AERATION EQUIPMENT

Diffused (Bottom) Components
Compressors | Diffusers | Cabinets | Air Hose | Options & Accessories

Epilimnetic (Surface) | Directional Flow | Hypolimnetic |

Aquatic Biologists, Inc. offers a complete line of aeration equipment and products to meet a wide range of applications. Our biologists are an unparalleled resource able to provide you with a customized aeration system design. If you are unsure of what components you need within your aeration system please take the time to fill out an Aeration Proposal Request Form (pdf). Our biologists will be happy to assist you.

COMPRESSORS

The heart of any lake-bed, or bottom-mounted aeration system is often the air compressor itself. ABI offers a variety of compressors that are quiet, small, energy efficient and will pump a steady and constant flow of oxygen to your diffuser system.

The key considerations when deciding which air pump, compressor or blower (different ways of moving air) to buy are what volume of air (in cubic feet per minute, cfm) you need, where the diffusers are located, distance of each diffuser location from shore and the pressure (in pounds per square inch, psi) required to supply that volume. Keep in mind it takes 1 psi to push an air bubble 27" below the surface of water. All air compressors used for aquatic purposes should be “oil-less”.

Electrical costs are often times a concern when determining the viability of an aeration system. Electical costs may be determined by how many watts each compressor will use to operate. Don't worry about amps—they are for sizing breakers. Wattage consumption can be determined by using the following formulas:

Single-phase watts= volts x amps x power factor
Three-phase watts = volts x amps x 1.73 x power factor

All of our compressors are sold with a manufacturer’s warranty of 1 year, although our field experience indicates they last for many years if properly operated and maintained.  For best results, all compressors should be placed and secured in a well-ventilated cabinet, to prevent deterioration of electrical components, rusting, and voiding of the warranty. 

Linear
Linear compressors fill the gap between aquarium air pumps and ponds. They are energy efficient and offer higher pressure capabilities than other brands. They are ideal for use in bait shops, classrooms, koi ponds and laboratories.

Linear motors operate on electromagnetic ososcillation which eliminates sliding parts, thereby reducing noise, minimizing power usage and extending motor life. A minimum of 35,000 hours continuous operation is expected from most models before any service is needed.

Our linear compressors are enclosed in a weather resistant enclosure that provides additional sound proofing as well as protecting the motor. 

• Very quiet and energy efficient
• Only 30-50 dba
• 115 volt
UL listed
• No cabinet needed
• Long service life - Minimum of 35,000 hours continuous operation
• Only use in depths up to 5 feet
• 2.8 to 3.6 PSI
• 1 to 10 CFM
• 1-year warranty.

Rocking Piston

Continuous-duty, oil-free rocking piston compressors are the highest performing compressors available today. Rocking piston compressors are a great choice for continuous operation applications possessing high pressure capabilities while operating at lower rpm’s. These features allow them to run cooler and last longer, while. using less electricity than similar compressors. They are the perfect choice for aerating small ponds or deep water applications (to 30 psi). ABI's line of rocking piston compressors are equipped with noise reducing intake air filter, pressure relief valve, 3-foot power cord and thermal overload protection.

Designed for continuous operation
• High pressure capability
• Low RPM (Last longer)
• Relatively quiet
• All wetted aluminum parts treated for corrosion protection from moisture
• 1/4 and 1/3 HP
• 1.6 to 5.5 CFM
• For deep ponds or lakes
• 115 or 230 volt
• Single and twin cylinder units

Rotary Vane
Our top selling compressor

Oilless rotary vane compressors are compact, easy-to-service and excellent for moderate-pressure, continuous-duty applications. They more than double the air output of piston compressors with better longevity. The carbon vanes self adjust for years of maximum efficiency and can be easily replaced in about 15 minutes using common tools.

Thermal overload protection, air filter, inlet check valve and 3' power cord is included.

All of our rotary vane compressors are performance tested and covered by a one-year warranty (not including air filters, vanes, water damage or lightning damage). Although all models can be rewired in the field, it's best if you specify required voltage when ordering, so we can supply the correct power cord (all single-phase models will be wired 115V if not specified). Three-phase models ship with no power cords.

Long lasting/continuous duty
• Medium pressure
• Excellent for pond and lake aeration and de-icing
• Carbon vanes self adjust to maintain maximum efficiency
• Warranty - 1 year on compressor only - Not on vanes
• 1/4, 3/4, 1, 1 1/2 HP and 2 HP units
• 115 or 230 volt
• 10 PSI
• 4.5 to 20 CFM
• Depths up to 18'

Piston

Piston air compressors are for applications requiring higher pressures than our rotary vane compressors are capable of providing. These 50-psi models deliver much more air than the 100-psi models normally found in the marketplace.

