when you drop an airstone into the water (I got the smallest
Swee****erŪ Regenerative blower)
http://www.aquaticeco.com/aquatic1v1...ystems&eflag=2
with a foot long airstone. other people use smaller air pumps with smaller air
stones. when it is dropped into the water it blows air into the water, this creates
lift that pulls water from below as well and creates circulation from bottom to top.
they actually sell air lifts that do this even better. but with bare bottom ponds
(no gravel), the combination of the air stones, the pumps pulling water (pumps always
must be at least a foot off the bottom) and the fish moving along the bottom stirring
things up leads to the mulm and organic stuff getting moved into the filter. combine
this with BZT that eats up organics and the bottom stays clean (I net my pond and so
there is no more than 1/4 inch of mulm on the bottom after 3 years.
now... the breakdown of organic matter occurs with and without oxygen. it is slow
and incomplete and makes toxic gases if there isnt enough oxygen (this is where oil
comes from). but add good aeration and those little biobugs chomp down and convert
to clean CO2 and H2O.
I would highly recommend you get the gravel outta there. it is just loading up with
organics and once covered in goo there isnt any biobugs doing their thing down there
anyway. Ingrid
"Jackytar" wrote:
Interesting... but it begs the question... how is this aeration achieved?
I'm guessing there is a device like you would find in a fish tank? Or would
my newfound belief in water changes be enough. Thanks, Jacky.