Pond Reports

Pond Chemicals vs Pond Conditioners

2008-08-16T13:24:00.000-07:00

Pond Chemical Care-some pond owners depend on the treatment of their ponds with various toxic chemicals such as algaecides or herbicides in order to keep their ponds looking good. These products have an immediate effect-killing off algae and weeds but from a sustainable point of view its not a recommended solution to maintain the health of a pond or lake. Overuse of these chemicals can in fact have a harmful affect on the pond water, the wildlife that relies on the water for survival and the surrounding environment.

The real issue when algae and weeds present themselves in a pond or lake is the fact that it is lacking oxygen and/or a healthy balanced ecosystem. If you have experienced fish kill-build up of pond sediment at the bottom- pond algae-pond weeds chances are you have lack of oxygen in your pond. No matter how many time you treat these ponds and lakes with pond chemicals-the real issue will never go away unless you aerate this pond.

Pond Conditioner-Using Natural Ingredients and Aeration

The internet has really helped pond owners become aware and educated to the many solutions that exist in the market place around pond care and maintenance. People are becoming more considerate of the environment and concerned with how their ponds can impact nature.

Pond conditioners are simply natural food grade ingredients that can be found even in some of our food sources. Pond Conditioners consist of beneficial bacteria and enzymes that multiply at much higher rates as their non beneficial bacteria counterparts that are the facilitators of pond stagnation, algae and weeds.

Combined with aeration pond conditioners can provide an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to keep pond and lake water healthy and clean. This approach is not only much better for the environment but its healthier for us humans as well and can save hundreds to thousands of dollars per/yr for the average pond owner.

In life, like anything else-its easier to stay healthy and prevent sickness then it is to get better from sickness. The same goes for ponds. Algae, weeds, fish kill and pond scum are a sign that a pond is growing unhealthy.Don't treat it with chemicals- in the long run that will just make it sicker. Prevent it from getting worse and start practicing a healthy and sustainable approach to your pond care. Natures Pond Conditioner seems to have a solid approach to maintaining the healthy of a pond and they offer a reasonably priced, proven product for pond care.

First 'ALL Natural' Pond Conditioner Screens Out Algae

While Boosting Healthful Oxygen

Eco-friendly, sustainable approach to pond care eliminates unhealthy vegetation without toxic chemicals that threaten livestock and leach into groundwater.

The increasingly rampant problem of algae and other harmful biologicals creating unhealthy pond water, and poisoning of surrounding soil and groundwater due to toxic treatments, has for the first time been effectively resolved with a new completely natural, non-toxic product known as Nature's Pond Conditioner.

Offered by Superior Windmill (Regina, SK Canada), a leader in pond water aeration, this breakthrough pond conditioner is composed of naturally beneficial organisms that screens-out algae scum as well as the beneficial bacteria and enzymes that eliminate unwanted weeds and other oxygen-depleting biological materials.

"Algae problems have become epidemic in fresh water lakes and ponds," says Doug Hicks, Superior Windmill Vice President Sales and Marketing. "Nature's Pond Conditioner is able to regulate the algae and resulting nutrient buildup in fresh water bodies, thereby heading off the fish kills, threats to livestock and wildlife. Algae problems also lessen waterfront property values and cause problems in stock ponds, decorative pools, and community lakes."

Because this new conditioning product contains only ingredients that are natural and beneficent, it saves pond owners and managers from the substantial costs and potential hazards of having to repeatedly dispense caustic materials such as copper sulfite to achieve algae and weed control. Such "traditional" chemical treatments can exacerbate the problem of available dissolved oxygen since the chemicals actually increase the amount of oxygen-depleting nutrients (dead organics) on the bottom of lakes and ponds. Plus, those harsh chemicals may also leach into surrounding lands and ground water systems, exposing humans, plant life, wildlife and livestock to potentially hazardous compounds.

Conversely, Nature's Pond Conditioner is an environmentally friendly multi-purpose algaestat. Released into the pond per the manufacturer's instructions, it first produces a color-specific screen that shades the pond from photosynthesis-inhibiting algae blooms. Simultaneously, a proprietary blend of all natural and beneficial reproducing bacteria is released to scour the water column of soluble nutrients, thereby depriving algae of nutrients. As these microbes feed on waste, unconsumed fish feed and decayed plant life, a pond becomes "nutritionally balanced" retaining more oxygen and respiring more efficiently.

