chicagopondmaintenance

HOW TO KEEP POND MAINTENANCE AT A MINIMUM

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 18:36:09 GMT

Every pond owner wants to keep pond maintenance on a minimum. How to manage that? To make it easier, we prepared a little guide for you! Continue reading to find out how to minimize the amount of work at your own backyard pond.

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HOW TO KEEP POND MAINTENANCE AT A MINIMUM

There are few principle tips which can help you to keep your pond maintenance at a minimum. If your pond is small sized, you don’t need to bother yourself about regular cleaning. You just need to clean it once a year. In case of bigger pond, it will need to be cleaned often. Every two to four weeks, you will be obligated to do regular cleaning. What it means? Removing any debris, checking the level of water and adding if necessary. Remember to make sure if your pump system is working properly.

These few tips mentioned above should help you keep your pond maintenance at a minimum. Season cleaning in smaller pond is very similar to typical autumn pond maintenance . It doesn’t require a lot of work, but it is very important.

HOW TO CARE ABOUT POND FILTER IN WINTER

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 18:38:56 GMT

What to do with the filter in winter? When can it be turned off and how to store the pond filter during this season? Learn about our winter maintenance of pond filters.

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HOW TO CARE ABOUT POND FILTER IN WINTER

Filter systems help keep your pond in good condition by operating most of the year. But what to do when winter comes and temperatures drop significantly?

Each pond filter fulfills its role if the air temperature is kept above 50.0 °F , because it is at this temperature that the microorganisms that contribute to the biological cleaning of the pond become active. If the temperature does not reach 50.0 °F, the filter operation becomes pointless.

The filter can safely overwinter in the place where it was installed, in some models you should additionally remove filter sponges and UVC lamps. In the spring, when the temperatures exceed 50.0 °F, we restart the filter and use dedicated products to accelerate the multiplication of microorganisms.

WINTER POND MAINTENANCE IN NUTSHELL

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 18:39:49 GMT

In winter, not only animals hibernate. The pond also needs rest. If there are fish living in your pond, you must ensure that the entire surface of the water does not freeze. In this guide, you will learn what to look for when it comes to maintain ponds in winter.

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WINTER POND MAINTENANCE IN NUTSHELL

During the winter period, the garden pond requires almost no maintenance. But it is very important to secure it properly.

Fish in the pond during winter
Fish can be left in the pond for the winter without any problems – they do well in low temperatures. Although they can easily survive in the pond during the winter, it is imperative that the pond does not freeze completely. Only in this way will you provide the fish with an air supply. In winter, these animals do not need food: they reduce the activity of their digestive system and live on reserves set aside in summer and autumn.
Protecting the pond from freezing
A gentle way to protect a pond from freezing in light frost is to leave a piece of wood or a rubber ball in the water. In sub-zero temperatures, regularly pour hot water over these items to keep the cavity from freezing. Depending on the prevailing temperatures, it may be necessary to repeat this activity even several times a day. If your garden pond is shallow, you should, if necessary, move the fish to a warmer place during the winter, e.g. a special winter quarters. Depending on the number and size of the fish, you can overwinter them in a light-tight rainwater container that you can put in your garage or in a cool place in the basement.
Water heaters and pumps
The water heater is an effective solution for protecting ponds against freezing in the event of long-term frost. These devices work on the same principle as heaters. They turn on automatically in sub-zero temperatures, and turn off automatically when it gets warmer. Good quality water heaters are equipped with circulation pumps that ensure the circulation of water around the device. This serves even better protection against freezing.

How to secure the pond before winter?

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 18:40:42 GMT

Many of you may wonder how to properly secure your pond before winter comes. We provided for you a short checklist to make sure that you didn’t forget anything!

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Winter is coming!

According to the motto of Stark’s family, mainly characters from popular series Game of Thrones, it is better to prepare to winter properly. With our checklist, you can stay calm and easily step by step secure your pond before winter come. Where to start?

How to secure the pond before winter?

We have prepared a list of the most important activities that you should do before the first frost which you can find below.

Cleaning the leaves
It must be remembered that no matter what the size of the pond, fallen leaves must be removed from the water. Otherwise, the leaves from the trees will start to settle at the bottom of the pond and rot, which in turn will lead to overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. These bacteria break down organic matter, producing substances that are poisonous to plants and fish (e.g. hydrogen sulphide).
Providing air access
In a deep pond (over 3 feet), water usually does not freeze to the bottom, so fish and plants can safely overwinter there. However, they must be provided with constant access of air. You can forge an ice hole, but the vibration and noise of hitting the ice can stun the fish. Another way it to put reeds or straw in the pond, which will allow air to get under the ice. A piece of polystyrene will do the same.
Transferring fish from a shallow pond
Fish living in a shallow pond should be fished out and placed in an appropriate-sized container (it can be an aquarium, barrel, bowl). The size of the tank must be adapted to the size and quantity of the fish. We should install an aerator or an air filter in the tank.

How to winterize pond plants?

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 18:41:18 GMT

As the winter comes, there are a number of activities that should be performed to secure our pond. These include, among others, the wintering of aquatic plants. Learn how to safely winter your plants so that they survive to the next season.

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WINTER POND MAINTENANCE

The pond freezing to the bottom is also not conducive to wintering aquatic plants, so we should move it inside . Thermophilic plants should be placed in a warm ( approx. 18-20° C ) and bright place (to allow the plants to photosynthesize). These include, for example, water hyacinths or melted hyacinths. Other aquatic plants (e.g. water lilies or water lilies) require slightly cooler conditions during winter: approx. 8° C.

Some plants should be kept in a completely dark place, e.g. tiger lotus or fine water lily. Some of them must overwinter in water (e.g. in a shallow aquarium), such as salvins. Other plants can overwinter in a container of wet sand or clay (e.g. water hyacinths). The method of storing plants during the winter depends on the species and the variety.

HOW TO PLANT POND PLANTS?

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 18:42:15 GMT

Many aquatic plants grow very quickly. Find out how to plant plants, so they could increase attractiveness of your reservoir instead of overgrown it.

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HOW TO PLANT POND PLANTS?

Water lily can occupy two or even more square meters of water after two or three years of cultivation. This can lead to the complete overgrowing of a small pond. Thinning plants growing in water is quite troublesome, so it’s better not to plant them too densely . One or three fast-growing plants per 1 m2 of water table , or three or five slower growing plants are enough. They should be planted in separate places, for example in the depressions at the bottom of the pond filled with a substrate for aquatic plants.

There will also be no problem with overgrowing the pond if the plants are planted in baskets , the walls of which will effectively limit the growth of roots. The walls of the baskets should have fine meshes so that the substrate does not leak out. If they are very openwork, they must be lined with a jute fabric . Flexible pots made of strong fabric are convenient to use.

WHAT SUBSTRATE YOU SHOULD CHOOSE?

Water plants grow in clay soil mixed half-and-half with sand or garden soil. Substrate for aquatic plants should not be fertilized, as fertilizers dissolve easily in water, favoring the service of the toxic algae blooms . The active effect of the fertilizers that can be applied works like a working fertilizer. They are placed near the roots when planting plants. The only fertilizers that can be used are slow-acting fertilizers. They are placed near the roots when planting plants.

How to hide pond liner?

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 18:42:55 GMT

The edges of the foil that protrude above the water level not only look unsightly, but also reduce the durability of the foil. Find out proven ways how to hide pond liner.

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DEALING WITH POND LINER

Sticking above water’s surface, pond liner loses its elasticity under the influence of sunlight and may crack. The earth, grass or stones covering its edge significantly increase its durability. When burying the pond liner in the ground, make sure that its edges are raised . Otherwise – if the pond liner is laid flat – the water from the pond will easily seep into the soil next to the pond, and it will be necessary to add it frequently.

One of the best ways of hiding the pond liner is to create a swamp zone around the pond filled with garden soil, into which water seeps from the pond. Pond plants create rushes that not only cover the bottom and shore of the lake, but also act as a biological filter; so they contribute to the self-cleaning of the pond. The most influencing of this process is: reed, calamus, water cattail and rushes.

5 useful tips about pond maintenance

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 18:43:36 GMT

As an owner of your own backyard pond, you might be thinking you gather all knowledge about pond maintenance. But for sure? Find out these 5 tips, which might become useful.

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POND MAINTENANCE IN NUTSHELL

No matter if you start your journey with pond maintenance or if you are advanced reservoir owner, we provided 5 useful tips about pond maintenance down below. Let us know which you found most attractive!

