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NY| 7 Ways To Attract Wildlife In And Around Your Waterscape In Rochester New York Or Near Me Attracting and maintaining wildlife in and around your waterscape can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you create a habitat that is welcoming to a variety of wildlife: 1. Provide habitat: Adding habitat elements such as native plants, nesting boxes, and artificial structures can attract wildlife to your waterscape. 2. Plant native vegetation: Native plants provide food and shelter for many species of wildlife. Choose plants that are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions to create a healthy ecosystem. 3. Add a variety of water depths: Different species of wildlife require different depths of water to thrive. Incorporate shallow areas for frogs and tadpoles, deeper pools, and even underwater caves or tunnels to provide diverse habitats for fish and aquatic life. 4. Keep water clean: Clean water is essential for attracting and maintaining wildlife in your waterscape. Ensure that your waterscape is free of chemicals, debris, and pollutants that can harm wildlife. 5. Use natural materials: Using natural materials in and around your waterscape such as rocks, logs, and leaf litter can provide hiding places and shelter for wildlife. 6. Maintain the ecosystem: A healthy ecosystem is essential for attracting and maintaining wildlife in your waterscape. This means maintaining a balanced population of plants and animals, and avoiding the use of chemicals or other harmful practices that can disrupt the ecosystem. 7. Be patient: It may take some time for wildlife to discover your waterscape and begin using it as a habitat. Be patient and continue to maintain your waterscape, and eventually, wildlife will come. By following these tips, you can create a waterscape that is not only beautiful but also provides a thriving habitat for a variety of wildlife. Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
Some Helpful Links: RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
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Backyard Koi Pond Maintenance | Rochester New York | NY|  For many Rochester (NY) homeowners, a backyard koi pond is a beautiful and peaceful addition to their landscape. However, some pond owners may find themselves facing a range of issues, from algae blooms and water quality issues, to difficulty keeping their fish healthy. If you’re having trouble maintaining your koi pond, it may be due to the way the pond was built or designed. At Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls, we understand the challenges that come with owning a koi pond. We also know that many pond owners may not be aware of the underlying causes of their maintenance problems. So, we’ve compiled a list of common koi pond issues, and what you can do to solve them naturally.
Solution: Plant aquatic plants that absorb algae forming nutrients. Don’t overfeed your fish and additionally, a high-quality biological filtration system can help to remove excess nutrients from the water that may be feeding the algae. Draining and cleaning the pond annually is also recommended.
Solution: If you’re experiencing water quality issues, you may need to install a new biological filtration system, additional aeration, plants and/or make changes to the way your pond is structured. Do not overfeed or have too many fish. Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls can help you identify the cause of the problem and provide a tailored solution that will work for you.
Solution: To keep your fish healthy, it’s important to have a proper filtration system in place. The benefits of adding a waterfall go beyond aesthetic appeal. Adding a waterfall to a pond is one of the most effective ways to maintain healthy pond exogen levels. A waterfall can provide an additional source of biological filtration for your pond, promoting healthy growth and cleanliness. At Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls, we are dedicated to helping pond owners solve these and other common problems. We can design and build a new pond that will meet your specific needs, or make changes to your existing pond to improve its performance and beauty. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Some Helpful Links:
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE What Is An Ecosystem Pond?|Rochester|New York|NY  The basic goal behind an ecosystem pond is to take an otherwise closed body of water and turn it into its own thriving Rochester (NY) mini “ecosystem.” In nature, streams and rivers and the resulting pools of water along the way are constantly renewed with fresh, clean water, allowing them to support life while flushing toxins away down the stream. Unless you are lucky enough to be blessed with a natural stream or source of water on your property, you won’t have the luxury of a naturally renewing water source. You have to find another way to keep your pond water clean and free of toxins. Through proper planning and the selection of appropriate filtration equipment, this is actually easier to accomplish than you might imagine. A complete ecosystem pond consists of a biological filter and skimmer which combine to form a unique filtration system. Other necessary components are pond liner and underlayment, a re-circulating pump and plumbing, rocks and gravel, aquatic plants, fish and beneficial bacteria. Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
