Operation
•
Compressors are designed for continuous operation. It is not uncommon for these compressors to run
24 hours per day for four to five years. The typical maintenance required is replacement of the dia-
phragms when needed. All compressors have oil-less motors. Never oil or lubricate the motors.
•
Because it can take hours for maximum circulation to be achieved it is recommended to run these sys-
tems continuously.
•
If you are installing this system at a time when your pond is already stratified (warm on the surface, cold
on bottom) you should be careful when first starting the aeration system. If stagnant water on the pond
bottom is stirred up too fast, a temporary increase in oxygen demand will occur and, in rare cases, a fish
kill could result. If your pond is severely stratified, you should only run your system one to two hours the
first day. Each day after that increase then run time by one to two hours during the first week and run
continuously after that. This will slowly mix the bottom water without a sudden depletion of oxygen.
Winter Operation
If operated in the winter time there are a few considerations to make.
•
You must clearly mark with warnings that there is open water or thin ice. Many states will require this by
law.
•
Be sure the tubing is buried leading into the pond. If not, ice can form around the tubing, kinking it or
possibly shearing it off. This is rare but has occurred.
•
It becomes critical to protect the compressor from excess snow and water entering the compressor
from the bottom due to flooding or melting snow. A cabinet or shelter is recommended. Be sure that
adequate air ventilation is provided or compressor will fail prematurely.
•
If lines become frozen, rubbing alcohol can be run down the frozen line to thaw it out.
Maintenance
1. Always unplug unit before service, cleaning or any maintenance.
2. Over time the compressors may need to have the diaphragms replaced. See chart below for compressor
repair kits.
3. If not operated in the winter, disconnect the compressor, cover ends of tubing and store compressor out
of the elements.
4. Diffusers may need regular cleaning in certain water conditions. This may be every two to five years.
Troubleshooting
Loss of air output but unit is running:
•
Check to make sure the air filter has not been blocked or clogged by dust.
•
Check to make sure lines are not kinked or plugged. If used in winter time, line may have ice in the line.
A small amount of rubbing alcohol can be run down the air line to thaw the ice.
•
Inspect the diffusers to ensure they are clean. Replace or clean as necessary.
•
Inspect compressor diaphragms. Replace as necessary.
Shallow Water Pond Aeration Kit Components:
Kit
Compressor
Part #
Compressor
Tubing -
1
/
2
" ID
Diffuser(s)*
Repair Kits
PA6SW
EPW6
50' Quick Sink
DM4
EPW6RK
PA8SW
EPW10
100' Quick Sink
Two DM4
EPW10RK
*Replacement 6" rubber membrane diffusers are part number RAD650. A DM4 assembly includes four RAD650 rubber
membrane diffusers.