Whether you're aerating a deep water lake, overcoming the friction loss of a long run of air piping or forcing air through a fine pore diffuser, these compressors provide a continuous supply of oil-free air. Due to amp draw, 115V models do not have power cords.

One-year warranty. Made in USA.

Best for long runs or deep water applications
• Corrosion resistant
• 115 or 230 volt
• 1 HP (Other sizes available)
• 100 PSI
• 5.4 CFM

Blowers Blowers are designed to provide large volumes of air at low pressure (less than 4 psi). They are commonly used in conjunction with air diffusers and airlifts. This combination adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide with low power consumption. Typical applications include recirculating fish tank and aquarium systems, fish farming facilities, bait fish and lobster holding facilities, and shallow pond aeration. Regenerative blowers are preferred in the aquaculture industry because they are the most reliable and economical in this pressure range. They are intended for shallow water aeration. 1-50 horsepower. Maximum operation depth 25'

DIFFUSERS

Aeration is most effective when the air bubbles are very small. Small bubbles increase diffusion of oxygen from the air into the water. More importantly, the rising bubbles circulate the water in the lake or pond. The smaller the bubbles, the more efficient they are at both oxygen diffusion and circulating the water.

An aerator's standard aeration efficiency (SAE) is an important consideration when comparing one aerator with another. The SAE can be calculated by measuring the aerator’s oxygen transfer and the amount of energy used per horsepower, per hour, under standard conditions. An SAE of 2.1, for example, means that 2.1 pounds of oxygen per horsepower, per hour, are transferred to the water under standard conditions. The higher the SAE, the higher the oxygen transfer, the higher the efficiency.

However, SAE numbers are a fair comparison only when comparing aeration equipment of the same exact type. You cannot use the SAE as your only tool in the selection of an aeration system.

MIXAIR Waterbug (WBB4)

Ideal for small ornamental ponds each micro-porous membrane section is 6" long. Fine bubbles are emitted from the entire surface area yielding 25% more oxygen than airstones (1 WBB4 unit = 4 traditional airstones). This diffuser features a unique micro-porous membrane that keeps fine bubbles from coalescing into bigger bubbles. This feature greatly increases the amount of water that these diffusers can move, which means much better aeration. Airflow rates of 0.5 to 1.5 CFM are recommended for the WBB4 Diffuser, but they can handle more than 3 times that much. These diffusers are shipped as a kit and are easy to assemble. This diffuser requires a 3 hole brick (not included) for installation.

Warranty - 1 year.

MIXAIR Waterbug II (WBB6)

The MixAir Waterbug II is designed for use in medimum to large ornimental ponds. Each micro-porous membrane section of this diffuser is 6" long. Fine bubbles are emitted from the entire surface area yielding 25% more oxygen than airstones (1 WBB6 unit = 6 traditional airstones). This diffuser features a unique micro-porous membrane that keeps fine bubbles from coalescing into bigger bubbles. This feature greatly increases the amount of water that these diffusers can move, which means much better aeration. Airflow rates of 0.75 to 2.5 CFM are recommended for the WBB6 Diffuser, but they can handle more than 3 times that much. These diffusers are shipped as a kit and are easy to assemble. This diffuser requires a 3 hole brick (not included) for installation.

Warranty - 1 year.

These units are complete and self weighted featuring a unique micro-porous membrane that keeps fine bubbles from coalescing into bigger bubbles. This feature greatly increases the amount of water that these diffusers can move, which means much better aeration. The MixAir OB1 diffuser id designed for small to medium ornamental ponds and backyard water features while the OB2 diffuser is recommended for use in ponds and lakes with areas of shallow water depths (less than 5 feet).

OB2 Recommended airflow rates: 0.375 - 1.125 CFM Dimensions: 16 1/2"W X 7 1/2"D X 3 1/4"H Weights: 4.5 pounds Active surface area: 73.52" linear lift: 62.40" Flow interference: .75" Ideal CFM: 0.375 - 1.125 (8,000 gph/CFM) Warranty - 1 year	OB Series in Action	OB1 Recommended airflow rates: 0.375 - 1.125 CFM 7 1/2"W X 8 1/2"D X 3 1/4"H Active Surface area: 36.76" Linear lift: 31.20" flow interference: .75" Ideal CFM: 0.75 - 2.25 (4,000 gph/CFM) Warranty - 1 year

Aqua Bio I & II

Each Aqua Bio diffuser utilizes a specially manufactured porex tubing to create the formation of fine micro bubbles (50 - 500 microns) in a 360 radius around the entire length of tubing. Stainless steel plate allows for extended life and protection of the diffuser tubing while maintaining the diffuser above the soft sediment.

Three year limited warranty.

MixAir Bubbler BB38

Designed for use in shallow water bodies such as streams, inlets, coves or shallow ponds. Fine bubbles are emitted from the entire surface area yielding 25% more oxygen than airstones (1 BB38 unit = 8 traditional airstones).