Some Helpful Links: How To Get Rid Of Pond Algae Small Backyard Inspirational Ideas Planning A Pond Renovation? What Should I do with my Pond in the Fall? Water Garden Ideas For Your Backyard Pond Renovation Koi Pond Installation Project Showcase Michelle & George RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Why Are My Koi Eating My Pond Plants|Rochester|New York|NY  It could be that they are hungry! The first item to note is how many fish you have. If the fish are competing for food, they will eat everything they can get a hold of... including your plants. If you have the proper ratio of fish (one inch per square foot) and they are still eating your plants, try feeding them a little more fish food. Fish much prefer fish food and pellets to plants, and if given the opportunity, will eat the fish food instead. And finally, keep in mind that koi are inquisitive fish and explore their surroundings with their mouths. If you catch them rooting around the base of your waterlilies, try using larger rocks around the base of the plant so the fish can’t move them and destroy the planting Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCEFall Pond Maintenance & Winter Preparation|Rochester|New York|NY  Fall Pond Maintenance & Winter Preparation If there are large trees located near your pond then you will want to consider netting your pond. In the Rochester & Western NY areas this should get done before leaves make their way down usually at the end of September or early October. Once the majority of leaves fall the net can be removed and put away for the winter. Cut Back Pond Plants Your pond plants will be at their best from all their summer growth. With lower temperatures coming soon, your beautiful plants will turn ugly and dieback. If left unattended in the fall, this foliage will turn brown and decompose into the pond creating a mess. Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls recommend pruning all pond plants close to the water's surface. Tropical plants including floating hyacinths and others should be removed prior to winter. Adding A Pond Aerator Part of fall pond preparations is adding an aerator. This will help oxygenate your pond and keep an opening in the ice for all the harmful (to fish & frogs) gases from decomposing leaves and plants in your pond to escape. Some Helpful Links:
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Some Helpful Links
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Summer Pond Maintenance|Rochester|New York|NY
As we approach summer in Rochester (NY), there are three things to remember about your water feature to keep a balanced ecosystem pond along with happy fish.
- Be sure to remove dying leaves and flowers before they have a chance to decay in warmer water.
- Aquatic plants such as water lilies help provide fish with shade from the heat of summer sun, cooling the water and making algae control easier too.
- if you feed your fish, feed them in the morning and be careful not to overfeed. Uneaten food decays faster in warmer water and can pollute the pond.
Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
- Service visits
- Seasonal maintenance such as deluxe spring cleaning, mid-summer service, fall tenting & winter preparation
- Filtration system cleaning, maintenance & upgrades
- Plant care
- Removal of string algae
- Pond - waterfall leak repair & rejuvenation
- LED lighting
- And so much more!
Some Helpful Links:
Small Backyard Pond Ideas
6 Tips for Designing a Koi Pond
Pond & Garden Lighting - Magic At Night
Planning A Pond Renovation?
Is Adding Beneficial Bacteria Worth it?
Small Backyard Pond Ideas
6 Tips for Designing a Koi Pond
Pond & Garden Lighting - Magic At Night
Planning A Pond Renovation?
Is Adding Beneficial Bacteria Worth it?
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Water Garden Ideas For Your Backyard Renovation|Rochester|NY|New York|Near me
Summer will come soon, if you are thinking about a new pond or upgrading your old pond in Rochester New York (NY), you really don’t need to talk to anyone else. Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls can help you with it.
If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water. Sometimes all you need is a simple bench to listen to the music coming from the sound of the waterfalls, or a chair to enjoy the view of your water feature.
A water feature is clearly the heart of the gardens, you can attract birds, dragonflies, frogs, butterflies and more.
If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water. Sometimes all you need is a simple bench to listen to the music coming from the sound of the waterfalls, or a chair to enjoy the view of your water feature.
A water feature is clearly the heart of the gardens, you can attract birds, dragonflies, frogs, butterflies and more.
Add Something New To Your Backyard Pond
It’s always fun to add new elements to your outdoor living space. The new addition could be as simple as a waterlily or fish … or it could be a bit bigger, like a beautiful bubbling urn or water wall.
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Whatever your water garden dreams may be during this frosty season, be sure to make a plan for turning those pondering dreams into reality. Scour pages of water garden photo books, visit our web page on Patio Ponds or Pondless Waterfalls that have inspirational photos, dig through garden magazines that showcase water features and landscape design to find landscaping ideas.
