Lake Aeration
Algae & Macrophyte Control in Lakes
Aeration works to reduce algae, prevent algae and reduce aquatic weeds
One of the most common issues that installing a lake aeration system in Canadian lakes addresses is algae and aquatic weeds. Not only are algae and weeds eyesores within a picturesque lake, but some species of algae can be very dangerous.
Cyanobacteria, more commonly known as blue-green algae are actually tiny single-celled organisms that use sunlight and nutrients (phosphate) that thrive in eutrophic lakes. Blue-green algae is a common issue in Canadian lakes, and blooms do pose a serious health threat. Some types of algae, such as blue-green algae, produce spores that are toxic to humans and animals.
Algae blooms can be treated and prevented. Algae and weeds struggle to grow once an aeration system is installed because increased oxygen levels and water circulation reduce internal phosphate and nutrient loads that are otherwise consumed by algae and weeds.
AEC offers a variety of solutions to treat and prevent algae and weeds:
-
Beneficial bacteria to reduce the nutrients and the weeds is also key to maintaining a healthy lake
-
Aeration reduces the phosphates and nutrient-rich muck layers at the bottom of the lake reducing weed growth over time
-
Lake dye can reduce weed growth by inhibiting sunlight penetration
-
Alum treatments for lakes
-
Small algae blooms can be treated with Algaecide
Improve Water Quality in Lakes
Aeration reduces sedimentation, muck accumulation, and odour while increasing water clarity
Lake aeration is the biggest component of improving water quality and water clarity in Canadian Lakes. The effect of increased oxygen and increased water circulation is an extensive list of benefits of increasing water quality. Aeration reduces sedimentation rates, preventing muck and sludge accumulation on the lake bottom. Aeration also encourages the growth of aerobic bacteria which aids in digesting organic wastes and increasing water clarity. This improved water quality, as a result of the increased dissolved oxygen, restores the health of the lake ecosystem, reducing odours from the water.
Eliminate Fish Kills, Increase Available Food for Fish and Maintain a Healthy Ecosystem
Restore oxygen to the lake bottom, improve the health of aquatic ecosystems, and allow fish to live in all depths of water year-round
Dissolved oxygen is crucial to fish survival in Canadian lakes, particularly throughout the cold winter months. Keeping fish alive in a stocked lake year-round is possible with a reliable and efficient aeration system. Many fish kills are the result of fall or spring turnover, in which oxygen-depleted water from lower depths cycles to the top column, killing the fish due to lack of oxygen. This can be prevented with bottom-diffused aeration. Bottom- diffused aeration ensures water cycles evenly throughout the water column, increases overall oxygen levels, improves the overall health of the ecosystem, increases food for fish, and allows fish to thrive in all depths of the water. Insects and most worms do not grow on lake bottoms with no oxygen.
Aquatic Engineering Canada has the Knowledge, Equipment, and Experience to aerate any sized lake and help improve aquatic health.
Contact us today to speak with a lake biologist about coming up with a solution to the problems affecting the health of your lake's ecosystem and let us design a custom aeration system for you!
