Top Level Category
Table of Contents
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Contents of Top Level Category
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Algae
(Answers to questions about pond algae)
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Building a Pond
(How to build a Pond, DYI Pond Building )
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Everything else
(All other questions)
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Farm Ponds, Natural Bottom Ponds and Lakes
(Questions regarding Ponds that are not lined...)
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Fountains
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Pond Filters
(Answers to questions about Pond Filters)
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Pond Fish
(Answers to questions regarding Pond Fish)
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Pond Plants
(Answers to questions about Pond Plants)
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Pond Product Questions
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Pond Pumps
(Answers to questions about Pond Pumps)
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Pond Water
(Answers to questions about Pond Water)
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Seasonal Pond Care (Winterization, Spring Opening, Hot Weather Care, etc)
Top Level Category
Parent category to all other categories
There are no articles in this category.
Algae
Answers to questions about pond algae
Fuzzy growth on Waterfalls, Rocks and Pond sides
A little bit of green fuzz on the sides of the pond does not hurt anything. It makes it more natural and gives the fish a bit of healthy greenery to munch on.
If that greenery turns black and/or slimy though, then it is an indication of something that is not quite right in the pond.
It usually indicates that there is either not enough oxygen in the water or the pH is out of balance (or both).
The thing to do is test the pH and adjust it to within the safe range of 6.8 - 8.0 and make sure there is adequate oxygenation with a water feature (fountain, waterfall) or an air pump.
Existing growth can be cleaned off pretty easily with an oxygen based rock cleaner.
Brigitte Burchett
RE: UV filter or clarifiers
Answer:
A UV Filter will help fix water clarity problems, but cannot help with string algae.
String algae is best controlled with the following steps:
a) test and adjust pH to within 7.0 - 8.0 (string algae love high pH)
b) clean existing growth
c) preventing new growth
products to use in controlling string algae:
Testing: http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/category/75/test-kits.cfm
Adjusting pH: http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/product/430_14/microbe-lift-75-ph-buffer-stabilizer.cfm
Cleaning exisiting growth: http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/product/595_14/restor-pond-rock-cleaner.cfm
Preventing new growth: http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/product/809_78/barley-fusion---liquid-barley-straw-extract-for-garden-ponds.cfm
| Quote: |
My pond develops string algea along with poor water clarity. Will a UVliter filter help this condition. THe pond size is 12 x 14 x 4 ft deep. Is there another product that will help this condition?
Thanks
John
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Brigitte Burchett
Green Pond
Answer:
New pond always turn green, at least if you do not have a UV-Light
The bacteria culture has to grow sufficiently to deprive the algae of food. Make sure your pH is between 6.8 - 8.0, or they will not thrive.
Dosage of the AlgaeFix should be EXACTLY as listed on the bottle - NEVER overdose an algaecide.
Bacteria cannot be overdosed and you can use two or three times the amount listed.
However, you should not use the two products within 72 hours of each other.
Hi
I recently built a pond 5'x7'18" deep.
In the last 3 weeks it turned Green.
I've put in ALGAEFIX and Bacteria.
How long will it take to clear up?
How much of each product should I be using and when is the best time to use it.
Thanks
Brian Kinzel
Brigitte Burchett
Pond greens over after rain
Testing the pH to see if the rain significantly changed it is a good idea.
It is possible though that the pond gets just enough run off from the sides to add nutrients that feed algae.
Keeping plenty of beneficial bacteria in the pond and dosing it with a flocculant like Sheer Clear or Accu Clear right after the rain should alleviate the problem.
| Quote: |
Dear pondmarket,
i was wondering what products do i need to use in my pond. it seems everytime it rains my pond turns a greenish colo could that be maybe ph problems ?????
thank you
customer jackie
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Brigitte Burchett
Building a Pond
How to build a Pond, DYI Pond Building
Building a Pond
We have prepared free e-books on the subject of building Water Features in including How to build a Pond and How to build a Waterfall.
The e-books contain links to the appropriate product and can be found HERE
Brigitte Burchett
Size of Waterfall Pump
Answer:
Any of the Cal Pump Waterfall Pumps (above 1200 gph) will fit on that pipe and do a good job.
The rule of thumb is to have a minimum of 100 gph per inch of weir width to make a good waterfall.
| Quote: |
I have a pond and I need a new pump for my waterfall. I have a 35' run of 1 1/4" pipe with a 4' rise. I'm looking for maximum flow. What can you recommend?
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Brigitte Burchett
the right pump
I currently have a Sunterra 1250GPH pump. I bought a pre-form 18" waterfall. The current pump does not produce enough volume for the waterfall to flow completely across the 18" of the waterfall. Instead it only drips. Could you recommend a pump that will last when it is on continuously, energy efficient and produce enough water so that the water volume is sufficient making the waterfall complete across the whole 18" of the waterfall. I currently have 3/4" inside diameter lines to the pump, filter and waterfall. Thank you for your attention on this matter.
James
Answer:
Hello James!
The rule of thumb is 100 gph per inch of weir width. So you will need at least 1800 gph to cover the weir.
Magnetic drives are best for longevity and this Waterfall pump (with multi year warranty) will do a fine job for you:
You might want to go to 1" or 1 1/4 inch tubing to reduce velocity and increase volume.
Brigitte Burchett
Everything else
All other questions
Leaking Pond
Answer:
99% of all leaks are caused by the waterfall. Consequently that is the first place to check for problems. Look around the waterfall for wet areas. Check all hoses and connections. If nothing can readily be seen, unplug the waterfall for a few hours and see if the drop in water level continues. If it does, then the leak is elsewhere in the pond.