Add A Waterfall Or Stream To Your Pond
Waterfalls are a natural source of white noise and are ideal for sleep and masking distracting sounds. Listening to a waterfall is a great way to wash your daily worries away: close your eyes or lie down, and let the natural sounds permeate your mind.
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Add a Fountain To Your Existing Pond
Fountains assist in the process of moving the water from the surface with the bottom. The water towards the bottom becomes oxygenated through the aeration brought on by the fountain.
Plenty of inspiration abounds to help you plan now for an even more enjoyable season of water gardening ahead!
Water gardens provide sanctuary by offering food, water, shelter, and a place for wildlife.
Plenty of inspiration abounds to help you plan now for an even more enjoyable season of water gardening ahead!
Water gardens provide sanctuary by offering food, water, shelter, and a place for wildlife.
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Log onto our image gallery at www.acornponds/gallery for more photos to inspire you as you dream and plan new features for your water garden.
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Add LED Underwater Lights...
With today's busy lifestyle, it is often difficult to find the time to enjoy your Rochester New York (NY) water garden and landscape during the day but, with the addition of LED underwater lights and LED pond lighting systems..... enjoying your or outdoor living space is easy... day or night!
Create More Areas For Aquatic Plants
Consider adding a few marginal plants to soften the edges of your pond, and then take it one step further and consider adding a few plants just outside of the pond to naturalize it.
Pond plants to help control algae and balance your pond or water garden.
Better filtration, cleaner water and less maintenance. Keep aquatic plants neat, orderly, and fresh so you can naturally maintain the pond over depending on water treatments
Pond plants to help control algae and balance your pond or water garden.
Better filtration, cleaner water and less maintenance. Keep aquatic plants neat, orderly, and fresh so you can naturally maintain the pond over depending on water treatments
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) (585) 442-6373
7 Spring Pond Maintenance Tips Rochester (NY) New York
1. Cleaning your pond in Rochester NY, let’s do the dirty work. After winter, ponds can have an unpleasant odor, murky water, be full of debris, and be dirty in general. This makes it hard to see your fish. Your pond becomes worse and less enjoyable the longer it stays like this.
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The best time to perform a koi pond clean-out is the early spring. Acorn recommends that your pond receive a full cleaning at least once per year.
2. Check your pond pump and make sure that it's clean and functioning correctly. Remember your pump is the heart of your water feature and needs to be in good condition at all times.
 3. Remove the algae, leaves and other debris left over from the season before. This is crucial because an excess of decaying debris will add to the nutrient levels and the algae in the pond. |   |
 | 4. Start adding beneficial bacteria treatments and continue to do so regularly throughout the season. It competes with the algae for available nutrients, starving the algae of its food source. |
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5. Add aquatic plants to your pond to absorb algae forming nutrients. Plants are great for adding character to a pond by providing color and texture, but from a filtration perspective, they’re second to none.
Thriving from the excess nutrients in a pond and depriving algae of its food source, the aquatic plants in a water garden, given proper coverage, are critical for the overall health of the ecosystem.
Thriving from the excess nutrients in a pond and depriving algae of its food source, the aquatic plants in a water garden, given proper coverage, are critical for the overall health of the ecosystem.
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6. When should I start feeding my pond 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.
7. Avoid overfeeding your fish. Fish food that is not eaten will add more nutrients to the pond, helping feed the algae. Remember there are plenty of natural foods already in your pond for your fish to eat.
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.
7. Avoid overfeeding your fish. Fish food that is not eaten will add more nutrients to the pond, helping feed the algae. Remember there are plenty of natural foods already in your pond for your fish to eat.
Water features provide soothing sights and sounds that help you relax and de-stress in today's busy world
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373
When Is The Best Time To Clean My Fish (KOI) Pond | Rochester New York | NY
The best time to perform a koi pond clean-out in Rochester NY is the early spring, before your water garden completely awakens from its winter dormancy – ideally before the water temperature in the pond creeps above 55º F.
Spring is in the air, and it’s finally here! This season brings extended daylight, rising temperatures, and the rebirth of flora and fauna.
Also, it is the time when your hibernating koi fish emerge from their hiding places to stretch their sleepy bodies.
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls is ready for your annual Spring pond cleaning..... Are you?
Spring is in the air, and it’s finally here! This season brings extended daylight, rising temperatures, and the rebirth of flora and fauna.
