Description
Solar Can-Air® Fine Bubbler Diffused Aeration Systems for Ponds, Lakes and Dugouts
Shipping Notice: All solar systems are shipped on a pallet by truck. You will need suitable equipment to unload the shipment, or you may arrange pickup at the carrier depot. Additional delivery charges may apply depending on location and site access. Fixed shipping rates apply only to addresses on mainland Canada.
The Can-Air® SS diffuser offers the same reliable aeration system as the Can-Air® diffuser, but with a slightly smaller stainless steel base, which is self-weighted for easy installation
The Solar Can-Air® SS Diffused Aeration System with Cabinet provides bottom-diffused aeration for ponds, lakes and dugouts where conventional electrical power may not be available. The system combines Can-Air® SS diffusers, weighted sinking airline, Can-Air® rocking piston compressors, solar power components and protective compressor cabinets in one complete package.
The Can-Air® SS diffuser features a durable stainless steel base that sinks without requiring gravel or added weight and is designed to land upright when deployed. Its diffuser area is approximately 38% larger than many competing systems, helping circulate water from deeper areas through the water column.
The solar system operates during periods of sufficient sunlight and does not rely on battery storage. When adequate sunlight is available, power from the solar array operates the supplied solar drive and Can-Air® compressor. The system automatically resumes operation when sufficient sunlight returns.
The supplied solar system includes its own solar drive and inverter equipment and is not intended for use with an external inverter. The solar drive is sensitive to input voltage and must not be supplied with more than 400V. The system can be used in water depths up to approximately 35 ft when properly sized.
Not sure which Solar Can-Air® system is right for your pond or lake? Use the sizing guide or contact Pond Pro at sales@pondpro.ca for personalized system sizing and aeration recommendations.
Features & Benefits
- Solar-powered aeration provides an option for ponds, lakes and dugouts without convenient grid power.
- Daylight-only operation eliminates the need for battery storage.
- System automatically resumes operation when sufficient sunlight becomes available.
- Self-sinking stainless steel diffuser base requires no gravel or added weight.
- Diffuser is designed to land upright when deployed.
- Approximately 38% more diffuser area than many competing systems.
- Bottom-diffused aeration circulates water from deeper areas toward the surface.
- Helps improve oxygen distribution throughout the water column.
- Can be used in water depths up to approximately 35 ft when properly sized.
- No electrical equipment is placed in the water.
- No floating aeration equipment at the surface helps preserve the natural appearance of the water body and keeps boating areas clear.
- Can-Air® aeration has been proven to reduce phosphates by up to 95% in many applications.
- Can-Air® rocking piston compressors are designed for straightforward maintenance with replacement components readily available.
- Protective compressor cabinets are included with each system.
- Solar drive and inverter equipment are integrated into the system and are not intended for use with an external inverter.
- Solar systems are available from one through six SS diffusers.
- Cabinet-equipped Can-Air® systems qualify for the extended three-year warranty.
- Proudly designed and assembled in Canada.
System Size Guide
Choosing the Right Solar Can-Air® System
The area one Can-Air® SS diffuser can service depends on water depth, climate and overall water condition. Deeper diffuser placement generally creates a larger circulation pattern, while eutrophic or problem ponds and lakes require more intensive aeration coverage.
Approximate Area Covered by One Can-Air® SS Diffuser
| Pond Depth | Northern Climates | Southern Climates | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good Ponds / Preventative | Eutrophic / Problem Ponds | Good Ponds / Preventative | Eutrophic / Problem Ponds | |
| 5–8 ft | 65 ft x 65 ft | 45 ft x 45 ft | 75 ft x 75 ft | 55 ft x 55 ft |
| 9–12 ft | 125 ft x 125 ft | 85 ft x 85 ft | 145 ft x 145 ft | 100 ft x 100 ft |
| 13–15 ft | 160 ft x 160 ft | 125 ft x 125 ft | 185 ft x 185 ft | 145 ft x 145 ft |
| 16–20 ft | 210 ft x 210 ft | 160 ft x 160 ft | 235 ft x 235 ft | 180 ft x 180 ft |
| 20+ ft | 290 ft x 290 ft | 220 ft x 220 ft | 325 ft x 325 ft | 245 ft x 245 ft |
| 30+ ft | 320 ft x 320 ft | 265 ft x 265 ft | 360 ft x 360 ft | 300 ft x 300 ft |
These values serve as general aeration sizing guidance. Water body shape, depth profile, water quality, available sunlight and site conditions may affect the system required.
System Components
Choose Solar Can-Air® 1 through Solar Can-Air® 6 based on the number of SS diffusers required. Solar panel quantity and compressor equipment vary by system size.
| Can-Air® Solar 1 | Can-Air® Solar 2 | Can-Air® Solar 3 | Can-Air® Solar 4 | Can-Air® Solar 5 | Can-Air® Solar 6 |
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Daylight-only solar operation: These systems do not use battery storage and operate when sufficient sunlight is available. Solar performance depends on panel orientation, shading, weather and seasonal sunlight conditions.
