Frequently Asked Questions

frequently asked questions Bearon aquatics

General

What's my energy bill going to look like at the end of the month?

Every unit we build runs at less than ten (10) amps at 115V (divide running amps in half for 230 Volt). Your specific application will determine how many hours a day you run and at which times.

Amps x Volts = Watts
Watts / 1000 = Kilowatts per Hour

Why are nearly all of your propellers and brackets "plastic"?

Plastic is a generic term, but we understand your frustration, especially when a propeller or bracket breaks. First, we use polypropylene plus some proprietary materials to enhance the products. Propellers need to be both strong but have just enough flexibility to “flick” water upward. Together you get maximum performance. The second reason these materials are chosen is that they can handle salt and brackish water. Electrolysis attacks certain metals – this is why anodes are so important. Just like protecting the bottom of a boat, it’s better to attack the anode than the stainless steel can. Lastly, suppose debris gets into your unit; in that case, the bracket or propeller should snap instead of ruining your entire motor. Your wallet will thank you for keeping costs down.

*Please note: the only unit with a metal propeller and almag brackets as standard parts is the F1500TP Surface Aerator. This unit is so powerful that we had to move to metal options. This unit can only be used in FRESHWATER applications.

**AlMag Brackets are an upgrade option for FRESHWATER ONLY situations, instead of the standard ones.

Why do all of my brackets seem to break at the same time?

Here’s the situation with that: Our brackets rarely break without help. Broken brackets usually occur with an accidental drop from a shipping truck. Please check your unit over when you first receive it. Chances are, what you are asking happens later when your unit is in the water. Some form of debris: Ice chuck, sticks, rocks, etc., gets wedged between the brackets, propeller, and motor. Once jammed, the unit tried to run but cannot properly spin until the debris is cleared. A bracket can snap to free the debris, which is great news for the motor to work properly again. However, with one bracket down, the unit will shake, causing fractures in the other brackets. They can only handle the shaking so long before they let go. Chances are, this happens when you are not physically with the unit.

Do I need to hire a professional to install products by Bearon Aquatics?

Our products require little to no assembly and are installable by one person (at least 2 for floating Olympus Fountains. We like our units to be rugged, so they are a bit heftier than competitor units. It’s okay to install with a buddy if you find them a little awkward by yourself; we won’t tell. We understand that some customers prefer to handle all the work themselves.

Hiring an installer is never a bad thing. Professionals are great for various reasons, from checking your power source to installing the unit perfectly. Often installers take some of the burdens off your plate if you are short on time and space. They may be able to offer you cleaning, additional products that help your pond or lake, give you advice, and perhaps even storage during the off-season.

We know some great distributors to get you the connection you want.

I thought sacrificial anodes were made of Zinc, but Bearon Aquatics uses Aluminum. Why?

You are correct! Traditionally anodes were made of Zinc. Several years ago, the United States Navy changed over to aluminum anodes – they work just as well and do not leave cadmium behind. If it was good enough for the US Navy, then we felt it best to follow suit. Here’s a great article on various types of anodes:
https://www.fisheriessupply.com/understanding-sacrificial-anodes 

*We don’t find anodes necessary for our equipment in freshwater. They don’t hurt anything if you leave them on, and you may not see them deteriorate much at all for years.

What are some general tips/tricks you all would share about Bearon Aquatics equipment?

We love to share, so here’s our advice:

