NY|Pondless Waterfall-Water Feature Construction|2016 Pondemonium|Rochester|New YorkAcorn Ponds & Waterfalls of Rochester (NY) is one of many pond contractors that traveled to Chicago in August 2016 to help in the construction of a pondless waterfall commercial water feature at the Q Center Hotel located in St. Charles, Illinois. The Q Center provides lodging and meeting space for seminars and conferences. The goal of the stunning waterfall was to create a spectacular view from the windows of meeting rooms and lodging spaces, and to draw visitors and attendees out to the expansive patio for networking and dining. Limestone boulders create two waterfalls converging into one. The waterfall on the left is twice as long as the shorter, steeper waterfall on the right. Underwater LED lighting was added to each waterfall drop for dramatic, nighttime viewing. Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls - Commercial/Residential Water Feature Installers Rochester New York (NY)Hire Acorn to install, maintain or repair your water feature in Western New York (NY) including Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse Hire Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY) To Install Your Backyard Pond. Call Today! (585) 442-6373
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Landscape (Garden) Water Feature Design & Installation Rochester NY Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls3/20/2018 Landscape(Garden)Water Feature|Design&Installation|Rochester|NY|Acorn Ponds & WaterfallsLook No Further For Beautiful Water Feature Ideas In Rochester NYAcorn Ponds & Waterfalls brought this Rochester (NY) front yard landscape to life with the installation of a stunning custom designed garden water feature which consists of bubbling urns (With Fire), waterfalls, led lighting and beautiful aquatic plants. The sound of water running softly through this lovely water feature provides a relaxing sound that inspires relaxation which makes you want to sit down, relax, and enjoy all the simple pleasures life has to offer. Not only are water features lovely, they will make any space look more aesthetically pleasing and are the next best thing to living on a lovely lake or a sparking fish pond. Water Feature DescriptionThis water feature has bubbling urns which can be installed with multiple sizes in groupings or we can design & install your water feature to have only one gorgeous stand alone urn. We love installing these beautiful urns in pondless waterfalls as well as in streams and fish ponds while adding LED lighting to them. Another cool feature is the addition of FIRE to the top of our fountains which really enhances the whole garden and makes the house stand out from the rest. The owners can sip their morning coffee on the porch and see a myriad of lovely birds and other pretty wildlife stop by for a quick sip of water. It’s a simple pleasure, but it brings a smile to the lives of our Western NY clients in Rochester & Buffalo New York (NY) and we love what we do. Our unique water features are also easy to maintain! Homeowners worry their new custom water feature requires ample work to maintain, but they do not. Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls design experts are happy to discuss seasonal care of water features with our clients to ensure they’re being cared for properly, no matter the season. Have A Backyard Water Feature Project In Mind? We're Ready When You Are. Contact Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Today. (585) 442-6373What To Do When Your Fish Pond Freezes Over|Rochester|NY|New York|Near MeUpon arriving to my Rochester New York (NY) home after being out of town this March, I discovered my fish pond had completely frozen over. My floating pond de-icer and and solid handling pump were not running and my gfi outlet was tripped. It is very important for the health of your koi and pond fish to keep an opening in the ice so the toxic gases of decomposing plants and organic matter can escape and not get trapped under the ice. Use this as a reminder to check on your ponds throughout the winter and make sure there is an opening in the ice.
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373Helpful Pond Info Links:Customer Review|Koi Pond Repair Services|Pond Company|Rochester New York|NYKoi Pond Repair & Renovation In Rochester NY July, 2017 "We called Acorn because our pond that was constructed by a different company had turned out to be a disaster for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately for us, the pond had to be totally reconstructed. Thank God we discovered Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls! From the first day we called and talked with Tom, his company has been very professional, showed up on time and their workmanship is second to none. Tom is very passionate about his work and has shared his ideas on how to keep our pond looking good. The newly renovated pond is so much easier to maintain. I am very pleased with their work and highly recommend them with no reservations whatsoever! Tom, thank you for everything you've done for us. I am so grateful!" -Carol M. Penfield New York (NY) Google+ Review Build & Maintain Your Pond With Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New YorkAcorn Ponds & Waterfalls are the leading service providers for water gardens, water features, and products for backyard ponds. Have A Backyard Water Feature Project In Mind? We’re Ready When You Are. Contact Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Today. (585) 442-6373Fall Pond Maintenance|Rochester New York|NY|Near Me
With a couple precautions and a little fall pond maintenance, they can! Debris cleanup from the fall may be inevitable especially in Rochester NY, but you’ll need to pay special attention if you’re pond or pondless waterfall has heavy tree cover. A skimmer filter may not be able to keep up with catching all the leaves before they drop to the pond’s bottom and decompose. Removing leaves and sticks with a net will make for an easier spring clean-out next year. Debris left to rot in the pond will eventually decompose, producing gases that may be harmful to your fish.
