A number of years ago the fish farmer turned to sewage type floating aerators that spray water into the air. Used on a constant basis, these units have increased the production potential. However, operating at a shallow draft the surface aerator during the daytime creates a situation wherein the surface water which is enriched with oxygen, produced by algae, is thrown into the air and the oxygen is dispersed into the atmosphere. (Lately manufacturers have tried to correct this problem and extend the draft tubes deeper into the water column.) Usually the surface type aerator is installed in the corner of a pond or near electrical source. Hence, the area of mxing/aeration is very limited. Ideally, in a large pond, there should be a series of units, but wiring and unit cost would make it prohibitive.

Fan-type devices floating on the surface have also been used to mix the oxygen enriched surface water with the ponds bottom water. However, these units do not directly inject oxygen but mainly provide a mixing action.

From the foregoing, it is evident that all thee devices used to increase production, have a common goal, and that is mixing the pond to obtain a uniform distribution of oxygen.

Recently blowers producing high-volume, low-pressure air have entered the field of aeration for fish farms. Our firm, AREA, is well aware of the fish farmer's problems. We have been fish farmers for over 15 years. In the past 7 years we have conducted experiments to determine the optimum aeration techniques.

MAS SYSTEMS
The MAS aeration systems were developed by AREA to provide the fish farmer with a low cost, highly efficient system for mixing and aerating large ponds. It is also applicable to small ponds and raceways.

MAS I
Test of many materials were conducted by AREA to determine if an air delivery system could be developed that was relatively inexpensive and could be used with high-volume, low pressure blowers.

We now have that delivery system which is a large diameter (5 1/2") flexible plastic tubing. (Other sizes are available). It is light weight (50 lbs. per 1000 ft.). The construction of this tubing provides excellent tensile strength, elongation tear strength, puncture resistance, abrasion and flexibility for high performance. One thousand feet (1000') can be placed on a spool or reel no greater than 30' in diameter.

It provides a central air distribution system at low cost. It is used in conjunction with either MAS II, III, or IV systems.

THIS TUBING SHOULD NOT BE USED WITH COMPRESSORS OR ROTARY-LOBE BLOWERS. IT IS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR BLOWERS DISTRIBUTED BY AREA.

When installing this tubing on the pond surface, it is necessary to connect it to a line which will keep the aeration devices and air tubing in position. AREA can provide, at a low cost polypropelene rope, or at a high cost, nylon woven coated Kelvar line, which is extremely durable and retains its strength over a longer period of time. MAS I tubing is connected to this line with nylon ties (clamps). A special connector is then used to feed the air from the manifold tubing into the various MAS system devices.