Calcium increases the hardness and pH of the water. Too hard and alkaline water (pH above 8) adversely affects the development of fish and plants, and promotes toxic algae blooms . To avoid this kind of problem, it is better to give up limestone as elements of the pond finishing. In case of huge development of algae, find out how to get rid of algae in your garden pond .
The pond liner must be durable and flexible. You can also use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foil with a thickness of at least 0.5 mm. However, ordinary polyethylene foil is not suitable. If you consider using pond basin instead of pond liner, find out what to choose here .
Mosquito larvae breed in stagnant water. In a small pond it is usually enough to install a pump that will set the water in motion, and mosquitoes will not be more bothersome than in a garden without a water reservoir. Mosquito larvae are eaten by fish and tadpoles of frogs and toads, as well as by predatory insects. Therefore, it is worth creating a friendly environment for these animals: rushes and stones, among which they can hide, and gentle shores, on which adult frogs and toads can easily enter and get out of the pond. Learn how to make a wildlife pond here .

MOST COMMON POND BUILDING MISTAKES

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 17:45:00 GMT

What to remember when starting a garden pond? We present the most common pond building mistakes. Find out how to avoid them and create your dream reservoir!

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MOST COMMON POND BUILDING MISTAKES

Instead of clear water in the pond, the sound of the wind and a pleasant microclimate, we have an overgrowing puddle which brings more trouble than joy? We advise you on how to avoid most common pond building mistakes .

ALGAE MAKE THE WATER CLOUDY

When algae develops, the water turns brown green. The algae settle to the bottom and on submerged objects, sometimes they form a thick skin on the water surface. In large, planted ponds, algae appear soon after they are established, but after some time they disappear. This is because a biological balance is established there – just like in natural ponds. This is why it is very important to settle your backyard pond safely – learn what causes algae in ponds and how to avoid it!

PLANTS OVERGROW THE POND

Many aquatic plants grow very quickly. For example, a water lily after two or three years of cultivation can occupy two or even more square meters of water. This can lead to the complete overgrowing of small water reservoirs. Thinning plants growing in water is quite troublesome, so it’s better not to plant them too densely. One or three fast-growing plants per 1 m2 of water table, or three or five slower growing plants are enough.

HOW TO CARE FOR A GARDEN POND?

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 17:45:56 GMT

Ponds can be small, larger, with or without waterfalls, with vegetation, with or without any animals. How to maintain and care for a garden pond if we decided to have it?

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HOW TO CARE FOR A GARDEN POND?

Building a pond, we should consider many elements, such as the location of the pond, size, shape, possible restocking, which will be crucial for its later functioning. According to the choice made, we should get the right equipment that will help us take care of this place.

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To enjoy the eyesight of the pond at any time of the year, we should take care of it by using, among others appropriate water purifying preparations, as well as filters, pumps. If there are fish in our pond, we must provide them with special food for the ponds. It is also worth growing plants in the pond – discover pond plants for beginners – which will add charm to the pond and enliven our water installation. You can also consider installing specialized pond lighting to make it look even more attractive.

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How to deal with having a pond and how to take care of it all year round? Each season of the year brings slightly different challenges for the owner of a pond. Generally speaking: in spring, in the period from March to May, we start cleaning our small reservoir, in summer we make sure that the water does not bloom, in autumn we protect the reservoir from leaves, and before winter we should protect the pond from complete freezing of the water.

How to build a Zen garden pond?

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 17:46:44 GMT

Would you like to create your own personal Japanese inspired space by your home? Find out how to build a Zen garden pond!

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ZEN GARDEN POND IN YOUR BACKYARD

When we think about calming and quiet space, the first thing which comes into our mind is nature. The sound of singing birds or of the wind, flowing water, last sun rays… Everything brings great feelings into our heart, which we want to keep forever. So why not keep this state of mind every day? Sure, why not, you will answer, but how to achieve that? How to make it real? You won’t believe how easy it is!

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Japanese inspired pond will let you create your personal Zen space in your home backyard. This place will be perfect for morning, relaxing coffee or meditation. It will also attract any wildlife such frogs, bird and butterflies. You can also provide introduce Koi fish , they will increase the attraction of your pond significantly! Okay… But how to create such space?

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All you need is your imagination and few simple tools and materials. How to build a Zen garden pond? Collect bigger stones and use is for edge of the pond. Japanese styled ponds are very rocky. Also remember about secret ingredient which will create cinematic look of your pond. Give water a nice blue color by giving into it few drops of blue coloring food. It is harmless for wildlife and adds very romantic view into your backyard pond.

FALL POND SHUT-DOWN

Sat, 09 Oct 2021 17:47:43 GMT

Days are getting colder and the leaves are falling down from the trees. Nature around starts looking golden. It’s a fall pond shut-down!

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FALL POND SHUT-DOWN – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW?

When we have a small or shallow pond, it may freeze to the bottom in winter. Plastic ponds can be also damaged, because swelling ice leads to the perforation of the foil. It is worth draining the water completely from a small pond for the winter. This will protect from its destruction. Okay, but where to start?

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Firstly, get a pond netting which won’t let falling leaves to rot on the bottom of the reservoir. Secondly, you need to disconnect all water facilities, including filters or pond waterfall (check out why it is worth building waterfall pond).

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Next, pump out the water. If you have fish inside it, we wrote about autumn fishpond maintenance here. All filters, media and pump need to be cleaned. To winterize plants, cut off the dead parts including leaves just about the soil. Remember to remove excess debris and install the aeration kit.

AUTUMN POND MAINTENANCE

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 17:49:56 GMT

Do you know how autumn pond maintenance should look like? Find out the most important things to do before winter will come.

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AUTUMN POND MAINTENANCE

Firstly, we regularly remove leaves that have fallen to the surface of the water in autumn. Secondly, let’s not forget about cleaning up the plants and the bottom , and finally turning off the water facilities before winter comes.

The dead parts of water plants should be removed from the pond, and when the leaves start to fall from the trees and shrubs, cover the entire reservoir with a mesh so that you do not have to select them later.

Leaves and fruit falling into the pond are the main cause of water pollution. If they fall, they must be systematically removed so that as few of them as possible fall to the bottom of the tank. Autumn leaves can be removed with a special selector.

Dirt and sediments that accumulate in the bottom of the reservoir (in the place where the fish overwinter) should be removed. Rotting plant debris gives off poisonous gases and causes oxygen deficiency in the water, which can lead to the death of the fish. The simplest and cheapest way is to remove impurities with a special sieve or landing net.

Dirt and deposits can also be removed by pumping out the water. The bottom of the pond can then be cleaned with a brush . If there are fish in the pond, during cleaning it should be fished out (after a significant amount of water has been pumped out) and kept in a container filled with water from the tank. If the pond is filled with tap water, the fish can be introduced after 2-3 days after filling the pond.

CHOOSING BEST POND DECORATIONS

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 17:50:59 GMT

Thinking about adding some decorations to your backyard pond? Discover most frequently chosen and most effectively looking pond decorations!

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CHOOSING BEST POND DECORATIONS

Pond decorations can really improve the attractiveness of your backyard pond. However, it is not so easy to build a reservoir designed with style. What is trendy this year? How you can improve view of your home garden by adding few pond decorations? Continue reading, and you will find how to make it real and unique!

If you think about making your garden pond more beautiful than ever, you should definitely consider adding a fountain or small waterfall into your reservoir. It will not only improve the character of your personal zen-garden space, but also moisture the air and attract wildlife.

Plants are invaluable in creating a unique climate in the backyard pond. You can plant them around the reservoir or inside it. Whatever you choose, the plants will give your pond a natural look.

Another great alternative for pond decoration is lighting. Properly placed light sources can significantly improve the appearance of your garden and pond at night. There are many options available on the market, including single point focused or linear lights. You can play not only with the form, but also with the color of the lighting.

WHICH STONE IS THE BEST TO BUILD A POND WATERFALL?

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 17:51:34 GMT

Do you know which stone is the best to build a pond waterfall? Read more and find out the best stones for your backyard pond!

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WHICH STONE IS THE BEST TO BUILD A POND WATERFALL?

Due to its properties, slate is the best kind of stone which can be used to build a pond waterfall. Beside having interesting colors, slate is not very absorbent, and what comes with it – slate is also frost-resistant.
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For strengthening the edges of a pond, paving stone will be the best choice. It has sufficient strength. An additional advantage of paving stone is that the stone is not slippery even when wet. Do you wonder what is the most frequently chosen stone for the construction of water steps and pond waterfall? Answer is: slab stone.
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The surface of slab stone is flat so the water spreads in an even layer and, flowing down the natural edges, creates a waterfall wall. In the case of small pond waterfalls, a large slab stone buried in and strengthened vertically may be used as back or side wall of the cascade, especially where the amount of space is limited.

Why it is worth building waterfall pond?

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 17:52:19 GMT

Do you consider building a cascade in your backyard pond? Discover why it is worth building waterfall pond in your own garden!

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BENEFITS OF HAVING WATERFALL POND

The pond waterfall brings a fresh view to any garden. Water and its characteristic sound calm us, allow us to relax faster and speed up our rest. In addition, the stream and the water evaporating from it moisturize the air. It is also way easier to keep pond water clean and oxygenated when it is in the motion, which has a positive impact on the microclimate in our garden.

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Pond waterfall also attracts numerous insects and animals that find their little paradise there. It’s great, especially when our children love to observe nature. It is worth to mention that every garden needs hydration. Water collected in your reservoir, can be used also for watering plants growing in your garden.