The best way to find it is to let it continue to leak until it stops. You will then know that the leak is at that level and you can inspect the liner carefully all around the water line.
I think that I have a leak somewhere as I have to add a lot of water every day - more than ever in the past. I know that it is summer and hot but...........the water drops about 5" over night. My pond is about 1500 gallons. My water bill is astronomical. How do I even go about finding a leak? I can see no water coming out anywhere unless it is overspray from the waterfall. Help!
Brigitte Burchett
Fuzzy growth on Waterfalls, Rocks and Pond sides
A little bit of green fuzz on the sides of the pond does not hurt anything. It makes it more natural and gives the fish a bit of healthy greenery to munch on.
If that greenery turns black and/or slimy though, then it is an indication of something that is not quite right in the pond.
It usually indicates that there is either not enough oxygen in the water or the pH is out of balance (or both).
The thing to do is test the pH and adjust it to within the safe range of 6.8 - 8.0 and make sure there is adequate oxygenation with a water feature (fountain, waterfall) or an air pump.
Existing growth can be cleaned off pretty easily with an oxygen based rock cleaner.
Brigitte Burchett
Restoring a small Pond with low energy usage
Hello,
I just moved into a house with a small pond, somewhere between 50-100 gals. It was neglected for about a year. It has water, sand, rocks, algae, decayed plant matter and 4 goldfish in it.
I'm looking to turn it into a pond that is as eco-friendly as possible. I don't want a waterfall or anything showy. My goals are to have a healthy pond with low energy use that is a good habitat for birds. I'd like to put frogs in it but suspect the sides are sloped too steeply. We're in Portland, OR so a solar-powered pump is not a good option.
Can you make some recommendations? I've read a little about ponds: just enough to be bewildered.
Regards,
Lucinda
Answer:
The Pond actually does not have to use any energy at all if you do not want a fountain or waterfall and if you do not put anymore fish in it. Additionally, do not feed the ones that are in there now (they will get what they need by catching bugs and munching on algae and plants).
To clean it up, you want to use a very fine mesh skimmer net to fish as much debris out of the bottom as possible.
Then to help clean up the rest and to help keep it clean in a totally natural way use any of a variety of available Barley products and Beneficial Bacteria.
Make sure you have lots of Pond Plants in it, too take up the poisons and nutrients produced by the fish waste.
If mosquitoes are a problem in your area, throw in a Mosquito Dunk...another natural product that prevents larvae from hatching. Each dunk lasts about 30 days.
Oh, and very important, always add De-Chlorinator when topping off the Pond with city water (fish can survive adding just a little at a time for a while, but it burns their gills and eventually they cannot take up enough oxygen to live).
Brigitte Burchett
Feeding Goldfish
Answer:
Whether or not to feed your Goldfish depends on if there is enough algae in the pond for 60 of them to survive. If not, they will start nibbling on your plants. They might do that anyway. There is no difference between one plant or the other for fish (algae is a plant).
We have a 2000 gallon rubber lined fish pond with approximately 60 goldfish, water plants, and a water fall. We have been feeding our fish every day but someone told us that we shouldn't feed the fish but just let them eat the algae. What do you recommend? We live in Northern Michigan. In the winter we put a heater in the pond and do not feed the fish. Thanks for any advice. Mary Ann
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Brigitte Burchett
Water Loss
Answer:
Some water loss is absolutely normal.
Evaporation, splash, etc will lower the water level.
Weather conditions play a role, of course.
There is no mathematical formula I know off to tell you exactly how much you will lose on any given day.
I would look for a problem if it is more than 2 - 3 inches.
Nine times out of ten, problem water loss is caused by the water feature (fountain, waterfall), so it is best to start there.
------------------
Hello,
I have a question about normal waterloss from the pond.
We have a pond that is about 13-1/2 feet X 8 feet and 3 feet deep at the deepest point.
It is in full sun most of the day.
How much waterloss in inches would be normal from our pond (how many inches of the waterline per week for example) in warm to hot summer weather with the water standing, no filter running?
Thank you very much in advance for your time and help.
Kind regards,
Margot MacDonald
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Brigitte Burchett
where are the flowers
I've got water lillies and water hyacinths in my water garden and other than a few flowers a copule of weeks ago I've has nothing since.
The plants are healthy and ferilizer pills were added for the lillies, but no flowers.
Is there a specific test and water additive that I should be
performing?
Thanks,
Steve
Answer
Here are a few things to check:
Both Water Lilies and Water Hyacinths need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to bloom.
Water Lilies do not like turbulent water or being sprayed by water (near a waterfall or fountain).
Hyacinths do not like pH that is too high or too low (must be between 7.0 and 8.0). This can be tested easily with a simple test kit.
Brigitte Burchett
Winterization Kits
Answer:
In your climate zone you would do best with a winterization program/kit that includes an air pump to assure the fish have enough oxygen in really low temperatures.
One kit would be enough for your pond.
