Water Quality Solutions AERATION RESEARCH Why Vertex? 15+ Years of Aeration GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE Research and Testing ŠŠFreŠe aerial mapping, system design and aeration Vertex introduced the lake aeration industry’s first CoActive turnover calculations MicronBubble™ membrane disk technology in 1998. Since then, our rugged aeration systems have performed reliably ŠŠA nŠationwide network of authorized Dealers under the worst natural conditions around the globe. ŠŠFaŠctory direct assistance from start to finish From our first installations in 1980 to our technology leading AirStations™ of today, Vertex continuously pushes the science of bottom aeration technology forward. CONTINUOUS RESEARCH ŠŠIndŠependent aeration performance testing has proven that adding millions of bubbles from the bottom up is the most effective form of aeration ŠŠStŠaff PhD biologists conduct ongoing testing of the effects of aeration on a wide range of issues in a variety of waterways ŠŠOnŠgoing testing of aeration performance and efficiency for oxygen transfer ŠŠPrŠoduct research, testing and development for quality control and improvement QUALITY MANUFACTURING Field testing a prototype for the PondLyfe system. ŠŠETŠL and CE International electrical safety certification ŠŠMaŠde in USA - Pompano Beach, FL How do we know our systems work? ŠŠLEŠAN Manufacturing processes - all products are We test them. Our scientists perform ongoing field and lab built with strict quality control research on ponds and lakes like yours to determine the ŠŠHiŠghest quality components in the industry for reliability, efficiency and effectiveness of rugged construction and dependability existing components and prototypes under development. And, if that isn’t enough, we ŠŠMeŠmber South Florida Manufacturers Association ask others to test them too. INDUSTRY BEST WARRANTIES ŠŠDiŠffuser Assembly: 5 years ŠŠCoŠmpressors: 2 years ŠŠCaŠbinets: Lifetime protection against rust ŠŠTuŠbing: 15 years 2100 NW 33rd Street • Pompano Beach, FL 33069 P: 800-432-4302 • F: 954-977-7877 [email protected] Vertex's Dr. Josette La Hée testing water samples from a lake www.vertexwaterfeatures.com before aeration systems are started. ©Vertex Water Features. All rights reserved. No part of this catalog may be reproduced without the express written permission of Vertex Water Features. Aeration Helps Restore Lakes Naturally EA R TH FRIEN • D E LY A • Ponds and lakes without enough oxygen have a difficult time handling nutrient overloads, RT DLY H FRIEN especially phosphorus. Dissolved oxygen, critical for water quality, is naturally added by aquatic plants and algae through photosynthesis; and by diffusion at the surface from wind. Animal, plant and bacteria respiration deplete oxygen. Problems occur when oxygen demand is greater than supply. What You Notice Symptoms ŠŠFisŠh kills ŠŠLoŠw oxygen ŠŠAlgŠal blooms ŠŠBaŠd water chemistry ŠŠPoŠor water clarity ŠŠSuŠspended sediments ŠŠSwŠarming Insects ŠŠStŠagnant stratified water ŠŠFoŠul odors ŠŠHyŠdrogen sulfide/carbon dioxide gas build up ŠŠMuŠck accumulation ŠŠLoŠw levels of beneficial bacteria Aeration at work Independent research shows that Vertex bottom diffused aeration “turns the lake over”, adding oxygen at all levels, in the most efficient and cost effective way to achieve a healthy balance. Aeration also improves the effectiveness of biological and chemical treatments so you use less over time - better for you, better for the water and better for the environment. Vertex Aeration Chosen for Bahia Del Mar Lake Restoration Bahia Del Mar is a 14 acre lake located in St. Petersburg, FL. This lake was severely stratified, with large amounts of organic material in bottom waters, high nutrient levels and concentrations of hydrogen sulfide causing a “rotten egg” odor, high biological oxygen demand and very low oxygen levels. The system was unsuitable for fish and other aquatic organisms and posed a health risk to residents. Due to the extreme conditions of the lake a two-pronged approach was undertaken to bring it back to a healthy state. Bahia Del Mar Lake Before After Treatment