Pond lighting ideas

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 17:53:03 GMT

Do you ever thought about how lighting your pond can increase the attractiveness of your garden? Discover 3 tips which will help you light your backyard pond like never before!

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LIGHTING IDEAS FOR YOUR POND

If you want to enjoy the pond’s view when it’s getting darker, you should consider adding a lighting setup to your reservoir. It will not only light up your garden, but also create an attractive space around your home.

Adding a lighting to your pond will let you observe swimming fish in the night, which might bring a lot of joy. But how to manage it? Don’t worry, Chicago Pond Maintenance is here to help! Discover 3 useful tips, which let you arrange your own pond’s lighting setup down below.

SHINING WATERFALL

Nothing catch the eye like a waterfall cascade full of colorful lights. Probably it is one of the most effective ways to achieve incredible climate in the garden. Put a light source under falling water, and you will see what will happen! Trust us, you will be mesmerized by this look of your own backyard pond.

DANCING LIGHT SPOTS

You can even put lights into your reservoir. By this way, you will quickly discover a lot of possibilities to set up different system of lighting into your pond. Starting from diffused, milky light and ending with expressive, colorful shades!

STARRY EDGE

Who told that the lighting must be placed only into reservoir? Let’s install it above the whole pond. You can decide if you want fully liner lighting or just spotlighting. The effect can exceed your wildest expectations. Try it and you will see!

How to make a wildlife pond? 5 tips

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 17:53:42 GMT

How to create a backyard pond inspired by nature? Discover 5 key elements in building your own wildlife reservoir.

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BACKYARD POND – IS IT FOR ME?

Do you sometimes catch yourself on thinking that you’re feeling bored in your own backyard garden? That something is missing? Intuition never fails.

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Having your own backyard pond has a lot of advantages. It brings a fresh look to your garden, catching the eye and letting to rest by the flowing water. It is also a great place for any life – backyard pond attract birds, frogs and other animals. So why wouldn’t you be satisfied of having such space in your own home place?

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HOW TO MAKE A WILDLIFE POND? 5 TIPS

To make it easier for you, we listed 5 key elements which you need to consider while starting your first wildlife pond.

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To attract wild animals, make sure that you adapted your pond with them in mind. Create shallow spaces , so birds can drink pond water and bath safely. The same thing comes with the frogs – they need shallow areas to breed.
Create shelters when wildly living animals will be able to hide from predators. You can use stones and logs. The great alternative is also to plant densely low-growing plants around the reservoir.
Dragonflies like to patrol the area. To invite them into your wildlife habitat that you will be creating, you can put bigger stones or logs inside your pond so they can stick out of the water and become a resting space.
To ensure pond water oxygenation, plant a lot of plants. No matter is you choose floating or submerged ones, every plant is irreplaceable . Having a lot of plants in your pond will make it healthier and more balanced. It will also attract wildlife, which observing can bring a lot of joy.
To stop plants to grow outside your pond, put stones on its edge. It will also make it easier to observe any animals while taking baths in the pond.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT POND MATERIAL

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 17:54:29 GMT

Do you wonder which material is the best to build a pond? We come with few tips which might become useful when it comes to planning your own backyard pond.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT POND MATERIAL

The choice of materials for building small reservoirs (up to 53 square feet) is considerable – you can use clay, concrete, EPDM or PVC foil , or a ready-made plastic basin (which will be the simplest). But you need to remember – only pond finished with EPDM or PVC foil can be of any size (and shape). So let’s look closer about advantages and disadvantages of all these materials.

PVC POND LINER

It is cheap and resistant to damage (it will last up to 15–20 years). The PVC liner is laid on a 15-20 cm layer of sand, which should be covered with geotextile (it will protect the material from damage). PVC film is a material quite sensitive to UV rays , so it must be covered with a layer of sand or small stones (a film with a layer of fine gravel is also available) or geotextile.

POND BASIN

It allows you to make a fairly durable pond quickly and easily. The reservoir is deposited on a layer of sand in a trench of an analogous shape. Then it should be filled with water up to 1/3 of its height , and then the space between the basin and the trench is covered with sand.

EPDM POND LINER

EPDM pond liner (also known as a geomembrane) is strong, flexible and much more durable than PVC products (it will serve for several dozen years). Recommended for deep reservoirs (over 50 inches ). Although you can arrange it yourself, the reinforcement of the bottom of the excavation with concrete must be commissioned to professionals.

CLAY

You can make a pond of dried ground clay or unfired bricks . Clay or bricks are placed at the bottom of the reservoir (approx. 6 inches in a layer), moistened and compacted. A uniform and impermeable coating is formed, which can be additionally sprinkled with gravel.

CONCRETE

Concrete is resistant to mechanical damage and temperature changes , but its installation should be entrusted to professionals. Using additionally wire mesh, the reservoirs with different and complicated shapes can be built.

3 TIPS FOR AUTUMN POND MAINTENANCE

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 17:55:11 GMT

For many reasons, autumn is the most loved season for some reason. Of course, it associates with cozy blanket, hot, aromatic tea and favorite book reading in the evening on the couch, but autumn is also a time of decluttering. The same thing goes with caring for your backyard reservoir.

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3 TIPS FOR AUTUMN POND MAINTENANCE

We listed 3 useful tips for autumn pond maintenance which will help you keep your backyard reservoir in the best condition for upcoming winter months.

Remove all dead leaves
Rotting leaves can be poisonous to any life in your pond. Left alone in the reservoir, they start to decay and can destroy the biological balance in it. To save ecosystem of your pond, the best way is to take dead leaves out just as they will start to fall.
Take care of your pond plants
Another great way to avoid imbalanced pond’s problem is to look after your pond plants once the leaves will start to fall. Remove excess vegetation and check out if their roots are deep enough planted so they can easily survive winter.
Change fish feeding routine
When temperatures drops outside, fish metabolism slow down. They don’t hibernate like part of animals do, but they survive colder month on the bottom of your pond where waters are warmer. As autumn comes, you need to remember to cut down on fish food. Try to stick to new routine and feed your fish once or twice a week. When temperature drops below 50° F, stop feeding them until weather gets warmer.

POND PLANNING TIPS

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 17:56:38 GMT

Find out how and where to set up a pond step by step!

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Water gives the garden a new quality. It moisturizes the air, keeping it fresh. It acts as a dust and pollen magnet – if you are an allergic, this is a real advantage. Even a small pond is an enclave of characteristic plants and animals. In addition, greenery, sky and light are reflected in the water surface, which can illuminate the house when the lake is situated close to the northern windows.

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POND PLANNING TIPS

Okay, you already know why it is worth having a pond in the backyard garden. But do you also know what to consider when it comes to building your own small reservoir? To make it easier for you, we listed the most important aspects of planning a pond to think of down below.

SIZE

The bigger the tank, the less maintenance it requires, because it cleans itself to some extent. The recommended size is an area of at least 107 square feet and a depth of 10 feet (fish will not be able to winter in shallower ones). But not everyone has that much space in the garden. So, lakes occupying 65 square feet, several dozen inches deep are popular (theoretically even 15 inches is enough, if you do not intend to plant deep zone plants, e.g. water lilies).

LOCALIZATION

When it comes to choose a localization, most important things to consider, among others, are:

pond should be located near the house which makes it more functional and allow to connect it to electric network;
the right location is also a relatively sunny place – approx. 2/3 of the reservoir’s surface should be illuminated, because most aquatic plants prefer such a position;
tree leaves rotting in water is a real problem – preferably if there are no deciduous trees and shrubs in the vicinity of the pond.

More aspects about planning your backyard reservoir you will find in our latest post on the blog -> discover 4 rules of choosing pond place .

HOW TO PREPARE POND FOR AUTUMN?

Sun, 29 Aug 2021 17:57:34 GMT

Days are getting colder and you probably wonder how pond maintenance should looks like in Autumn. Well, we provided a short guide for you. Trust us and you won’t do any mistake!

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HOW TO PREPARE POND FOR AUTUMN?

First thing you need to know is that the dead parts of water plants should be removed from the pond. When the leaves start to fall from the trees, cover the entire pond with a mesh . This solution will help you avoid large amounts of falling leaves in your pond and what comes with it, additional work.

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Next , dirt and sediments should be removed from the bottom of your pond. Rotting plant debris gives off poisonous gases and causes oxygen deficiency in the water, which can lead to the death of the fish. The easiest and cheapest way is to remove impurities with a special sieve or landing net.

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Dirt and sediments can also be removed by pumping out the water . The bottom of the pond can then be cleaned with a brush. If there are fish in the pond, during cleaning they should be fished out (after a large amount of water has been pumped out) and kept in a container filled with water from the reservoir. If the pond is filled with tap water, the fish can be introduced after 2-3 days after filling the pond.

4 RULES OF CHOOSING POND PLACE

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 17:58:05 GMT

Find out 4 basic rules of choosing pond place and build your dream reservoir in your backyard garden!