  • For Ice Eaters, Weeds away and Power House Aeration:
    • Never try to open the motor can yourself; please let us do it properly at the warehouse or another authorized service center. Opening the can yourself voids your warranty. You can rest easy knowing your motor will receive a thorough inspection when sent directly to one of our authorized repair centers. We do not allow just anyone to have access to internal parts.
  • For Olympus Fountains:
    • Never try to fix the motor and pump yourself; please let us do it properly at the warehouse or another authorized service center. Trying to fix an Olympus Fountain yourself will void your warranty and is unsafe.
    • The cool thing about us is that if you have to buy a new motor during a service, we give you a brand new warranty!
    • Pull your equipment out of the water occasionally. Depending on your location, inspections may need to be once a month or as little as once per season. Check for any nicks on the power cord, damage to the propeller, and how eroded your anodes have gotten. Debris and damages to the unit might cause the units to have reduced efficiency, ruin the bearings, or even stop working prematurely.
      • Reminder: Turn OFF any Bearon Aquatics equipment for inspecting, cleaning and replacing any parts.
  • When moving units around, use the mooring lines. NEVER use the power cord to move the unit. Using the power cord can damage the connections and cause your unit to malfunction.
  • Ice Eaters, Power House Aeration, and Weeds Away units contain a non-toxic dielectric fluid. They do not use standard oil. This fluid is replaced during routine maintenance and is NOT something you need to “top off” or replace yourself; please let an authorized service handle this for you. Olympus Fountains are water-cooled motors, so there is no replaceable fluid.
  • Replace anodes when they are about half of the original size. The lifespan of an anode varies greatly depending on the application. Saltwater oyster farmers, for example, replace anodes every few days! An electrolysis kit should be used in salt or extremely brackish water conditions. An electrolysis kit is an additional anode strapped to the can housing the motor.
  • For Best Results use commercial grade GFCI on all equipment.
  • Replace propellers when worn or jagged. Propellers in good condition kept the motor running at top speed/performance. Worn or jagged propellers add drag to the motor and can ultimately damage the motor and void your warranty.
  • Every 4-5 years, let us service your equipment – we want them in top condition and working hard for you for years to come.

Ice Eater

What is the warranty on the Ice Eater?

The Ice Eater comes with a 3-year limited warranty from the date of manufacture by Bearon Aquatics. If a unit is used for purposes other than de-icing, then a one (1) year limited warranty shall apply.

How do I know which products best fit the needs of my lake/pond?

Size, depth, and water conditions are only a few factors used to determine which of our products will best satisfy your ponds’ needs. With extensive knowledge and years of experience, our professionals will work with you. They know the right questions to ask and will quickly determine which product, size, and application you need.

What comes with the Ice Eater?

When you order an Ice Eater, you order a complete unit ready to install within minutes of unboxing! No tools or assembly is required. Motors are wired to the voltage you requested (either 115 or 230V) and come with the quick-disconnect power cord already attached. The motor’s housing, shroud, brackets, and propeller are already preassembled. 25′ mooring lines for anchoring are provided, as well.

*Did you remember to check out all of the awesome upgrades we have for your Bearon Aquatics units? Consider a thermostat? Would a Dock Mount be a better set-up for you instead of the mooring lines? Salty water – no problem, grab a couple of spare anodes. Check out all the accessories for Ice Eaters.

Are your products heavy?

We try to keep our equipment manageable. Here are some rough figures for you, but please don’t hesitate to ask for a closer estimate on specific pieces of equipment:

  • Ice Eater weighs between 35 to 45lbs on average.
  • Ice Eaters with Mallard View Outdoors’ stand: around 68lbs** total. Josh at Mallard View Outdoors said that “the contraption is a bit awkward but manageable for one person.” He does lug Ice Eaters around quite a bit.

**The weight will vary based on horsepower, accessories, and length of the power cord.

I want to take my Bearon Aquatics equipment out of the water for a while; what is the best way to store it?

Ice Eaters should be stored upside-down (yup, propeller on the bottom!).

Pro-Tip: While you have your Ice Eater out of the water, it is a great time to give the whole unit a good inspection. Make sure nothing is tangled around the shaft (fishing line or weeds). Look over the propeller to make sure it is not worn or jagged. Check the anode for erosion (order replacement when it’s about half-size). Give your equipment a bath to eliminate any gunk build-up for longer-lasting equipment & definitely, clean the can! We recommend a degreaser (let it sit for a few minutes) and then power-wash the whole thing.

In your brochures, you state that the motor uses a "Synthetic Dielectric Lubricating Fluid" – what does that mean?

We use a breakthrough electrical insulating fluid technology that will not harm any aquatic life if our fluid gets into your pond, pool, or lake.

Oil spills are nasty and cause lots of damage to plants and animals; we have all seen tragic news reports when those oil spills occur. Bearon Aquatics took the extra steps to locate a food-grade, non-toxic, biodegradable fluid that will evaporate in about 28 days. This ultra-pure fluid helps minimize power loss and maximize productivity; withstanding energy spikes, hot & cold weather extremes.