Installation
Install the solar panels in an open location with good sun exposure and minimal shading. The solar array supplies the included solar drive, which powers the Can-Air® compressor located inside the protective cabinet.
The supplied solar drive includes the required inverter function. Do not connect the system to an external inverter or substitute incompatible solar power components. The solar drive must not receive more than 400V.
Compressors remain onshore inside the cabinets while weighted sinking airline runs from the compressor or manifold to the SS diffusers positioned in the water.
Installing Aeration in a Pond or Lake with Fish
If the water body has not previously been aerated, do not immediately place the diffuser at full depth. Begin at approximately half the intended depth and gradually lower the diffuser toward the bottom over the following weeks.
A typical approach is to lower the diffuser approximately 2 ft every other week until it reaches the bottom. Gradual startup helps reduce the risk of rapidly mixing poor-quality bottom water and accumulated gases throughout the water column.
View the Can-Air® SS Aeration System Manual
View the Can-Air® SS Diffuser Installation Guide
For additional product specifications, manuals and technical resources, visit the Pond Pro Resources Page.
Can-Air® Advantages
- Proudly designed and assembled in Canada with components selected for pond and lake aeration applications.
- Solar power allows aeration at remote locations where conventional electrical service may not be readily available.
- Daylight-only operation eliminates the need for battery storage.
- Self-sinking stainless steel diffuser base requires no gravel or added weight.
- SS diffuser is designed to land upright for straightforward installation.
- Approximately 38% more diffuser area than many competing systems.
- Air released at depth creates rising bubbles that circulate water throughout the water column.
- The compressor and electrical equipment remain safely onshore while only airline and diffusers are installed in the water.
- No floating aeration equipment is required at the surface, keeping boating, recreation and the natural appearance of the water body largely unobstructed.
- Can-Air® rocking piston compressors are designed for straightforward maintenance, with replacement components available.
- Can-Air® aeration is proven to reduce phosphates by up to 95% in many applications.
- Protective compressor cabinets are included with every solar system configuration.
- Cabinet-equipped Can-Air® systems include an extended three-year warranty.
- System components are designed for accessible setup, inspection and routine servicing.

Frequently Asked Questions
How Does the Solar Can-Air System Work?
Solar panels supply power to the included solar drive, which operates the Can-Air® rocking piston compressor. The compressor sends air through weighted sinking airline to SS diffusers positioned underwater.
Does the Solar System Have Batteries?
No. These systems are designed for daylight-only operation and do not use battery storage.
Does the System Run at Night?
No. The system operates when sufficient sunlight is available and stops when solar power is insufficient. It automatically resumes operation when adequate sunlight returns.
What Is Different About the SS Diffuser?
The Can-Air® SS diffuser uses a durable stainless steel base that sinks without gravel or added weight and is designed to land upright when deployed.
How Deep Can the Solar System Operate?
The system is designed for applications up to approximately 35 ft deep when properly sized. Actual system requirements depend on water depth, area, condition and available sunlight.
Can I Use an External Inverter?
No. The solar system includes its own inverter function within the supplied solar drive and is not intended for use with an external inverter.
What Is the Maximum Solar Drive Voltage?
The solar drive is sensitive to input voltage and should not be supplied with more than 400V.
How Many Solar Panels Are Included?
Panel quantity depends on the system selected. Solar 1 and Solar 2 include three panels, Solar 3 and Solar 4 include four panels, Solar 5 includes seven panels and Solar 6 includes eight panels.
Does Electrical Equipment Go in the Water?
No. The compressor, solar drive and electrical components remain onshore. Only the sinking airline and SS diffusers are installed in the water.
Can I Install Aeration Immediately at Full Depth?
If the water body contains fish and has not previously been aerated, introduce the diffuser gradually. Begin at approximately half depth and slowly lower it toward the bottom over several weeks.
Can the System Help Improve Water Quality?
Yes. Bottom-diffused aeration promotes circulation and oxygen distribution throughout the water column. Can-Air® aeration has also been proven to reduce phosphates by up to 95% in many applications.
Does the System Include a Cabinet?
Yes. Each Solar Can-Air® system includes the appropriate protective compressor cabinet or cabinets for the compressor configuration supplied.
What Is the Warranty?
Can-Air® systems include a two-year standard warranty, extended to three years when purchased with a protective compressor cabinet. Because the systems on this page include protective compressor cabinets, they qualify for the three-year Can-Air® system warranty.
How Do I Know What Size System I Need?
Use the System Size Guide above as a starting point, or contact Pond Pro at sales@pondpro.ca for personalized sizing based on water body dimensions, depth, water quality and site conditions.