A Pond Aerator

Keeping a pond is a multifaceted project that requires attention to multiple types of detail. Adding animals into the pond creates even more things to consider, like ensuring there is enough oxygen-rich water moving through the pond to keep your animals safe. Stagnant water usually is low in dissolved oxygen content, which can be dangerous for your animals. Aerating your pond helps maintain the natural ecosystem of the pond as well.

Most manmade ponds are closed bodies of water that don’t have a natural inlet or outlet for water, which means that water can become stagnant and dirty quickly. These reviews cover the best aerators for multiple types of ponds. This will help you narrow your search and give you a better idea of what types of aerators are available to you.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

RatingImageProductDetails
Best Overall
Winner
Tetra Pond Air Pump Kit Tetra Pond Air Pump Kit
  • Works for ponds up to 5000 gallons
  • Processes 100 gallons of oxygen per hour
  • Uses minimal electricity
  • Best Value
    Second place
    EcoPlus Round Air Stone EcoPlus Round Air Stone
  • Three sizes available
  • Can aerate ponds up to 50 gallons
  • Best value
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Scott Aerator DA-20 Display Pond Aerator Scott Aerator DA-20 Display Pond Aerator
  • Works for ponds that are 1/8 acre and larger
  • Sprays water up to 10 feet high and 25 feet wide
  • Can withstand temperatures below freezing
  • Airmax CrystalClear PondAir Aerator Kit Airmax CrystalClear PondAir Aerator Kit
  • Two sizes available
  • Can aerate ponds up to 2000 gallons
  • Black tubing blends in
  • Anjon NiteFalls Color Changing Pond Spillway Anjon NiteFalls Color Changing Pond Spillway
  • Available in four sizes
  • Can be used in ponds of varying sizes
  • Includes color and brightness settings
  • The 7 Best Pond Aerators

    1. Tetra Pond Air Pump Kit – Best Overall

    Tetra Pond Air Pump Kit

    Pond Size5,000 gallons
    Power SourceElectrical
    LocationExternal

    If you’re in the market for a pond aerator kit for your pond, then you may find the Tetra Pond Air Pump Kit to be the best overall pond aerator that includes everything you need. This kit includes an air pump, 300 feet of airline tubing, two air stones, and the valves and connections needed to put it all together. The pump itself is made in an arched shape and sits on four legs capped with rubber feet, reducing the amount of sound that comes from the pump. This pump provides 100 gallons of oxygen flow per hour and can help aerate a pond as large as 5,000 gallons.

    The air pump cannot be connected to a filter pump or any other devices outside of air stones and similar pieces of equipment. It is water resistant, but the manufacturer recommends keeping the pump underneath a covered surface and keeping it on a raised platform in areas that stay damp.

    Pros
    • Entire kit includes air stones, 300 feet of tubing, and connectors
    • Works for ponds up to 5000 gallons
    • Processes 100 gallons of oxygen per hour
    • Uses minimal electricity
    • Pump is made to operate almost silently
    Cons
    • Cannot be connected to other equipment
    • Needs to be protected from the elements

    2. EcoPlus Round Air Stone – Best Value

    EcoPlus Round Air Stone

    Pond Size50 gallons
    Power SourceAir pump
    LocationInternal

    If you’re on a tight budget and you have an air pump on hand, then the best pond aerator for the money is the EcoPlus Round Air Stone. This air stone is available in small, medium, and large sizes, which are all oversized air stones made to provide maximum aeration. The amount of oxygen output per hour will mainly be determined by the pump you use with the air stone. The large stone can help aerate ponds up to 50 gallons, and the affordable price means you can get multiple for larger ponds. This is a great option for water gardens and small ponds.

    This product doesn’t include airline tubing or an air pump, so you will have to purchase these separately. For full-sized ponds, you will need to purchase multiple air stones. The oversized nature of these stones means that they may seem too oversized for smaller ponds, so choose your size based on the number of gallons and depth of your pond.

