Lake Aeration in Jackson, Georgia

outdoor water solutions

Aeration and lake liming are two lake improvements that generate the least amount of enthusiasm from clients. Unlike fishing stocking where there’s instant gratification of seeing 10,000 bluegill go into the lake, seeing 800 meters of weighted airline sink into the lake is a big let down. However, subtle improvements are the difference between phenomenal fisheries and mediocre ones.

Today’s job was an aeration installation in Jackson, GA. Aeration installations are simple to install but they take lots of prep work to make for a smooth day. Outdoor Water Solutions is the company we used for this client. They provided AES with a detailed project map of where each bottom diffuser is to be dropped as well as the amount of air line.

The Parts

outdoor water solutions
This is the cabinet which houses the air compressor to produce the aeration in the lake.
pond management
The tubing comes in large spools for big jobs while for smaller jobs they come in 100 meter boxes. The tubing is weighted so it sinks to the bottom.
bottom diffused aeration
These are the diffusers that go on the lake bottom and produce the fine bubbles.
pond management
The pores on the membrane are extremely fine to produce the small bubbles.

The Installation

Pond aeration
Aeration systems only require PVC glue, teflon tape, and hose clamps.
pond management
Josh is putting the last few turns on a diffuser before it gets dropped.
pond aeration
We use PVC glue with a barbed connector but as extra insurance we secure a hose clamp to the diffuser.
pond management
Lots of logistics were required to make today go smooth. With the amount of diffuser stations and tubing things could go sideways quickly.
pond management
Deploying the diffuser stations requires care because too much pressure on the diffuser stems can cause cracking. We use PVC glue and clamps to secure all air lines but great care is still used.

The Worst Case

This particular client has a lot invested in the fishery both in time and money. Aeration systems prevent summer fish kills among other things. They also help break up bottom muck, reduce foul odors, and limit the amount of biting insects. If your lake water resembled a bowl of pea soup last summer, an aeration system is something that should be seriously considered.

Below is a client that had four years worth of management invested in his lake. He sent us these horrific pictures of his lake one summer morning. This is why we aerate lakes.

Threadfin Shad
These are dead threadfin shad.
bluegill
This shoreline was where the bulk of the bluegill washed up. This client loves to fly fish for big bluegill. Seeing crows and buzzards fly off with your dead 1 lb bluegill cuts deep.
big bass
A front loader full of stud 4-6 lb largemouth.

The reason this lake experienced a fish kill was because the lake flipped. There was a period of cloudy rainy weather during the heat of the summer. Oxygen levels crashed and the fish had nothing to consume. Call the office this spring before it’s too late for your pond.