My Ice Eater is sluggish/runs slow throughout the duration of the runtime. Why is that?

Check the voltage you are plugging your equipment into; it needs to be the same as your equipment. Running multiple items on the same circuit could affect your voltage; for this reason, we recommend a dedicated electrical source for your unit.

My Ice Eater runs intermittently – or My Ice Eater keeps tripping the GFI

Check over the unit first: look over the power cord for any nicks, holes, chew marks, or cuts. Sometimes even minuscule nicks can cause a problem. Should you find a nick/cut, please replace the power cord.

If that is not the case, it could be an internal issue; a seal could be broken, or the start capacitor may have gone bad. Broken seals allow water into the can that holds the motor. The capacitor gives your Ice Eater its starting burst, so when it’s going bad, it has lost the power to help get the motor going. In either case, send your Ice Eater in for service to us or an authorized service center.

My Ice Eater won't start or is very slow to start; what is the problem?

There are three likely problems when this occurs:

  • If the motor runs at half speed, then the capacitor winding could be bad.
  • If it will not start, check your power cord for bad connection/damage, check the GFCI or breaker – one of those is probably causing the issue.
  • The capacitor is probably bad if you have to spin the propeller to get the Ice Eater to start.
My Ice Eater stops running or runs much slower than usual when I plug in another machine; why?

Chances are your Ice Eater is sharing the same circuit as the other machine, and that’s what is causing the problem. You need a dedicated line for an Ice Eater and the proper voltage to match. Also, plugging Ice Eaters into outlets with low amps could cause a problem – make sure you have good, clean power.

Olympus Fountains

What is the warranty on the Olympus Fountain?

The Olympus Fountain comes with a 3-year limited warranty from the date of manufacture.

What comes with the Olympus Fountain?

Olympus Fountains arrive on a pallet and are ready to go. Fountains arrive at your location upside-down. You turn the fountain right side up and drop the fountain into the water. Float the unit to the desired location in your pond, anchor it with cinder blocks, and plug it into your electrical outlet. Olympus Fountain comes complete with your specified length of power cord and favorite pattern!

Fixed Base Shallow Pond versions of the Olympus Fountains naturally sit on the bottom of your lined or concrete bottom fountain without the need for anchoring. These are also ready to go upon arrival to your doorstep but are not recommended for mucky and deep-water applications.

*Did you remember to check out all of the awesome upgrades we have for your Bearon Aquatics units? Timer, Lighting Accents, and critter sleeving, OH MY! We have those things and more. Check out the accessories page for Olympus Fountains.

Can I get every Olympus pattern in every size fountain?

To ensure top performance and energy efficiency, we have made certain patterns exclusive to each particular size fountain.

How do I know which products best fit the needs of my lake/pond?

Size, depth, and water conditions are only a few factors determining which products will best satisfy your ponds’ needs. With extensive knowledge and years of experience, our professionals will work with you. They know the right questions to ask and will easily determine which product, size, and application you need.

Can I run my fountain year-round?

We recommend that you remove your equipment from the water during the freezing months and that you store it in a place where the temperature stays above freezing. If you are lucky enough to have temperatures that stay above freezing, feel free to enjoy your unit year-round, but also, can we come to visit? 😊

How do I anchor my Olympus Fountain?

We recommend using a cinder block tied to each mooring line, firmly placed on pond/lake bottom, and at a 45° angle for floating Olympus Fountains.

Fixed Bases versions stay in place pretty well without help because they sit on the bottom.

How easy is your equipment to install? Are your products heavy?

We try to keep our equipment manageable and have been known to move them around with just one person’s muscle. However, we highly recommend two people to move them. The closer you can get to the water with the fountain, the easier. Just one person can float it into place while the other sits on the shore, giving directions. Here are some rough figures for you, but please don’t hesitate to ask for information on specific pieces of equipment.

  • Fixed Base Olympus Fountains range from 43lbs to 80lbs.
  • The average weight of .33Hp floating Olympus Fountains is about 85lbs.
  • Our big 3Hp Olympus Fountains are over 200lbs. These fountains are not only heavy but are taller than the other models, so extra hands avoid injury to you or damage to the unit.