I HAVE 1000 GAL POND WITH APPROX 50 SQ FT OF SURFACE ONE END IS 3FT DEEP AND TAPERS TO 2FT DEEP IN A FIGURE 8 DESIGN. I HAVE FIVE GOLD FISH AND WANT TO WINTERIZE THE POND. I NOTED YOU HAVE TWO KITS ON YOUR WEBB SITE. WILL EITHER KIT WORK. WE LIVE IN WESTERN NEW YORK AND CAN SEE 20 BELOW TEMPERATURES. IS THE NET IN THE BETTER KIT OF HIGHER QUALITY. DO YOU HAVE TEMPERATURE CONTROLLERS TO TURN PON HEATERS ON AND OFF AS NEEDED? THANKS FOR ANY INFO YOU CAN SUPPLY ME, DAVE IN WNY.
Brigitte Burchett
Matala Pond Vac II
My pond is 3 feet deep. will this vacuum easily remove the debris and sludge from the bottom ? i'd hate to spend this kind of money on a vacuum and find out it did not do the job.
Answer:
Hello! The Matala II Pond Vac will easily remove sludge and small debris (large debris has to be netted out) from 3 ft deep. It will not work past 6 feet.
Brigitte Burchett
Farm Ponds, Natural Bottom Ponds and Lakes
Questions regarding Ponds that are not lined with a membrane
Filtering 1 million gallons in a Natural Pond
A UV Clarifier or even a Bio Filter adequate in size to take care of 1 million gallons would need the Astrodome to house it and a Donald Trump to pay for it ;-))
A much better option to clean it up is a natural product like "Large Pond and Lake Cleaner". It will take a little while (4 - 8 weeks generally), but it won't break the bank.
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I have a lake (1,000,000 gal.). I have installed two skimmers, and a destratification air pump, and was interested in purchasing a UV/bio filter to clear up the water. The pond is plastic lined and clean water is added to account for evaporation. I was also interest in installing UV lights in each of the skimmer boxes to further clarify the water. Any suggestions on a UV/bio filter and UV lights would be greatly appreciated. I can also be reached at 928-580-5618. Thanks
Brigitte Burchett
Clean Up of Large Water Feature/Pond
Answer:
Please take a look at this product, it should meet your needs:
http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/product/801_26/large-lake--pond-bio-cleaner.cfm
Further products for large water features such as yours can be found here:
http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/category/26/lake-golf-pond-and-farm-pond-management.cfm
| Quote: |
I am property management for a property that has a very large water feature. Over 1/2 acre 3 waterfalls, 7 large gould sewage pumps pushing the water. We shut it down each winter and spring cleanup is a large job. I am looking for help in cleaning that debris without damaging the membrane by walking in the streams.
Last year, lots of sting algae and leave debris continued to make the ponds and streams look bad. Which products would you suggest for such a large project? The only filters on these pumps are leaf catchers going into the pump house that get cleaned daily. Help Melissa Gold in Montana
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Brigitte Burchett
Fountains
Care of small, shady Waterfall
I have a small waterfall on my front porch. It's in the shade. I have plants such as ferns sitting close to it but no plants in the water. I haven't had it very long but it needs something in the water besides what I've tried; baking soda, bleach, white vinegar. It's foamy. even before I added products,cloudy and doesn't smell good. What do I need to keep it looking and smelling fresh? The instructions just said to take it apart and empty water and scrub bowl. I'm getting ready to go for back surgery and that's hard for me to do, the lifting I mean. Please give me some advice. It's a very small fountain, probably 3ft in diameter. Thank you in advance for your help.
Answer:
Hello!
As long as you do not keep fish in it, this Crystal Clear Sparkle will keep the fountain water clean and smelling good:
Brigitte Burchett
Pond Filters
Answers to questions about Pond Filters
Pump filter always getting clogged
Doc,
I have a ~200 gallon Koi pond. The pump feeds the water to a slightly larger filter with UV.
The problem I am having is that I am having to clean out the smaller filter attached to the pump on a daily basis. When it gets real hot, sometimes 2wice a day. I am using pond blocks which help out tremendously
Do you have any recommendations for me?
Thanks!
Jeff
Answer:
I am sorry to say, but at least part of the problem are your Koi! Each Koi needs about 750 gallons of water with heavy duty filtration. Koi grow very fast. They eat and put out waste accordingly. This waste feeds algae, etc in the pond. A lot of that ends up in the filter.
The situation can be helped somewhat by a) using high dosages of beneficial bacteria and b) adding lots of oxygen to the pond.
Brigitte Burchett
RE: UVC Filtration
Answer:
The Pressure Flo Filter would be big enough to handle you pond, but care must be taken for the pump not to over-power it.
Filters become ineffective if the water flows through them too fast (particularly the UV part of it).
2400 gph is a bit much for that size filter.
There are several ways to deal with that.
You could:
a) Split the water coming out of the pump, have only half go through the filter and meet the other half again at the top of the waterfall.
b) Use a separate, smaller pump for the filter (you can add the output to the waterfall.
c) If there is enough distance and height and depending on the performance of your pump, you can install the filter as far from and as high up behind the waterfall, so that its power is sufficiently reduced for the filter to be effective.
| Quote: |
Good afternoon from Colorado: I have a small 600 gallon pond and waterfall . my pump runs at 2400 gph and I would like to know if your pt1500 pressure flo filter would work to help keep alge down? the out put line from my pump to the water falls is 1.25 inch where would I install the uvc filter in my system? Thank you for your time. Steve K
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Brigitte Burchett
RE: UV filter or clarifiers
Answer:
A UV Filter will help fix water clarity problems, but cannot help with string algae.
