle), you can control exactly when and for how long you aerate your pond.
Pros
- Low budget and lightweight
- Quiet design uses less electricity
- Great for small ponds
- Three modes (continuous, short cycle, and long cycle)
- Solar-powered, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly
Cons
- Too small and weak for large ponds
- Performance is dependent on weather conditions
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: This aeration system is great for decorative ponds such as koi ponds and water gardens.
Notes and Features
This aerator kit comes in two aerator or four aerator models., aerating ponds up to 1,000 gallons and two feet deep. Although it’s budget-friendly, it has no cover for motor and tubes. The aeration kit is 1 pound and 9 x 7 x 5 inches. Replacement parts are cheap and easy to buy; the whole unit has adjustable airflow.
Review
This budget-friendly aeration system is perfect for landowners with koi ponds or water gardens. Quiet and gentle enough not to disturb fish or delicate plants, this is a peaceful and necessary addition to any decorative pond.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Perfect for decorative ponds, koi ponds, and water gardens
- Quiet and lightweight design has adjustable airflow
- Comes in two and four stone options
- Cheap and easy to buy replacement parts
Cons
- Not good for very large or deep ponds
- Motor and tubing exposed to elements
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: Great aerator for cold climates. Will prevent ponds from completely freezing over and features weather-proof and winter-safe tubing.
Notes and Features
Suitable for almost any moderate-sized pond, the outer tubing is weather-proof and winter-safe, but the pump is not. It comes with a styrofoam float to help adjust air stone depth. The kit weighs 3 pounds and is 8 x 9 x 5.3 inches.
Review
This budget-friendly aerator is perfect for people with ponds living in climates that experience long, cold, and harsh winters. This aerator will help to prevent your pond from freezing over completely and trapping toxic gasses in the water with your fish. If you live in a warmer climate, the Aquascape 75000 Pond Air 2 is a great alternative.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Small size
- Great for cold climates
- Great for moderate sized pond
- Tubing is weather resistant
Cons
- Pump is not weather-proof
- Motor runs loudly
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: This gas-powered aerator will consume less electricity than a standard electrical aerator.
Notes and Features
This high-priced, gas-powered aerator pumps 80 liters of air per minute. The kit is 7 pounds and 9.3 x 7.1 x 7.8 inches, with 50 feet of weighted hose.
Review
This high budget aerator is gas-powered, meaning it will consume less electricity than standard models. Its powerful motor can pump 80 liters of air per minute, making it great for medium to large-sized ponds. If you’re looking for even lower energy consumption, though, check out this Solar Water Pump Outdoor Pond Oxygen Aerator.
Pros
- Gas-powered
- Low energy consumption
- One-year warranty
Cons
- High budget
- Not weatherproof
- Motor runs loudly
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: This aerator system comes in three sizes: the mini kit, kit 1, and kit 2.
Notes and Features
Coming in three sizes: the mini-kit which can aerate between 1,000 and 4,000 gallons, kit one which can aerate between 2,000 gallons and 8,000 gallons, and kit 2 which can aerate between 8,000 and 16,000 gallons, these units have a maximum operating depth of 4 feet. Energy-efficient and with quiet operation, they’re for pond owners with a moderate to high budget. A dual-diaphragm and maintenance-free membrane diffuser plate connect to a power cord 6 feet in length.
Review
The CrystalClear KoiAir aeration system comes in three different sizes and is great for any sized pond. From the mini kit to the largest one, this aeration system can aerate between 1,000 and 16,000 gallons of water. An energy-efficient option, this aeration system can be run 24/7 year-round.
Pros
- Mini kit and kit 1 are moderate budget
- Kit 1 has a small and sleek design
- Good for medium to large-sized ponds
- Comes in three different sizes
- Energy-efficient, quiet design
Cons
- Kit 2 high budget
- Mini kit and kit 2 have a heavy and bulky design
- Not good for small or decorative ponds
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: This budget-friendly aerator with an aesthetically pleasing design will help control ice from freezing over ponds in the winter.
Notes and Features
This model, with it’s 30-foot power cord can aerate up to 5,000 gallons of pond water. It helps prevent ice from fully freezing over in cold winter month without using a motor.
Review
The TetraPond Air pump kit is a budget friend and aesthetically pleasing option for those who are looking to aerate small to moderate-sized ponds. This aerator helps to keep ice from completely freezing over your pond in the cold winter months. Because this kit does not use a motor, it relies on high-frequency vibrations to power the pump, making it on the louder side. Another good cold weather option is the Rootscape Large Pond Aerator.
Pros
- 1-year warranty
- Good for moderately sized ponds
- Budget-friendly
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Helps keep ice from freezing over completely
Cons
- Not good for extra-large or deep ponds
- Loud vibrating noise
Pond Problems: Reasons to Aerate Your Pond
If you are experiencing some complications with the health and vitality of your pond, aeration may be the answer. Keeping an eye out for the warning signs of these issues can help you diagnose certain problems you may be having with your pond and help you identify the necessary solutions. If you recognize any of these pond problems listed below, you should look into investing in a reliable aeration system for your pond.
