Kasco Surface Aerators

Kasco Surface Aerators

High oxygen transfer floating aerators for lakes, farm ponds and water quality management

Kasco Surface Aerators are floating lake aerators designed for situations where oxygen transfer, circulation and water quality support are the main priorities. Unlike a decorative fountain, a surface aerator is not designed around a sculpted spray pattern. It uses a high volume propeller to pull water upward and discharge it as a strong foaming boil, mixing air and water at the surface and helping oxygen rich water move back into the lake.

This makes the Surface Aerator range well suited to nutrient rich lakes, stagnant ponds, golf course lakes, farm ponds, fish holding water, aquaculture systems, horticultural water storage, waste management lagoons and other sites where dissolved oxygen and water movement are more important than a formal water feature display.

Surface aeration can help reduce the problems associated with still, low oxygen water. By adding movement and oxygen, it supports beneficial aerobic bacteria, helps reduce stagnant conditions, improves water quality resilience and provides a more stable environment for fish and other aquatic life. It can be used continuously, seasonally, or during targeted periods such as warm weather, overnight oxygen stress or periods of heavy biological demand.

How a surface aerator works

The aerator floats on the water surface and uses its motor driven propeller to draw water into the unit. This water is then thrown upward and outward as a vigorous boil, creating a large contact area between air and water. In suitable conditions, Kasco surface aerators can transfer up to around 3lb of oxygen per motor horsepower per hour, which makes them a strong choice when the job is active water improvement rather than simple decoration.

• High oxygen transfer for lakes and larger ponds with low dissolved oxygen risk
• Strong surface agitation and water mixing to reduce stagnation
• Useful for fishery ponds, livestock ponds, golf course lakes and commercial water bodies
• Suitable for freshwater and saltwater applications with correct anode maintenance
• Can be used for continuous, supplemental or emergency aeration
• Simple floating installation with mooring ropes rather than a fixed base

Model choice and current selectable options

The selectable versions on this page cover the 1/2HP, 3/4HP and 1HP Surface Aerators with 10 metre or 30 metre power cable options. The larger 2HP and 3HP models are shown in the comparison table to help customers plan larger water bodies and understand the wider range, especially where surface area, oxygen demand or stocking pressure is higher.

The 1/2HP model is suitable for water bodies up to approximately 2,000m², while the 3/4HP and 1HP models increase the available coverage and oxygen transfer. Larger 2HP and 3HP units are better suited to substantial lakes and commercial applications where stronger movement and oxygen transfer are required.

Surface aerator technical comparison

Specification	1/2HP Aerator	3/4HP Aerator	1HP Aerator	2HP Aerator shown for comparison	3HP Aerator shown for comparison
Motor voltage	220V / 50Hz, single phase	220V / 50Hz, single phase	220V / 50Hz, single phase	220V / 50Hz, single phase	220V / 50Hz, single phase
Voltage operating range	208V to 240V	208V to 240V	208V to 240V	208V to 240V	208V to 240V
Motor watts	484W	748W	814W	1760W	2618W
Motor output	1/2HP	3/4HP	1HP	2HP	3HP
Running amps at 220V	2.2A	3.4A	3.7A	8.0A	12.6A
Starting amps at 220V	6.0A	9.0A	10.0A	40.0A	60.0A
Maximum lake surface area	2,000m² / 0.5 acre	3,000m² / 0.75 acre	4,000m² / 1 acre	8,000m² / 2 acres	12,000m² / 3 acres
Minimum water depth	45cm	45cm	49cm	51cm	61cm
Maximum oxygen transfer rate	1.50lb O₂ per hour	2.25lb O₂ per hour	3.0lb O₂ per hour	6.0lb O₂ per hour	9.0lb O₂ per hour
Supplied cable length	10 metres	10 metres	10 metres	Short stub	Short stub
Recommended cable at 10m	1.5mm², cable pre fitted	1.5mm²	1.5mm²	2.5mm²	2.5mm²
Recommended cable at 30m	1.5mm²	1.5mm²	1.5mm²	2.5mm²	2.5mm²
Recommended cable at 60m	2.5mm²	2.5mm²	2.5mm²	4mm²	6mm²
Recommended cable at 90m	2.5mm²	2.5mm²	4mm²	6mm²	6mm²
100m plus cable runs	Consult an electrician	Consult an electrician	Consult an electrician	Consult an electrician	Consult an electrician
Suction strainer	Optional bottom screen and mesh	Optional bottom screen and mesh	Optional bottom screen and mesh	Optional bottom screen and mesh	Optional bottom screen and mesh
Mooring ropes supplied	2 x 15m	2 x 15m	2 x 15m	3 x 15m	3 x 15m
Anchors	Not supplied	Not supplied	Not supplied	Not supplied	Not supplied
Warranty	2 years	2 years	2 years	2 years	2 years

Saltwater, cleaning and maintenance

Kasco Surface Aerators can be used in freshwater and saltwater settings when installed and maintained correctly. The rotor shaft is fitted with a sacrificial zinc anode to help protect metal components in saltwater applications. In saltwater, this anode should be checked regularly and replaced when it has reduced significantly in size or turned white. In freshwater it will usually last much longer, but it is still worth checking during routine servicing.

The units are built for demanding outdoor use, but they still benefit from routine inspection. A general clean once or twice a year is normally enough for many freshwater applications, while nutrient rich lakes, hard water locations and saltwater sites may need more frequent checks. If the aerator is not being used during winter, removing it from the water can help protect it from ice damage around the rotor and outlet area.

Surface aerator, VFX or decorative fountain?

Choose a surface aerator when aeration performance is the priority. Choose the Kasco VFX Series Aerating Fountain when you want a balance of aeration and a clean trumpet pattern display. Choose the Kasco JF Series Decorative Fountain when the main purpose is a more decorative floating fountain with interchangeable spray patterns.

Related lake aeration products and advice

• Kasco VFX Series Aerating Fountains
• Kasco JF Series Decorative Fountain
• Kasco Pond Probiotics
• Oase AquaAir Eco 250 Floating Lake Aerator
• Oase AirFlo LM 1500 Floating Lake Aerator
• Oxygenation and aeration for koi ponds