String algae is best controlled with the following steps:
a) test and adjust pH to within 7.0 - 8.0 (string algae love high pH)
b) clean existing growth
c) preventing new growth
products to use in controlling string algae:
Testing: http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/category/75/test-kits.cfm
Adjusting pH: http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/product/430_14/microbe-lift-75-ph-buffer-stabilizer.cfm
Cleaning exisiting growth: http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/product/595_14/restor-pond-rock-cleaner.cfm
Preventing new growth: http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/product/809_78/barley-fusion---liquid-barley-straw-extract-for-garden-ponds.cfm
| Quote: |
My pond develops string algea along with poor water clarity. Will a UVliter filter help this condition. THe pond size is 12 x 14 x 4 ft deep. Is there another product that will help this condition?
Thanks
John
|
Brigitte Burchett
Is a Waterfall Filter the right Filter for my Pond?
During the extremely cold temps my filter is busted. It was 7 years old. I'm inquiring about the waterfall filters since my waterfall is pitiful. I have about 1000 gallons, and my pump is still working. I don't have a skimmer and am not smart enough to install one. I'm just an old lady. If you think the waterfall filter would be good, I will order it.
Thanks,
Answer:
Hello! The Waterfall Filters are good biological Pond Filters and the Atlantic BF1000 would absolutely make a nice waterfall for you.
They are also relatively easy to install, but if it is not attached to the liner, then it needs to set at the edge of the Pond in a way that makes the lip be several inches into the Pond from the edge to prevent water loss.
You also want to make sure to put a piece of liner under the filter that overlaps several inches over the Pond liner, so that any water that might drip out runs back into the Pond.
The BF1000 comes with bags for filter material and lava rock is usually used. If the weight of lava rocks will be an issue, then the bags with light weight material that are available separately is a better option.
Materials suggested (click to go to the product)
BF1000 Waterfall Filter:
http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/product/912_70/pond-waterfall-filters-by-atlantic.cfm
Lightweight Filter Bags
http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/product/716/atlantic-media-bag-with-light-weight-filter-media.cfm
Answer to further question from same inquiry"
Hello again, Lana!
By their very nature, Pond Filters are designed to keep the Pond water healthy for flora and fauna. I guess, in that respect they do keep them clean.
A waterfall filter has mechanical and biological capabilities, so it will remove some solids (in as much as the Pond Pump sends them). If a large enough beneficial bacteria colony exists and the water values are ideal it will contribute to keeping the water clear. But that is not its function and there is no guarantee that it will.
If clear water is the objective, as well as easy installation and maintenance, then a back-flushing Pond Filter with UV might be the better option:
http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/product/322_5/laguna-pressurized-backwashing-pond-filters.cfm
Pond Water health, cleanliness and clarity is a rather complicated and long subject.
We have some very good and free eBooks available in the information part of our site that elaborate more on the subject:
http://www.pondmarket.com/pond_ebook.htm
Brigitte Burchett
Pond Fish
Answers to questions regarding Pond Fish
Dying Fish
It is hard to say what killed your pond fish or is making them sick without examining the pond and water in detail.
Sudden fish loss like that can have several causes, among them:
a) a nitrite and/or ammonia spike. Low cost test kits are available to check for this. If this is the problem then all feeding of the fish should be stopped immediately and partial water changes done until the level of these poisons return to normal.
b) some sort of poison washed into the pond or drifted into the pond on a breeze (fertilizer from the lawn, pesticide being sprayed by you or a close neighbor on flowers or trees, etc etc)
c) a sudden deficit in oxygen (pumps fail due to power outages or too many fish for the surface area of the pond).
Water that looks clear and healthy is not necessarily healthy for the fish. A lot of poisons cannot be seen.
At this point testing the water for nitrite and ammonia, doing a partial water change and observing the fish for further signs of stress is the best course of action (please be sure to de-chlorinate any water being added to the pond.
Brigitte Burchett
Microbe-Lift/Sludge Away
Answer:
Microbe-Lift Sludge Away is safe for Koi and Goldfish if used as directed.
It is used in our display ponds on a regular basis.
| Quote: |
I have a green sludge, left from using Barley pellets to kill algae. I understand that the Microbe-Lift/Sludge Away will digest the residue. Is it safe for my Koi?
If not, can you recommend another product that will digest the organic residue?
|
Brigitte Burchett
Feeding Goldfish
Answer:
Whether or not to feed your Goldfish depends on if there is enough algae in the pond for 60 of them to survive. If not, they will start nibbling on your plants. They might do that anyway. There is no difference between one plant or the other for fish (algae is a plant).
We have a 2000 gallon rubber lined fish pond with approximately 60 goldfish, water plants, and a water fall. We have been feeding our fish every day but someone told us that we shouldn't feed the fish but just let them eat the algae. What do you recommend? We live in Northern Michigan. In the winter we put a heater in the pond and do not feed the fish. Thanks for any advice. Mary Ann
------------------------------------------------------------
Brigitte Burchett
Feeding Pond Fish in the Fall and Spring
Answer:
Goldfish and Koi do not have a stomach and digest all foods with their colon.
Being cold water fish, their metabolism slows as the water cools and their ability to digest and absorb nutrients from foods diminishes.
It is important to switch to wheat germ and spirulina based foods once the water temperature sinks below 62 - 65 degrees to insure that nutrients are absorbed and to give them a healthy start to the winter period when they do not eat all.
All feeding should stop completely once the water temperature stabilizes at 48 - 50 degrees.
Fall preparation products, including cold weather food can be found here:
http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/category/31/pond-prep-for-fall-autumn.cfm
| Quote: |
I started feeding my common goldfish on a daily basis, this summer, using your PT-36 pellets. The results have been excellent.
