A “live” lake needs oxygen for both live animals and decomposing plant matter. Ice cover locks out atmospheric oxygen. Open water allows oxygen molecules to diffuse from the atmosphere to the water. The Limnetics OX creates a broad, gentle current upward at a 45 degree angle. This brings large volumes of warm bottom water to the surface. Ice is melted from below, creating wide areas of open water. The horizontal current slowly circulates oxygen-enriched water around the lake under the ice.