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4 RULES OF CHOOSING POND PLACE

Your backyard pond should be placed near a terrace . Then you will make the most of the friendly microclimate and the beautiful view of flowing water.
Pond should not be installed over the underground installations – gas, water, sewage, electricity or telephone. Electricity and water are needed to operate the pond, so it is worth placing you reservoir where it will be easy to lead them, for example, near the house .
Place the pond away from trees whose roots may hinder the construction. The proximity of deciduous trees is also not good, due to the contamination of the water with falling leaves.
Insolation is an important localization parameter . Building any backyard pond, the right proportion of sun and shade counts. The sun should illuminate the water 4-8 hours a day, but at the same time, at least 1/3 of its surface should be in the shade, cooling the fish and amphibians. If the reservoir is deep enough, cold water will not be conducive to algae development.

5 benefits of building cascade pond

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 17:59:49 GMT

Water has a natural ability to blend in with any existing landscape. Used in the home garden, it creates its character and atmosphere. Find out 5 benefits of building cascade pond.

WHY YOU SHOULD BUILD A CASCADE IN YOUR POND?

There are several or even over a dozen reasons why you should build a pond with a cascade. We have selected the most important ones for you, which may encourage you to build a water cascade in your own backyard garden.

Smooth mirror of water reflects the image of nearby plants , subtly breaking the monotony of the lawn and the slightly technical look of paved alleys and paths in your garden.
A well-thought-out selection of aquatic plants and pond fish enrich the traditional “land” look of the garden. Cascade is a source of moisture for all your pond plants.
Even the smallest pond cascade with a blue wet surface attracts insects, amphibians and birds so you can observe them having the rest in the garden. Maybe you would like to introduce any living by yourself, for example, fish or turtle? Find out if it is a good idea, having a turtles in the pond. Little spoiler: It’s BRILLIANT idea ��
Water in motion, adds sound effects to a beautiful view that soothe shattered nerves, or vice versa – stimulate action, motivating you to develop your passions.
Part of the gardener’s joy is watching his own garden, and the moving cascade water, surrounded by specific flora and fauna, makes him maintenance it more willingly and more often.

3 STEPS TO STONE PATH IN YOUR POND

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 18:00:56 GMT

Pond stone paths are an excellent alternative for classic bridges. They look especially great in small water reservoirs and when we want to maintain the natural appearance of ponds.

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3 STEPS TO STONE PATH IN YOUR POND

There are several rules that should be remembered when choosing the material from which we will make a stone passage:

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STEP ONE

The top surface of the stones should be flat and treated to ensure anti-slip properties . One of the solutions is to roughen the stones by grooving or applying anti-skid preparations on their surface.

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STEP TWO

It is also important that the surface of the stone is homogeneous so that the foot can be safely positioned.

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STEP THREE

The individual steps should be raised above the water level by a minimum of 5 cm . The elements should be placed at similar distances that allow comfortable step positioning.

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The steps should not be wobbly , because it could lead to unexpected falling into the water. The stabilization of such stone blocks depends on the type of material the water reservoir is made of.

HOW TO FILTER WATER IN A POND?

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 18:01:59 GMT

A small water pond will quickly turn into a muddy puddle if there is no water flow in it. Learn how to cleanse the water in your backyard.

HOW TO FILTER WATER IN A POND?

It is difficult to self-purify water in a small pond, so it is necessary to install a pump and a filter that will work day and night (fortunately, it does not have to be high-power equipment, so the costs are not high). The accessories (selected according to the amount of water in the reservoir) are best installed after ensured the pond excavation.

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POND FILTER

Pond filter removes impurities from the water that flows through it (its movement is forced by the pump). Box filters are suitable for both small and large reservoir.

On the other hand, pressure filters are designed for small ponds (up to a dozen or so m3), but the water flows out of them under high pressure, so it can be directed to the cascade or to the fountain.

Pond filter (regardless of the type) is best placed in the shallow water zone (it will not be visible among the plants) ->

POND PUMP

It pumps water to the filter by a special hose and possibly to a fountain or cascade, and by setting it in motion – it also oxygenates and prevents the growth of algae (learn why blooming algae can become toxic to any lives in your pond ). A flat model of pond pump with a side outlet will fit best in the bottom of the tank. Remember to place the device on a flat stone – otherwise it will suck in silt.

HOW LARGE SHOULD YOUR FISH POND BE?

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 18:02:43 GMT

Do you wonder how large should your backyard pond be? We are here to help! Based on our experience, we listed the most important things you need to consider before building a pond fish.

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HOW LARGE SHOULD YOUR FISH POND BE?

The minimum area of a stocked and planted pond should not be less than 104 square feet, and its depth shall not be less than 3 feet . Optimal size of your pond let biological equilibrium being maintained for a long time, and frost does not cause damage to plants and fish deaths. The basin can be a bit shallower ( but always deeper than 2 feet ) if you are not breeding fish or growing plants in a deep water zone, such as water lilies.

WHAT TO CONSIDER MORE?

Water heats up quickly and has poor circulation in small reservoirs , so such ponds require constant care – controlling the purity of water, plant and fish health, oxygenation and adding water.
It is easier to support water self-purification processes in large and deep ponds than in small and shallow ones.

How to add fish to your backyard pond?

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 18:03:27 GMT

The last stage of work on setting up a pond is also the most pleasant one – of course, it is about adding fish into your backyard pond. You will find a few useful tips which will help you with it down below.

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FINDING THE BIOLOGICAL BALANCE

Before we go to the store or the breeder for fish, let’s make sure that our pond is mature. It is a mistake to introduce any lives to the tank where the water has not stood out for at least 3 weeks, because the biological balance has not been established yet. The first sign of it is the appearance of algae – a pond without them is not functioning properly yet.

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FISH SIZE

Too much fish in one pond won’t support establishing biological balance. Usually it is assumed that there should be at least 3 cm2 of water for a fish length of 2.5 cm. The number of fish we can introduce therefore depends on the size of the tank and the target size of the species we want to breed. Remember – the more space we provide for the animals, the better.

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PURCHASE OF FISH

Buying fish from a breeder who is an expert on a given species is a good choice. He will be able to explain its requirements. Remember to carefully examine all the specimens before purchasing. They should have clean skin without wounds, cavities and discoloration, and shiny eyes. It is not worth buying fish that are sluggish and stand in one corner of the tank. If at least one fish in the stock shows disturbing symptoms, it is better to seek for another breeder.

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ADDING FISH INTO THE POND

The fish should be transported in plastic bags filled with water and air. Before we let them into the pond, the bag should be placed on the surface of the water, for there to equalize temperatures. Fish can not be left in direct sunlight. After a dozen or so minutes, you can gently open the bag and the fish will flow out by themselves. Most likely, they will initially hide in a dark and quiet place and will not be interested in food – you need to give them a time to acclimatize.

POND BASIN OR POND LINER – WHAT TO CHOOSE?

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 18:04:12 GMT

If you plan to build a pond on your own, find out which materials are the best for your kind of reservoir.

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POND BASIN OR POND LINER – WHAT TO CHOOSE?

All artificial reservoirs need a permanent seal. For the construction of ponds with an area of over 16 square feet, PVC foil or EPDM rubber lining are recommended. Smaller ones can be sealed with clay, concrete or bentonite mat. A simple way is also to dig in a ready-made plastic mold.

PVC FOIL OR EPDM RUBBER LINING?

Lifespan of PVC foil is about 15–20 years. It is resistant to mechanical damage, but requires covering with a layer of sand because it cannot withstand UV radiation. It can be adapted to the size of the tank, as it is produced in a width of 6–32 feet. For water reservoirs with a depth of more than 5 ft, EPDM rubber lining is recommended, because properly laid, it remains tight for several dozen years. It is an expensive material, but durable and resistant to mechanical damage, UV rays, oxidation, and weather conditions.

POND BASIN

Plastic pond forms can survive for about several years, and they have a variety of shapes, capacities and colors. Assembly is easy. A layer of sand is laid at the bottom of the trench. After its compaction and leveling, when the form is set, the edges of the form are leveled, filled with water to 1/3, the spaces in the excavation are filled with sand.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR POND FROM A DOG

Sun, 25 Jul 2021 18:06:14 GMT

When you hear about the safety of your backyard pond, firstly you think about children, that they can fall into it. What about when you have animals in your house, that can become a real danger to your Koi fish? Find out how to protect your pond from a dog today.

There a few checked solutions which will increase the safety of your backyard pond. Find out which will work for you the best and make sure that any lives will survive in your garden reservoir!

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR POND FROM A DOG

Below you will find several ways to help you increase the safety of your pond.

Raised pond

Before starting building a pond, consider to create a raised pond instead of digging a hole for a one in the ground. Higher walls will increase the safety level of your pond and lower the risk of getting a smaller animal into your reservoir, keeping your Koi fish safe.