In this case, using a large pond net stretched over the pond can be helpful because it will catch the leaves before they even hit the water. Plus, you can use a leaf blower to clear the area, meaning less work for you Regardless of whether you have a lot of trees or a minimal amount leaves falling, autumn is still a time when you’ll need to empty the debris net or bag of your pond skimmer more often than you were in the summer – usually on a daily basis. It’s also a great time to tend to your plants. It’s sad to see them go, but you definitely don’t want their debris falling to the pond bottom. Here Is A Breakdown Of How To Care For Each Of Your Pond Plants As The Fall Season Unfolds.
Hardy Marginals Pond PlantsAs with terrestrial, perennial plants, dropping temperatures signal your hardy aquatic plants to prepare for their winter dormancy. At this time, you should stop fertilizing them as you see leaves begin to yellow and brown. It’s ok to leave these plants where they are in your pond to weather the cold of winter, just be sure to trim the dying foliage of your marginal plants down to 2” above the water level.
Tropical Marginals Pond PlantsIn warm climates, tropical marginals will keep growing and will require fertilizer as usual. Water gardeners who live in Zones colder than 8 or 9 will need to treat these plants as they would any garden annual by replacing them each season. A fun alternative to this is to treat them as tropical houseplants and bring them in for the winter. Most tropical marginals will do well potted in heavy garden soil in a sealed clay pot with no drainage holes. When kept wet, the plants do well in a sunny window or sunroom.
Waterlilies Pond PlantsWaterlilies will also begin to show their dislike for the cold with yellowing leaves and fewer flowers. When this happens, the leaf and flower stems of hardy water lilies should be cut back to about 2 to 3” above the base of the plant. In warm climates, tropical waterlilies are happy in the pond year round, as long as the water temperature stays above 60°F. In areas where freezing is likely, plants should be overwintered indoors. This can be a difficult task; therefore many gardeners choose to simply buy a new plant each season.
Lotus Pond PlantAs with the marginals in your pond, the foliage of your lotus plants will need to be trimmed back after they have died back and turned brown. It’s important not to cut the leaves while they are still green because the freshly cut, hollow stems are susceptible to disease which can spread to the plant’s tuber, possibly killing the plant. Lotus tubers will not withstand freezing, so any plants that are growing in the shallow areas of your pond should be moved to the bottom, away from freezing water. Caring for your aquatic plants in the fall will mean less work and healthier plants come spring. In late fall, when your leaves have stopped dropping, it is also time when your winter preparation should be starting. Properly winterizing a pond at this time of year will make it easier for your spring clean-out. We Recommend Fully Draining & Cleaning Your Koi Fish Pond At Least Once Every Year Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Can Help You, Call Us 585-442-6373Some Helpful Links:Effective Way To Filter Pond Water | Rochester NY| Acorn Ponds & WaterfallsOne of the common misconceptions consumers have today about Rochester (NY) pond ownership is that maintenanceis tedious and time consuming but this simply isn’t true when proper steps are taken to create an ecosystem pond that filters pond water and works with Mother Nature, not against her.  Ecosystem Pond Filtration In Rochester New York (NY) In addition to plants, fish, aeration, rocks and gravel, a low-maintenance ecosystem pond requires adequate filtration to help keep the water crystal clear. Three types of pond filters are available on the market and include biological, mechanical, and sterilizers. 1.- Biological filters use bacteria to break down pond wastes, converting them into less harmful compounds that can be used as aquatic plant fertilizers. 2.- Mechanical filters trap and remove debris and sediment. 3.- Water sterilizers pass water through a tube that houses an ultraviolet bulb, killing living microscopic particles in the water. A good biological filtration system, teamed with a proper mechanical filter toremove solids before the water enters the biological filtration unit, is the most effective way to filter water. With adequate biological and mechanical filtration, the need for sterilizers is eliminated altogether, thereby ensuring a natural ecosystem pond. The Job of a Pond Skimmer