    Pros
    • Three sizes available
    • Oversized product
    • Can aerate ponds up to 50 gallons
    • Best value
    • Good pick for water gardens and small ponds
    Cons
    • Does not include pump or tubing
    • Multiple required to aerate full-sized ponds
    • May be too oversized for very small ponds and water features

    3. Scott Aerator DA-20 Display Pond Aerator – Premium Choice

    Scott Aerator DA-20 Display Pond Aerator

    Pond Size1/8 acre+
    Power SourceElectrical
    LocationEmersed

    The Scott Aerator DA-20 Display Pond Aerator is a fantastic aerator pick for large ponds. This fountain sprays water in a trumpet shape between 9-10 feet high and 25 feet wide, providing excellent aeration to your pond. It is made to withstand temperatures below freezing and the manufacturer claims that all components are made to withstand temperatures below 0°. It sits in the water with the fountain element breaching the top. It can aerate ponds of multiple sizes based on the spray settings and location, but the minimum recommended size is 1/8 acre of surface area. The electrical cable for this product is fully submersible and is 100 feet long and the fountain can process 600 gallons of water per minute.

    This fountain does carry a premium price tag and does not come in a smaller size for ponds smaller than 1/8 acre. Although it is made to withstand temperatures below freezing, it must be turned off during the winter, so it cannot be used to aerate freezing water or prevent the surface from icing over.

    Pros
    • Works for ponds that are 1/8 acre and larger
    • Sprays water up to 10 feet high and 25 feet wide
    • Can withstand temperatures below freezing
    • Fully submersible electrical cable measures 100 feet long
    • Processes 600 gallons of water per minute
    Cons
    • Premium price
    • Does not come in a smaller size
    • Must be turned off in the winter

    4. Airmax CrystalClear PondAir Aerator Kit

    CrystalClear PondAir Aerator Kits

    Pond Size1000 gallons, 2000 gallons
    Power SourceElectrical
    LocationExternal

    The Airmax CrystalClear PondAir Aerator Kit is available in two sizes for ponds up to 1,000 gallons and ponds up to 2,000 gallons. Both kits include an air pump, airline tubing, check valves, air stones, and a 6-foot-long power cord. The 1,000-gallon kit comes with two air stones and sets of airline tubing, while the 2,000-gallon kit comes with four air stones and sets of airline tubing. The airline tubing is black, which helps it blend in, and it does not yellow or show algae over time like clear tubing.

    The pump should be protected from the elements, although it is water resistant. The air stones will likely need to be replaced after a season depending on the cleanliness of your pond.

    Pros
    • Two sizes available
    • Can aerate ponds up to 2,000 gallons
    • Entire kit includes air stones, airline tubing, and connectors
    • Black tubing blends in
    Cons
    • Needs to be protected from the elements
    • Air stones usually only last one season

    5. Anjon NiteFalls Color Changing Pond Spillway

    Anjon nitefalla color changing pond spillway

    Pond SizeVariable
    Power SourceElectrical
    LocationExternal

    The Anjon NiteFalls Color Changing Pond Spillway is a great water feature that creates a gentle waterfall into your pond. It’s available in four different widths of 12 inches, 24 inches, 36 inches, and 48 inches. It has built-in color changing LED lighting that is fully adjustable with the included remote control. It has different solid color settings as well as brightness and different types of fades. The remote can be used to control up to four NiteFalls Spillways, saving you money on the cost of the remote if you decide to purchase more.

    The height you place this spillway at will determine the amount of aeration it provides to your pond. However, waterfalls aren’t always the best pick for providing thorough aeration. Although this can be used in a pond of almost any size, the size of your pond will also determine how much aeration one spillway provides.

    Pros
    • Available in four sizes
    • Can be used in ponds of varying sizes
    • Includes remote that can be used for multiple spillways
    • Includes color and brightness settings
    Cons
    • Installation height will determine aeration
    • Pond size will also impact aeration

    6. Aquascape 75000 Pond Air 2

    Aquascape 75000 Pond Air

    Pond Size10,000 gallons
    Power SourceElectrical
    LocationExternal

    The Aquascape 75000 Pond Air 2 is a good pick for ponds of multiple sizes. This kit includes an air pump, 50 feet of airline tubing, connectors, and two disc-shaped air stones that are bottom weighted. The air stones are made to sit flat on the bottom of a pond. The manufacturer of this kit does not provide recommendations for pond sizing, but people report using this kit for ponds as small as 300 gallons and as large as 10,000 gallons for various purposes. It’s a good option for aerating dead spots in large ponds or thoroughly aerating small ponds.

