In choosing an electric aerator, the catfish farmer should consider carefully the materials used in construction and the quality of construction to ensure a longer life. For tractor-powered aerators, operating costs are more significant and aerator selection should primarily consider operating efficiency. The most efficient level of production is that which produces the lowest cost per unit of output. This implies the greatest production per unit of output. While average cost measures efficiency of input use, it should not be the sole criterion for selecting an aerator.
Farmers are concerned with profits which are calculated from output price as well as input cost.
Average cost does not consider output price and does not measure profitability. What it does indicate is the most efficient level of usage of that particular input. A farmer who plans to aerate more often and for longer periods would plan to invest in electric aerators. Electric paddlewheel and pump sprayer average cost were of similar magnitude. Research suggests that continuous nightly aeration may increase production of catfish by 20 percent.