As the weather (and water) cools I am given to understand that I need to switch to a cool weather food. Is this true and, if so, at what water temperature do I make the change?
Also, is there a point at which I can stop feeding altogether?
I live in Indiana and the pond ices over for several winter months.
Thanks, in advance, for your help.
Pastor Gene Deverick
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[/quote]
Brigitte Burchett
Koi eating the Pond Plants
Answer:
There is very little you can do to prevent Koi from eating the plants. Even if they do not eat them, they will destroy them during spawning.
Here are some tips to grow plants in ponds with Koi:
Arrange an area of the Pond where the water can flow freely, but the Koi cannot get into and grow the plants in there.
Use woody stemmed plants such as Hibiscus and Cattails, which Koi do not like to eat.
Plant Pond Plants in Floating Pond Planters, so that the Koi cannot reach them
| Quote: |
My pond is 1500 gals and 4 feet in water depth.
This year I planted 5 hand batches of ragweed. I placed it in netting and weighted them down with a rock in each.
They started to grow through the netting until the Koi caught on and they have eaten all of them.
All that is left in the netting is the rock for weight purpses.
Is there a way to prevent this problem.
Thx
Howie Kerr
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Brigitte Burchett
Pond Plants
Answers to questions about Pond Plants
where are the flowers
I've got water lillies and water hyacinths in my water garden and other than a few flowers a copule of weeks ago I've has nothing since.
The plants are healthy and ferilizer pills were added for the lillies, but no flowers.
Is there a specific test and water additive that I should be
performing?
Thanks,
Steve
Answer
Here are a few things to check:
Both Water Lilies and Water Hyacinths need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to bloom.
Water Lilies do not like turbulent water or being sprayed by water (near a waterfall or fountain).
Hyacinths do not like pH that is too high or too low (must be between 7.0 and 8.0). This can be tested easily with a simple test kit.
Brigitte Burchett
Koi eating the Pond Plants
Answer:
There is very little you can do to prevent Koi from eating the plants. Even if they do not eat them, they will destroy them during spawning.
Here are some tips to grow plants in ponds with Koi:
Arrange an area of the Pond where the water can flow freely, but the Koi cannot get into and grow the plants in there.
Use woody stemmed plants such as Hibiscus and Cattails, which Koi do not like to eat.
Plant Pond Plants in Floating Pond Planters, so that the Koi cannot reach them
| Quote: |
My pond is 1500 gals and 4 feet in water depth.
This year I planted 5 hand batches of ragweed. I placed it in netting and weighted them down with a rock in each.
They started to grow through the netting until the Koi caught on and they have eaten all of them.
All that is left in the netting is the rock for weight purpses.
Is there a way to prevent this problem.
Thx
Howie Kerr
|
Brigitte Burchett
Shipping of Pond Plants - Timing
When will plants be available for on-line purchase?
Answer: Plants generally start shipping beginning to mid-May, depending on the weather.
Plants ship only on Mondays and Tuesdays to make sure they are not left in a facility on hot days over a weekend.
Brigitte Burchett
Pond Product Questions
RE: UVC Filtration
Answer:
The Pressure Flo Filter would be big enough to handle you pond, but care must be taken for the pump not to over-power it.
Filters become ineffective if the water flows through them too fast (particularly the UV part of it).
2400 gph is a bit much for that size filter.
There are several ways to deal with that.
You could:
a) Split the water coming out of the pump, have only half go through the filter and meet the other half again at the top of the waterfall.
b) Use a separate, smaller pump for the filter (you can add the output to the waterfall.
c) If there is enough distance and height and depending on the performance of your pump, you can install the filter as far from and as high up behind the waterfall, so that its power is sufficiently reduced for the filter to be effective.
| Quote: |
Good afternoon from Colorado: I have a small 600 gallon pond and waterfall . my pump runs at 2400 gph and I would like to know if your pt1500 pressure flo filter would work to help keep alge down? the out put line from my pump to the water falls is 1.25 inch where would I install the uvc filter in my system? Thank you for your time. Steve K
|
Brigitte Burchett
Microbe-Lift/Sludge Away
Answer:
Microbe-Lift Sludge Away is safe for Koi and Goldfish if used as directed.
It is used in our display ponds on a regular basis.
| Quote: |
I have a green sludge, left from using Barley pellets to kill algae. I understand that the Microbe-Lift/Sludge Away will digest the residue. Is it safe for my Koi?
If not, can you recommend another product that will digest the organic residue?
|
Brigitte Burchett
Laguna Aeration Kit PT-1630
The PT-1630 can be left outside and the temperature is not really a problem.
It does need to be shielded from snow and ice.
Laguna makes a cover that looks like a rock, just for that sort of purpose.
It can be found here:
http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/product/1154/laguna-cover-rocks.cfm
The smallest one will do the job for the Aeration kit.
| Quote: |
dear pondmarket like to order the laguna aeration kit pt-1630 but i would like to know if the air pump is okey left out in freezing temps in winter most air pumps ive read cannot be left out in open below 0 temperatures.
thank you
jacqueline sears
customer
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Brigitte Burchett
Is a Waterfall Filter the right Filter for my Pond?
During the extremely cold temps my filter is busted. It was 7 years old. I'm inquiring about the waterfall filters since my waterfall is pitiful. I have about 1000 gallons, and my pump is still working. I don't have a skimmer and am not smart enough to install one. I'm just an old lady. If you think the waterfall filter would be good, I will order it.