Results Highlights ŠŠAeŠration: Bathymetric Mapping provided accurate detail about ŠŠBOŠD at the bottom of the lake showed a 99% reduction the depths and volume. Two Vertex Systems, an LL 4XL5 ŠŠThŠe "rotten egg” odor was eliminated Aeration System and a HF 4XL5 Aeration System with sound ŠŠOxŠygen at bottom of the lake increased from 0 to 8 mg/L reduction kits were installed in April, 2012 to provide adequate turnover rates ŠŠTuŠrbidity went from 113 NTU to 8 NTU – a 92% reduction ŠŠAluŠm application: Our sister company, Aquatic Systems, ŠŠBoŠttom water Phosphate and Nitrogen Ammonia were applied two treatments of Alum to quickly improve water clarity reduced by 99% and color, reduce water phosphorus levels and drop out the ŠŠChŠlorophyll a went down 72% suspended solids ŠŠClaŠrity increased 150% 3 The Vertex Diffuser Advantage AERATION RESEARCH Some aerators add oxygen only at the surface or use large bubbles Muck Reduced 2.4' in 3 Yrs that escape at the surface, Vertex diffusers push millions of tiny bubbles from the bottom of the lake to the surface to add oxygen Independent report shows the everywhere its needed! reduction of organic lake bottom ŠŠ5-Šyear “No Questions Asked” 100% replacement warranty sediments. (shipping included) East Twin Lake is a shallow ŠŠIndŠependently tested pumping rates lake in Montmorency County ŠŠStŠableTrak™ technology increases lift velocity Michigan. Depths range ŠŠFloŠwControl™ technology equalizes airflow to each disk 4’ to 8’, with some areas ŠŠ“DŠelta” shaped surface pattern increases active surface area as deep as 26’. During and aeration efficiency periods of low water levels, the high sediment level at ŠŠSeŠlf cleaning disks - no yearly removal or acid cleaning required the western end of the lake became more prominent. The sediment occupied as much as 6’ of the 8’ of depth in many locations. A The problem area was located at the western end of the lake. This area consists of 160 acres of surface area. B In July 2004, (8) Vertex Air 3 XL systems were installed by Tri-County Aquatics in a 160 acre E cove of the 900 acre lake. At the time of installation, C muck measurements with a “sludge judge” D were taken at 6 locations. Three of the sites showed levels of 6’- 7’ of muck and the average for all 6 sites was 4.3’ of AirStation Components muck. The dissolved oxygen at the surface was 4.3 mg/L A Membrane3 Diffuser disk while the oxygen level at the bottom was 2.0 mg/L, which is B Clog, wear resistant, flexible polymer membrane a nearly anoxic environment. A water sample sent to a lab C Durable diffuser ring to determine the BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) returned D Barbed hose fitting for tight connections results of a BOD of 58 mg/L, which was much higher than the available oxygen in the water could oxidize and reduce. E Lipped chamber to hold ballast The Results Highlights Over 50,000 Membrane3 diffuser disks sold. After two and a half years of operation, tests showed: No reported clogged or blown-out membranes. ŠŠApŠproximately 2’ less of sediment. ŠŠIncŠreased wildlife and improved water clarity Vertex Diffuser Model categorized by water depth and lifting rate GPM (Gallons Per Minute) ŠŠDiŠssolved oxygen at the surface increased Air flow = 1.0 CFM (cubic feet per minute) per disk ŠŠBioŠlogical Oxygen Demand (BOD) decreased to healthy levels 2’ XL1 GPM XL2S GPM 4’ 700 1,400 East Twin Lake Cove: Average Muck Accumulation 6’ 1,150 2,300 XL5 GPM (Yearly Averages from Sites 1-6) 8’ 1,250 2,500 XL2 GPM 7,700 100.0 ♦100.0% 4.5 10’ 1,600 3,200 9,950 maining (%)98760000....0000 AVG 4♦.3’ ♦69.8% 43..05 epth (Feet) 1121162804’’’’’ 12222,,,,,123925555700050 34444,,,,,935570005000000 1111112330,,,,,842775505500000 X1L9904,,, 060G055P000M e ♦ 55.8% D 22’ Percent Muck R5432100000.....00000 AVG 3.0’♦ AVG 2.4’♦ AVG 1.9’♦♦ 44.2% 322...050 Average Muck 22324680’’’’ 1111144444,,,,,467810000500000 1111100000,,,,,356780050000000 0.0 1.5 Lifting rates represent total water flow as recorded in both independent testing and real 2004 2005 2006 2007 world data collected by Vertex from installed aeration systems. Lifting rate varies