The main function of mechanical filtration, or skimmer, is to remove debris before it sinks to the bottom of the pond and decays. The skimmer also houses and hides the pump and plumbing from view, as opposed to being placed directly in the pond where they become an eyesore. The skimmer won’t drain the pond if a possible leak occurs in either the plumbing or waterfalls. There are two main types of skimmers: box skimmers and floating skimmers. Both types filter the water by removing floating debris and waste before it’s had a chance to fall to the bottom of the pond. The box skimmer is the predominant type of skimmer on the market today because it’s easy to maintain. Box-style skimmers come with either vertical or horizontal filter mats. Horizontal mats prove to be the most effective, while providing the least amount of maintenance. In addition to frequent cleaning, vertical mats need to be constantly monitored to make sure there is enough water in the pump chamber for the pump to operate properly. An advantage of horizontal filter mats is that they lay flat so there is no sagging and they don’t lose their shape. They also never clog to the point of preventing water from passing through, so the pump chamber does not run dry. As water enters the skimmer, the large debris is removed and the water is then further filtered through the horizontal mat. The pond water then travels through the plumbing buried underground, up to the biological filter where it’s further treated before re-entering the pond. Biological Filtration Goes to Work
The biological filter receives water that has already passed through the mechanical filter, or skimmer, typically placed on the opposite side of the pond. The water enters the biological filter via flexible pipe located near the base of the unit. The water then flows from the bottom to the top of the filter, traveling through filter media housed inside the unit. The filter media helps with the removal of fine to medium-sized particles. The larger debris was already removed by the skimmer. As the biological filter fills, it will overflow and cascade over its waterfall lip, cascading down rocks that have been set to create a beautiful and preferably natural-looking waterfall. The waterfall creates aeration for the pond, assisting in the circulation and health of the water. If a slower, stream effect is preferred, the unit simply needs to be sunk lower into the ground. The Science Behind The Design For Pond FiltrationMechanical and biological filtration are critical to processing the many types of nutrients found in a water garden system, including fish waste, uneaten fish food, leaves, and runoff from lawns to name a few. High levels of ammonia (a form of nitrogen) are highly toxic to fish and are a major contributor to prolific algae growth, and so they need to be carefully controlled. In water gardening, the primary nutrient that biological filtration utilizes and renders usable is nitrogen. In biological filtration, nitrifying bacteria, known as facultative bacteria, absorb ammonia, and turn nitrites into nitrates, which are less dangerous. These bacteria require oxygen to live, so it’s important for the pond’s pump to run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If the pump isn’t running, the waterfalls aren’t flowing, and aeration is eliminated from the necessary equation to maintain an ecosystem pond. Keep in mind that if the pump shuts down, the bacteria will quickly use up all of the oxygen and die. This isn’t a good thing. The Role of Aquatic Pond Plants
Plants help purify pond water by reducing nutrients, filtering out sediments and absorbing toxic compounds through the process of phytoremediation. If these excess nutrients are not removed, algae will feed on them, resulting in green water, string algae, or both. Algae control is not the only way plants help create a low-maintenance ecosystem pond. Submerged and marginal plants also provide food, shade, and protection for the fish and other wildlifethat live in and around the pond. Low-Fish Pond Maintenance To keep pond water quality high, the simple process of repeatedly turning the water over through the mechanical and biological filters is needed in order to create a naturally balanced, low-maintenance ecosystem pond. Add the remaining components of plants, fish, aeration, rock, and gravel and you will spend less time fiddling in the backyard on pond chores, it means you can enjoy more leisure time relaxing by your backyard oasis. Have A Well Balance Pond with Aquatic Plants, Fish & Filtration System Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester New York (NY) 585-442-6373Some Helpful Links:Women's Council Garden Tour 2017|Water Features|Rochester|New York|NY Women's Council Garden Tour To Benefit Rochester Museum & Science CenterSaturday, July 15: 10am–4pm Experience six beautiful gardens in the Rochester area. Proceeds benefit the Rochester Museum & Science Center. Start the tour at the RMSC Cunningham House, 657 East Ave, to pick up the tour booklet and browse the New & Used Garden Item Sale and Raffle. You may also purchase tickets on tour date at the RMSC Cunningham House or in advance at the locations below:
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Invite You To Come See Our New Water Feature And Say Hello! Have A Backyard Water Feature Project In Mind? We’re Ready When You Are. Contact Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Today. (585) 442-6373Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls is offering this information source to our website visitors & Rochester NY Pond Owners. Our Pond services are performed in Monroe County Rochester New York (NY) & surrounding areas. Pond Maintenance, Pond Construction & Pond Repair are all in our wheelhouse of talent, Explore our website for more ideas.