    The pump does have to be protected from the elements and may stop working if it gets too wet. Although the air stones are intended to sit flat, they often will float up or flip over, so you may have to provide additional weight to hold them in place.

    Pros
    • Good for multiple pond sizes based on intended usage
    • Kit includes airline tubing, air stones, and connectors
    • Can be used for ponds from 300-10,000 gallons depending on usage
    Cons
    • Needs to be protected from the elements
    • Air stones may need to be weighed down

    7. FRAMICS Solar Air Fountain Pump with Air Bubble Stones

    Pond Size1,000 gallons
    Power SourceSolar, electrical
    LocationInternal

    The FRAMICS Solar Air Fountain Pump with Air Bubble Stones is the most eco-friendly option on the list because it can be fully solar powered. This kit includes a solar panel with 180° rotation, two sets of airline tubing, connectors, air pump, and two air stones. Although it’s solar powered, the pump can also be connected to an outlet and run with electrical power as well. This is a good option for shaded areas or areas that get minimal sunlight.

    The solar power aspect of this pump does not retain enough energy to aerate throughout the night or through a full day with little to no sunlight. Since it is solar powered, it is difficult to hide the panel for aesthetic purposes without blocking sunlight.

    Pros
    • Solar and electrical power options
    • Includes solar panel, airline tubing, air stones, and air pump
    • Most eco-friendly option
    Cons
    • Does not aerate for more than a few hours without sunlight
    • Difficult to hide the solar panel

    You might also be interested in: 10 Best Pond Filters – Reviews & Top Picks

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    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Pond Aerators

    What’s the Purpose of a Pond Aerator?

    Aerating your pond does more than just help create an oxygen-rich environment for the wellbeing of your fish and other aquatic animals. Aeration can help reduce the growth of algae by creating more oxygen and less carbon dioxide in the water, which is a primary component of the energy needed for algae to grow.

    Aeration encourages water movement, which decreases some types of algae growth, as well as reducing the unsightly appearance and smell associated with stagnant water. Water movement also provides an inhospitable environment for the growth and development of undesirable pests, like mosquito larvae.

    Choosing the Right Pond Aerator for Your Pond

    Pond Size

    Choosing an aerator that can meet the aeration needs of your pond based on its size is potentially the most important determining factor. A 10,000-gallon pond can’t be appropriately aerated by an air pump and air stone kit intended for a 100-gallon pond. And although you are unlikely to over-aerate your pond, an aerator intended for a pond much larger than the one you have can lead to too much water movement and cause stress for your plants and animals.

    Aquatic Life

    What type of animals and how many animals your pond houses are major determining factors because a 100-gallon pond stocked with 10 minnows will require significantly less aeration than a 10,000-gallon pond stocked with dozens of game fish. Some fish are also more easily stressed by too much water movement, making the type of aerator you choose important to maintaining their health and happiness.

    Also, consider that if your pond is not aerated enough and pests begin living in your pond, your aquatic life will help you control those pest populations, the number and type of animals in your pond can help you determine how effective they will be at aiding in pest control.

    garden pond
    Image Credit: Lisette Brodey, Pixabay

    Related Read: 10 Best Pond Plants To Keep Water Clear – Reviews & Top Picks

    Aesthetics

    What look are you going for with your pond and the area around it? Simple backyard water gardens often have less space to disguise aeration devices than a large pond might. Decide if you’re interested in an aerator that can be front and center, like a waterfall or waterspout, or one that is not meant to be seen, like air pumps and air stones.

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    Conclusion

    If you have an air pump on hand, then the best value for pond aeration is the EcoPlus Round Air Stone, which is a highly affordable product that lacks additional equipment. For a very premium price and a larger pond, then you’ll love the Scott Aerator DA-20 Display Pond Aerator, which services ponds measuring 1/8th of an acre and larger. The best overall pond aerator in these reviews, though, is the Tetra Pond Air Pump Kit, which combines affordability with the ease of a fully stocked kit.

    You might also be interested in: 8 Best Pond Heaters & De-Icers – Reviews & Top Picks