"In combination with aeration products, like we supply at Superior Windmill and others like Koenders Windmills, this product is the first and only naturally environmentally-friendly and sustainable algae pond conditioner available," Hicks says.

Nature's Pond Conditioner should be applied as soon as the water temperature reaches 54 to 58 degrees F or as algae appears in the pond. The product should be administered at 90-day interval to maintain adequate control. This pond conditioner should be used after the pond receives high nutrient runoff from surrounding lawns and agricultural activities throughout the season to minimize algal rebound.

For convenience and conservation of packaging materials, Nature's Pond Conditioner is packaged in a convenient one-liter concentrate, which will treat up to 1/4 surface-acre.

For more information, contact: Superior Windmill Inc, 3426 Saskatchewan Drive, Regina, SK Canada S4T 1H1 Phone: (toll free) 1-888-821-5533 (USA or Canada);
E-mail: info@superiorwindmill.com Visit the web site: www.Superiorwindmill.com

Windmill Freeze Control System

2008-07-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

In the colder areas of North America a system to ensure the airline stays open all winter long is a useful feature. During the colder periods of the year condensation can form in the airline that travels from the air compressor down to the air diffuser. If this condensation crystallizes and freezes it will block the airline and you will not get any air from the compressor down to the air diffusers. This renders your aeration system useless until the blockage thaws which can be days to weeks. In order to ensure this does not happen some manufacturers offer a freeze control unit that is installed at the tower. For a nominal fee you can add this feature to your windmill.

Use a non-toxic alcohol based solution in your freeze tank during the winter months. Air travels through a pressure sensitive valve and if there is a blockage in the airline then the compressed air builds up into the Freeze tank and automatically squirts the non- toxic alcohol base solution into the airline. If you have fish in your pond and cannot risk your airline freezing up then a Freeze Control System is a nice option.

Winter - The Season to Keep Ponds Open and Healthy

The right aeration technique can keep ponds and dugouts open and healthy during cool or even bitter cold winter months, extending grazing season, burning off nutrient sludge, and preventing fish kills.

You may think ponds or dugouts hibernate during the cold or cooler months, but even when the water is frozen thick, there is very possibly trouble brewing in the depths below.

Autumn through winter is the period when a lot of ponds and dugouts are most at risk of becoming unhealthy, when nutrients - fertilizers, dead leaves and other foliage - settle into the water. As cooler temperatures prevail and the water cools or freezes over, natural aeration and photosynthesis are reduced by shortened days or obstructed by ice. The result can be a toxic combination of decomposing organic matter, gases and little, if any, production of oxygen.

When the spring arrives, if it has been a rough winter, there may be fish kills resulting from oxygen starvation. The high demand for oxygen from nutrients on the bottom of the water, in combination with algae growth, may make waters unhealthy for fish, livestock and wildlife. A resulting malodorous pall may hang in the air for months. All for the want of revitalizing year-round aeration.

Improved grazing and weight gain
"The progressive ranchers and farmers in Saskatchewan, the early adopters of innovative methods, realize the value of year-round aeration and also keeping a portion of a pond or dugout open during the winter months," says Duane Hill, Conservation Program Specialist with North American wetlands conservation organization Ducks Unlimited Canada. "This not only promotes healthier water, but can extend the grazing season for your livestock."

Hill adds that healthy water may be surprisingly beneficial to the rancher's pocketbook as well as his cattle. A study by the Western Beef Development Centre in 2000 showed that calves that drink aerated water from dugouts tend to eat more, resulting in additional weight gains of 1/3 lb. per day.

While aeration and pumping water in the summer is not an uncommon practice, using aeration to keep surface water from freezing in the winter is starting to be looked at as a low cost alternative to winter watering for livestock.

"I have seen a dugout with a Superior windmill-aeration system installed in it, and even though it was 25 or 30 degrees (Celsius) below freezing, the water was literally bubbling out of it in about an eight-foot (diameter) surface area," says Hill. "That was very impressive."

While not used for high-volume applications, Hill says this windmill technology is available in designs that can have two lines coming off it, enabling one to be used for aeration and the other for pumping. Depending on the amount of lift required, you can water up to 30 animals via Superior's Turbo Jet Stream model.

"There are ranchers with replacement heifers or other small herds that are kept separate from the rest," he says. "For these situations, the pumping of water via the windmill is another way to service these herds with good clean water."