This diffuser features a unique micro-porous membranethat keeps fine bubbles from coalescinginto bigger bubbles. This feature greatly increases the amount of water thatthese diffusers can move (180,000 to 1,800,000 gallons/day depending on depth and CFM delivery), which means much betteraeration. Airflow rates of 1 to 5 CFM are recommended. Configured for high oxygen transfer and turnover - Designed for equal air distribution throughout membrane.

Warranty - 3 years prorated

MixAir Twister (TB16)

The unique design of the MixAir Twister diffuser causes the fine bubbles created by this diffuser to take on a corkscrew effect, allowing tremendous amounts of water to be turned over each day (270,000 to 2,700,000 gallons/day depending on depth and CFM delivery). With 339 square inches of active surface area and 288 inches of liner lift the MixAir Twister diffuser is one of the most effective diffuser units on the market today for aerating large ponds and lakes. This diffuser features a unique micro-porous membrane that keeps fine bubbles from coalescing into bigger bubbles. This feature greatly increases the amount of water that these diffusers can move, which means much better aeration.

Airflow rates of 3.0 to 9.0 CFM are recommended for the TB16 Diffuser. The table belowrepresents gallons/day/CFM moved by diffuser at depth at which diffuser is placed. Warranty - 1 year full warranty; 2 yearprorated

AquaAirTM provides ponds and lakes with superior aeration, circulation, and de-stratification. Dissolved oxygen (DO) levels are increased throughout the entire water column with the use of bottom-mounted diffusers.  The diffusers employ a super fine micro-bubble technology resulting in the highest diffuser oxygen transfer rates (OTR) available today.  The micro-bubbles entrain bottom water and synergistically lift it to the surface where atmospheric oxygen is absorbed and then transferred throughout the water column.

AquaAirTM aeration systems offer the following lake and pond benefits:

• Entire water column circulation – up to 4000 gpm depending on diffuser depth
• Elimination of thermal stratification
• Increased dissolved oxygen levels that stimulate the natural aerobic digestion process thus reducing nutrient levels and associated algal growth
• Elimination of oxygen related fish kills and expansion of the oxygenated habitat and ecosystem
• Reduction of mosquito and aquatic midge infestations
• Elimination of foul odors from undesirable dissolved gases
• Reduction of organic bottom sediment
• 5 Year Warranty on all in-water components

AirStations

Vertex bottom airstations provide a beneficial and cost effective method of improving both the water quality of your lake and its overall health. Positioned on the lake's bottom, each diffuser station produces millions of small 500-1000 micron sized bubbles, creating a slow moving current that entrains the entire water column providing aeration through surface contact. Vertex AirStations can lift over 8,000 gallons of water per minute, are self cleaning and carry a 5 year warranty.

COMPRESSOR CABINETS

It is extremely important to protect the compressor of the aeration system from the elements. Without a protective cabinet compressors can be easily damaged by severe weather or in the case of a power failure could be destroyed by any condensation entering into the compressor housing.

Aquatic Biologists, Inc. carries a wide variety of compressor cabinets to fit every need. Choose from steel, cedar, fiberglass, aluminum, or rock cover design as above ground cabinets. Underground cabinets, which can be totally hidden, are also available. All cabinets come with lockable hasps, vents, and either 115 or 230 volt 140 CFM circulating fan and filters to provide continuous clean air flow and cooling.

AIRHOSE

Aquatic Biologists, Inc. primarily uses self-sinking airhose in for the aeration systems we design. Our self sinking airhose is manufactured exculsively for ABI and our distributers to aerate lakes and ponds.

Specifications for
FLEXIBLE SELF SINKING AIR HOSE
Manufactured Specifically to Aerate Lakes and Ponds
Indescructible, kink proof airline eliminates the need for weighting down traditional semi-rigid airline.

1. Description
   
   • Available in 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", and 1" I.D.
   • Durometer (hardness): 78
   • Specific Gravity: Exceeds 1.80
   • Color: Black
   
   
   
2. Click here to calculate pressure drop

   I.D.	3/8"	1/2"	5/8"	3/4"	1"
   Weighted per Foot (lb.)	.19	.4518	.4471	.6408	1.1216
   Weighted per Coil	95 lbs.	226 lbs.	224 lbs.	193 lbs.	281 lbs.
   Outside Diameter (inches)+-.010	.687	1.00	1.065	1.275	1.69
   Lengths Available	100 ft.	500 ft.	500 ft.	300 ft.	250 ft.

