Solar Ponds

Solar Ponds Keep Water Clean And Aerated

In order to maintain adequate fish habitat throughout the winter months, the use of solar ponds is continuing to grow. Initially designed to reduce salinity in the water near coastal towns, they are now used to improve aeration during the winter months as well as provide continuous pumping action to keep water pumps performing without the need to electric power.

Larger ponds may accumulate algae on the surface, which can quickly overtake the surface of any pond or small lake, reducing the amount of sun and oxygen available for aquatic life. With solar ponds, pumps operate by solar power and charged batteries can automatically be switched to keep the pumps going all day and all night. This reduces the amount of algae growing in the water pumping the water into the air can add precious oxygen for the fish and other underwater life.

Many lakes will lose oxygen at the bottom, as will some farm and family ponds, reducing the amount of life in deeper waters. With solar ponds incorporating water pumps near the bottom of the body of water, air is pumped into the water, restoring the life that once was available. With air in the bottom, aerobic bacteria will quickly consume any dead organisms that float to the bottom of the pond, helping to keep it clean and from floating to the surface.

Restore Life To Dying Bodies Of Water

As ponds get older, the aging process slows its ability to fight off attack by algae and aeration of solar ponds can help breath new life into degraded lakes and ponds. It can also reduce the number of dead fish all year long as well as promote aquatic plant growth, a major food source for fish. Additionally, the air pumped into the water on top and on the bottom helps promote healthier fish growth.

Water will be clearer and cleaner and will keep the solar ponds open throughout the year for livestock and other wildlife that depends on the water source. Ammonia, phosphates and nitrites tend to accumulate in ponds causing a stagnant appearance and smell and constant aeration can reduce that drastically.

Organic pollutants are attracted to still ponds, stifling fish growth, reproduction and the number of fish the size of the pond can support. Aeration done with the help of solar ponds can reduce the pollutants, organic and inorganic, making the pond more hospitable to fish and other welcome wildlife.