An effective aerator for medium and large ponds is the paddle wheel aerator. These units feature high-efficiency 60 HZ motors and quality gear reducers. They are compatible with both fresh and saltwater. The motor and gear oil should be changed every three months. A commercial model has SAE values of 4.5 to 5.5 pounds of oxygen per horsepower-hour. It can reduce up to 25% of power consumption.

The PTO-driven paddlewheel aerator typically requires between fifteen and thirty horsepower to operate at three to six inches of depth. Larger tractors may be needed to move the aerator across a steep levee. However, tractors are very inefficient energy sources. Most fuel is consumed in powering the power train and the engine. This means that larger tractors are not the best choice for small ponds.

A paddle wheel aerator is highly dependable and reliable. It provides wind action that helps in oxygenation. Depletion of oxygen in ponds can cause mass mortality of fish and shrimp. It can boost a pond's productivity by up to three or five times. Aeration also helps keep the water temperature even and the water circulation uniform. The paddle wheel also promotes the growth of algae. This means that the aerator is a beneficial investment for your pond's health.

When using a paddle wheel aerator, it is imperative to learn about the different functions of the device. The paddles are normally submerged three to four inches of water. Increasing this depth will increase the oxygen transfer, but will also increase fuel consumption. The additional depth produces a stronger water current, which forces fish to exert more energy when swimming behind the aerator. A higher depth may be necessary to get maximum oxygen transfer during acute dissolved oxygen depletion.

PTO-driven paddlewheels work best with the tractor running at half throttle. This is about 1,200 to 1,500 rpm. At this speed, the standard 540-rpm PTO shaft will spin at 500 rpm. In this way, the paddlewheel will spin at eighty to ninety rpm, transferring 1.5 to 2.5 pounds of oxygen per hour. When properly used, the paddlewheels can be adjusted for optimal energy use.

Another benefit of aeration is improved water quality. Oxygenated water reaches all parts of the pond, which helps minimize density factors and promote growth. The aerator also improves water chemistry and reduces thermal stratification. It helps minimize accumulation of organic matter (BOD) and algal blooms. Algal blooms may be a common problem in aquaculture ponds, so aeration will minimize their density and shift composition.

Aerators can be portable, as tractor PTO-driven paddlewheels have good mobility. Place the paddlewheels near the center of the long axis of the pond, to enhance circulation patterns. The placement of a paddlewheel aerator should be such that it creates two or more circulation cells. Alternatively, it can be placed in a corner to enhance the flow produced by other aerators.