Do you know that water breathes oxygen? Of course, it does not breathe the same way that we do, but water must absorb oxygen and it needs to be able to release carbon dioxide and other gases. The water can get murky, smelly, and can become rather gross if this gas exchange does not happen.

When water is still, the exchange of gases can only happen on the surface. Just think about all of the water molecules that are on the surface of your pond in comparison to the entire pond.

What a big ratio, right? The amount of gas exchange that happens on the relatively tiny surface is not enough for your pond. Oxygen cannot travel throughout the entire pond fast enough.

There is an even bigger need for oxygen in your water if you have fish in your pond. Blood cells in fish needs oxygen to survive just as much as ours do. Your fish won't survive if you do not have enough oxygen in your pond.

Fish use their gills to extract oxygen directly from the water to breathe. If there isn’t enough oxygen in the water, the fish will start to suffocate.

If your pond lacks oxygen, you may notice your fish coming up to the surface frequently to gulp air. The fish may even start to suffer if the problem becomes more severe.

Anaerobic Bacteria – What is it?

Anaerobic bacteria is another factor can contribute to the dirtiness of your water. The meaning of anaerobic is, without oxygen. It’s bacteria that lives at the bottom of pond water where there is little to no oxygen.

This bacteria eats on organic matter such as dead leaves and other debris that is in your pond. This can create a septic condition very quickly, and is a gross state that you will want to avoid.

Floating & Underwater Plants

If you paid attention in science class, then you know that plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. With that said, plants could help oxygenate your water. In reality, plants may help but are not the complete solution, and let’s take a look at why.

Though floating plants can add a small amount of oxygen to your water, the problem is that they decrease surface area of your pond. It’s much more efficient for water to have air contact, which negates the plant’s oxygen benefit. Even though your water lilies are very pretty, they could also be suffocating your fish.

But what about underwater plants? That could take care of the surface issue, and while this is true, there is a very important piece to the puzzle.

Plants will only produce oxygen during photosynthesis. Therefore, when it gets dark, the plants are no longer contributing oxygen to your water, and they don’t stop needing oxygen. Many types of plants store enough oxygen in their cells to get them through the night. They do not produce enough of an excess during the day to properly oxygenate the water.

[FURL=https://discount-pumps.biz/floating-fountains.htm]Aeration in Water[/FURL]

This is where aeration can help. Aeration is circulation of air throughout your pond water. Aeration will ensure that plenty of your pond water will come into contact with the air. Enough gas exchange will take place when this happens.

Byproduct gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide have ways to get release. They won’t stay trapped in the water causing odors or muck. This will help your pond water to stay fresher and cleaner.

[FURL=https://discount-pumps.biz/pond-lake-aerators.php]How to Aerate Your Pond[/FURL]

You need to create movement in order to aerate your pond. This is to ensure more water molecules spend time exposed to air. A good way to ensure enough gas exchange is to add an aeration system.