**The weight will vary based on horsepower, accessories, and length of the power cord.

I want to take my Bearon Aquatics equipment out of the water for a while. What is the best way to store it?

The Olympus Fountain can be stored in any position. Do not allow the unit to freeze. While you have it out of the water, it would also be a great time to give it a once over: make sure nothing is tangled around it (example: fishing line). Give your equipment a bath to get rid of any gunk build-up for longer-lasting equipment. Clean the screen! The screen allows the unit to breathe; caked-on debris/muck can cause the motor to overheat.

My Olympus Fountain stops running or runs much slower than normal when I plug in another machine. Why?

Your Olympus Fountain is sharing the same circuit as another machine, which is causing the problem. You need a dedicated line for an Olympus Fountain and the proper voltage to match. Plugging into outlets with lower Amps could cause a problem.

Power House Aeration

What is the warranty on the Power House Aerator?

The Power House Aerator comes with a 3-year limited warranty from the date of manufacture.

What comes with the Surface Aeration?

This unit arrives at your doorstep in two boxes.

Box 1: The unit. Motors are wired to the voltage you requested (either 115 or 230V) and come with the quick-disconnect power cord already attached. The motor’s housing, shroud, brackets, and propeller are already preassembled.

Box 2: This box contains the float, and (2) 25′ mooring lines for anchoring are provided. (If you happen to order a float cage simultaneously, we often sneak that cage in the same box.)

What's the advantage of having a dual propeller on my Power House Aerator?

Dual prop assemblies increase the aerator’s GPM’s (Gallons Per Minute) by 25%. The design also stabilizes the position of the float more than a single prop. This option is only available on the F750DP and the F1000DP.

Why is the F1500TP the only metal propeller unit, and why is it labeled Fresh-Water Only?

The F1500TP is a 1.5HP unit that packs a powerful punch. Normally, we use a specialty plastic material that gives strength and just the right flex to create the maximum water movement possible. However, the 1.5HP is so strong that we moved to a metal propeller; everything else couldn’t handle the power. The weight of the unit also required that we use the aluminum-magnesium (almag) brackets. Those brackets work like a sacrificial anode if used in saltwater and would deteriorate over time.

What comes with the Aerating Fountain?

This unit arrives at your doorstep in two boxes.

Box 1: The unit. Motors are wired to the voltage you requested (either 115 or 230V) and come with the quick-disconnect power cord already attached. The motor’s housing, shroud, brackets, and prop & disc are already preassembled.

Box 2: This box contains the float, and (2) 25′ mooring lines for anchoring are provided. (If you happen to order a float cage simultaneously, we often sneak that cage in the same box.)

What comes with the Flo-Gen?

This unit arrives on a pallet, fully preassembled, and connected to the pontoon. No tools or assembly is required. Motors are wired to the voltage you requested (either 115 or 230V) and come with the quick-disconnect power cord already attached. The motor’s housing, shroud, brackets, propeller, and 25′ mooring lines for anchoring are ready to go.

Can I run my Power House Aeration Units (Aerating Fountains & Surface Aerators) year-round?

We recommend that you remove your equipment from the water during the freezing months. Fluctuation in temperatures can cause your float to crack over time, and it could get waterlogged. Floats should weigh no more than 20lbs.

Pro-Tip: Store the central part of the unit (the motor in shroud) upside-down in a place where the temperature stays above freezing. Yes, that does mean the propeller should face the floor! This position helps keep seals lubricated.

How do I anchor my Power House Aeration equipment?

We recommend using a ½ cinder block tied to each mooring line and firmly placed on pond/lake bottom at a 45° angle. Power House Aeration units are pretty fun to install since once it is in the water, you can float them to the desired location and toss in the anchors.

How do I know which products best fit the needs of my lake/pond?

Size, depth, and water conditions are only a few factors determining which products will best satisfy your ponds’ needs. With extensive knowledge and years of experience, our professionals will work with you. They know the right questions to ask and will easily determine which product, size, and application you need.

How easy is your equipment to install? Are your products heavy?

We try to keep our equipment manageable. Here are some rough figures for you, but please don’t hesitate to ask for a closer estimate on specific pieces of equipment:

  • Power House Aerators weigh between 35 to 45lbs (this is without lights)
  • Power House Aerators generally ship in 2 boxes. One box for the float and the other for the unit itself.