Thanks,
Answer:
Hello! The Waterfall Filters are good biological Pond Filters and the Atlantic BF1000 would absolutely make a nice waterfall for you.
They are also relatively easy to install, but if it is not attached to the liner, then it needs to set at the edge of the Pond in a way that makes the lip be several inches into the Pond from the edge to prevent water loss.
You also want to make sure to put a piece of liner under the filter that overlaps several inches over the Pond liner, so that any water that might drip out runs back into the Pond.
The BF1000 comes with bags for filter material and lava rock is usually used. If the weight of lava rocks will be an issue, then the bags with light weight material that are available separately is a better option.
Materials suggested (click to go to the product)
BF1000 Waterfall Filter:
http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/product/912_70/pond-waterfall-filters-by-atlantic.cfm
Lightweight Filter Bags
http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/product/716/atlantic-media-bag-with-light-weight-filter-media.cfm
Answer to further question from same inquiry"
Hello again, Lana!
By their very nature, Pond Filters are designed to keep the Pond water healthy for flora and fauna. I guess, in that respect they do keep them clean.
A waterfall filter has mechanical and biological capabilities, so it will remove some solids (in as much as the Pond Pump sends them). If a large enough beneficial bacteria colony exists and the water values are ideal it will contribute to keeping the water clear. But that is not its function and there is no guarantee that it will.
If clear water is the objective, as well as easy installation and maintenance, then a back-flushing Pond Filter with UV might be the better option:
http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/product/322_5/laguna-pressurized-backwashing-pond-filters.cfm
Pond Water health, cleanliness and clarity is a rather complicated and long subject.
We have some very good and free eBooks available in the information part of our site that elaborate more on the subject:
http://www.pondmarket.com/pond_ebook.htm
Brigitte Burchett
Winterization Kits
Answer:
In your climate zone you would do best with a winterization program/kit that includes an air pump to assure the fish have enough oxygen in really low temperatures.
One kit would be enough for your pond.
I HAVE 1000 GAL POND WITH APPROX 50 SQ FT OF SURFACE ONE END IS 3FT DEEP AND TAPERS TO 2FT DEEP IN A FIGURE 8 DESIGN. I HAVE FIVE GOLD FISH AND WANT TO WINTERIZE THE POND. I NOTED YOU HAVE TWO KITS ON YOUR WEBB SITE. WILL EITHER KIT WORK. WE LIVE IN WESTERN NEW YORK AND CAN SEE 20 BELOW TEMPERATURES. IS THE NET IN THE BETTER KIT OF HIGHER QUALITY. DO YOU HAVE TEMPERATURE CONTROLLERS TO TURN PON HEATERS ON AND OFF AS NEEDED? THANKS FOR ANY INFO YOU CAN SUPPLY ME, DAVE IN WNY.
Brigitte Burchett
Clean Up of Large Water Feature/Pond
Answer:
Please take a look at this product, it should meet your needs:
http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/product/801_26/large-lake--pond-bio-cleaner.cfm
Further products for large water features such as yours can be found here:
http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/category/26/lake-golf-pond-and-farm-pond-management.cfm
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I am property management for a property that has a very large water feature. Over 1/2 acre 3 waterfalls, 7 large gould sewage pumps pushing the water. We shut it down each winter and spring cleanup is a large job. I am looking for help in cleaning that debris without damaging the membrane by walking in the streams.
Last year, lots of sting algae and leave debris continued to make the ponds and streams look bad. Which products would you suggest for such a large project? The only filters on these pumps are leaf catchers going into the pump house that get cleaned daily. Help Melissa Gold in Montana
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Brigitte Burchett
Matala Pond Vac II
My pond is 3 feet deep. will this vacuum easily remove the debris and sludge from the bottom ? i'd hate to spend this kind of money on a vacuum and find out it did not do the job.
Answer:
Hello! The Matala II Pond Vac will easily remove sludge and small debris (large debris has to be netted out) from 3 ft deep. It will not work past 6 feet.
Brigitte Burchett
Pump Care
Answer: Hi Carol, the easiest would be to tie a heavy duty string to the handle of the pump.
If the pump does not have a handle then you could stick it in a "pump bag" (see link below) and attach the string to it.
http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/product/1040/pond-pump-bag.cfm
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Hi,
I know I am not supposed to haul the pump out by its' power cord, but there is no other way to get it out of the pond.
Any ideas on how to remedy this situation before I ruin my pump.
Thank you,
Carol
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Answer:
Brigitte Burchett
Shipping of Pond Plants - Timing
When will plants be available for on-line purchase?
Answer: Plants generally start shipping beginning to mid-May, depending on the weather.
Plants ship only on Mondays and Tuesdays to make sure they are not left in a facility on hot days over a weekend.
Brigitte Burchett
Pond Pumps
Answers to questions about Pond Pumps
Pump filter always getting clogged
Doc,
I have a ~200 gallon Koi pond. The pump feeds the water to a slightly larger filter with UV.
The problem I am having is that I am having to clean out the smaller filter attached to the pump on a daily basis. When it gets real hot, sometimes 2wice a day. I am using pond blocks which help out tremendously
Do you have any recommendations for me?
Thanks!
Jeff
Answer:
I am sorry to say, but at least part of the problem are your Koi! Each Koi needs about 750 gallons of water with heavy duty filtration. Koi grow very fast. They eat and put out waste accordingly. This waste feeds algae, etc in the pond. A lot of that ends up in the filter.