significantly by air flow, water depth and other factors. Vertex QuietAir™ Cabinets Are Built to Last Our durable QuietAir™ cabinets with Brookwood™ compressors are designed to fit into the landscape without being obtrusive while providing maximum effectiveness. Choose plug-in connection for waterside electrical service or VBS for distant power sources (remote valve box, sold separately) A ŠŠHiŠghest flow rate of any compressor in its class B ŠŠAvŠailable in 115V 60 Hz or 220V – 240V, 50/60 Hz ŠŠOiŠl-free, requires no lubrication ŠŠSuŠperior piston design provides higher pressure ŠŠQuŠieter operation and longer life than vane compressors - 2 to 4 times the duty cycle ŠŠThŠermal overload protection Cabinet Components A Rust free powder-coated aluminum cabinet N B Weather, child and vandal resistant keyed cabinet lock C C Stainless steel fasteners D Exhaust plenum for longer fan life, noise E reduction and weatherproofing L E Exterior safety on/off switch (on back of cabinet where shown) F Mounting pad included M K Compressor Components J H G Oversized cooling system O H Heavy duty Brookwood piston compressors G P D I I SafeStart™ motor protection technology J Pressure relief safety valve K Pressure gauge for airflow adjustment L High pressure blue anodized manifold M High temperature airline hoses Optional Sound Reduction Kit N High density sound adsorbing foam F O Noise reducing twin muffler P Noise reducing side mounted muffler Bottomline™ Tubing Remote Valve Box Tubing is sold separately so that you get the amount A Remote Valve Box allows installation of the you need without waste. Our tubing is durable, self- cabinet wherever it is convenient. Place the weighted, remains flexible in cold temperatures. cabinet where you have power and deliver the air as far as needed. 5 AERATION RESEARCH Comparing Types of Aeration: Midge Flies Controlled Points to consider 90% reduction in 16 months without Professional Design Services pesticides ŠŠFreŠe custom aerial mapping, aeration specifications and design Hibbs Grove located in Cooper City, Florida was experiencing ŠŠFreŠe comprehensive performance calculations including CFM, an ongoing outbreak of swarming midge flies from their PSI and turnover rate 6.5 acre lake preventing residents from enjoying their lake ŠŠLaŠrgest selection of compressor systems and diffuser models front property. Sampling indicated an extreme infestation of ŠŠDeŠgreed staff, knowledgeable in aquatic biology, limnology, midge larvae averaging more than six times the recognized fisheries sciences and lake management nuisance level. ŠŠNaŠtional network of qualified, experienced distributors providing Hibbs Grove turned to local support, service and expertise the biologists at Vertex Water Features for an Product Quality: environmentally safe solution. ŠŠPuŠblished independent aeration performance testing has Vertex installed a CoActive proven that adding millions of bubbles from the bottom up Air 5 aeration system that is the most effective form of aeration provided compressed air to ŠŠETŠL Equipment listing - products meet UL five XL2™ CoActive AirStations electrical safety codes placed at the deepest points ŠŠHiŠgh efficiency compressors and diffusers throughout the lake, effectively provide higher lifting rates with lower power consumption circulating the entire water column 0.76 times per day. ŠŠ5-Šyear “No Questions Asked” diffuser warranty and 2-year The Results Highlights compressor systems warranty ŠŠSeŠlf-cleaning diffusers, easy to replace filters, extended Oxygen levels increased immediately and accumulated compressor service intervals organic muck on the bottom began to decompose, ŠŠDeŠdicated research and development team working towards eliminating the habitat and food source that the midge continuous product improvement larvae depended on. The improving water quality allowed predators of the midge fly, such as bluegill and aquatic insects to prey on the midges. The resulting increased predation, decreased nutrients and habitat competition I installed my Vertex System 5 years contributed to a significant decrease in midge flies. ago. It's quiet, and it