Pond fences

The biggest danger about animals freely walking around the pond is that they will fall into it. This can generate a serious stress to any lives, for example turtles in the pond . How to avoid such kind of thing? Pond fences are mostly used solution to prevent this, because small dogs won’t be able to get into it. In case of bigger ones, consider to train your dog to above this behavior. Dog clickers or training whistlers might become useful.

Covered pond

Not only dogs or cats can become danger to fish in your garden pond; bird also can lead a risky situation. To be sure about the safety of your backyard reservoir, consider to get your pond covered. It will not only help you to avoid the risk of larger animals, but also will help you to keep leaves out of your pond. It might be very helpful when it comes to maintain a well-balanced pond water quality .

3 WAYS A POND INCREASES YOUR HEALTH

Sat, 24 Jul 2021 18:07:03 GMT

What does nature associate you with? We all know the answer – with the resting. Studies confirmed that spending our time with nature has positive influence on our state of mind. Learn about 3 ways a pond increases your health.

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Have you ever tried to sleep under the starry sky, hearing the calming sound of flowing water in the background? Or maybe you have caught up yourself on stepping into a nearly meditative state of mind watching how water circles in a pond?

3 WAYS A POND INCREASES YOUR HEALTH

Improves mental health

When you are surrounded by nature, you intuitively slow down. Your heart beating calms, mind becomes more clear and stress melts away. Calming sound of floating water in your backyard pond is like a cure for any anger. It guarantees us a better sleep and introduces us into relaxed state.

Naturally purifies air

How water in your garden pond can also influence your health positively? Well, the charged ions can are released by water, which helps to eliminate free radicals. In this way air is being naturally purifying from all pollutants, for example dust mites, pollen, germs and allergens. Pond plants double this effect, because they reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. And what it comes with it, they help to reduce toxins and increase oxygen level.

Boosts creativity

All the benefits of having beautifully maintenance garden with floating water in your pond can inspire you and boost your creativity. Spending a lot of time in nature and hearing the calming sound of circulating water will increase your energy level and motivate you to take from life what is the best.

HOW TO BUILD NATURAL POND WITHOUT LINER?

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 18:08:04 GMT

The effect of a natural water reservoir is achieved primarily by delineating an irregular shoreline, but it is also equally important to plant it properly.

The best way to create a natural pond is to find inspiration in real, natural reservoirs, where vegetation zones are formed that merge into one another without a clear border. Proper sinking of the bottom of the water reservoir will allow the use of vegetation with different water depth requirements.

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HOW TO BUILD NATURAL POND WITHOUT LINER?

Building a pond with natural liner, you need to find out three types of natural vegetation zones. After that, you will be able to create a reservoir which will be close to a natural one.

The first zone is the wet meadow zone , which does not have a major barrier between the area surrounding the reservoir and the reservoir itself. It is characterized by constant water soaking and periodic floods resulting from heavy rains or spring thaws. The soil in this zone does not dry up, and thanks to this, there are excellent conditions for the development of many unique pond plants . However, this zone is very difficult to maintain, as there is no soaking effect in the case of artificial reservoirs and the area must be modeled for this purpose.
The swamp zone and shallow water are up to a depth of one foot. It provides a shelter for many animals in the water, for example Koi fish or turtles . This zone does not arise naturally at artificial reservoirs, but is obtained by shaping the area around the pond in such a way as to ensure a continuous supply of water.
The medium depth water zone is between 1-2 foot, and the deep water zone is over 2 foot depth. They mainly grow plants that take root at the bottom of the reservoir, with leaves floating on the surface of the water or slightly hovering above it, as well as plants floating freely in the water -> find out top 5 aquatic plants for your pond . Such plants create an excellent microclimate for insects, frogs and fish, and the expanding leaves shade the tank and prevent it from overheating. However, the expansion of this zone should be controlled, too much expansion of plants may lead to break the biological balance, and even to complete overgrowing of the pond.

LOCALIZATION AND SIZE OF BACKYARD POND

Sun, 11 Jul 2021 18:08:58 GMT

Even a small pond introduces a unique microclimate in the garden. The hum of the stream, shimmering fish, flowers growing by the reservoir with a natural-looking shore soothe the senses…

When it comes to build your own garden pond, the most important aspects of it to consider are localization and size of reservoir. We provided a short list which you may find useful.

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LOCALIZATION AND SIZE OF BACKYARD POND

Water in garden compositions has already appeared in antiquity, where one of the main elements was a pond or a lake enclosed in geometric reams, most often in the shape of a rectangle or the letter T. With time, the compositions of garden assumptions changed, but water remained one of the most important elements.

What to consider before building a pond?

PERFECT PLACE
When setting up a pond, special attention should be paid to the place that will be allocated to it in the garden space. However, apart from placing it near the house or a rest corner, it should be provided with adequate sunlight. Too strong exposure to the sun will lead to overheating of the water and lack of oxygen , which will favor abundant toxic algae blooms, and thus water pollution .
ACCESS TO LIGHT
The water reservoir should be exposed to sunlight for about 6-7 hours a day . This will ensure the proper development of pond plants , which are the best competition for algae, and their expanding leaves will prevent the water from overheating.
WHAT TO AVOID
Looking for a place for a pond, it is better to choose one that will be away from the crowns of deciduous trees – fallen leaves and fruit litter the water unsightly, and also contribute to the start of putrefying processes in the reservoir. Additionally, the proximity of tree roots is a threat to the bottom of the pond, which can be damaged by overgrowing them. More basic pond maintenance mistakes which need to be avoided you will find here.
MINIMAL SIZE
The size of the reservoir is important for maintaining the biological balance. Taking into account the speed of water heating and to ensure the possibility of its purification by small organisms, the best option to choose is to build a pond not smaller than 10 m2 . Otherwise, the pond will require constant care and additional installation of filters and pumps to ensure aeration of water. Find out more about pond aeration – why it is needed, here .
IDEAL DEPTH
The depth of the pond is of great importance if you keep fish in it. Fish cannot be kept for winter in shallow reservoirs. You need to provide more than 3 ft depth to safely winterize pond fish -> Learn about 3 basic rules to keep Hoi and other fish .

5 TIPS FOR BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED POND

Sat, 10 Jul 2021 18:09:56 GMT

We prepared for you five tips that will help you keep a beautifully maintained pond the whole year. Let us know which tip was most useful!

5 TIPS FOR BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED POND

TIP 1 – If you decided to build liner pond, the best way to secure the liner is to put big, heavy stones on the bottom of the pond and smaller stones and gravel on the edge.

TIP 2 – The mechanical peat filter can sometimes get clogged with grass and pour water out to the sides, not into the pond. To avoid this kind of problem, you can remove the filter and place meshes with fibrous peat at the end of the cascade. This helps to accumulate impurities and it is easier to maintain, because it only comes down to changing the filter media every season.

TIP 3 – When buying new aquatic plants and fish, disinfect them first, keeping them in a bucket of fungicide for three days.

TIP 4 – Instead of adding water from the mains to the pond, you can drain rainwater from the roof right into the pond.

TIP 5 – A small sized pond needs a lot of work with water purification, aeration and high costs of its maintenance! Building a pond, you need to consider a size of it – way easier is to maintenance a bigger pond, than a smaller.

How to clean a pond? 3 steps

Sun, 04 Jul 2021 18:12:05 GMT

Maintaining constant water parameters guaranty pond biological balance. We advise which care treatments are required by the backyard water reservoir and when to clean the pond.

STEP 1 – REMOVAL OF ORGANIC RESIDUES

Fallen leaves should be regularly fished out of the pond and rotting plant parts should be removed. A bucket with a long, strong handle will be useful for this. One of the effective ways to maintain order in the pond in winter is to put a net over it – only then will we be sure that the bottom will not be contaminated with an excess of fallen leaves that we have not managed to catch.

Filters are used to maintain proper pond water quality – especially in smaller ponds. The main benefits of pond filtration are: regulation the hardness and pH of the water and trapping suspended matter. A surface water purifier, i.e. a skimmer, can be very helpful in catching larger organic residues. It is connected to a filter – the contaminants are then sucked and collected in a container, and the pond owner needs only to clean the sieve. Remember that filters function only in spring and summer – they can’t be left in the water for the winter.

STEP 2 – COMBATING ALGAE

Algae invasion usually occurs in spring, when other plants are still dormant. Thread algae, which look like a green-brown scum, must be caught quickly, otherwise they will decompose becoming toxic for any live.

Remember that strong sunlight helps algae develop, so it is worth planting trees and shrubs around the pond. Too high water hardness works in a similar way – the calcium content in the water can be lowered by sinking bags with acid peat in the pond or by using peat filter media. For the same reason, water shortages that occur in hot weather are recommended to be refilled with rainwater instead of tap water.