How To Fix Fish Pond| Waterfall | leaks |Rochester|New York|NYIs There A Leak In Your Pond, Or Are Your Frogs & Fish Drinking All The Water?Leaks are among the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed problems anyone can have in their Rochester New York (NY) pond or waterfall. Understanding the basic principles of leak detection and repair will save you time, money, and headaches in your water gardening adventures … I guarantee it!  What Is Evaporation?First, let's have a look at what evaporation is and what it isn't. Evaporation is caused by water turning into a vapor and escaping from your pond. The amount of water loss will vary according to the region of the country and the time of year. Ponds that are located in areas of the country with moderate temperatures and high humidity can expect to see 1 to 1 ½ inches of water loss per week during the spring and summer. Most of this evaporation should be replaced naturally by rain. However, if you live in an area with high temperatures and low humidity, it's possible to see 3 inches or more of evaporation in a week. The quantity and size of your waterfall(s) will also affect the amount of water that is lost. Regardless of the climate, a 4'x 6'pond with a 20-foot stream and 5 feet of cascading waterfalls may lose as much as 2 inches or more every day! Why? Splashing and moving water has greater exposure to additional evaporation than does the still water in the pond. If that same pond was 16' x 21' pond, you'd probably never even notice the additional evaporation because it's a larger pond. What It Isn't Evaporation is not filling your pond up all the way one evening, and waking up the next morning to find the water six inches lower. That's a leak! If your pond is experiencing a loss of water at a more rapid rate, you either have a leak, or your frogs are drinking the water. Seriously, let's figure that it's a leak. What do you do then?  Low EdgesLook for any low edges. Settling at the pond's edge is the most common cause of a leak, especially in a new pond. Typically, the low edges are found around the stream and waterfall where settling may have occurred after a few rainfalls. These areas are usually built up during the construction of the pond using the soil from the excavation, and are prone to some settling. Your first line of defense is to carefully inspect the edges of not only your stream and waterfall, but also the perimeter of the pond. As the dirt around the stream or waterfall settles, it can create low spots that may cause water to escape over the edge of the liner. Keep your eyes peeled for wet mulch or gravel, or muddy areas around the perimeter of yourpond. If you find a spot that's leaking, all you have to do is lift the liner up and push some soil under it in order to raise the edge. Bingo – leak fixed! Another possibility is that water is splashing out of your stream. To fix a "splash leak," all you have to do is adjust a few of the rocks under and around your waterfall. This will contain or redirect the splash and it will stop the splash leak. Once again, you've solved the problem the easy and cost-effective way ... using common sense. Low edges can be built back up by simply backfilling and compacting soil beneath the liner in order to raise the edge of the liner above the water level.  Obstructions In The Stream And Waterfalls In addition to checking for low edges, you should also check your stream and waterfall. Rocks and excessive plant or algae growth in the stream or BIOFALLS filter can restrict the flow of water and divert it over the edge of the liner. Plants and algae should be maintained by trimming them back in order to let the water pass freely. All in all, these leaks are extremely easy to fix Still Leaking?You've spent 15 minutes or so following the suggestions listed above and you still can't find the leak. What do you do next? It's time for a little more work, and some drastic measures. You'll have to shut your pump off for a day. By doing this, you'll be able to determine the approximate location of the leak.
When The Water Drops
Now the fun begins! At this point, you may want to consider calling in Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls, but if you want to continue on your own you'll need to:
Steady And LevelIf the water level remains the same, then it is safe to assume that the leak is not in the pond. Now you'll need to check the pipe, the plumbing fittings, and the pump connections for leaks. Another possible culprit is the faceplate of your skimmer, if you have one. If the water level stopped dropping above the bottom of the faceplate you should investigate the skimmer. It may not have sealed correctly. If the Leak Is in the Skimmer
It's not fun when your pond is losing water. It can be a time-consuming and frustrating process to locate the leak. Hopefully with these steps and tips, you can quickly locate the source of the leak and get right back to enjoying your water garden. It’s A Great Time To Upgrade Your Pond.When your pond is in need of repair or a total renovation, it is a great time to look into the upgrades you always wanted. Have you thought about…