A true fish story
For those with ponds containing fish, winter aeration in colder climates may be critical. The Spring Valley Sportsmans Club (Spring Valley, IL) suffered an almost total fish kill in his two-acre, twin lakes last winter.

"We had a total fish kill of about 300-400 fish in both lakes," says David Ochs, club president. "We commonly get about 8 to 15 inches of ice on our ponds. Depending on the amount of nutrients on the bottom, the water can get oxygen starved during the winter when the water is completely frozen over."

After talking with another local man who had installed an aeration windmill, Ochs decided to pursue that as a solution for the 75-member sports club.

"I got all of the information I could, and was convinced that this solution would work for us," he says. "So I ordered a Superior windmill directly from the factory, complete with freeze controls. Those are 2-1/2 gallon plastic jugs that attach the hoses. The jugs contain RV antifreeze, which is biodegradable, so it won't hurt the fish."

The club's windmill uses two air hoses attached to a single compressor with two control valves, one for each lake. Typically, the aeration and freeze controls create 6-10 ft. diameter holes in the surface ice on both ponds throughout the winter.

"We had to do a little adjusting, since one air hose is a little longer than the other one," he explains. "But it really did the job. I think we lost one fish in both lakes last winter."

Ochs says the new aeration windmill has improved the overall biological condition of their two lakes. He says that due to years of nutrients that never completely decomposed, gases form in the lower water, and aeration allows that gas to expel.

"Every little bit of oxygen and circulation helps," he says. "There is another fishing club about 10 miles from us who has installed the same windmill, and it is working great for them."

Farmers or ranchers who have a sick pond or dugout know how frustrating and expensive it is to try to treat their way out of the problem. That is all the more reason that they are looking at windmill-based aeration to oxygenate ponds and dugouts while also inducing circulation in order to avoid thermal stratification of the water as well as prevent stagnation.

Superior Windmill, for example, produces various designs that compress air and pump it through one or more diffusers, which are placed at the bottom of a dugout or pond. The action of the air pulsing through the water and bubbling to the top cause the surface waters to flow outward to the sides, thereby augmenting aeration through exposure to the atmosphere. As the water becomes more oxygenated, decomposition of potentially toxic nutrients at the bottom of the water is completed.

During warmer months, thermal stratification is reduced and the water remains healthier. The agitation of the circulation on the water's surface inhibits the growth of algae and mosquito larvae, thereby also preventing odors and pests. With the influx of West Nile disease, this benefit may become increasingly important, especially in non-free-flowing waters.

For more information, contact: Superior Windmill (2005) Inc, 3426
Saskatchewan Drive Regina, SK Canada S4T 1H1 Phone: 1-888-440-4466
E-mail: info@superiorwindmill.com - Visit www.superiorwindmill.com

Written
By: Ed Sullivan
Ed Sullivan is a writer on technology based in Hermosa Beach, California

Windmill Maintenance

2008-07-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

The reason windmill aeration systems are becoming so popular is because they are designed to last for many years and they require little to no maintenance. Some units require annual maintenance as you will see and other do not require any maintenance for years. The vendors that build their units with self sealed bearing sets have no annual maintenance. Those vendors that do not use self sealed bearings will have bi annual to annual greasing requirements.

Providing the Self Sealed Bearing sets are sourced by reputable suppliers they tend to be a nice convenience. The two oldest companies in this market use self sealed bearings and they have seemed to find a bearing set that is proven to last decades. When we asked some customers on this issue – their were many customers that had owned their units for over a decade and never changed anything or done any maintenance on their windmill units at all.

You will want to see what type of maintenance is needed and how much the maintenance will cost when done. There are some vendors that offer maintenance kits for around $ 50.00 and we have listed below the average time per/vendor for maintenance.

When conducting maintenance you need to be very careful if you are climbing up the tower. Do not perform on windy days or the rotating blades may hit you. With the manufacturers that offer the tiltable tower options you will want to simply tilt your windmill over so that you can perform maintenance from the ground and not up on a ladder.

Windmill Aeration for Fresh Water

2008-06-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

Fresh water is extremely valuable in many parts of the world-we in North America take it for granted due to the abundance of fresh water, however up to 1/3rd of the world's population does not have access to fresh drinkable water. Fresh water ponds in North America serve as a source of recreation and enjoyment. There could come a day that they will also be a source of our survival. We need to keep our pond water healthy and clean in a manner that is environmentally friendly and sustainable.

