and coarse bubble air diffuser assembly.
Simply mount unit on a 1x6 pole (not included), attach standard 12 volt
automotive battery (not included), and place diffuser in water. (2 ft max depth, DEEPER PONDS REQUIRE A FLOAT (included) or a DRAFT TUBE (sold seperately).
We want our products to work well for you and suggest that you read through the following hints to see how best to use the systems. If you have any questions, please contact us, by emailing us at info@solaraerator.com or call toll free at 888-261-4726 and we will call with answers as soon as possible.
Specifications of the system::
Purpose: The Solar Aeration systems are designed to improve water quality in warm weather. How well our system works depends on how many of the following hints you can use in your particular operation. The deeper a pond, the better our system will work because there is more fresh, warm water to circulate. Also, our system will work better in a larger pond with more water in it.
System Description:
All weather metal and plastic enclosure with mounting brackets suitable for placement on a 1x6 ' pole (pole not included).
16 ft weighted air tubing.
Replaceable double diaphragm, 5.4 SCFH, oil-less air compressor.
Two 3 ft battery cables/clamps for standard 12 volt deep charge marine type battery (battery not included).
Permanently mounted Solar PV Panel, 0.5-2.0 amp (depending on model), 18 Volt, replaceable circuit board and inverter to air compressor motor.
Coarse bubble air diffuser block suitable for .09-0.25 cfm @ 1 psi depending on model.
Cost of operation: The solar aeration systems use very efficient air compressors with low power requirements. These units should pay for themselves in months versus the cost of operating on standard electrical power for the same airflows.
Installation Recommendations:
1. The unit should be outside with the solar panel facing south, where the sun will shine on it for the maximum time during the day. This unit requires at least 4 hours of direct sun each day. That means the suns rays cannot be obstructed by trees, buildings, parked or moving traffic, people, or anything that would block the suns rays contact with the solar panel for at least 4 hours a day. A good test to see if your panel is positioned properly is to disconnect the battery clamps from the battery and observe the aerators operation for 4 hours in the direct sun. Reposition the unit and panel until it will operate in the direct sun for at least four hours without the battery connected. After snow/ice/dust storms clean the solar panel with a soft cloth. If the battery becomes discharged in cloudy weather, disconnect it from the unit and charge it for a few hours on a conventional A/C battery charger.
2. The box should be hung on a 1x6 pole by the brackets on the back of the unit and secured to it.
3. The plastic tubing from the aeration system should be run through PVC pipe or an old garden hose to keep animals from chewing on it. The aerator diffuser should be placed in the pond where you wish the water aerated as far away from the outlet overflow as possible.. Optimum air diffuser depth is 1-2 ft. The diffuser must not be buried in the mud, if necessary suspend the difuser with our float included or draft tube (sold separately), or place it on a post or concrete block, or tie it off at the opposite shore to maintain optimum depth.
4. On occasion, any ice hole(s) may freeze over but that is normally less than 1/2 inch of ice and can be easily broken out with a stick or hammer in just a few seconds.
5. Be sure to leave the aeration unit running all summer. You will be very pleased with the improved water quality in warm weather.
6. The only part that requires maintenance (other than keeping the solar panel clean), is the replaceable air compressor diaphragm. The unit has two diaphragms. If you notice that the pump is making a “banging” noise or that the bubbles are getting weaker, you probably need to replace the diaphragms.