STEP 3 – REMOVAL OF EXCESS SILT

The silt consists of zoo and phytoplankton debris, dead plant parts and fish excrement. If too much of it is produced, the process of shallowing of the reservoir takes place. It begins on the shoreline where the emerged plants grow, because this is where the fish do not dig the bottom. As a consequence, a thick layer of slurry is formed, which is devoid of fertilizing value, but emits poisonous marsh gas containing methane and hydrogen sulphide. Basic pond mistakes can lead to dangerous and hardly to fight consequences.

To prevent them, we advise to limit the amount of silt by draining the breeding pond in the winter. In case of backyard pond, such a procedure is carried out in spring or autumn every 3-5 years. Fish should be caught and placed for some time, eg in a bathtub. It is recommended that one third of the volume of water be pumped out and stored for reuse.

Tip: Don’t use any sharp tools when working at the bottom of the tank. You will avoid damaging the insulation this way. The tank should be refilled with tap water mixed with rainwater.

BASIC POND MAINTENANCE MISTAKES

Sat, 03 Jul 2021 18:58:16 GMT

What you should remember when setting up a pond in the garden? We present basic pond maintenance mistakes.

Instead of clean water in the pond and a pleasant microclimate, we have an overgrowing puddle which brings more trouble than joy? We advise you on how to avoid mistakes by setting up a pond in the garden.

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BASIC POND MAINTENANCE MISTAKES

The water in which the toxic algae blooms turns brown green, the algae settle to the bottom, sometimes forming a thick film. Algae appear shortly after an establishment, but after some time they disappear in large, planted ponds. This is because a biological balance is established there – just like in natural ponds.

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Commonly made basic pond maintenance mistakes:

Building small sized pond – If possible, it is best to have an area of at least 10 m2, because then it is easier to maintain biological balance. It is also important that the pond is about 2-3 feet deep.
Lack of shade – Algae grows fastest in well-lit places. That is why it is worth planting shrubs and tall perennials around the pond to shade it, or build a pond in such a place that the sun reaches there no longer than 5-6 hours a day.
Too intensive fertilization – algae often appear in water which is rich in nutrients. If fertilizers get inside the pond (for example, rinsed with rain) – they will be used by the algae.
Overfeeding the fish – uneaten food will sink to the bottom and become a breeding ground for algae. It is best to feed the fish with enough food that they will eat it within 5-10 minutes once a day.
Keeping too much fish in the pond – decaying fish droppings feed the algae. If there are too much of them, it can even poison the water in the pond. This is because during the decomposition of organic residues, oxygen is taken up – when there is lack of it, rotting processes take place in the water, during which toxic compounds are formed.

3 basic rules to keep Koi and other fish

Sun, 27 Jun 2021 19:00:15 GMT

If you have never had pond fish, including Koi, you don’t need to stress or worry. We provided a small guide of 3 basic rules to keep Koi and other fish, which might be useful for you.

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KEEPING FISH IN BACKYARD POND

When it comes to choosing pond fish, you need to consider which types of fish will be the best for the zone you live in. Then, when the fish will arrive in your pond, try to provide the required conditions for their breeding. Keep in mind that high temperatures change their needs.

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3 BASIC RULES TO KEEP KOI AND OTHER FISH

What to consider when you decide to add fish into you pond? You will find simple 3-step guide below. It will help you start breeding Koi fish ant others from the basic.

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Fish need clean water

Your fish need some basic conditions to live a long and healthy life. One of them is keeping the water clean. The pond water quality significantly influences its pH, which is the median for the quality of your fish’s daily life. The proper filtration provides clear and clean water, but how to achieve that?

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When we talk about quality of pond water, another very important thing is toxic algae blooms. You can prevent this from happening by introducing aquatic plants into your pond that will take up nutrients. Were it not for them, otherwise they would become food for algae. The role of aquatic plants is significant when it comes to creation low-maintenanced pond with balanced ecosystem.

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Keep healthy population

How to recognize a well-kept pond with a balanced ecosystem and good water quality? By conscious control of the fish population in the backyard pond of course. Although it may seem tempting to introduce more colored fish, we need to keep it balanced. The rule is simple. It tells about the proportion of 10 inch fish to 100 gallons of water . In this case, for 5 such fish, our pond should be 500 gallons of water.

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Well feed your fish

We feed the fish once a day in spring and autumn, in summer – twice. All because of increased activity and thus faster energy burning. We do not feed the fish when the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Feeding fish, we follow the few-minute rule . We give them as much food as they can eat within 3 to 5 minutes . Fish also find and eat food from natural sources, such as algae or insects.

Pond plants for beginners

Sat, 26 Jun 2021 19:01:42 GMT

Are you considering adding aquatic plants to your pond? Great idea! Discover the many benefits of growing plants in your pond.

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WHY YOU SHOULD ADD AQUATIC PLANTS INTO YOUR POND?

Regardless of how big your backyard pond is, there are many reasons why you should bring aquatic plants into it. Find out role of aquatic plants in your pond from the list below.

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Growing plants provides, among others:

biological filtration, which neutralizes ammonia, nitrogen and nitrates from water;
well balanced ecosystem pond;
increases the aesthetic value of the pond.

POND PLANTS FOR BEGINNERS

If we talk about aquatic plants, we categorize them by water lilies, floaters, marginal plants and submerged. Such categorization allows to distinguish them according to other conditions necessary for growth.

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Water lilies

One of the most popular pond plants are water lilies. They are pretty easy to breed. These plants look stunning and increase pond aesthetic values. Despite being breathtaking, water lilies provide shade for pond fish. When we talk about ideal case, the water surface should be covered from thirty to sixty percent by this beautiful plants.

Floaters

According to the name, this kind of plants just float on the surface of the water. Only their roots dangle beneath, what allows them to absorb all needed nutrition from the pond water . The bigger benefit of breeding floating plants is that they filter the water, helping to keep a balanced pond ecosystem.

Marginal plants

The largest and the most various group of aquatic plants, called marginal plants, because they typically grow on the edge or “margins” of the pond. They will make your garden pond more beautiful than ever! Just as floaters, marginal plants also provide valuable filtration.

Submerged

This kind of plants live under the water’s surface. Submerged are called also as oxygenaters, because they produce oxygen. Some of them bloom and their flowers rise to the surface. Mostly, they absorb the needed nutrients directly from the water. They compete with algae for them, which can helps to keep pond ecosystem balanced.

3 easy tips for maintaining a clean pond

Sun, 20 Jun 2021 19:02:45 GMT

There’s no secret that good pond water quality is a first step to low-maintenance pond. Learn about 3 essential tips which will help you keep your backyard pond healthy and beautiful.

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1. RIGHT PUMP AND BALANCE FILTRATION

Where lays the heart of your pond? Of course, it is a proper pump, which provide the basis for healthy ecosystem by continually circulating the water. The critical aspect of pump is its sizing. Choosing right, guarantee healthy ecological balance and good water quality. Also, the most effective way to filter water is to pair a biological filter with biological one (i.e. skimmer). It will remove solids before the water enters biological filtration unit. Such kind of balance filtration will help you keep the ecosystem of your pond healthy – because who doesn’t like to rest eyes on the peacefully flowing water?

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2. HEALTHY FISH POPULATION AND AMOUNT OF PLANTS

Keeping the balance between the amount of fish and plants is the second step to low-maintenenced pond. If you aren’t aware about the essential role of aquatic plants in ponds, you can find the article we previously wrote on our blog. The main benefits from having aquatic plants is that they absorb excess nutrients and help filter water. They are also a food for living animals there. Interacting with a turtle in the pond can become a huge joy. The same goes for keeping fish in a pond.

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3. CLEANING THE DEBRIS

High ammonia level is a real danger to livings in your pond, fish and other. Leaves and debris, leftover fish food and fish waste – all combined can become toxic and can stress fish. This is why you need to remove it all before it has a chance to decay. There won’t be as many leaves and plant debris in your pond in summer as in autumn, but remember to remove dying parts of aquatic plants daily.

WHAT CAUSES ALGAE IN PONDS?

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 19:03:56 GMT

The biggest danger to our pond are toxic algae blooms. The best way to deal with it is to prevent our backyard pond from algae growing.

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WHAT CAUSES ALGAE IN PONDS?

First of all, the water in the backyard pond should not contain excess fertilizer substances – products of transformation of organic substances in the spring. In order to avoid it in time, you should clean the pond in the fall of any remaining and rotting leaves and other shoots of plants, silt, and replace some water with fresh tap water.

The pond should be stocked with plants that develop at low temperatures, which in early spring (and generally in colder periods) will create an effective competition for algae.

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FEEDING THE ANIMALS IN THE POND

Fish food should be served in small portions, consumed by our pupils in a short time.

You should control the ratio of animals to plants, do not overburden the pond with animals, i.e. colloquially speaking – you must not put too many fish in the pond in relation to the plants.

Let us remind you that food debris and metabolic products decompose, becoming a nutrient for algae. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically control the concentration of nitrates in the pond and partial water change in the event of exceeding the permissible level. Providing a good pond water quality is a first step to low-maintenance pond.