**The lbs will vary based on horsepower, accessories, and length of the power cord.

When do I need the float cages and screen kits on my Power House Aeration unit?

Float cages are a great way to protect the intake (bottom side) of the units. They attach to the square floats (or the shroud on an F250). Cages prevent fish or bigger debris from coming up through the bottom.

Screen Kits fit on the top of the units (protecting the propeller side). Screen kits have the nickname of “turtle guards.” When units are turned off, turtles love sunning on the floats. That’s okay until the unit turns on. Turtles fall into the unit; this hurts both the turtle and the unit. To avoid that, you can place a screen kit on the top, protecting both! However, we don’t recommend turtle guards on the Aerating Fountains (F500F and the F1000F) because it distorts the pretty umbrella-like pattern.

I want to take my Powerhouse Aerator out of the water for a while. What is the best way to store it?

Many of our products are best-stored propeller side down. This statement is true for our Power House Surface Aerators & Aerating Fountains. While you have it out of the water, it would also be a great time to give it a once over: make sure nothing is tangled around it, such as weeds or fishing line. Check the propellers to make sure they are not worn or jagged. If you have sacrificial anodes, it is a good time to see how eroded it has become and replace if the anode is ½ the original size. Give your equipment a bath to eliminate any gunk build-up for longer-lasting equipment: definitely, clean the can! We recommend a degreaser (let it sit for a few minutes) and then power-wash the whole thing.

In your brochures, you state that the motors use a "Synthetic Dielectric Lubricating Fluid" – what does that mean?

We use a breakthrough electrical insulating fluid technology that will not harm any aquatic life if our fluid gets into your pond, pool, or lake.

Oil spills are nasty and cause lots of damage to plants and animals; we have all seen tragic news reports when those oil spills occur. Bearon Aquatics took the extra steps to locate a food-grade, non-toxic, biodegradable fluid that will evaporate in about 28 days. This ultra-pure fluid helps minimize power loss and maximize productivity; withstanding energy spikes, hot & cold weather extremes.

Help! My Power House Aerator is running backward!

This issue happens occasionally; please send the unit in for repairs because chances are the capacitor is going bad.

My Power House Aerator stops running or runs much slower than normal when I plug in another machine. Why?

If your Power House Aerator shares the same circuit as another machine, that will cause this problem. You need a dedicated line for a Power House Aeration unit and the proper voltage to match. Plugging into outlets with lower Amps could cause a problem.

My Power House Aerator runs intermittently, or My Power House Aerator keeps tripping the GFI

Check the power cord for any nicks, cuts, or sometimes even the smallest nicks that can cause a problem. Should you find a nick/cut, please replace the power cord. If that is not the case, then the seal or capacitor may have gone bad. If the seal is broken, water gets into the can that holds the motor. In either case, send your Power House Aerator in for repairs to an authorized service center.

My Power House Aerator won't start or is very slow to start; what is the problem?

There are three likely problems when this occurs:

  • If the motor runs at half speed, then the capacitor winding could be bad.
  • If it won’t start, check your power cord for bad connection/damage, check the GFCI or breaker – one of those things is probably causing the issue.
  • The capacitor is probably bad if you have to spin the propeller to get the Aerator to start.
My Power House Aerator is sluggish/runs slow throughout the duration of the runtime I need?

Check the voltage in which you are plugging your equipment, and it needs to be the same as your equipment.

The propeller on my Power House Aerating Fountain is just spinning, but the fountain isn't throwing water into the air. Why?

It sounds like your propeller needs to be checked. The F500F and F1000F have a prop & disc. The insert to hold that prop & disc onto the shaft came loose. In this case, replace the prop & disc.

Weeds Away

What is the warranty on the Weeds Away?

The Weeds Away comes with a limited 2-year warranty from the date of manufacture.

Can I use the Weeds Away to remove muck and sediment from my dock area?

The Weeds Away can remove muck, but please check with your local DNR for rules and laws about disturbing ground sediment.

What comes with a new Weeds Away unit?

New units come in two boxes: one box contains the unit, and the other has the dock mount.