If Your Pond Is Experiencing A Leak, Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Can Help You, Call Us 585-442-6373Some Helpful Pond Info Links:How To Protect Pond Fish And Koi From Heron|Rochester|NY|New York|near meA lot of time and effort are spent caring for our fish friends in Rochester NY. Fish protection is of utmost importance when the foliage of our plants start to give way to colder temperatures. Since this change comes about pretty abruptly, we figure it’s good to get our cards out on the table early. An informed attack is a successful one when it comes to predator defense! Heron, Stalking A PondFirst let’s determine who is after our pals. Predators vary depending on your geographical location. For us in Rochester NY, it’s mainly the Heron & curious Raccoon but those are the two most prevalent in the hobby. It’s for this reason, that we need to be proactive, not reactive, to our pets’ protection. There are others but these are the two most prevalent in the hobby.  Pond Predator Rochester NY For the heron, things get a little more challenging. They are very crafty and smart birds and you should not underestimate them. There are many methods available to keep them or scare them away from your pond – from plastic heron statue replicas to floating alligator decoys and motion-activated sprinkler. Keeping them in a fresh position will be sure to send an “I’m real” vibe to intruders. The floating Alligator is just convincing enough to keep the Heron from swooping in on your oasis. Just be sure to keep the head and body exposed and free from tangling in your plants. These options toward him all offer varying levels of success for every water garden hobbyist. Pond Predators In Rochester NYPond Plants Are Also A Great Measure Against Attacks
ScareCrow Another decoy on the market is a motion-activated sprinkler called a Scarecrow. When the predator gets close enough the motion sensor will activate, and the visitor will get a quick blast of water. The water will turn on for a couple of seconds and is usually enough to annoy whatever predator may be present. Our clients have had great success with this device in the past! The Scarecrow doesn’t distinguish between predator or human, so you can watch your friends, family, and even us if we are maintaining your pond get shot by a stream of water! Funny!) If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373Some Helpful Pond Info Links:7 Tips For Planting Your Pond|Backyard Pond Design|Rochester|NY|New YorkFrom colorful lilies that dance on the pond’s surface to aquatic forget-me-nots that hug the edges of your Rochester NY water garden, it’s the amazing pond plants that put the “garden” in “water garden.” You can apply many of the same tips and guidelines you use to create your terrestrial flower beds. Things like color, height, and planting conditions are things you’ll want to consider when it comes to naturalizing your pond with plants.  1. Create Interest with Variety. Random placement of plants with varying textures and colors will create more interest than using plants that have all the same growth habit or leaf shape. 2. Play with Colors. Choose colors you like best and consider the type of lighting your pond receives. Yellow, orange, and white help brighten shady areas, while cool blue and violet tone down the intensity of the sun’s rays. 3. Go Green. A soft, calming space is created by using different textures and shades of green foliage. The combination is effective on its own, but also looks great when accented only by white flowers. You can also play with color based on leaf selection alone, since you’ll find aquatic foliage in a range of colors such as red, purple, yellow, and several variegated combinations.  4. Know Your Plant Size. One of the biggest mistakes novice water gardeners make is failing to realize how big their pond plants might grow. Be sure to take height and width of the mature plant into consideration and allow enough space for future growth. 5. Short in Front, Tall in Back. This might seem like a no-brainer, but always put shorter plants in front of taller ones. Most likely, you’ll spend most of your time viewing your water garden from a deck or patio, so keep that sight line in mind when planting your pond.  6. Group Plants Together. Interior decorators tell you to group like objects together when decorating your home, to create visual impact. Use this same principle when planting your pond. Plant a row of marsh marigolds along a stretch of the ponds edge, as opposed to dotting them all around the pond in single locations. 7. Consider Each Plant’s Needs. Be mindful of how much sun your aquatic plants require, along with their planting depth. If a plant requires full sun, that’s a minimum of 6 hours of unobstructed (ie not dappled shade) sun per day. If you’re not sure what your plant needs, search online for information.  You’ll want to ensure an interesting mix of aquatic plant types for your water garden. Plant a few marginal at the pond’s edge, include colorful water lilies or even a lotus, add floating plants like water lettuce, and include submerged plants to help add oxygen to yourpond. Variety is the spice of gardening life, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Have A Backyard Water Feature Project In Mind? We’re Ready When You Are. Contact Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Today. (585) 442-6373SOME HELPFUL POND INFO LINKS:How To Attract Birds, Dragonflies & Butterflies To Your Pond In Rochester NYAdd Water To Your YardUse of moving water like a small bubbler, patio pond fountain, ponds& pondless can attract birds and they will be coming back to your Rochester NY garden to drink and bathe. Not all birds may be interested in the foods you offer, but many more species will take advantage of water.
Attracting birds, dragonflies & butterflies to your pond can be easy, and summer is a fantastic season to attract them to your water garden, and if you take steps to meet birds' needs for food, water, shelter and nesting sites, you will be pleasantly surprised at how many different birds take you up on your avian hospitality.  Just like attracting any wildlife, it is essential to meet butterflies' basic needs to entice them to regularly visit your backyard pond. Opt for native plants whenever possible. Both birds and butterflies will be more familiar with native varieties, and native plants will thrive better on less care. Eliminate insecticide use. Not only will insecticides kill butterflies, but they also kill other insects that birds will eat. Instead, attract birds to the garden and rely on them for natural pest control.
