Vertex Water Features

One way to achieve the benefits of aeration is through a bottom-placed diffuser system.   Shore-mounted compressors feed air through self-weighted airlines to either single or multiple air stations. 

Step 1 Millions of tiny bubbles naturally rise, creating vertical columns of air that effectively pump thousands of litres of water per minute from deeper areas of the pond, dam or lake to the surface. 

Step 2 As un-aerated water from the bottom reaches the surface, it layers out, like a giant wet mushroom, absorbs oxygen, and releases harmful carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide gasses before eventually returning to the deeper regions to begin the circulation cycle again.

Step 3 Bottom-diffused aeration moves a tremendous amount of water while using a relatively small amount of energy. Because air is so much lighter than water, pumping air instead of water to create additional circulation substantially reduces energy requirements. One common misconception about bottom aeration is the belief that aerating effect results from the air bubbles diffusing oxygen into the water column. In reality, very little oxygenation occurs directly between the air bubbles and water. The vast majority of oxygen transfer occurs at the water surface when the bottom water spreads out as a result of the bubble column’s pumping action.

Step 1	Step 2	Step 3

To provide maximum pumping efficiency, diffuser design must change with increasing depth.  Bottom aeration can be effective in as little as 1.2 - 1.5 metres of water but the diffuser design for very shallow water is far different than a diffuser designed for 3, 5, 10 or 20 metres of water.  “One Size Fits All” may apply to socks but certainly not to bottom air diffusers.  The more efficient a bottom diffuser is the less electricity is needed, less compressor capacity is needed and fewer diffusers and air tubing is needed.  Correctly designed and sized aeration systems can provide significant short and long-term savings to the owner. 

Design characteristics of bottom aeration products allow for easy scaling of equipment to properly aerate large lakes and reservoirs as well as the homeowner’s backyard “old swimming hole”.  Some deep water diffusers have grid patterns exceeding 1.2m across creating massive upward flowing columns of water.   A typical four diffuser aeration system designed for normal depths and powered by two 1/3 Hp compressors can effectively aerate up to a 10-acre area.  

Ideal for recreational waterways, these systems do not introduce electricity into the water and have no surface obstructions.  Pumping air safely from a convenient shore mounted compressor to underwater diffusers avoids the electrical risks associated with connecting electrical motors, pumps, cables, etc to surface mounted aeration devices far out into the water.   Another advantage to bottom aeration is exactly that, the aeration equipment is safely placed on the pond bottom out of sight and away from boaters, swimmers, children and vandals.

Vertex bottom aeration systems improve the environment for aquatic animals but special care must be taken in water intended for cold-water fisheries such as trout.  Diffused aeration may cause bottom temperatures to warm too much in summer months leaving cold-water fishes without a safe refuge.  By placing diffusers in shallower positions, deeper portions of the ponds remain cold throughout the summer yet still allow for the benefits of aeration.

Vertex systems have been independently tested, so we know how much water is lifted at different depths and airflow volumes. This information allows us to properly size an aeration system for any shape or size of lake or pond. Vertex systems are custom designed using proprietary Lake Pro Software.

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Our free design service provides calculations of surface area, water volume, system performance and most importantly calculates a daily turnover rate. Mapping data is also supplied showing the location of compressor, hose and AirStations

Vertex systems are made in the USA to the highest quality standards and are considered world leaders in bottom aeration systems.  When properly designed and used, Vertex bottom aeration systems offer a simple, safe, and affordable product for aerating lakes, dams and ponds.

There are many factors to consider when choosing an aeration system, but with the right advice it’s really not that hard. If you’re not sure what to use just give us a call, we’re happy to discuss your options and provide this service free of charge or obligation.

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