The title of this article is a bit misleading in that it would seem to be dealing specifically with safety issues related to open water ice fishing. Not so. There may be food forthought here for anyone who lives in close proximity to any kind of open water in winter.
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The benefits of choosing a ZW280 Compressor for your aeration
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If you want to mow a lawn, plant grass. If you want to fish plant fish.
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Aeration Shelters
Aeration shelters have probably been the cause of the demise of more aeration compressors than about anything else I can think of. An awful lot of well meaning owners over the years have spent a lot of money trying to do the right thing for their units and killed them with their kindness in the process by cooking them.
Most compressor spec sheets will indicate that the compressors are to only be run in the temperature range of -5°C to +40°C. Most compressors are somewhat more robust than this, truth be known. My theory as to why the numbers are so limited is that while the compressors can run at a wider temperature range than suggested, the people who are the primary users of them, that have respiratory issues, probably can’t.
Just about any compressor worth having for maintaining a waterbody is an oil-less piston type compressor that supplies medical quality clean air or vacuum for the operation of home oxygen systems for people with respiratory issues. While I don’t favor running the compressors at ambient temperatures much higher than the spec suggests they will do it and if they are running too hot, if they are built properly, will shut themselves off till they cool down. These compressors, as long as they are operated continuously, can operate at -40°C for extended periods without damage as well.
A good shelter, first and foremost, is supposed to moderate the environment for the compressor(s). You will find in terms of importance that ventilation trumps insulation every time. They don’t need to be big unless storage is a requirement or for the sake of security like these ones at Macklin Lake SK. (pics-shelter 4&5) Additional ventilation is a must in summer.
For years people have got by just fine with the bare minimum of a 20 l. plastic pail on it’s side with a small hole punched in the bottom at the back to let any accumulations of moisture drain out. As long as the pail is level and the back of the compressor is kept slightly away from the pail’s back end so air can pass unencumbered through the compressor, the pail does quite well but wins no awards for aesthetics.
My son Colin drowned out his first compressor and for not much of a commitment in time and cash created the following solution to a large fluctuation in the waterline in his pond. the screen just about eliminates the need for servicing the compressor’s intake filter although an old sock over the filter is still not a bad idea. In winter he can afford the compressor some additional protection from the elements by adding 3 wooden sides held in place with deck screws on the 3 most windward sides.
posted on Jun 19, 2012