has been 100% Within 16 months of the Vertex system installation, the reliable. My pond looks great and my midge fly larvae population had been reduced by 90 percent, from 6,794 larvae/m2 to just 660 larvae/m2. Throughout fish are happy and healthy. the 16 months, there had been a visible increase in fish, Ryan Freeze dragonflies and water beetles all of which are natural Vertex Aeration Owner in Plain City, Ohio predators of the midge fly larvae. With continued aeration, the oxygen levels have remained elevated and continue to oxidize bottom muck and suppress the midge fly population. Hibbs Grove Average Midge Fly Population Aeration installed February 5, 2005 14K ♦ 12,814 er12K et M are 10K u Sq ♦ 8,743 er 8K on P6K ♦ 6,7♦94 6,364 ati Popul4K ♦ 4,368 ♦ 4,171 ♦ 3,55♦5 4,400 2K ♦ 2,96♦7 2,164 ♦ 2,566 ♦ 1,72♦0 1,677 ♦ 1,261 ♦ 731 ♦ 874 ♦ 660 0 3/05 5/05 7/05 9/05 11/05 1/06 3/06 5/06 7/06 Sample Collection Dates PondLyfe Specifications ŠŠHoŠrsepower: 1/4 ŠŠMaŠx. running amps: 2.0/1.6 ŠŠMaŠx. air output (CFM): 2 ŠŠMaŠx. aerated acres: 1.5 Acres PondLyfe aerators from Vertex address the need for a professional quality ŠŠGFŠCI safety circuit aeration system at an affordable price ŠŠPoŠwder coated aluminum cabinet for water gardens and smaller ponds up in choice of three colors to 1.5 acres in size and up to 30’ deep. ŠŠETŠL safety certification PondLyfe aerators benefit small pond ŠŠIndŠependently tested AirStations owners who want the best available ŠŠSeŠlf cleaning membrane technology to restore their ponds to a diffusers cleaner, clearer and healthier condition ŠŠSinŠgle 5-micron filtration naturally by raising oxygen levels, ŠŠReŠstarts under pressure reducing muck, excess nutrients and suspended solids causing murky water. ŠŠSuŠper quiet operation PondLyfe system at work “Our lake maintenance costs have dropped by 60%. The health and appearance of these lakes has improved significantly...” John Williams Maintenance & Resident, Lakewood Hills Pond Restoration Products for Lake Management Professionals A healthy lake is clear, odor free and has a balance of wildlife and plants. A lake in distress is often lacking in the necessary bacteria and enzymes to breakdown the organic materials that enter the water and has nutrient levels that are too high. The Micro-Lyfe family of products were developed to restore your lake's biology and bring it back to a healthy balance. Benefits of using Aeration with Other Products Bioaugmentation and aeration were made for each other. Aeration and water circulation enhance the natural bacterial digestion of muck and other organic materials in a lake. By supplementing with additional types of bacteria and accelerating enzymes, you speed the nutrient, muck and odor reduction benefits of aeration. Since many of these beneficial bacteria require oxygen to perform at an optimal level, aeration will allow you to use less product to achieve the same effectiveness thereby reducing your treatment cost. Choosing the right products Concentrate Improves and maintains the overall health of your lake ecosystem. Diminishes high hydrogen sulfide concentrations that cause a rotten Complete egg smell. Use when installing or restarting a lake aeration system. Reduces muck in the bottom of lakes that are black, flocculent, or Sludge Clear full of organic sediments. Speeds the breakdown leaves, needles, wood, or other organic plant Digester matter on the bottom. Blue Power A blue dye product plus enzymes to improve water quality. Helps prevent algae scum on shoreline, especially in newly built Barley Boss ponds. 