Low Oxygen Levels
Aerating your pond will drastically increase the oxygen levels in your pond. The entire ecosystem of your pond depends heavily on the amount of oxygen in the water. Fish, amphibians, aquatic plants, and microorganisms all require a certain level of oxygen in their water source to survive. Additionally, a pond that has low oxygen levels can cause unwanted bacteria to give off an unpleasant stench, similar to sulfur or rotten eggs, making the body of water extremely smelly. Keeping your pond oxygen-rich will keep your water fresh and your ecosystems healthy. Low oxygen levels are also a large contributor to the rest of the problems listed here.
When measuring the oxygen levels in your pond, you’ll want to know what levels are low and detrimental to your fish. The air we breathe is 200,000ppm (parts per million) oxygen concentration. Water is obviously much lower than that, with the most oxygenated bodies of water reaching around 10ppm. A healthy oxygen level for an average pond is at least 5ppm. Once a pond reaches levels around 3ppm, adverse reactions will begin to happen in your pond. If it dips down to 2ppm, it is very dangerous for most of the living things inside your water.
Overgrowth of Algae
If your pond is producing too much algae, it can be remedied by increasing the oxygen levels in the water. When freshwater becomes low in oxygen, it becomes stagnated and can create a kind of “muck” on the bottoms, sides, and all over rocks inside ponds. Too much of this pond muck will create a slimy feel, offensive smell, and unpleasant look to the pond. Increasing the oxygen levels in the water helps cultivate the healthy bacteria that feeds specifically on excess algae, fish and amphibian excrements, and general pond muck. This will keep your water clean, clear, and fresh.
High phosphorous levels will also encourage algae to overgrow. Aerating your pond will help to lower the phosphorous levels in the water by adding oxygen that creates a reaction in the phosphorous, causing it to bind with naturally occurring iron. Once the phosphorous and iron are combined, they are now useless to the algae and will not help the algae to grow anymore.
Automatic Fish Feeding
Pond owners usually like to create an ecosystem that’s as self-sufficient as possible. A pond aerator is a great way to keep the water itself healthy, but fish need to eat something, too. Check out our favorite automatic fish feeders if you’re looking to be minimally involved in the day-to-day of your pond.
Stratification
When a body of water is too still, the water can become stratified. Stratified water is separated into different layers that all contain a different composition of oxygen, nutrients, and other gasses.
There are three main levels of stratified water: the epilimnion, the thermocline, and the hypolimnion. The epilimnion is the warm and oxygen-rich level on the very top of the water. The thermocline is the middle of the water where the layers of water meet differentiated by temperature. On the top of your pond, you will find warmer water that is heated by the sun. The hypolimnion is the very bottom layer of the water, where it is the darkest, coldest, and least oxygenated. Not only do these layers differ in temperature and oxygen levels, but they will differ in bacteria and nutrients.
When you aerate your pond, you are forcing oxygen into the water and creating water movement that will eliminate stratification and rid your pond of the thermocline layer, fully incorporating the water throughout the pond and ensuring that oxygen, nutrients, and healthy bacteria can reach every part of the water.
Mass Fish Kill
Fish, naturally, will die—it’s inevitable. But occasionally they will also be part of a natural phenomenon called a “fish kill.” A fish kill is an event where a large number of fish seem to die inexplicably all at the same time. This can happen for a variety of reasons: low oxygen levels in the water causing the fish to suffocate, the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the water causing mass fatal illness, or the thermocline border becomes too predominant, and the fish cannot adequately adapt to the differences in the layers of the water. Keeping your pond properly aerated will prevent all of these things from happening, making it a healthy environment for your fish and other aquatic animals to thrive.
In colder climates, many bodies of water will frequently freeze all the way over during the winter months. This can be extremely harmful to the fish and other aquatic animals living below, as the toxic gasses will then have nowhere to escape. Trapping these gasses in the water during the long winter months can sometimes cause a mass fish kill.
Reduced Water Quality
If you are noticing that the water quality in your pond is substandard, you may want to consider installing an aeration system in your pond. Overall water quality is affected by all of the problems listed above, and is the most easily accomplished by keeping your water completely still.
Stillness and stagnation causes water to be dark, murky, and unpleasant. This is easily fixed by adding both oxygen and movement to your water. Creating an aerated system where the water has a constantly moving current will keep your water from becoming too still, causing it to be bleak, dreary, unhealthy, and often smelly.
Pond Aerator Maintenance
Taking care of your pond aerator is also an important part of keeping your pond in its best shape. Making sure the oxygen levels are correct is important in ensuring that your aerator is working right. Using an oxygen testing kit is a quick and easy way to make sure that the aeration system is working the way it’s supposed to and there aren’t any problems.
Pond aerator pumps are the most important part of the mechanism. Checking the air filter in the pump is vital in making sure the air is properly being filtered and circulated within the water. If your oxygen levels are low, it may be because the air filter needs to be changed. Diaphragms, piston seals, and air hoses inside the pump will also need to be periodically changed. These parts will eventually wear themselves down and start to decrease in efficiency.
While some of the maintenance can be done at home, other more advanced issues may need to be addressed by your local lake and pond maintenance companies. If you are having problems with your compressor, diffuser, or cooling fan, be sure to contact your local specialization companies to see what maintenance services they may provide.
Finishing Up
Owning a pond can be extremely rewarding. It is a peaceful and beautiful addition to your yard or property that can add a lot of value to your home, business, and life. But a pond is only as valuable as its health, and making sure your pond is properly aerated is an important part of keeping your pond happy and healthy. Finding the right pond aeration system could be the difference between having a pond that dies and goes stagnant, and one that is alive and thriving.