TOP 5 aquatic plants for your pond

Sun, 13 Jun 2021 19:05:26 GMT

Planning to dig a small garden pond? Or maybe you have already done it, but you are looking for some aquatic plants? Find out TOP 5 aquatic plants for your pond!

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BENEFITS OF HAVING AQUATIC PLANTS IN YOUR POND

Aquatic plants not only help purify water, but also are a one of the most important elements in the proper functioning ecosystem of your pond. This is why many gardeners decide to have some of them in their pond. Plants make the maintenance of the pond much easier.

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TOP 5 AQUATIC PLANTS FOR YOUR POND

To make it easier for you to choose plants for your garden pond, we have prepared a list of the 5 most popular aquatic plants that you can add into your pond – both smaller and larger.

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1. Water lettuce – plant with velvety leaves, prefer shaded or partially sunlit places.

2. Yerba Mansa – beautifully bloomed flowers in summer, prefers partial shade.

3. Sweetflag – this very attractive plant choice could be placed inside or on the margins of your pond. Tufts of greens prefers sunny or partially shaded places.

4. Water Hyacinth – Acting as a natural water filtration, hyacinth spreads very quickly. It blooms with lavender flowers, preferring more sunny places than shaded ones.

5. Parrots Feather – Lime-green foliage will make uniquely decorate margins of your pond. You can place it in full sun to partly shaded places.

Feeding pond fish in summer

Sat, 12 Jun 2021 19:06:16 GMT

Find out how often you should feed your pond fish and for which ingredients you should be looking for when it comes to buy fish food.

Watching the fish during feeding is one of the great joys of having a pond. We have prepared a few tips for you about feeding pond fish in summer.

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WHAT DO POND FISH EAT?

When it comes to What to look for when buying fish food? Research shows that the best digestible protein for fish is fish protein . And no wonder, considering the fact that other fish are the greatest source of food of fish living in lakes and oceans.

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Choosing fish food, make sure that the first ingredients which appears on the list are:

fish meal,
blood meal,
shrimp meal,
squid meal and other aquaculture protein.

HOW OFTEN TO FEED POND FISH?

There are some simple rules to simplify your pond feeding routine. We have listed them with a brief description for you below.

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5-minute rule

Give your pond fish as much food as they can eat within 5 minutes. This time is enough for them to meet the daily requirement. Also keep in mind that larger fish may need more . Watch if they eat pieces of aquatic plants. If so, try feeding them more. However, remember not to overdo it with too much food as uneaten will remain at the bottom of the tank, destabilizing the ecosystem balance of your pond.

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Summer snacks

Just as you like summer fruit snacks, your koi fish also love them. Once or twice a month , you can give your fish a snack in the form of sliced watermelon or orange.

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Feeding routine

Going for a vacation, you don’t need to worry about your fish. They can eat algae and other beneficial bacteria which can be found on the rocks and gravel in your backyard pond. But when you stay at home it is important to establish a fish feeding routine . In this way, you will teach them to eat at the same time throughout the day. You’ll also be able to tame your koi to feed them from your hand.

Toxic algae blooms

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 19:08:04 GMT

Find out what promotes the growth of algae in your garden pond and learn about effective ways to get rid of them!

Massive growth of algae – supported by the high content of nitrates and phosphates in the water – may become a risk not only to the beautiful appearance of a home pond, but also to the health of the fish and plants living in it.

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WHAT ARE ALGAE?

Algae are a group of organisms that, like vascular plants, are able to photosynthesize and develop successfully even at temperatures lower than 5 degrees Celsius, so in early spring. For their growth, there is enough nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer substances and good exposure to light. With such low requirements, they successfully compete with ornamental plants grown in the pond.

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EXCESSIVE GROWTH OF ALGAE AND RISKS

Algae assimilate carbon dioxide during the day and emit oxygen, and during the night they take up and consume oxygen, and emit carbon dioxide. For this reason, with their massive development, the pH of the water may fluctuate significantly in the daily cycle – in the morning it may drop below 6.5, and during the day it may even rise to over 9.0. Such significant pH differences occurring over a relatively short period of time are very detrimental to the health of the fish.

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Algae, covering the water surface in a garden pond, make it difficult for light to reach vascular plants. Thus, they disrupt the process of assimilation and inhibit proper development . Moreover, they hinder the gas exchange between the two environments – water and air. The remains of dead algae become the cause of water contamination with decomposition products.

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Algae not only damage the pond ecosystem, but can produce toxins that penetrate the gills and digestive tract of the fish.

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HOW TO GET RID OF ALGAE?

How to deal with excessive algae growth in the pond? Are there any proven ways to combat them?

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Not sure how to deal with algae in your pond by yourself? We are here to help! The Chicago Pond Maintenance team offers seasonal maintenance packages, spring-clean out, fall shut down, and winter maintenance.

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Our team has over a decade of experience servicing hundreds of ponds and water features throughout the Chicago land region. If you want to come home to a beautifully maintained pond, rely on the Chicago Pond Maintenance team to keep your pond performing the way it should.

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Our Maintenance Program include, among others:

Maintain filtration systems,
Maintain the best environment for fish and plants,
Remove debris,
Perform a deluxe fall shutdown at the end of the season,
And many others

Turtles in the pond – is it a good idea?

Sat, 29 May 2021 19:44:13 GMT

Is keeping turtles in your backyard pond a good idea?

Do you consider having turtles in the pond? Find out what to look for when planning a pond for a turtle.

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TURTLES IN THE POND

Those who have ever had a turtle at home know, how lovely is this animal. Despite the hard shell and scaly skin, they are pretty warm-hearted pets.

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Before you bring the turtle into the pond, you need to remember that they require a proper care. They also are not a good idea for young children. So before you will be setting up the pool for them, find out the most important information about the habitat of your species, their diet and conditions required for them to live.

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WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE GETTING A TURTLE IN THE POND?

Watching turtles sunbathing with stretched legs in your beautifully planted backyard pond can bring a lot of joy. But do you know what to look for when planning a pond for your new family member?

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How much big should be your pool so the turtle could grow to adult size? The backyard pond should consist about 50 gallons to allow to grow your turtle to adult size. You need to monitor also pond water quality . Proper depth in your pond is when there will still be a foot of unfrozen water under the ice. If you want to winterize turtles in the pond, you need to dig a several foot depth of your pond, depending on frost zone of your region. Remember that under the frost line your turtle need 18 inches layer of material such as leaves and mud. This will let your turtle dig into it and winterize.

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After putting the liner, put the sand of the bottom of your pond . It will let the turtles dig in or stay on it. Make a fence with 18 inches rocks. That is how you will secure the pond. Remember also to place healthy plants, stones and logs inside it. The plants will give the shade for the turtles in sunny day, rocks and logs provide basking space for them.

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FILTRATION IN YOUR POND

Do you wonder how to keep your water clean? Filtration is one of the most important things you need to consider before planning a turtle pond. Despite these animals are pretty good scavengers, keeping dead fishes out of the pond, they make pond water dirty as well. This is why you need to provide a good filtration which will let you make a beautifully maintained pond.

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Pond aeration – why is it needed?

Sun, 23 May 2021 19:14:01 GMT

Benefits of pond aeration

Aeration is an important step in the water purification process. This process of adding air to standing water enables aerobic biodegradation of pollutant constituents. It is an integral part of most biological pond cleaning systems. Unlike chemical treatment, biological treatment uses microorganisms that occur naturally in the waste water to degrade pollutants.

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WHAT IS AERATION USED FOR?

We use aeration to:

Purifying the municipal and industrial wastewater
Aeration of garden ponds
Aeration of breeding ponds
Lake aeration

POND AERATION – WHY IS IT NEEDED?

We have already said for what purposes we use aeration. Now let’s take a look at the benefits of aerating the ponds.

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Aeration improves water quality

Dead plant fragments accumulate at the bottom of the pond, making the pond appear cloudy. By reducing pollution and excess unnecessary plant matter by increasing the amount of oxygen and water circulation, you will improve the clarity and quality of the water . Additionally, by aerating the pond water, you reduce the amount of algae and weeds as there won’t be as much nutrient in the pond as to fuel their growth.

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Aeration increases the dissolved oxygen level

Oxygen from aerating pond water is needed to keep the fish alive, but it is also needed by beneficial bacteria. Aeration is important because without oxygen your pond will become anaerobic. Anaerobic bacteria are not as effective in breaking down organic material as their aerobic counterparts. Furthermore, anaerobic bacteria produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide in the digestion of organic material, giving pond odor of rotten eggs. In contrast, beneficial bacteria produce harmless gases during the breaking of mud and debris. Inclusion of aeration pond increases the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, keeping the pond as a healthy aerobic system.

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Aeration eliminates the thermocline

The thermocline is the line between warmer, surface water and colder, deeper water. Aeration is important as it circulates and mixes the water, carrying cooler oxygen-depleted water to the pond surface so that it can be saturated with oxygen. Warmer, oxygen-rich water falls to the bottom of the pond to feed the beneficial bacteria. With all this mixing, the temperature of the water in a properly aerated pond will have no more than a few degrees of difference. In the case of a thermocline, the difference can be almost 20 degrees.

