Will I have a problem with mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes generally only lay their eggs in stagnant water. So, as long as you have moving water you will be fine. As a bonus, fish love to consume any larvae that exist.

Can I keep turtles in my pond?

Yes and no. Some turtles are protected and others are not. Check with your local wildlife agency to determine which types are not. Also realize that turtles may not always stay in your pond, and they can eat baby fish.

How do I keep a blue heron from eating my fish?

Predators are one of our pond’s worst enemies. They can severely damage the population of the fish. There are many deterrents on the market today, but one
of the best is the Scarecrow. It’s a motion-activated sprayer that works off of a 9-volt battery and connects to a water hose. Whenever a predator comes near, the motion detector is activated and the sprayer is triggered. It is also recommended to have fish caves in your pond which act as a hiding spot for the fish.

What if my pump quits?

This does not happen often but if it does, follow this list to troubleshoot the problem before calling.

• Check the power supply.  The breaker may have blown.  Unplug the pump and plug in a radio or hair dryer to see if there is power.  If no power is at the plug, check reset on the GFIC breaker and check the fuse breaker on the main fuse panel in the home or business.  If you have power, move to the next step.
• Check to see if water is low in the skimmer.  This will also burn up a pump.  The cause will be a dirty net in the skimmer or low water in the pond.
• Next, unplug and see if something is blocking the pump opening, such as a stick, frog, or turtle.
• If none of these work, call us.

Do I have to add any chemicals?

Only if it’s necessary, like when the pond water has a tea colored appearance and you want to add some carbon to clear it up. In addition, if the fish have become sick and they are in need of a medication, then you should add the appropriate product. Otherwise, it is best to leave it alone and let Mother Nature do her job.

Do I need to drain my pond?

Once a year is recommended, but it’s not always necessary. If the pond didn’t collect much debris throughout the year and the water conditions are still great, then there is no need.

How often should I clean the filter?

Depending on the type of filter you have, it is generally recommended to clean the mechanical part, such as the skimmer or sponges, at least once a month. More may be needed if you’re in an area that has a lot of debris falling into the pond. If the type of biological filter you have includes pads, then they should be rinsed only once or twice a year. If the other media in the filter is of a plastic form, then it should never be rinsed unless it is clogged, and then it’s best if that can be done by using the pond water itself. This keeps the beneficial bacteria alive.

How many plants should I have?

Since plants are one of the most important parts of the ecosystem and play an important role in keeping a pond healthy and clear, it would be great to have 60 to 70 percent of water surface coverage. Then add a good mixture of marginals and deep-water plants of your choosing.

Can I have too many fish?

Absolutely. This is the main cause of poor water quality and many fish deaths. The rule of thumb is one inch of fish for every 10 gallons of water. Remember, fish grow! So calculate their length based on how big they will get and not necessarily on how big they are now.

Do I need to feed the fish?

Yes, you should feed them any time the temperature is above 55° F. Feed them a spring and autumn blend when the temperatures are between 55° F and 65° F. Then switch to a summer food once it’s above 65° F. Only feed them once every 2 to 3 days. They should eat it up within the first 5 minutes.

How do I keep leaves out of my pond in the Fall?

We recommend using a net over the pond.  The leaves can be blown off the net or remove the net on one side and dump the leaves, then recover the pond.  The net can be removed after the leaves have fallen.  You use the same technique for a stream or waterfall.

Why is my water green?

If there is too much food available, algae will thrive. Algae are airborne and will be seen more readily after rain. The best way to fight algae is to make an unsuitable environment in which to live.

• Add plants to eat the food source.
• Add plants to eat the food source.
• Add bacteria that will help fight the algae.
• The pond may be new and the ecosystem has not developed. It will take time. Be patient.
• Green string algae are “mother nature’s” own food. When this is seen, the ecosystem is usually good and water will be clear.

What about cleaning the pond?

You will need to do some maintenance from time to time, such as emptying the debris net in the skimmer. It is recommended to clean the pond entirely once a year.

What do I do with my pond in the winter?

Depending on the area you live in and how deep your pond is, you have a few options. As long as your pond is around 2 feet deep, the fish can overwinter. Some people will leave their pumps running all year for decorative reasons and to keep the pond from freezing over solid. Others may turn their pumps off and store them in a bucket of water. This keeps the O-rings inside the pump from drying out. If you turn the system off, make sure to use some sort of de-icing heater to keep a small hole open in the ice. This will let the gases escape and the oxygen in. Either way works just fine.

What size is best?

The location and size of your pond are important decisions to make regarding your water feature.  Customers never say they wish they had built a smaller pond. It is more economical to get the size you want from the start.  The pond should be located close to your house so you can enjoy it from many different vantage points. Typically this is an area close to your patio or sitting area with the waterfalls facing your kitchen or family room.