Also, it is the time when your hibernating koi fish emerge from their hiding places to stretch their sleepy bodies.
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls is ready for your annual Spring pond cleaning..... Are you?
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Why Is Pond Cleaning Important?
Pond maintenance and cleaning are designed to help you accomplish one thing: Enjoy your water feature more!
You may find yourself outside enjoying your pristine oasis more with loved ones.
- See all of your pond and fish with crystal clear water
- Plants neatly trimmed and no debris anywhere for a nice, fresh look
- Pumps, filters and plumbing unclogged and running smoothly so your pond stays a paradise
You may find yourself outside enjoying your pristine oasis more with loved ones.
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Can I Wait To Clean My Pond Out?
If a clean-out is performed when the water is warmer, after bacteria colonies form, the balance of the ecosystem will be thrown off and your pond will go through another period of algae blooms before the bacteria colonies become re-established. Be patient, your pond will naturally balance itself provided you don’t have a fish overload.
Hire Acorn Ponds to get your pond/water feature looking it’s best! Call today for a pond cleaning quote. Let our experience work for you, contact us now! 585-442-6373
Hire Acorn Ponds to get your pond/water feature looking it’s best! Call today for a pond cleaning quote. Let our experience work for you, contact us now! 585-442-6373
Backyard Pond|Restoration|Repair|Rochester|New York|NY|Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls
Have you been thinking about planning a pond renovation in Rochester New York (NY), or what you might want to do to change and enhance your existing fish pond or waterfall? If you’re still dreaming of your first fish pond or waterfall, this too is a great time to plan for that!
Pond Renovation Project By Acorn In Rochester New York (NY)
Research Your Contractor
Research your contractors to make sure you are making the right decision. Someone telling you to rebuild the entire pond without options to repair the one you have most likely doesn't know where to start when trying to repair your current pond problem.
 Before Waterfall Renovation In Rochester NY By Acorn |  After Waterfall Renovation In Rochester NY By Acorn |
Hopefully You're Well On Your Way To Dreaming About Creating Or Enhancing Your Own Personal Paradise In Rochester NY
Spillway Bowls Water Features In Rochester NY
If you have a small space that you would like to add a little bit of paradise to, the patio pond or spillway bowl might be a great option for you. Or, perhaps you would like to test the waters of owning a pond a container water garden is a great place to start!
Add Tranquility & Beauty To Any Rochester NY Garden With Our Bubbling Rock Water Features Or Garden Fountains!
Consider Acorn's Bubbling Boulders Or Rock Fountains!
Need Help With Your Vision? Contact Acorn To Design Your Own Personal Paradise Now! (585) 442-6373
A fountain incorporated with a well thought out landscape plan, some decorative stone, and maybe some light can make for a very eye appealing creation. Something good for adding a little trickling water sound in a small area of your garden like near your front door or patio. They can be very sustainable by using rainwater to refill and top off the evaporated water. LED Lighting can be added for extending your enjoyment time into the night.
What do you envision for your own personal oasis?
Right now – when your thoughts, ideas, and mental plans for your dream garden and fish pond are still fresh in your mind – is the time to get them on paper. Dreaming is always the first step to planning. In your mind, what would be the perfect backyard paradise? Here are some questions to ask yourself as you search for your perfect pond makeover.
- What do you enjoy most about water gardening – the plants, fish, frogs, turtles, birds, or terrestrial landscaping? Build your dream pond with that as your emphasis.
- What places have you visited that look and feel “perfect” to you? A stream in the mountains? A spring in the woods? Recreate aspects of these places on a smaller scale.
- Where do you spend most of your time when you’re at home? Will you spend more time outside or inside? Plan with that in mind.
- What would make your yard a “paradise?”
- Would you like to be able to swim with your fish in a recreational pond?
- What do you like (or dislike) about your existing pond?
- Do you like the tropics? Find some rare plants and bring them into your own backyard.
Hire Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls To Design, Build & Maintain Your Backyard Pond In Rochester New York (NY) - Call Us Today! (585)-442-6373
Let's Get Started On Building Your Dream Pond
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls is offering this blog as a personal information source to our website visitors & Rochester NY Pond Owners. Our Pond & Water Feature Services are performed in Monroe County Rochester, Buffalo New York (NY) & Surrounding Western (NY) areas. Pond Maintenance, Pond Construction & Pond Repair are all in our wheelhouse of talent. Explore our website for more ideas.