The situation can be helped somewhat by a) using high dosages of beneficial bacteria and b) adding lots of oxygen to the pond.
Brigitte Burchett
Size of Waterfall Pump
Answer:
Any of the Cal Pump Waterfall Pumps (above 1200 gph) will fit on that pipe and do a good job.
The rule of thumb is to have a minimum of 100 gph per inch of weir width to make a good waterfall.
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I have a pond and I need a new pump for my waterfall. I have a 35' run of 1 1/4" pipe with a 4' rise. I'm looking for maximum flow. What can you recommend?
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Brigitte Burchett
Pump Care
Answer: Hi Carol, the easiest would be to tie a heavy duty string to the handle of the pump.
If the pump does not have a handle then you could stick it in a "pump bag" (see link below) and attach the string to it.
http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/product/1040/pond-pump-bag.cfm
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Hi,
I know I am not supposed to haul the pump out by its' power cord, but there is no other way to get it out of the pond.
Any ideas on how to remedy this situation before I ruin my pump.
Thank you,
Carol
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Answer:
Brigitte Burchett
the right pump
I currently have a Sunterra 1250GPH pump. I bought a pre-form 18" waterfall. The current pump does not produce enough volume for the waterfall to flow completely across the 18" of the waterfall. Instead it only drips. Could you recommend a pump that will last when it is on continuously, energy efficient and produce enough water so that the water volume is sufficient making the waterfall complete across the whole 18" of the waterfall. I currently have 3/4" inside diameter lines to the pump, filter and waterfall. Thank you for your attention on this matter.
James
Answer:
Hello James!
The rule of thumb is 100 gph per inch of weir width. So you will need at least 1800 gph to cover the weir.
Magnetic drives are best for longevity and this Waterfall pump (with multi year warranty) will do a fine job for you:
You might want to go to 1" or 1 1/4 inch tubing to reduce velocity and increase volume.
Brigitte Burchett
Pond Water
Answers to questions about Pond Water
Filtering 1 million gallons in a Natural Pond
A UV Clarifier or even a Bio Filter adequate in size to take care of 1 million gallons would need the Astrodome to house it and a Donald Trump to pay for it ;-))
A much better option to clean it up is a natural product like "Large Pond and Lake Cleaner". It will take a little while (4 - 8 weeks generally), but it won't break the bank.
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I have a lake (1,000,000 gal.). I have installed two skimmers, and a destratification air pump, and was interested in purchasing a UV/bio filter to clear up the water. The pond is plastic lined and clean water is added to account for evaporation. I was also interest in installing UV lights in each of the skimmer boxes to further clarify the water. Any suggestions on a UV/bio filter and UV lights would be greatly appreciated. I can also be reached at 928-580-5618. Thanks
Brigitte Burchett
Leaking Pond
Answer:
99% of all leaks are caused by the waterfall. Consequently that is the first place to check for problems. Look around the waterfall for wet areas. Check all hoses and connections. If nothing can readily be seen, unplug the waterfall for a few hours and see if the drop in water level continues. If it does, then the leak is elsewhere in the pond.
The best way to find it is to let it continue to leak until it stops. You will then know that the leak is at that level and you can inspect the liner carefully all around the water line.
I think that I have a leak somewhere as I have to add a lot of water every day - more than ever in the past. I know that it is summer and hot but...........the water drops about 5" over night. My pond is about 1500 gallons. My water bill is astronomical. How do I even go about finding a leak? I can see no water coming out anywhere unless it is overspray from the waterfall. Help!
Brigitte Burchett
Dying Fish
It is hard to say what killed your pond fish or is making them sick without examining the pond and water in detail.
Sudden fish loss like that can have several causes, among them:
a) a nitrite and/or ammonia spike. Low cost test kits are available to check for this. If this is the problem then all feeding of the fish should be stopped immediately and partial water changes done until the level of these poisons return to normal.
b) some sort of poison washed into the pond or drifted into the pond on a breeze (fertilizer from the lawn, pesticide being sprayed by you or a close neighbor on flowers or trees, etc etc)
c) a sudden deficit in oxygen (pumps fail due to power outages or too many fish for the surface area of the pond).
Water that looks clear and healthy is not necessarily healthy for the fish. A lot of poisons cannot be seen.
At this point testing the water for nitrite and ammonia, doing a partial water change and observing the fish for further signs of stress is the best course of action (please be sure to de-chlorinate any water being added to the pond.
Brigitte Burchett
Hard Water
You can use Pond Salt and Barley Pellets, Barley Bales or Barley Planters. Be aware, though, that the pH should be brought into range before using the Pond Salt.
The Barley Pellets contain a bit of peat which helps to soften the water.
Brigitte Burchett
Restoring a small Pond with low energy usage
Hello,
I just moved into a house with a small pond, somewhere between 50-100 gals. It was neglected for about a year. It has water, sand, rocks, algae, decayed plant matter and 4 goldfish in it.
I'm looking to turn it into a pond that is as eco-friendly as possible. I don't want a waterfall or anything showy. My goals are to have a healthy pond with low energy use that is a good habitat for birds. I'd like to put frogs in it but suspect the sides are sloped too steeply. We're in Portland, OR so a solar-powered pump is not a good option.
Can you make some recommendations? I've read a little about ponds: just enough to be bewildered.