One way to attract dragonflies to your patio pond, pond & pondless is adding aquatic plants. Female dragonflies lay their eggs on submerged aquatic plants, mud banks submerged in water or, if they can't find a better spot, directly in the water. They live underwater for months and sometimes years before emerging as adults. Dragonflies attack and eat insects. These beneficial creatures can be an asset to the garden, keeping menacing insects such as mosquitoes to a minimum.  Have A Backyard Water Feature Project In Mind? We’re Ready When You Are. Contact Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Today. (585) 442-6373Other Links That May Be Useful:Spring Pond Maintenance|Tips For A Clear Pond|Rochester|New York|NYNow that spring is here, you’re probably noticing some changes in your pond – your fish are coming back to life and you may even be able to see some plant growth. Some changes that are taking place, however, aren’t so desirable, like that excess algae growth that you’ve noticing. Understanding the transition that your pond makes from winter into spring and summer is essential in maintaining a healthy pond ecosystem.  You may have just spent your weekend cleaning your pond – or having your pond contractor do it for you. A couple of days … weeks pass, and you notice an incredible growth of string algae. “Not again,” you screech to yourself. “I thought my pond was clean!” Well, my friend, cleanliness does not necessarily mean algae-free, especially in the cool water of the early spring. Some simple, important steps can be the difference between a balanced pond with minimal maintenance and a pond that requires unnecessary maintenance. Although bacteria and plants don’t start growing properly until water temperature reaches 55°F, there are still some simple steps you can take to maintain a crystal clear, trouble-free pond. 1) The Plants Since plants directly compete with algae for nutrients and sunlight, they are probably the most important addition to your pond. Add a wide variety of plants to your pond. This not only creates a natural look, but also will help reduce the algae in different areas of your pond. Place your floating plants, such as water lettuce, in your BioFalls Filter. These floating plants reproduce rapidly, using up enormous amounts of nutrients. A stick placed across the front of the BioFalls Filter will prevent the plants from flowing over the front of the waterfalls and into the pond. Plenty of bog and marginal plants should be added to the pond. Plants such ascattails and iris take up large quantities of nutrients. They are hardy and will be back each spring to help keep your pond balanced. Cover the water surface of the pond by planting waterlilies. Lily pads float on the top of the pond, shading the water. 2) The Bacteria
Automatic Dosing System
3) The Fish Fish are also sensitive to water temperature, and as it warms up, you will see more activity, and be tempted to feed them. You’ve missed your fish all winter, but until the water temperature is consistently at 55° F, don’t feed them. Their metabolism is still in slow motion and they are unable to digest the food properly. If you do feed them and food cannot be digested, this can result in food starting to decay in the body of the fish causing fish to become sick and possibly resulting in their death. When you do start feeding them, begin with small amounts of a quality fish food formulated for colder water temperature, such as Aquascape Premium Coldwater Fish Food Pellets for all pond fish. 4) Patience Please.....It takes time for the bacteria to establish itself and colonize to the point of being a benefit to your pond. In general, a new pond can take anywhere from two to six weeks for the bacteria population to reach this point. We Recommend Fully Draining & Cleaning Your Koi Fish Pond At Least Once Every Year Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Can Help You, Call Us 585-442-6373Other Helpful Pond Info Links:When To Stop Feeding Pond Fish & Koi| Rochester NY You've enjoyed the summer relaxing next to your Rochester NY water garden and now the time has come when the leaves start littering the ground and our ponds. The nets are also going over the ponds, but your fish are still swimming around and there is still time to enjoy your pond. So, the most popular question I receive this time of year is: What is my fall fish feeding protocol and when should I stop feeding them? Even though it's fall and the temperatures are falling a well balanced diet is still important for your fish. When pond temperatures fall below 60-degrees, your fishes’ metabolism and digestive system begins to slow down, which inhibits the ability to digest protein effectively. Investing in a pond thermometer will help you determine when to change the eating regimen of your beloved finned friends. Aquascape Premium Cold Water Fish Food has been scientifically formulated to provide quality nutrition to all pond fish, including goldfish and koi. The inclusion of spirulina and wheat germ helps make the food easier to digest at colder water temperatures. Feeding your fish the proper food will help ensure your fish survive their winter slumber. So in conclusion you should still be feeding your fish, but feeding a well balance fall formulated food once the water temperatures reach 60-degrees. We recommend you stop feeding all together, once water temperatures reach 50-degrees.  If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373Some Helpful Pond Links:Koi Pond Design| Installing A Fish Pond| Rochester (NY)|Acorn PondsGreat Tips For Installing A Pond In Rochester (NY) New YorkAre you considering adding a water garden or pond to your Rochester (NY) New York home? Are you ready to start enjoying the water gardening lifestyle? These tips will help you design and build a water gardenwhether you want to do it yourself or hire it out. Tip # 1 LocationLocate your pond close to the house so that it can be enjoyed from both inside and outside the home.  Tip #2 Use A Pond KitAquascape offers a top of the line pond kit that includes all the components necessary to build your pond. Be sure to place your skimmer at the lowest point on one end and your waterfall spillway on the opposite end.  Tip #3 EcosystemProvide a balanced ecosystem for your pond with the addition of plants and fish. Aquatic plants will take the nutrients out of the water that algae compete for and the fish will fertilize the plants!  Tip #4 Add A Stream And WaterfallA small shallow stream is perfect for birds to come and get a drink and take a bath. Be sure to angle the waterfall towards the viewing area  Tip #5 Install A Fish Cave Tip #6 Underwater LED LightingThe addition of low voltage led lighting will extend your enjoyment time. It will turn on and off automatically and are very cost efficient to run. Get Underwater Lighting for in the pond and around the waterfalls.  Have A Backyard Water Feature Project In Mind? We’re Ready When You Are. Contact Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Today. (585) 442-6373 Have Your Fish Pond Installed Right...The First Time! Some Helpful Pond Info Links:Pondless Waterfalls|Water Features|Installers|Outdoor Space|Rochester NY|Acorn Ponds & WaterfallsBenefits Of Installing A Pondless Waterfall In Rochester (NY) New York Design:
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Hire Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY) To Install Your New Pondless Waterfall. Call Today! (585) 442-6373Some Helpful Blogs5 Critical Summer Fish Pond Tips For New York By Pond Contractor Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester (NY)Now that summer has arrived in Rochester New York (NY), there are things that you need to remember about your water feature in order to keep a balanced ecosystem pond along with happy fish! Take a moment to refresh your memory with these 5 critically important tips. 