Water Garden|Design|Plan|Ideas|Rochester New York|NY
| It’s mid-December and most of Rochester, Monroe County New York (NY) is covered in snow. Many of us are seeking refuge by drinking hot chocolate and watching football curled under comfy blankets. At the same time, our thoughts turn to warmer days and dreams of dangling our feet in our wondrous water gardens as we listen to the birds sing and watch toads and turtles sun themselves on the pond rocks. |  Cabin Fever |
 | Winter is a great time to dig out water gardening books and start planning new things for this year’s water garden. Much like veggie gardeners turn to seed catalogs for the upcoming growing season, water gardeners delight in planning the addition of new fish and plants for the pond. |
As your thoughts turn to the lazy, carefree days of summer, consider the following options to enhance your pondering enjoyment:
Add a New Waterfall
| Most pond owners install a water garden in their landscape so they can enjoy the sound of running water. Chances are you have a waterfall to create this soothing sound, but why stop at just one? Aquascape has made it easy to add a waterfall to your existing pond with the creation of its new Waterfall Spillway. Designed specifically to retrofit into existing features, the waterfall spillway makes it easy to add multiple waterfalls to your feature. |  |
Introduce Finned Friends
Maybe this is the year to add that beautiful butterfly koi you’ve been eyeing at the local garden center. After a long, cold winter, why not boost your spirits by rewarding yourself with a colorful jewel such as a new finned friend that will delight you as it glides gracefully beneath the lily pads? Fish add personality to your pond and can provide hours of entertainment.
Children love to feed them, cats and dogs enjoy watching them, and you’ll enjoy being greeted by them every time you visit your pond.
Children love to feed them, cats and dogs enjoy watching them, and you’ll enjoy being greeted by them every time you visit your pond.
Splurge on Plants
| New varieties of waterlilies become available every year and some are simply downright breathtaking. Look into adding some tropical water lilies for extra color & extended bloom time. You might also want to try your “blue thumb” at growing the lovely lotus. This majestic plant becomes the focal point of any water garden and can also be grown in aquatic containers placed on a sunny porch or patio. |  |
Create Interest With a Fountain
  | A variety of fountains and spitters are available for adding a new dimension to your water garden. Whether you choose a stylized patio pond or charming resin frog spitter, there’s a decorative option for every budget and taste. Not only do fountains and spitters add a whimsical or elegant touch to the waterscape, but they also help provide delightful sounds in the garden and help to keep the water moving. Turn Your Dreams Into a Reality |
Whatever your water garden dreams may be during this frosty season, be sure to make a plan for turning those pondering dreams into reality. Scour pages of water garden photo books, visit our web page on Patio Ponds or Pondless Waterfalls that have inspirational photos, dig through garden magazines that showcase water features and landscape design to find landscaping ideas.
Plenty of inspiration abounds to help you plan now for an even more enjoyable season of water gardening ahead!
Log onto our image gallery at www.acornponds.com/gallery for more photos to inspire you as you dream and plan new features for your water garden.
Plenty of inspiration abounds to help you plan now for an even more enjoyable season of water gardening ahead!
Log onto our image gallery at www.acornponds.com/gallery for more photos to inspire you as you dream and plan new features for your water garden.
Have Your New Water Feature Or Backyard Pond Professionally Installed By Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY)
Some Helpful Blogs:
Pond & Garden Lighting Rochester|NY|Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls
Rochester New York backyard ponds and garden fountains are stunning during the day, but when pond and garden lighting is used to enhance evening views, you’ll find the landscape takes on a whole new dimension!
Tuck a spotlight behind a waterfall and the feature takes on a magical feel. Used in the main portion of a pond, you’ll enjoy watching fish dart in and out of the lights.
Tuck a spotlight behind a waterfall and the feature takes on a magical feel. Used in the main portion of a pond, you’ll enjoy watching fish dart in and out of the lights.
As the sun begins to set, pond and garden lighting create a magical mood in the landscape. Think of that vacation you experienced at the beach and the serene feeling you enjoyed watching the moon cast a glowing trail over the ocean’s surface.
