Pond Aeration: Which Is Better - Pond Fountain or Oxygenating Plants?

There are at least two good reasons to keep your pond well oxygenated. Well oxygenated water stays cleaner longer and keeps the offensive odour caused by anaerobic bacteria at bay. Oxygen is also essential to keep fish and other pond inhabitants alive and healthy. Two ways to introduce oxygen into any water feature is via pump and plant.

To determine which method may be right for you consider the following:

• Will the water feature or pond receive at least 4 hours of sunlight every day?
  
  
• Do you want to have fish?
  
  
• Do you want to keep the water clean naturally without using chemical additives?
  
  
• Have you the time necessary to take care of plants?
  

Submerged plants are also known as oxygenators. They are called that because they add oxygen to the water. At the same time, these plants consume carbon dioxide.

This is part of photosynthesis which happens during daylight hours and requires sun exposure. The plants compete with algae for the nitrates in the water and in this way help keep algae under control.

This process fuels good aerobic bacteria growth and aids fish. The plants help maintain the temperature of the water by creating shade from the sun and providing places for fish to hide. The drawback is that plants take time to establish and maintain, however, cost is in time and not money.

Introducing oxygen into the water via a fountain or waterfall, on the otherhand, is immediate and dependable. It is also adjustable. However, it can cost more initially to set up a waterfall.

Price may also be a factor when selecting the size of the pump required to reach the top of a waterfall or fountain. In addition, operating a pump 24/7 will add to your electricity bill. There is also time taken up by seasonal maintenance and cleaning of filters to keep the pump operating efficiently.

Ultimately the size of your water feature and the presence and number of fish will factor in your decision. Regardless, a pump is recommended to turn water over every couple of hours to help keep pond water healthy.

What if you have a very small water feature or pond and haven't the room for either a fountain or a waterfall?
Or you have decided that plants are just too much trouble?

You can still aerate the water by placing the out take or discharge pipe of your pump at or just below the water's surface. This can create bubbling and introduce oxygen into the water.

Will it be enough? That all depends on the final size and content of your feature.

Ashley Clarke is a business owner and nature lover. For more helpful tips on selecting and maintaining your pond fountain pump please visit her site Solar Fountains and More.