|
|
| Algae 101 |
Throughout the pond season, Into the Pond receives many questions. Most are about algae and how to rid the pond of it. Algae can be a nuisance, but is manageable once you understand how to control it.
 There are literally thousands of algae varieties. However, the two that may be occurring in your pond are either single-cell algae (green water) or string algae (long, hair-like). The presence of algae does not mean your pond is unhealthy, but it can obscure your colorful fish and, if left unattended, it can grow dramatically and deplete valuable oxygen needed for the health of your fish. With a few simple steps, you can stop seeing green and start seeing the beauty of your water garden.
Add plants: In a natural setting, fish produce nutrients that are absorbed by plants, leaving very little for algae. Therefore, increase the number of oxygenating plants below the surface of the pond. Add these submerged plants that release oxygen to the water, such as Anacharis and Parrots Feather. As a guide, one bunch of 6-7 strands of an oxygenating plant can be added to every 2 square feet of water surface. Floating plants, such as Water lilies, Hyacinth and Lotus, provide shade and reduce direct sunlight to control algae growth
Water treatments: Water treatments added to the pond water are an excellent option where algae problems already exist. There are many to choose from, so be sure to ask your local retailer to make a recommendation. Some water treatments work specifically to combat green-water algae, while others quickly clump algae so they can be removed by filtration or a mesh net. If string algae are plaguing your pond, our first recommendation is to remove as much of it as you can, using a sharp stream from a garden hose nozzle and a stiff brush. Remove string algae from the pond with a net, or use your hands.
Ultraviolet (UV) Clarifiers: UV Clarifiers combat green water by exposing suspended single-cell algae to very high levels of ultraviolet light, which destroys algae's reproductive ability. Remember, UV clarifiers are very effective against green-water algae, but they do not control the growth of string algae.
|
|
The 'Greener' Side of Ponds
Seven Environmental Benefits of Owning a Pond, Part 4 of 7 |
|
Our fourth environmental benefit of adding a pond or water garden to your yard can be good for your family's health, literally.
Number 4: Pesticides and fertilizers for the lawn can be harmful, creating run-off that ends up in our water supply.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that only 35 percent of lawn fertilizers applied ever reach the grass plant; the remainder ends up in our air or seeps into groundwater. During a typical year in neighborhoods across the country, over 102 million pounds of toxic pesticides are applied in pursuit of a perfect lawn and garden. Commonly used lawn pesticides can cause illness by entering our drinking water through run-off. Source: The National Coalition for Pesticide-Free Lawns
|
|
| What is Biological Filtration? |
Filtration is the single most important aspect of pond ownership, since it is responsible for the overall health and clarity of the pond. With many filtration choices available to new and experienced pondkeepers, it is important to understand how filters work and how to select the best filter for your situation.
As a general rule, we recommend a filter that offers both mechanical and biological filtration. Following is a definition of each:
Mechanical Filter: A mechanical filter removes fine particulate and debris from the pond. The pump forces water through media such as foam or matting, where particles are trapped and can be removed by periodic rinsing. This type of filtration also helps to remove clumped, dead algae.
 Biological Filter: A biological filter converts harmful ammonia into relatively harmless nitrates by way of the nitrogen cycle. Filters of this type contain media such as plastic balls, rings or open-profile bio-media that have massive surface areas for beneficial bacteria to adhere to and colonize. First, water containing impurities comes in contact with these beneficial bacteria. Next, the beneficial bacteria consume the impurities and release relatively harmless nitrates back into the water. Lastly, these nitrates can be absorbed by plants, helping to meet their nutritional requirements necessary for growth. Pressure filters have a back flush feature to allow for easy cleaning. So that the beneficial bacteria can continue to do their job, however, the media should never be scrubbed totally clean.
When choosing a filter, select one that provides mechanical and biological filtration. Also, to make your pond maintenance trouble-free, there are new filters available that are even easier and faster to clean, while they preserve clear and healthy water.
Wondering if your pond equipment is working properly? Not sure why your fish look listless?
Test the water...
Testing your water makes it easier and faster to monitor the health of your pond and protect your fish. In addition, testing your water once a month helps you to make necessary water adjustments before your fish are in danger. The most common levels to test for are Nitrates, Nitrites, General Hardness (GH), Alkalinity (KH), ammonia and pH.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Guarding Against Predators
Why are my fish disappearing? |
As the pond season is in full bloom, so are hungry predators lurking around your pond. Predators can be any animal looking to find a tasty snack at the expense of your beautiful fish. They can be bullfrogs, herons or even the neighbor's cat!
Remember, while heron are beautiful, they are also very hungry birds! Each day, an adult heron needs about 13 ounces of food, the equivalent to three 6-inch Koi or ten 2-inch goldfish. Herons take twice this amount when feeding their young. Generally shy birds, they visit ponds when all is quiet, like the early morning or evening.
To guard against predators, consider a motion-activated water sprinkler that looks like a heron. You can find these online from a variety of retailers. Also, you may consider installing a net over the pond or adding a heron decoy that does not emit water but will nonetheless scare off the herons.
|
|
Everyone's Hanging Out at the Pond
By Keith R. Heberling, Water Garden Expert |
 Having a pond has been an extremely relaxing and fulfilling experience not only for my wife and me, but also for family and guests. Whenever we have friends or visitors, things always seem to gravitate toward the pond. If you're thinking of building or adding on to your pond, be sure to plan for a nice seating area. Flagstone, brick pavers, crushed stone, a deck...there are lots of options to choose from. With a few comfortable chairs to take in optimal views, you'll create a peaceful paradise for all to enjoy.
And if you think relaxing by your pond during the day is fun, try it at night; it's an entirely different experience. Low-voltage lighting has come a long way and there are lots of different styles to complement your environment. Lighting is easy to install and is inexpensive to operate. Lights along leading pathways or outlining a seating area will make it both beautiful and safe. Accent spotlights on focal points such as waterfalls, fountains, floral areas, rock formations or the underside of overhanging trees can be very dramatic. Underwater spotlights and floating lights also are available and can turn your pond into a dazzling display.
Music goes great with entertaining, so consider installing outdoor speakers. Ahhh...the sound of waterfalls, some good tunes and a few close friends next to the pond on a warm summer evening...it doesn't get any better than that.
A picture is worth... A LOT!
Don't forget, while relaxing near the pond, capture the moment. Taking photos from various vantage points around the pond will help you to remember what your pond looks like in full bloom. Be sure to organize the photos in an album that allows space for notes about your pond. You may want to write down the type of aquatic plants you added or just note how the pond made you feel this season.
The photos will also come in handy over the winter, when you are planning changes and additions to your pond for the following spring. Don't forget to email or send your photos to our Into the Pond Beauty and the Best Pond and Koi Contest, or just send your photos in for our Pond Gallery; your fellow pondkeepers will thank you!
|
|
|
|
| Visit www.TetraPond.com Today: |
- LEARN: For more information and frequently asked questions about building your pond and pondkeeping.
- DREAM: Become inspired by our Pond Gallery of photos submitted by pondkeepers (like you!) across the country.
- CREATE: For a step-by-step video guide on how to design, build and care for the perfect water garden, visit www.tetrapond.com.
- WIN: Enter your pond photos in our monthly contest to win free TetraPond products.
Are you planning to change your email address?
Be sure to visit www.tetrapond.com to register your new email account to receive Into the Pond. You won't want to miss an issue!
|
|
