Dissolved oxygen is essential for air-breathing koi, goldfish, snails and tadpoles. But did you know that our water gardens and koi ponds “run” on oxygen? That’s right!
The billions of microscopic bacteria and other microbes that eliminate harmful wastes, like ammonia, need oxygen to live and keep the water clean and safe for pond life. Without oxygen, our fish will suffer, get sick or die.
My favorite pond aerator is the AirMax, keep on reading for more options!
The water would quickly become too toxic for aquatic life. That’s why we use aeration devices to make sure the water contains enough dissolved oxygen to keep our pond healthy.
FAQs about ponds, oxygen and aeration
Have questions about your pond and aeration? Below are the most common questions about oxygen and aerating a pond. Chances are you’ll find your answer here.
How does oxygen get into ponds naturally?
Why do I have to aerate my pond?
What if there is not enough oxygen in the pond?
In hot weather my fish gasp at the surface.
Will a fountain aerate my pond?
How do I make sure my pond has enough oxygen?
How do pond aerators work?
Should I run the aerator 24-hours a day?
Six Best Rated Pond Aerators Listed
If you’re considering adding an aeration system, check out these pond aeration kits. They’re easy to set-up, won’t use much energy and will ensure your pond will always have enough oxygen for the fish. Since the entire biological ecosystems depends on oxygen, you’ll be helping your pond or water garden stay clean, clear and healthy!
1. Beckett Corporation Air Pump Solar Kit
This pond aeration kit is designed for small backyard ponds.
The kit comes with an air pump, 6.5 feet of airline hose, one diffuser and a 1.5-watt solar panel.
The air pump is powered by the solar panel.
This means the air pump can only work when the sun is out.
On cloudy days, the air pump produces less air. At night, the pump stops completely.
Pros
- Small air pump does not take up a lot of space.
- Ideal for a small pond without a lot of fish.
- Solar power eliminates the need for an electrical outlet.
Cons
- Air pump will not work at night.
- Efficiency declines in the morning, evening hours.
2. Aquascape 2-Outlet Pond Aerator
This twin-diffuser pond aeration kit is designed for medium-sized ponds up to 5,000 gallons.
The kit includes a duel outlet air pump, two 25-foot airlines and two diffusers.
The diffusers can be positioned together or spaced apart on the bottom of the pond.
The airlines have built-in check valves that protect against water backflowing into the air pump. The rubber base on the air pump reduces vibration noise.
Pros
- Two diffusers for efficient aeration.
- 25-foot airlines make it easy to place the diffusers anywhere.
- Quiet air pump.
- Uses only 6 watts of electricity.
- 3-year warranty.
Cons
- None for the intended use.
3. Aquascape Pond Aerator Pro 60
The Aquascape Pro 60 is a heavy-duty aeration system for koi ponds and water gardens up to 10,000 gallons.
The air compressor is rated to produce 2.1 cubic feet of air per minute at a pressure of 5 psi.
The kit comes with an eight-inch diffuser dish.
The wide diffuser produces millions of tiny air bubbles for maximum aeration.
Also included is 30-feet of 3/8" braided aeration tubing to connect in between the compressor and diffuser. The extra-strong tubing resists kinking and tears.
The compressor has a built-in check valve to prevent water from back-flowing into the unit. The unit is built for wet environments but it is recommended that it be kept in an area protected from rain and dust.
Pros
- Plenty of flow for deep ponds.
- Heavy-duty compressor.
- Comes with a nice diffuser.
- Built-in check valve.
Cons
- Tubing is somewhat stiff compared to more flexible tubing.
4. Pondmaster AP-20 Pond Air Pump
The Danner AP-20 air pump is a high-volume air compressor designed for running one or more air diffusers.
This is not an aeration kit. The pump uses 5/8” I.D. tubing but it is not included with the air pump.
The pump can run a diffuser at a maximum depth of seven feet.
Rubber feet act to dampen noise and vibration.
The AP-20 has a flow rate of 1700 cubic inches per minute at 4 psi. If more air is needed, higher-powered models are available.
Pros
- Pumps a lot of air.
- Can pump air into deep ponds.
- Reliable operation.
- 6-foot power cord.
Cons
- You’ll need to purchase your own airline.
5. Airmax KoiAir Mini Water Garden Aeration Kit
Rated for ponds between 1,000 and 4,000 gallons, the KoiAir Mini aeration kit is an all-in-one kit that contains everything you need in one box.
The kit comes with an 0.8 cubic feet per minute air compressor, 15 feet of weighted airline and a plate-style diffuser.
The plate diffuser is heavy enough to sit securely on the bottom of the pond. The air compressor is capable of pump air to a depth of four feet.
More powerful models are available.
Pros
- Complete aeration kit.
- High-quality tubing will not float or be disturbed by fish.
- Heavy-duty diffuser.
Cons
- None.
6. Aspen Aeration Complete Pond Aeration Kit
The Aspen Aeration kit is designed for extra-large koi ponds and 1-acre farm ponds.
The compressor is a powerful ¼-horsepower oil-less rocking piston unit with a 2-way air manifold complete with a pressure gauge.
A pressure relief valve protects the pump in case of accidental airline kinks or clogged diffusers.
The kit also included two 100-foot rolls of 3/8" weighted tubing that stays put under water. The airline won’t kink and is safe to use in freezing waters. Two 9-inch professional air diffusers have raised bases that keeps them above sludge and muck layers.
Pros
- Very powerful aeration system for large koi ponds.
- Professionally designed.
- Heavy-duty construction.
- Comes with a pressure gauge.
Cons
- Higher energy use.
- Nosier than smaller pumps.
- Expensive.
My Pick
All of these aeration kits and air pumps work as intended. The main consideration is matching the air pump’s output to your needs.
The Aspen Aeration kit is a very large, professional aeration kit intended for large ponds. It would be too large for the typical backyard water garden or koi pond. However, if you have a big koi pond full of large koi, this may be the perfect aeration kit for you.
For most backyard pond-keepers the AirMax KoiAir will probably do the job. It is a complete with that has all the components you’ll need to aerate your pond.
If you’ve got a small container pond or whisky barrel with a goldfish or two, the Beckett solar-powered aeration kit will provide enough daytime aeration and run the air pump by the power of the sun!