7 AERATION RESEARCH Big, small, deep or shallow. Improved Oxygen, Water Water bodies are not all alike! Clarity and Nutrient Levels While there are a number of issues that affect all different types of waterways, they also have unique ecosystems, uses and Heron Cay, a high-end gated residential development, was physical characteristics that require more than typical cookie- experiencing a number of problems in their 21 acre lake cutter solutions. which is central to the community. ŠŠ‘HŠomeowner’ ponds: usually smaller, used for fishing, With maximum water depths swimming and watching nature over 20’, stratification caused ŠŠGoŠlf/farm/agricultural use: irrigation ponds for turf, crops or the lake to experience watering livestock tend to get higher nutrient loads from runoff severely low dissolved oxygen but need to be low in nutrients for irrigation levels at the bottom. Having ŠŠCoŠmmunity and public lakes: large, small, natural or man- no beneficial bacteria to made. They are not often used for swimming but need to look break down organics, heavy beautiful muck accumulation and foul ŠŠMaŠrinas: can be fresh, marine, brackish or have bacteria and odors from hydrogen sulfide odor problems gases were present. The lake was consuming what little available oxygen there was faster than it could be replenished, ŠŠCaŠnal systems: man-made for navigation or flood control and excessive nutrient levels from fertilizer runoff only made ŠŠReŠservoirs: deeper than other types listed. The movement of conditions worse. Additionally, the lake’s Biochemical Oxygen the water is tightly controlled and stratification is a serious Demand (BOD) was extremely high. issue The Results Highlights Get the VERTEX After the design and installation of a Vertex aeration system consisting of 11 diffuser stations being fed by compressors Advantage totaling only 2-1/4 horsepower, Heron Cay was set up on a monitoring schedule to determine how lake dynamics were being affected. The results over the 4 month monitoring period were dramatic. Within days of initial start-up, the “The Vertex Aeration System was an systems six main objectives were beginning to be realized: extremely good investment. I haven’t had ŠŠThŠe breakdown of temperature and oxygen stratification any more stressed or dying fish! ŠŠIncŠreased oxygen levels occurred throughout the entire Bruce Condello water column President/Cocreator of Big Bluegill . ŠŠDeŠcreased Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) - dropped Field advisory staff & web moderator of Pond Boss magazine to below detection levels ŠŠWaŠter clarity increased by 100%, from 3’ to 6’ ŠŠExŠcessive nutrient levels decreased; nitrogen down 80%, phosphorus down 59% Average Dissolved Average Oxidation Average Biological Oxygen Levels at 12ft. Reduction Potential (ORP) Oxygen Demand (BOD) Oxygen Mg/L 87654 ORP MV211-05055000000 BOD Mg/L11529 3 -100 6 -150 2 -200 3 1 -250 0 -300 0 DATES7/169/1411/132/144/14 DATES7/169/1411/132/144/14 DATES7/169/1411/132/144/14 Average Secchi Disc Levels Average Nitrogen Levels Average Total Phosphate Levels Secchi Ft/L 87654 Nitrogen Mg/L....32210505 Phosphate Mg/L .....87654 3 .3 .10 2 .2 1 .05 .1 0 .00 0 DATES7/169/1411/132/144/14 DATES7/169/1411/132/144/14 DATES7/169/1411/132/144/14 Heron Cay’s lake has returned to natural, healthy conditions. How do we design your perfect system? Vertex has the widest selection of components in the industry to design the most efficient and cost effective aeration system. To ensure the best turnover rate throughout the body of water with one of our systems we take into account the following: ŠŠWŠater Depth: the range of depths throughout the pond or lake can make a difference. If they vary quite a bit you may need more than one AirStation and each may have a different number of disks ŠŠShŠape: A fairly round pond is likely to need fewer AirStations than a body of water with multiple 'fingers' ŠŠAcŠreage: correctly sizing a system takes into account the total size of your water body ŠŠCoŠmpressor cabinet location: Our systems are quiet, but if the cabinet is going to be located by a patio or under a window, we have options to make your system even quieter ŠŠPoŠwer source: If you have power next to the shoreline a standard system will ŠŠWwvaoŠalrvtkee. r bIsfoh txeh dteo ap mnodwe eeintr flyisoo uwnro: ntE ebxecye dtsshsei vseh onruet rwieen tw ailnl dde osriggann aic s lyosatdeming w firtohm a oreumtsoidtee sources requAireersa tion is useful during all seasons additional aeration capacity 4 easy steps BottomLine Tubing 1. Measure length, width, several QuietAir Cabinet depths and bottom slope Trench Valve Box 2. Email data to info@ vertexwaterfeatures.com 12’ PVC Line 