The most efficient and cost effective way to keeping water healthy is to increase the Dissolved Oxygen Levels (DO Levels) - To do this you need to deploy an aeration system. Bottom UP aeration System- Placing air diffusers in the deeper areas of your pond so that the dissolved oxygen can rise up through the water column and filter out excess debris and organic matter that is suspended in the pond water. This is a natural way of cleaning water and helping speed up the decomposition process of any organic debris that is in the water.

Windmill Aeration Systems are the most reliable, durable, efficient, environmentally friendly and cost effective method of aerating a body of water. Wind power and windmills are more prevalent in recent years and as the industry "Windmill Aeration" grows so does the number of companies that are manufacturing these products. Not all are designed and built equally.

Windmill Towers

2008-06-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

There are a number of variables with windmill towers. There are four legged towers and three legged towers offered by a number of vendors. A few even have a uni-pole or single pole option (very useful in public areas where children may want to climb up a lattice tower)

Cell, hydro and antenna towers that support hundreds of pounds are formed in both 3 legged and 4 legged models mostly to avoid patent infringements or to differentiate one brand from another. There does not seem to be any advantage in strength over either one. The one area that is of much interest to consumers is the convenience of installing and servicing the windmill head once installed. Thus, a tiltable tower option seems to be a huge asset to the manufacturers that offer this feature. Variety is also important. How many tower heights are available with each manufacturer seems to be quite important to the marketplace.

If you are locating your windmill in an extremely windy location than a shorter tower height is applicable. The less wind the location offers the higher the tower should be- this allows the windmill head to pick up more wind and thus compress more air into the airline. Another consideration needs to be the trees and brush that is around the area that you would like to locate your windmill. If you do have trees and brush then you may want to go with a higher tower height.

Last consideration that should be taken into account when determining the height of your tower is SNOW. For customers that are located in the colder regions and who receive snow levels ranging from a few inches to many feet per/year. You may want to consider the higher height towers.

Windmill Aeration System Manufacturers

2008-05-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

Koenders Proves Its Design OVER and OVER

In the last week Pond Reports was informed by three other Koenders Customers about
the design of the windmill and how it lives up to its promises.

Harry Brantley - of Utica Michigan installed his windmill over 5 years ago and
is just now replacing his diaphragm. He is very satisfied with the
performance of his Koenders windmill and has never had any issues. Harry is
now looking at the other Koenders Products such as the water pumps and the
electric aerators that are based on Koenders Technologies.

Dean Snow from West Unity Ohio has a 1/2 acre pond and owns a Koenders
Windmill to aerate it. For about 10 years this windmill aeration system has
been keeping his pond fresh and clean. During this time Dean has never
experienced a fish kill. A prevalent issue for pond owners in these areas of
the country that have hot summers and cold winters. The Koenders design is
proven and we have never had an issue with our unit - " no problems at all"
claims Dean.

Robert Townsend - of Inglewood Ohio has used a Koenders Windmill to aerate his
pond for over 7 years. He has a 3 acre pond and is very happy with the
windmill. During this time Robert has never had fish kills and the windmill
works as promised.

Koenders windmills is the longest standing manufacturer of windmills for
aeration. Wilf Koenders founded this company over 20 years ago and the
company is still going strong.

Koenders Windmills the Proven Leader in Windmill Aeration Systems
With Customers stretching back over 20 years

I have used one of your windmills to aerate our farm dugout (pond) for 20 years. It provides both the farm house and our cattle with the necessary drinking and water supply. Our dugout is 80 X 160 Ft in diameter and up to 14 Ft deep. Our Koenders Windmill has kept the water clean and algae free for decades and we would not know what to do without it.

The only thing we have done is change the diaphragm and checks valves. This is our third change in 20 years which falls under the expectations given to us by the manufacturer. Every 5-7 years they say you need to change the maintenance repair kit. Other than that this windmill aeration system has just kept going during the hot summers and extremely cold winters. In the winter it keeps an area of the pond open to release any unwanted smell or gases that can occur in the water if you do not keep a hole in the water when ice freezes over.

Our plumbing is not corroding at rates that other farmers see because they are pumping into their homes water with algae and our clothes have always kept their colors in the wash.

In our view Koenders Windmill Aeration Systems is one of the top and most reliable innovations on our farm.