   
   
   
3. Benefits
   
   • Available in coils or reels
   • Extremely durable PVC
   • Remains flexible even in cold weather
   • Inside diameter is smooth bore finish for less resistance
   • Will not kink during diffuser maintenance
   • Can easily be moved in and out of water
   • Greater resistance to beaver and muskrat damage
   • No bricks to deal with for ballast and no brick tying
   • Time savings during installation
   • Limited Splicing because of line length
   • Limited visibility as this line lies on the bottom and works into the sediment
   • Lower maintenance
   • A variety of sizes for minimum line loss no matter what the depth or length of run

Larger sizes are available for lake aeration systems or where the length of airline for a single diffuser is over 1,000 ft..

AERATION OPTIONS & ACCESSORIES

Although not nearly as efficient as diffused air systems, windmill aerators are a great option for remote ponds. The windmill can be located hundreds of feet from the pond. Allowing placement in the windiest location. Tubing is run from the windmill to a diffuser at the bottom of the pond. Choose from 12' to 20' tower. Double diaphragm windmills also available which increase windmill efficiency by 240 percent. Diffuser depth placement is very important. Do not install below the thermocline.

Solar Powered Aerators

Ice Domes
Winter aeration will maintain open water. This may pose a problem to people or animals falling through the ice. Ice domes solve this problem by allowing the diffused air to escape up through the dome vent. This allows ice to form around the dome. Ice domes may also discourage geese from staying around too long in the fall.

EPILIMNETIC (SURFACE) EQUIPMENT

Achieve excellent aeration results while maintaining a low profile. This chemical-free process is created by combining a floating electric motor operating at 1725 RPM with a high-efficiency stainless steel propeller system. The random boil effect results in an oxygen transfer rate starting at 3 lbs. per hour. This continuing cycle of oxygen circulation and induced wave action prevents thermal stratification and supports aerobic bacterial action, resulting in clearer, cleaner, odor-free water.Volcano Details

Oxymax®  systems work from the bottom of the pond, completely submerged, out of sight and silent. This system couples an electric motor with a propeller water-transport system. The oxygen-depleted water is moved rapidly from the bottom of the pond directly and efficiently to the surface. This cooler, denser water absorbs oxygen as it quickly spreads across the pond. It returns down through the stratified layers, providing equal distribution of oxygenated water.

Kasco Aerators

According to independant testing conducted at Auburn University Kasco's Pond Aerators possess SAE (Standard Aeration Efficiency) of 3.0 lbs. of oxygen per horsepower per hour of operation or greater. All Kasco Pond Aerators are self-contained units that float at the surface with a single power cord returning to shore, which makes them extremely easy to move and install with a single person.

Kasco Pond Aerators are perfect for continuous duty or as a supplement supply of aeration during times with low oxygen levels and with minimum operating depths as low as 15", they can be used in almost any situation with great success. Click here to download a Kasco Pond Aerator brochure.

Kasco Pond Aerators agitate high volumes of water at the surface to maximize exposure of water to the air for gas exchange.

Kasco Pond Aerator Features:

• Longer-life top and bottom ball bearings
• Environmentally friendly oil-filled motor with a hard-face internal mechanical seal and external lip seal for protection against leaks.
• Flood oil lubricated for excellent heat dissipation.
• Industrial Design
• Highly efficient, lower power consumption than competitive equipment
• Superior dependability in salt-water or other corrosive environments. All external metal motor, float, and hardware components are of stainless steel composition and protected by a sacrificial zinc anode.
• Requires minimal maintenance. We recommend cleaning the stainless steel motor housing once or twice per year and replacing the sacrificial zinc anode when visibly corroded.
• ETL listed to stringent UL and CSA Safety Standards
• U.P.S. Shippable
• Made with pride in the U.S.A.

Kasco Aerators are available in the following models. All include a float and two (or three) 50' braided nylon mooring ropes and are available with 50', 100', 150', or 200' SJTOW underwater rated electrical power cords.

DIRECTIONAL FLOW EQUIPMENT

Air injector systems draw in oxygen from above the water's surface through an air-intake tube powered by a submerged electric motor. The oxygen enters the propeller chamber, where it is mixed rapidly by a specially designed propeller. The propeller breaks down the aspirated oxygen into fine bubbles while mixing them with water entering through the protected intake chamber. These bubbles are then thrust via the propeller into the water, providing horizontal circulation of oxygen.

Kasco Circulators/De-Icers
Water movers are great for shallow ponds where diffused aeration is inefficient. Moving water insures that otherwise stagnant areas receive oxygenated surface waters. The moving water is also a deterrent to unwanted algae growth. Kascos can also be used to reduce organic sediment by moving oxygenated water toward the bottom of the pond. This replenishes the bottom oxygen content, and encouraging the growth of microbial organisms. Kascos can also be used to keep open water during the winter. They are great for around boat docks.

An option dock mount is available to attach directly to a boat dock or a treated 4x4 spike driven into the pond bottom. They can also be suspended from an optional float ring.