3. Let our specialists design 8’ 3’ your custom aeration system AirStation 4. Have your new system installed Product sizes are exaggerated for illustrative purposes by your nearest Vertex Dealer or Diagram showing the set-up for a remote valve box aeration system do it yourself Surface Acres: 2 Surface Acres: 2 Volume: 4,818,829 gallons Volume: 3,493,580 gallons Same acreage, unique systems! How different can 2 ponds be? Many companies tell you that all you need to know is the surface acres and maximum depth. Anyone can see from this example that getting the right system requires a better understanding of your waterway than those two Air1Plus™ System Air5™ System numbers alone can give. ŠŠTwŠo XL2 AirStations ŠŠ2.Š5 CFM ŠŠFivŠe XL2 Shallow ŠŠ1 Š HP Our aeration specialists work with Water AirStations ŠŠSmŠall QA1 Cabinet ŠŠDeŠeper lake ŠŠ8.Š6 CFM you to design your custom system ŠŠLaŠrge QA3 Cabinet ŠŠ1/Š3 HP ŠŠShŠallower lake 9 AERATION RESEARCH How do we know so much about water? We test it! Phosphate and Ammonia Our understanding of how much Reduction oxygen is needed to restore and Winston Park is a residential maintain ponds is based on community in Coconut Creek, continued scientific testing and Florida. Winston Park Lake is 12.7 research of the biodiversity, chemistry acres and has a maximum depth and structure of lakes. Issues that are of 32’ with an average depth obvious and similar may have very of 19.5’. The lake experienced different causes from lake to lake so massive fish kills every fall due to the solutions will vary as well. Vertex a reduction in oxygen during fall aeration achieves the best results Vertex Research Biologist turnover, so Vertex installed an because we know the data. aeration system consisting of six XL5™ AirStations Water Quality Testing powered by 3 Brookwood™ compressors totaling 2.25 HP; which produced 14 CFM of air at 19 PSI. This system is sized The knowledge Vertex has gained from testing water chemistry to turn the water over in the lake at a rate of 0.8 turnovers has improved lake restoration plans by: per day. ŠŠTaŠiloring them to specific pond or lake issues The Results Highlights ŠŠTaŠrgeting the underlying causes of problems ŠŠIncŠluding the most effective techniques (e.g. best time of day Nutrients: The highest orthophosphate levels were observed or year to treat) at the sediment-water interface. These levels were reduced from 0.34 mg/L on July 15, 2009 to 0.01 mg/L on April 7, ŠŠDoŠcumenting what does and does not work for future 2010, a 97% decline. Ammonia levels were also highest reference in the bottom waters and were reduced 55%. Biological ŠŠVeŠrtex biologists are available to review test results done by oxygen demand (BOD) improved steadily, decreasing to the others as part of a troubleshooting strategy for difficult lakes background detection limit (2 mg/L) by October 23, 2009. and ponds. This represents a 60% decline in BOD. PHOSPHATE 0.35 mg/L) 0.3 S20u rFfaeceet e (0.25 Bottom at h 0.2 p s ho0.15 p o h 0.1 Ort 0.05 0 06/03 07/17 08/30 10/13 11/26 01/09 02/22 04/07 Oxygen transfer: On the morning of June 24, the day after the aerators were turned on full-time, oxygen concentrations averaged only 0.7 mg/L (225 kg of oxygen in the entire lake), with surface values topping out at only 1.75 mg/L. Near complete destratification of temperature was achieved Contour map of the lake at Tivoli Reserve in Boynton Beach, FL. by July 8, after 2 weeks of running the aerators full time. Lake Mapping for Aeration Placement AMMONIA 0.6 L) g/ Surface Vertex performs bathymetric lake mapping in Florida for ongoing m 0.5 gen ( 0.4 2B0o tFtoeemt research into best practices for aeration system placement: o ŠŠKnŠowing the depths throughout the expanse helps determine Nitr 0.3 the correct type, size and placement of AirStations a ni o 0.2 ŠŠSeŠdimentation depths show where aeration is most needed m m A 0.1 ŠŠVeŠgetation under the surface gives insight on oxygen needs 6E-16 Effective aeration solutions take into account the topography of 06/03 07/17 08/30 10/13 11/26 01/09 02/22 04/07 the waterway since variations in depths can be enormous. -0.1