The unit consists of a motor (wired to the voltage you requested) set within the straight green shroud, a small screen kit on the intake side of the shroud, and the length of power cord specified. Cords are quick disconnect.

The Dock Mount does require assembly. While we sell you most of the pieces, you will want to go to your local hardware store to purchase a 1″ X 6′ stainless steel pole and the lagging bolts for the plate.

The unit’s weight can vary based on horsepower, accessories, and power cord length.

*Did you remember to check out all of the awesome upgrades we have for your Bearon Aquatics units? Consider a timer? Want to snag a spare propeller? We have those things and more. Check out the accessories page for Weeds Away.

How do I know which products best fit the needs of my lake/pond?

Size, depth, and water conditions are only a few factors determining which products will best satisfy your ponds’ needs. With extensive knowledge and years of experience, our professionals will work with you. They know the right questions to ask and will easily determine which product, size, and application you need.

Are your products heavy?

Although we strive to make rugged equipment that will last you for years, we aim to keep our equipment manageable. Here are some rough figures for you, but please don’t hesitate to ask for a closer estimate on specific pieces of equipment:

  • Weeds Away units weigh between 45lbs to 50lbs.
  • The Dock Mount comes in a separate box and requires assembly and the purchase of a 1″ X 6′ steel pole and the lagging bolts for the plate. The Dock Mount box we send to you weighs about 18lbs.

**The weight will vary based on horsepower, accessories, and length of the power cord.

It is okay to ask a buddy to help you install your unit; we won’t tell. Safety comes first.

All of our products require little to no assembly, allowing for single-person installation. Full Weeds Away units come with the Dock Mount. The Dock Mount requires purchasing a 1″ X 6′ stainless steel pole and proper mounting hardware (lag or u-bolts depending on placement).

I want to take my Weeds Away out of the water for a while. What's the best way to store it?

Many of our products are best-stored propeller side down. This statement is true for Weeds Away. While you have it out of the water, it would also be a great time to give it a once over: make sure nothing is tangled around it, such as fishing line. If you have a sacrificial anode, it is good to see how eroded it has become. Give your equipment a bath to eliminate any gunk build-up for longer-lasting equipment: definitely, clean the can! We recommend a degreaser (let it sit for a few minutes) and then power wash the whole thing.

My Weeds Away stops running or runs much slower than normal when I plug in another machine. Why?

If the Weeds Away is sharing the same circuit as another machine, that can create a problem. You need a dedicated line for a Weeds Away unit and the proper voltage to match. Plugging into outlets with lower Amps could cause a problem.

My Weeds Away runs intermittently? – or -My Weeds Away keeps tripping the GFI?

Check the power cord for any nicks, cuts, or sometimes even the smallest nicks can cause a problem. Should you find a nick/cut, please replace the power cord. If that is not the case, then the seal or capacitor may have gone bad. If the seal is broken, water gets into the can that holds the motor. In either case, send your Weeds Away in for repairs to an authorized service center.

My Weeds Away won't start or is very slow to start; what is the problem?

There are three likely problems when this occurs:

  • If the motor runs at half speed, then the capacitor winding could be bad.
  • If it doesn’t start, check your power cord for bad connection/damage, check the GFCI or breaker – one of those is probably causing the issue.
My Weeds Away is sluggish/runs slow throughout the duration of the runtime I need?

Check your voltage. You need a clean, dedicated power source. Be sure that your power supply matches the voltage needs of your unit and that there has been no voltage drop.

My Weeds Away is running backward!

This issue happens occasionally – send it in for repairs because the capacitor is going bad.

In your brochures, you state that the motors use a "Synthetic Dielectric Lubricating Fluid" – what does that mean?

We use a breakthrough electrical insulating fluid technology that will not harm any aquatic life if our fluid gets into your pond, pool, or lake.

Oil spills are nasty and cause lots of damage to plants and animals; we have all seen tragic news reports when those oil spills occur. Bearon Aquatics took the extra steps to locate a food-grade, non-toxic, biodegradable fluid that will evaporate in about 28 days. This ultra-pure fluid helps minimize power loss and maximize productivity; withstanding energy spikes, hot & cold weather extremes.

Still have a question?

No problem, if you can’t find the answer to your question in our FAQ, contact one of our team members. We are happy to help and will answer you shortly!

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