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Not sure how to set up aeration in your pond by yourself? We are here to help! The Chicago Pond Maintenance team offers seasonal maintenance packages, spring-clean out, fall shut down, and winter maintenance.

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The algae killer – zeolite

Sat, 22 May 2021 19:15:14 GMT

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Do you know the role of zoelite in your fish pond?

A well-kept pond full of plants and fish can become the main decoration of your garden. However, in order to be able to enjoy its beauty, it is necessary to regularly clean the pond water and prevent the growth of algae.

Zeolite helps to keep biological balance in your garden backyard. Do you know how to use zeolite properly in your pond to achieve crystal water and healthy ecosystem?

BENEFITS OF USING ZEOLITE

Zeolite is a natural mineral of volcanic origin with many valuable properties. It is sold in the form of light gravel.

The benefits of using zeolite in your pond are:

zeolite perfectly absorbs ammonia, phosphates and nitrogen compounds,
reduces water hardness and clarifies it,
inhibits the growth of various types of algae,
stabilizes the pH,
it is non-toxic and prevents the formation of duckweed.

HOW TO USE ZEOLITE IN A POND?

Zeolite is used as a substrate for a pond – it is a great filter bed and it is most effective when water flows directly through the filtration system.

How to use this preparation? It should be poured out in the place of the greatest flow of water – i.e. in the stream. You can also insert it directly into the pond marsh filter. When it comes to dosage, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, but the optimal dose is 1 kg per 1 m3 of water. In the case of a pond, the minimum zeolite fraction is 4-5 mm.

POND WATER QUALITY

Zeolite is one of the greatest filter media which helps reduce grow of algae and clarifies water. If you still wonder, how to keep pond water clean , don’t worry – we are here to help! Our team will help you find biological balance in your backyard pond. We have over a decade of experience servicing hundreds of ponds and water features throughout the Chicago land region.

If you want to come home to a beautifully maintained pond, rely on the Chicago Pond Maintenance team to keep your pond performing the way it should. Our Maintenance Program is designed to keep your pond beautiful and working properly, while performing general maintenance, we’ll keep an eye out for problems, and diagnose any future concerns that may arise.

Pond water quality

Sun, 16 May 2021 19:16:19 GMT

Everything you need to know about pond water quality

It is well known that the basic condition for the proper development of plants and animals in a garden pond is to ensure and maintain water at an appropriate and stable quality level.

The most important parameters that have an unquestionable effect on living organisms are total and carbonate hardness of water, pH, the presence of nitrogen compounds and the content of phosphates.

Total and carbonate hardness of water

The total water hardness is determined by the content of calcium and magnesium salts in H2O, while the carbonate hardness – by the content of bicarbonates and carbonates. Medium hard water seems to be the most suitable for ornamental fish , most often kept in home ponds. In such water fish are more resistant to the harmful effects of heavy metals and many toxic substances than in soft water. Carbonate hardness acts as a buffering factor, preventing abrupt changes in the water pH – measuring this parameter in a garden pond is particularly important.

The pH value in the pond is influenced by a number of factors – from the reaction of the water itself used to fill the reservoir, through the type of minerals contained in the substrate and the density of planting the pond with plants , to the processes of carbon dioxide assimilation by these plants. It is worth remembering that changes in the pH of the pond water may also be caused by sudden and heavy rainfall or runoff of liquid contaminated with fertilizers and other chemicals from the garden or field, as well as the inflow of groundwater.

Nitrogen compounds

Protein waste, food scraps, fish excrement, plant scraps, dead animals, etc. can become a source of harmful and poisonous nitrogen compounds. Both ammonium compounds and nitrites are especially dangerous to fish. The accumulation of these poisonous compounds occurs when nitrogen metabolism is disturbed, insufficient aeration and an excessive amount of waste substances.

Water stable quality level

Do you still wonder how to keep your pond water clear?

We are here for you! Our experienced team will help balance your pond water. How? We offer you Full-Service Deluxe Pond Clean-Out and it will allow you to enjoy low-maintenance water gardening season! Our services include:

Clean mechanical filter
Clean biological filter
Drain and thoroughly rinse pond, removing residual debris
Power wash rocks and gravel
Top off and detoxify pond water, making it safe for fish and plants
Reconnect pump for the season
Reconnect Filtration Systems
Reconnect Auto-fill
Cut back necessary pond plants (additional charges for thinning out)
Complete pond health assessment with recommended products or enhancements
Acclimate pond fish back into their environment

How to keep your pond beautiful whole year?

Sat, 15 May 2021 19:17:44 GMT

How to keep your pond beautiful whole year?

It is not a secret that beautiful pond attract an eye and make your garden more enjoyable than ever. But do you know how to keep it clean in every season of the year?

Your own backyard pond – is it worth to build it?

Once you decided to build your backyard pond, you will be obliged to provide a maintenance for it not only in one season, but the whole year. So before you will start building your pond, you need to answer the question: are you ready to make this sacrifice which bring you beautiful looking garden?

Still haven’t decided yet? Don’t worry, even if you won’t have enough time to take care of it, you still can afford one for yourself. How? It was never that simple! Our team offer weekly pond maintenance. Our program is designed to keep your pond and working properly while performing general maintenance.

How we work? More about our services

If you decide for our service, we will keep an eye for current issues with your water feature, and diagnose any future concern that may arise. Curious, about what else is included in weekly pond maintenance? Here’s the list:

Clean the skimmer net and filter mat
Maintain the pump
Maintain water level
Trim and assess aquatic plants
Fertilize water lilies
Repot plants as necessary
Remove debris
Maintain Filtration Systems
Maintain the best environment for fish and plants
Add any rock and gravel when necessary
Add additional water treatments as needed
Perform a deluxe fall shutdown at the end of the season

And, what’s also important, at the end of every service visit, we will leave a service record outlining what was done to your water feature, service recommendations, product replacements needs, and enhancement recommendations.

The best stones for your pond

Sun, 09 May 2021 19:43:28 GMT

Choosing right stones for your backyard pond

Backyard pond is a great way to diversify the entire garden space. Regardless of the size of your pond, it almost always attracts attention with its shape, unique vegetation, and even a border made of stones. Do you know which stones are the best for backyard pond?

Things you should consider before building a pond

You can build a pond in the garden yourself. However, you should remember about choosing the right materials for the construction and choosing the right place to dig a pond. Incorrect construction of a pond will not only affect its durability, but also its aesthetics.

A pond should look primarily aesthetic and natural. That is why you need to think carefully about its design before you start building it. The main point here will be the materials to be used for its finishing . It is very important to determine the appropriate number of individual decorative elements of the backyard pond.

Which kind of stones are the best to finish your pond with?

Too little stones or plants may reveal the foil in the pond, which will look unsightly. When arranging a pond, you should also pay attention to the place where it is to be created. In order for the whole to fit together well, one should take care of, among others, by the edge of the pond. A natural effect can be obtained here, for example, by the asymmetrical arrangement of various stones.

Large slate paddlestones The pond should have a fully thought out composition. It is best if it looks natural and blends in with the surroundings. A great choice for finishing a pond will be a large slab stone made of slate . This type of stone is water-resistant and very decorative. The slate has even side edges, so you can easily create steps or a waterfall through which water flows. In addition, this stone has a wide variety of colors and at the same time looks very natural. The shape of the slate makes them easy to stack on top of each other.

Summer pond maintenance in nutshell

Sat, 08 May 2021 19:48:53 GMT

Summer heat have a great influence on the life of every biocoenosis, including the inhabitants of backyards ponds. Do you know how to properly maintenance pond in the summer? Check out some tips we have prepared for you!

Rest on holidays? Not for pond keepers!

During summer, the water heats up in your backyard pond. The higher the water temperature is, the lower the dissolved oxygen concentration is in it. Some species of fish (and not only that!) may therefore experience greater or lesser discomfort at this time. In turn, the vegetation in summer grows abundantly which can lead to the overgrowing of the reservoir and even more trauma to fish, amphibians and invertebrates. Therefore, the holiday period is not only a well-deserved rest, but also time to carry out specific care treatments in the pond.

Summer pond maintenance in nutshell

The main idea about summer pond maintenance is to find ta biological balance between animals, plants and microorganisms. As with an aquarium, the smaller the tank, the more difficult it is to keep it.

If you want a filtration in our pond, the filter should be activated in spring. During summer the effects of his work are most visible, because the biological input (numerous cultures of aerobic nitrifying bacteria) reaches its peak maturity and works with the highest efficiency. This is very important because the fish feed very intensively and are often overfed during summer, and at the same time the pond is often overfished. As a consequence, water is quickly saturated with harmful metabolic products, which disturbs the biological balance. Thus, the bacteria in the filter have a difficult task: they must efficiently process the excess of compounds (mainly nitrogen) in order to prevent deterioration of water quality and unrestrained algae infestation.