Thanks

Lee Dzuba
Estevan, SK

We installed a Koenders Windmill over 8 years ago and am pleased to report that it has been one of our best investments. We simply put it up and it has worked great ever since. We have a 1/2 acre pond which is stocked with plenty of fish.

The windmill aeration system from Koenders has ensured that our fish stay healthy all year round, even during the extremely cold winter months like this year.

In the hot summer months it keeps the pond clean and algae free. We have never had to use expensive chemicals to get rid of scum or algae in our pond.

The other amazing thing is we have never even had to change a diaphragm on our windmill. So up until now we have done no maintenance on this windmill.

Great product!!

Thanks
Tom Merten
Slinger, Wisconsin

I bought our Koenders Windmill in 1998 and for over ten years it has successfully kept our 1/2 acre pond clean and free of algae. We also stock our pond with fish so its important to have the aeration. During this time we
have never had a fish kill thanks in most part to our windmill aeration system. We aerate the pond all winter long, some winters we have decided to skate on the pond so we simply take off the airline out to the diffusers to ensure the pond freezes over otherwise the windmill will keep the pond open all year long.

The only item that we have had to change is the diaphragm replacement kit for around $50.00. This usually needs replacing every 5-7 years.

Great design and great product.

Thanks

Mr. Whitehouse
Coldwater, OH

For over 8 years I have been aerating my large fish pond that is over 4 acres with a few of your Koenders Single Diaphragm windmill aeration systems.

The design of the aeration system has proven to be very reliable and efficient. I have done nothing on these windmills for 8 years. Unfortunately, we had some crazy winds this past week and one of them blew over. I should have anchored them down in concrete footers with the ground rods that come with your windmill system, instead I just hammered them into the ground. Now I know.

This units have done a tremendous job of keeping our pond healthy and clean. Pond stagnation and fish kill is never a worry for us while these windmill aeration systems are up and running. They also keep areas of our pond open during the winter months which helps improve the health of the fish and pond water.

Thanks Again

Devin Needles
Marion, OH

Koenders Windmills Lives up to Promises

We own a Koenders Windmill and have done so for over 6 years. Everything the company promises on its product specs is absolutely accurate. We have not done anything to our windmill until recently when we ordered a maintenance repair kit for $ 40.00. The specs indicated that this unit would be maintenance free for between 5-7 years at which time we would need to replace this inexpensive diaphragm and check valve kit. Seems like this is the only thing we will ever have to do with this windmill unit.

The Koenders Windmill Aeration System has kept our 1/2 acre pond in good condition all year round. We have never had a fish kill since installing the unit. We like the design of this diaphragm based aeration system because with very little wind the aeration begins and it looks like the water is boiling out in the middle of the pond.

Koenders is certainly a proven product in our mind and we are glad we chose a company that had been around for so many years.

Thanks
Alan Kurecki
North Port, Florida

Koenders Customer for 20 YRS

Koenders Windmills has been aerating our dugout that holds are farm house water for over 20 years. The only thing we have ever done to this windmill is change the diaphragm and check valves on the windmill other than that we have
never had an issue with this windmill.

Talk about a proven product - I can honestly say that it is one product that stands the test of time and weather hardships. Up here in Northern Saskatchewan we have heavy winds, extremely cold winters and very hot summers. This Koenders unit is no short of a miracle.

Thanks very much

Phil Casdrain
Rabbit Lake, Saskatchewan

Koenders Windmills,

Thanks for the great product, we are tickled to death with the performance of the windmill aeration system. We installed our Koenders Windmill over 7 years ago and it has been keeping our fish healthy and alive ever since.

We have an acre pond that is about 10 Ft deep, filled with Bass and Blue Gill.

Up until this year we have not had to do any maintenance whatsoever on the windmill. I just ordered a maintenance repair kit for $39.95 from Koenders Windmill that will replace the diaphragm and check valves, other than that
absolutely no other expense.

Thanks very much for the great product.

CHET COX
GALENA, OH

Koenders Windmills,

I have been using a Koenders Windmill Aeration system for over 10 years to keep my pond healthy. I attribute the health of my pond in large part to the aeration system and design of the Koenders Windmill.

It functions extremely well in low winds and has never had any issues in the hot summer or cold winter months. I have Bass, Trout and Blue Gill in the pond and the aeration helps keep my fish healthy and continuously breeding every year.

