Anybody try windmill or solar aeration?

[jclimber99]

I've always wanted a small windmill in my backyard and I've found some that function as an aerator as well. Here's one I've found (about $400 for windmill, compressor, and shipping). Manufacturer said it puts out 0.7 cfm:

http://www.easypropondproducts.com/form/windmill.htm

This one is about $900 for turbine plus base, puts out 1.65 cfm (looks more like a wind turbine than a windmill):
http://www.livingwateraeration.com/dyjuwipoae.html

This is a larger base 12' tall windmill, puts out 3-4.5 cfm $1295 for system:
http://www.outdoorwatersolutions.com/product.aspx?product=34

The first one is either 9' or 12'. Looking at aeration options for my pond. Waterfall is only source right now for the 8 resident goldfish. Solar is another option, as well as electric (tons of those on the market). Not sure I even need more aeration than the waterfall provides but if my pump were to fail it would good to have an electric aerator for backup. And I always seem to read that more aeration is better.

Here's a battery powered aerator is charged by solar (photosensor used so it only works at night), about $60:

http://sunny-pumps.com/USA/product_details.php?cat=1&pid=A2

Anybody try a windmill or solar aerator?

[addy1]

We have not tired it yet, but my hubby wants to look into windmills. We get plenty of wind out here. It would take a while to recover the cost, but sure would look neat.

[koikeepr]

I've always heard with the wind ones that the 9-12 foot height does nothing, that they have to go at least 40 feet up to do anything viable.

[jclimber99]

I've always heard with the wind ones that the 9-12 foot height does nothing, that they have to go at least 40 feet up to do anything viable.

Tallest I saw listed on those sites was 24', which would be way too tall for my backyard.

[koikeepr]

That's the dilemma with wind technology--nobody wants them tall things in their yards (and probably neither would your neighbor). That's where the good wind is up high, and you don't want to risk investing in something low unless you are assured you have constant wind flow at low levels and all the time as a pond system can't be down.

I've tried solar with some aeration, but it didn't really have enough oomph to merit the price tag.

[jclimber99]

That's the dilemma with wind technology--nobody wants them tall things in their yards (and probably neither would your neighbor). That's where the good wind is up high, and you don't want to risk investing in something low unless you are assured you have constant wind flow at low levels and all the time as a pond system can't be down.



Well, at least in my application the windmill/solar aeration is only supplemental to what I already have so it doesn't need to be on 24x7.

[Meganne]

now that is a pretty cool idea!
have you made some desicions yet?

[jclimber99]

now that is a pretty cool idea!
have you made some desicions yet?

I have bought the EasyPro 12' backyard windmill and assembed it (that was a chore!). It looks great. Have not attached the aerator yet (from OWS). Had some difficulty with the instructions so had to call OWS. They say they improved the kit so it pumps out twice as much air as the kit I have so I'm trying to see if I can swap mine out.

My pond was at 45 degrees when I checked a few days back, coldest it's been this winter. Extra aeration now isn't that much of a concern but it will be when the water heats up. I may go with an electrical aerator for extra aeration and just run it at night (when the plants are not generating oxygen). Might also try the solar/battery version, not sure yet.

[Carolinagirl]

The problem here is it's windy in the winter when I don't need the aeration as much and there is no wind in the hottest part of summer. Let us know how well it works for you though! The one you chose sure does look nice! I know they make some roof-top windmills that are powerful enough to generate electricity but they are pretty expensive.