Regards,
Lucinda
Answer:
The Pond actually does not have to use any energy at all if you do not want a fountain or waterfall and if you do not put anymore fish in it. Additionally, do not feed the ones that are in there now (they will get what they need by catching bugs and munching on algae and plants).
To clean it up, you want to use a very fine mesh skimmer net to fish as much debris out of the bottom as possible.
Then to help clean up the rest and to help keep it clean in a totally natural way use any of a variety of available Barley products and Beneficial Bacteria.
Make sure you have lots of Pond Plants in it, too take up the poisons and nutrients produced by the fish waste.
If mosquitoes are a problem in your area, throw in a Mosquito Dunk...another natural product that prevents larvae from hatching. Each dunk lasts about 30 days.
Oh, and very important, always add De-Chlorinator when topping off the Pond with city water (fish can survive adding just a little at a time for a while, but it burns their gills and eventually they cannot take up enough oxygen to live).
Brigitte Burchett
Water Loss
Answer:
Some water loss is absolutely normal.
Evaporation, splash, etc will lower the water level.
Weather conditions play a role, of course.
There is no mathematical formula I know off to tell you exactly how much you will lose on any given day.
I would look for a problem if it is more than 2 - 3 inches.
Nine times out of ten, problem water loss is caused by the water feature (fountain, waterfall), so it is best to start there.
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Hello,
I have a question about normal waterloss from the pond.
We have a pond that is about 13-1/2 feet X 8 feet and 3 feet deep at the deepest point.
It is in full sun most of the day.
How much waterloss in inches would be normal from our pond (how many inches of the waterline per week for example) in warm to hot summer weather with the water standing, no filter running?
Thank you very much in advance for your time and help.
Kind regards,
Margot MacDonald
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Brigitte Burchett
Care of small, shady Waterfall
I have a small waterfall on my front porch. It's in the shade. I have plants such as ferns sitting close to it but no plants in the water. I haven't had it very long but it needs something in the water besides what I've tried; baking soda, bleach, white vinegar. It's foamy. even before I added products,cloudy and doesn't smell good. What do I need to keep it looking and smelling fresh? The instructions just said to take it apart and empty water and scrub bowl. I'm getting ready to go for back surgery and that's hard for me to do, the lifting I mean. Please give me some advice. It's a very small fountain, probably 3ft in diameter. Thank you in advance for your help.
Answer:
Hello!
As long as you do not keep fish in it, this Crystal Clear Sparkle will keep the fountain water clean and smelling good:
Brigitte Burchett
Green Pond
Answer:
New pond always turn green, at least if you do not have a UV-Light
The bacteria culture has to grow sufficiently to deprive the algae of food. Make sure your pH is between 6.8 - 8.0, or they will not thrive.
Dosage of the AlgaeFix should be EXACTLY as listed on the bottle - NEVER overdose an algaecide.
Bacteria cannot be overdosed and you can use two or three times the amount listed.
However, you should not use the two products within 72 hours of each other.
Hi
I recently built a pond 5'x7'18" deep.
In the last 3 weeks it turned Green.
I've put in ALGAEFIX and Bacteria.
How long will it take to clear up?
How much of each product should I be using and when is the best time to use it.
Thanks
Brian Kinzel
Brigitte Burchett
Pond greens over after rain
Testing the pH to see if the rain significantly changed it is a good idea.
It is possible though that the pond gets just enough run off from the sides to add nutrients that feed algae.
Keeping plenty of beneficial bacteria in the pond and dosing it with a flocculant like Sheer Clear or Accu Clear right after the rain should alleviate the problem.
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Dear pondmarket,
i was wondering what products do i need to use in my pond. it seems everytime it rains my pond turns a greenish colo could that be maybe ph problems ?????
thank you
customer jackie
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Brigitte Burchett
Seasonal Pond Care (Winterization, Spring Opening, Hot Weather Care, etc)
Laguna Aeration Kit PT-1630
The PT-1630 can be left outside and the temperature is not really a problem.
It does need to be shielded from snow and ice.
Laguna makes a cover that looks like a rock, just for that sort of purpose.
It can be found here:
http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/product/1154/laguna-cover-rocks.cfm
The smallest one will do the job for the Aeration kit.
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dear pondmarket like to order the laguna aeration kit pt-1630 but i would like to know if the air pump is okey left out in freezing temps in winter most air pumps ive read cannot be left out in open below 0 temperatures.
thank you
jacqueline sears
customer
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Brigitte Burchett
Feeding Pond Fish in the Fall and Spring
Answer:
Goldfish and Koi do not have a stomach and digest all foods with their colon.
Being cold water fish, their metabolism slows as the water cools and their ability to digest and absorb nutrients from foods diminishes.
It is important to switch to wheat germ and spirulina based foods once the water temperature sinks below 62 - 65 degrees to insure that nutrients are absorbed and to give them a healthy start to the winter period when they do not eat all.
All feeding should stop completely once the water temperature stabilizes at 48 - 50 degrees.
Fall preparation products, including cold weather food can be found here:
http://www.pondmarket.com/catalog/index.cfm/category/31/pond-prep-for-fall-autumn.cfm
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I started feeding my common goldfish on a daily basis, this summer, using your PT-36 pellets. The results have been excellent.
As the weather (and water) cools I am given to understand that I need to switch to a cool weather food. Is this true and, if so, at what water temperature do I make the change?
Also, is there a point at which I can stop feeding altogether?
I live in Indiana and the pond ices over for several winter months.
Thanks, in advance, for your help.
Pastor Gene Deverick
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Brigitte Burchett