Its a great company and a great product. I am so happy with the product that I decided to buy one of their newer Dual Diaphragm Windmill pumps that is like two windmills in one. I also bought the pivot pairs that allows me to tilt the windmill up and down for maintenance (every 5-10 years). A much safer way to work with the windmill. Looking forward to installing the Dual Diaphragm windmill aeration system at my pond.

Thanks
David Conrad
Saginaw, MI

Windmill Air Compressor Pumps

2008-05-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

Windmill aerations systems are powered by the wind. As the wind rotates the blades (rotor head) - the compressor that is attached behind the rotor compresses air into an air-line. The amount of air that is compressed in the airline at the turbine height is much different as you go into the water and down to the air diffuser or diffusers that are placed in the deeper areas of the pond.

At the compressor height there is no back pressure so its quite easy for the blades to turn and the air to be compressed. The deeper you go into the water with air diffusers the more back pressure build up in the airline and the stronger the windmill compressor will need to pump in order to get air down to the diffusers that are in the pond. This is measured in PSI (pounds per square Inch) - the higher the PSI- the lower the air diffusers can be placed in a pond.
For every two feet of water that you go down-the compressor requires at least 1 PSI (pounds per square inch of pressure) to push the air down to the air diffuser.

For Example, Both Koenders Windmills and Superior Windmill have two models of air compressors. Dual Diaphragm Compressors and Single Diaphragm Compressors. According to their company engineers they engineered their Dual Diaphragm Compressors so that the diameter of the diaphragms would not change in size thus ensuring the strength, integrity of the entire windmill as well as the performance in lower wind speeds between 5-10 MPH.

All other vendors have single diaphragm models or a bellows pump model.

Koenders Engineers have stated that the design of the piston (diaphragm) to blade ratio is extremely important with respect to the overall integrity, performance and balance of the windmill aeration system.

They claim that "the theory of larger pistons produce more air" is flawed unless the power to drive the larger piston is provided. Power for windmills is translated into wind as a result the larger the diaphragm – the higher the wind speeds that are needed in order to drive the air compressor pumps. This will greatly reduce the amount of aeration and actual operating time of the windmill aeration system.

The other key factor that is in part related to the Diaphragm Sizing is the back pressure that occurs - the deeper you place the air diffusers in the water. (1 PSI pound per square inch of pressure is needed for every 2 Ft of water that you go down into the water) - Check with your vendors at what PSI of their air pumps -they range in the industry anywhere for 4-8 PSI right up to vendors like Koenders and Superior who's air pumps compress air up to 30-35 PSI levels.

The larger the diaphragm diameter the greater the force placed on the connecting rods, bearing sets and other related components. We have designed our pistons to operate in all wind conditions while exerting the least amount of force on the other windmill components. Our track record for this design is proven.

Wind speeds is another key consideration- at what wind speeds will these compressors pump air into the pond and how much with they pump. The amount that these compressor will pump is measured in CFM (cubic feet per/min of air) -it's important that this measurement be done at the diffuser level and not at the hub height.

The theory of "the larger the airline the better the aeration" is another theory that is considered flawed. Bigger airlines larger than 3/8th Inner Diameter have a negative impact on volume of air going directly into the water. You could put a 1/4 inch to a 3/8th inch airline on these windmills aerations systems and you would be much better off than if you were to place a 1/2 inch to 1 inch sized airline. The maximum airline diameter for maximum performance for all these models would be 3/8th .ID. Anything more than this will have an adverse relationship on the performance of the unit.

For example, the windmill has to produce more CFM of air to fill up the extra space in the airline before it will pressure up more volume of air to get oxygen into the water. Takes more time and more air to build that pressure up. That is why, to be fair we tested all units with the various diameters of airline and the most effective results for all units was 3/8th Inner Diameter. Remember this airline that we are describing is a special airline that does not expand under pressure. The airline that expands the least is the most effective for the aeration process. Ask your supplier if the airline expands.

Customer Feedback on Koenders Compressor Design

Koenders Windmills,

The Koenders Compressor has supported the aeration efforts for my fish pond since 1999. Due to the compressor's high PSI levels I am able to attach two air stone diffusers to the one windmill and it has been extremely effective and reliable in aerating my 5 acre pond in Saint Jean Sur Richelieu, Quebec for almost 10 years. Here we experience cold winters and hot summers. The design has proven to work in both conditions. The only maintenance that I have done is a check valve kit for $20.00 that allows the air to be compressed in the airline and not leak out. The bearing sets that Koenders use seem to be of high quality - we have never had to replace any of the self sealed bearings.