Often, people do not realize how much water can evaporate from a pond during the dog days of summer. The Eastern states typically lose 1 to 1.5″ of water each week. Pond owners in the hot, arid Southwest have reported evaporation levels in excess of 3″ a week. Remember, these are averages. Some ponds may not experience evaporation levels this high. Other ponds with large pumps pushing high volumes of water, or ponds designed with multiple waterfalls and a lot of cascades and splashing may have evaporation rates much greater than these.  If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373Some Helpful Pond Info Links:Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls is offering this blog as a personal information source to our website visitors & Rochester NY Pond Owners. Our Pond services are performed in Monroe County Rochester New York (NY) & surrounding areas. Pond Maintenance, Pond Construction & Pond Repair are all in our wheelhouse of talent, Explore our website for more ideas.
Gorgeous Lotus | Water Features | Rochester | New York | NYThe Absolutely Gorgeous Lotus is the pinnacle of the water feature gardening season for us. We look forward to seeing the happy blooms sprout up from the surface and those delicate petals unfurl. These flowers are in a class all their own! Perfectly balanced and gently colored, usually in a white or delicate pink tone, the petals pile softly on top of one another making nothing more than plant perfection. Yeah. We’re BIG fans of this one! We wait through some pretty terrible winter weather to get to see these beauties.
Here Are Some Tips To Keeping Your Lotus Happy & Amazing Year After YearKeep the Lotus tuber in a pot without holes. Clay is best for the root system to grow easily. The rooting system needs the constant moisture to continue fantastic growth. The Lotus can be fertilized during the growing season as often as the Water Lily, once a month during the summer will ensure plenty of nutrients for the plant to thrive.
The leaves will yellow much the same way a Water Lilies pads do when they need to be trimmed and removed. The lovely flower however will simply open and its petals will fall off the stem after fully blooming. The base of the Lotus must be completely submerged in the water, but a shallow plant shelf will reward you with lots of blooms and great growth.
Keep Your Pond Looking Great With Pond Maintenance Services By Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY) Call Us 585-442-6373Some Helpful Pond Info LinksGarden Art & Decoration Water Feature Ideas For A Unique Deck Or Patio|Rochester New York (NY) | Acorn Ponds & WaterfallsLooking For Some Gardening Ideas To Decorate Your Deck Or Patio In Rochester New York (NY) ? Our Water Features Can Be Used In Groups Or As Stand Alone Pieces Of Art
Adorn Your Small Garden In Front Yard Or Back With bubbling Urns, Fountains & Water Features
Water Features Services By Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls - Rochester New York (NY)Hire Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY) To Install Your Backyard Water Feature. Call Today! (585) 442-6373Helpful Links:
 Decorate your deck, patio or any outdoor space with these amazing water features ! How Much & How Often I Should Feed My Koi Pond Fish|Rochester|New York|NY|Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls How Much Should I Feed My Koi Pond Fish In Rochester New York (NY) ?Feed your fish one to three times a day during the feeding months, when water temperatures are 55 Degrees F and above. When the temperature drops to 55 Degrees F, switch to a low protein food just a few times a week and then stop feeding altogether when water temperature hits 50 Degrees F. If they get hungry later, there will be plenty of natural things like algae in the pond to nibble on that are easier to digest. Spring Is Here, When Can I Start Feeding My Pond Fish Again?Once spring is officially here and your water temperature is 50 degrees F, start feeding your fish small amounts of cold water low protein fish food again just a few times a week but wait until you are sure winter is over. Rule Of Thumb For How Much To Feed Your FishRule of thumb is feed only enough food that your fish will consume in 3-5 minutes during warm temperatures. A thermometer can be purchased and suspended in your pond so you know what the temperature is. Why Do I Need To Be So Careful About Feeding My FishFish start slowing down in preparation for a period of semi-dormancy as the water temperature cools down in the fall. Their digestive and immune systems slow down, and they are not capable of digesting the same types of foods that they can during the warmer months. Koi are particularly susceptible to problems at this time, as they have no stomach to aid in digestion; food will pass directly into their small intestines, where it will sit and rot. Watch your fish closely during temperature changes and it is better to under feed them a little than over feed them. Remember there are plenty of natural foods already in your pond for your fish to eat. Build & Maintain Your Koi Fish Pond With Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester NY – Call Today! 585-442-6373Some Helpful Pond Info Links:Koi Fish Pond Design|Caves|Tunnels|Rochester New York (NY)YES! Your Koi Fish Will Need Places To Hide In Your Fish Pond In Rochester New York (NY) We design & install our fish ponds with "built in" tunnels & caves In Rochester New York (NY) To escape predators and seek refuge, your fish need places to go when they get stressed out. A well designed pond that has rock & gravel covering the entire liner is great beginning. When building & designing garden fish ponds, we like to offer multiple places for the fish to escape to. Where Can Your Koi Fish Hide In Your Pond?
