Pond stratification, or how a sick pond can become healthy
Without proper aeration, pond water can become stratified, creating a “sick”, unhealthy pond.
Think of a pond in layers. Warm water is less dense, therefore it will sit on top of colder, denser, deeper water. This stratification of water into layers is more common and pronounced in the summer when surface temperatures are greater.
An unhealthy pond with layers, or stratification. Without aeration, static temperature zones are created.
The warm, top layer is called the epilimnion.
Then there’s the middle layer called the metalimnion. This is also referred to as a “thermocline“. The thermocline is the transition layer between the warmer surface layer and the colder deep water layer.
The cold, bottom layer is the hypolimnion.
As summer wears on, oxygen in the lower hypolimnion layer is depleted by organisms there. As oxygen is depleted, fish and other aerobic organisms move to the other layers, go dormant or die off.
Introducing aeration to a pond changes everything. A bottom aeration system creates a vertical current. Bottom aeration uses the rising force of millions of small bubbles to turn the pond water over. This allows all levels of the pond to carry dissolved oxygen.
The water on the bottom level moves up throughout the pond. This eliminates the thermal stratification or separation of water layers. Oxygen levels increase throughout the pond which expands the living space and promotes the natural breakdown of organic material at the bottom of the pond.
We can consult with you on proper aeration and other solutions for your pond. Contact us today with any questions you have!