Areas of my 5 acre fish pond remain open during the winter months so that my fish stay healthy and since installing our windmill we have never experienced a fish kill.

Koenders diaphragm and compressor design has proven to stand up to the test of time in all seasons. Great Job!

Merci,
Yves Laliberte
Saint Jean Sur Richelieu, Quebec

Proven Compressor Design

I installed our Koenders Windmill over 15 years ago and can tell you that their design has proven to be extremely reliable and effective. The manufacturer recommends changing out a diaphragm replacement kit every 5-7 years (less than $ 50.00). Well it has been 15 years for me. Have never touched the windmill - we have simply greased the compressor base so that it swivels easier on the top of the tower.

We have a trout pond about 60 X 80 ft X 16 Ft deep so the windmill aeration has kept my fish from dying in the cold winter months. The aeration helps keep the algae and winds down as well in the hot summer.

In the winter I bring the air diffuser close to the edge of the pond so that I can keep an area of the pond open for deer to drink from at the edge of the pond.

If you have any questions just email me and I will try to answer them as best I can.

Ralph Welton
Economy, NS
Canada

Proven Compressor Design Provides Reliability

We installed a Koenders Windmill back in 1998 and all we did was hook the
airline up to the air diffuser that was provided and haven't touched it since.

In the winter months the windmill aeration systems keeps a hole in the ice of
about 50 Ft in diameter. This ensures that health of the pond and our fish.
We have small and large mouth bass, cat fish, brook trout, blue gill, perch
and others in our pond and make sure they stay alive during the cold winter
months is a real key concern. The Koenders compressor pumps all year round,
in the extreme cold and in the hot temperature months of the summer.

I was surprised to hear that Koenders recommends that we clean the air
diffuser every few years and service the diaphragm every 5-7 years. Its now
10 years and we have not done one thing to this windmill.

We certainly would agree that the diaphragm and compressor is proven to work
on the Koenders Windmill.

Eric Faccia
Morgan, WI

Thank You for the Great Product

Our Koenders Windmill Aeration System has been working for 13 years straight and we have done absolutely nothing to it during this time. When you talk about proven product, components and compressors - I would have to believe that your product wins not only in your industry but for any other brand or product in any industry.

We have about a 1.5 acre pond 150 X by 300 feet with Bass, Blue Gill, Koi and Perch. It has kept our fish alive and healthy every year no matter how hot the summers get or cold the winters are. Our family uses the pond for both swimming and fishing. With the help of our Koenders Windmill aeration system the water has always been crystal clear. There are many ponds in our area and most visitors comment that we have the best maintained pond they have ever seen.

We have just ordered a replacement tank for our freeze control unit and a maintenance repair kit. Total order $ 60.00 US - I don't need the maintenance kit yet but will keep it on hand. Manufacturer (Koenders Windmills Inc) has mentioned that the maintenance kit should last between 5-7 years - in our case its been 13 years and counting.

Gary Sansote
Bath, MI

Engineer's Feedback From Canada

I am an engineer and have been using a Koenders Windmill aeration kit for over
8 years. The engineering behind this unit is simple and smart and am very
impressed with the efficiency and reliability of its design.

We have a long pond about 800 Ft and without the aeration from this windmill
unit it would virtually be impossible to control algae and weeds in our pond.

When we first designed this fish pond it filled up in four days and has been a
joy to have on our land. Thanks to Koenders it has made managing and
maintaining are pond easy and affordable.

Thanks

David Sadleir
Rosemont, Ontario

Koenders Windmils Design Built to Last

Our Koenders Windmill has been an excellent functioning product for 18 years. We have a 100 X 200 Ft dugout full of brook and rainbow trout.

The dugout water is also used for toilets, washing clothes and dishes, showers etc.. for the farm house. Before we put our windmill up the pond looked like a slew - after a few months it started looking like a fresh lake and has been doing so ever since.

The design of this windmill is incredible. It works in low winds and is designed to last decades, just as Koenders Windmills promises.

We also use the windmill to keep our fish healthy during the winter months and we fish during this season as well. The windmill and the pond has given us years of fun.

Thanks

Mervin Arstall
Saskatoon, SK