Build & Maintain Your Koi Pond Or Water Feature With Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls – Call Today! 585-442-6373 WE CAN RE-DESIGN, UPDATE & RENOVATE YOUR FISH POND Some Helpful Pond Info Links:How Many Koi Fish You Can Put In A Pond|Rochester|New York|NY|Acorn Ponds & WaterfallsA Frequently Asked Question: "How many fish can I put in my pond " In Rochester New York (NY) ?
Rule Of Thumb For Your Fish
The Fish In Your Pond Will Grow
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373 Let Acorn help select your koi fish for your pond ! Some Helpful Links:
Pond Sludge|Muck|Removal|Cleaning|Services|Rochester|New York|NY|Near Me
So How Do I Get Rid Of It?
How To Keep Muck & Sludge Under ControlTo control muck & sludge in your pond:
Have Your Pond Professionally Built & Maintained By Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY) (585) 442-6373 Send us pictures of your dirty pond for a pond cleaning quote and get help now [email protected] Pond Aeration|Koi Fish Ponds|Ecosystem Ponds|Filters|Rochester New York (NY)Pond Aeration Ideas - Rochester New York (NY)
Four Ways We Aerate Fish Ponds In Rochester (NY) New York : The four ways we aerate fish ponds in Rochester (NY) New York :
Aerators
Solid Handling Pumps
Waterfall Filtration
Spitters & Fountains
Keep Your Koi Pond Looking Great With Pond Aeration Services By Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY) Call Us 585-442-6373 CONTACT US NOW TO GET AN AERATION SYSTEM FOR YOUR POND! Some Helpful Pond Info Links:How To Clean A Pond In Rochester New York (NY) Acorn recommends fully draining and cleaning your koi fish pond at least once every year, otherwise you might have to deal with other problems such as increased maintenance or fish health issues not to mention possible increased repairs for your pond or pump. Items Needed Should You Decide To Do It Yourself
Steps Involved For A Successful Pond Cleaning.
Click here to get more pond maintenance & cleaning tips for koi or fish ponds Hire A Pro To Clean Your Pond In Rochester New York (NY) |
 | Have you been looking for some ideas on how to make that space in your Rochester (NY) garden a little more beautiful? Would you like to add a focal point or create an oasis right in your own backyard where you can escape and relax? Here are a few possibilities for improving your outdoor space with water features. |
| Aquascape's spillway bowls and patio water features are a great way to get your feet wet with water gardening. They can be used as by themselves or installed/combined into an existing water feature. |  |
 | Interested in incorporating fire with your water feature? These fire features are ideal for city rooftops, balconies & patios where space is limited. Enjoy the outdoor water feature lifestyle from almost anywhere! |
| Enjoy a professionally installed koi pond that you can enjoy from your backyard patio. We have all sizes available from small to large. Whether you want to transform a small space or your whole backyard...we can help! |  |
 | Try out our pondless waterfalls that are great for any area in your yard. We can even install one right by your front entrance. Your guests won't want to leave and you can begin to relax from the minute you get home from work. |
Have A Backyard Water Feature Project In Mind? We’re Ready When You Are. Contact Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Today. (585) 442-6373
LET'S GET STARTED ON YOUR ESCAPE NOW!
Author
Landscape Designer / Pond Contractor, Tom Warmerdam has been designing, installing & maintaining koi ponds, water features, patios, landscape lighting & creating outdoor living area paradises all around Rochester, New York (NY) for over 30 years. His company Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls was awarded by Aquascape Inc. as one of the top 100 in North America in 2014. He has been attending conferences at Aquascape headquarters every year since 2004 in Chicago, Ill to maintain his Certification(Certified Aquascape Contractor) status.
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