When you add a waterfall or underwater lighting to your water feature, you extend your viewing pleasure well into the evening. You can add lights during the installation of your water feature, or add later if you see dark spots you’d like to highlight.
 Although moonlight casts its own soft glow in your water feature, waterfall and garden lighting shows the details of the rock and water.  Be creative with your garden lightingoptions and you’ll find you enjoy your water feature during the evening hours just as much as you appreciate it during the daytime. |  It’s always a joy to watch fish swim in and out of lights. Be sure to incorporate LED lights which use approximately 80-90% less electricity and last 10 times longer than their halogen counterparts.  Place a single bullet light in a container water garden or fountain bowl for a dramatic and interesting effect |
Add Underwater Lighting To Your Water Feature Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Can Help You, Call Us 585-442-6373
Some Helpful Pond Info Blogs:
Custom Installed Waterfalls For Your Listening Pleasure In Rochester New York (NY) Gardens
5/23/2018
NY|Waterfalls|Installation|Repair|Services|Rochester|New York|Near Me
Waterfalls add delightful sound to the garden and Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls offers custom design, installation and repair services for your waterfall listening pleasure here in Rochester & Western New York (NY). If you live near busy traffic, you might want a grand waterfall to drown out the noise of cars rushing by.
But if you live in the country, a small idyllic stream or waterfall can create just the right melody for harmonizing with crickets and birds.
But if you live in the country, a small idyllic stream or waterfall can create just the right melody for harmonizing with crickets and birds.
 THE SOUND OF WATERFALLS  CUSTOMIZE FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE |  ADD DELIGHTFUL SOUNDS TO YOUR GARDEN  ATTRACT WILDLIFE TO YOUR WATER GARDEN |
Whatever your fancy, the perfect waterfall can be created just for you ... so sit a spell and enjoy!
 Flowers and plants soften the edges of large stone and help to naturalize the waterfall. |  A bit of whimsy lends itself to this smaller waterfall. Imagine a child's delight upon discovering the tiny fairy. |
 Do you have a wooded backyard? Don't sweat fitting a waterfall into the landscape. Let the stream wind around the trees before emptying into a crystal clear pond. |  A gentle stream calms and soothes the soul after a stressful day at work. Who wouldn't want to grab a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade and unwind while gazing at this scenery? |
 Fallen logs are strategically placed to make this stream appear as though it's been part of the landscape for tens of years. |  This newly created waterfall and stream was graced with a few mature plantings to tie it into its lush surroundings. Note a few strategic spots were created for sitting and dangling feet into the cool waters. |
Build & Maintain Your Water Feature With Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls - Call Today! 585-442-6373
Fall Pond Maintenance|Rochester New York|NY|Near Me
 | When fall rolls around in our part of the world here in Rochester (NY) New York, the change of seasons is apparent by the beautiful, multi-colored leaves and the cool change in temperatures will remind us to start the fall pond maintenance. It may be your favorite time of year, but how will the cooler temperature and falling leaves affect your aquatic paradise? Can ponds and trees live together peacefully in the fall? |
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Hardy Marginals Pond Plants
As 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.
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.
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Tropical Marginals Pond Plants
In 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.
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.
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Waterlilies Pond Plants
Waterlilies 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.
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.
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Lotus Pond Plant
As 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.
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 585-442-6373
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Effective Way To Filter Pond Water | Rochester NY| Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls
One 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.
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
 Pond Skimmer Filter Maintenance |  Pond Skimmer Filter Installation |
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.
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
 Waterfall Filter |  Installed: Waterfall Filter |
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 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 Filtration
Mechanical 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.
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
 Aquatic Plants Are Important For Your Pond | Another important component to pond filtration is the use of plants. Many gardeners add a pond to their landscape for the variety of aquatic plantsavailable, and while their beauty is certainly an aesthetic asset; a critical benefit is the work these plants do to help filter the water. |
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.
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) 585-442-6373
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7 Tips For Planting Your Pond|Backyard Pond Design|Rochester|NY|New York
From 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.
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.
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.
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) 442-6373
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Spring Pond Maintenance|Tips For A Clear Pond|Rochester|New York|NY
Now 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.
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.
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.
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
| Bacteria contains bacteria and enzymes that are specifically blended to be effective at reducing sludge, uneaten fish food, fish waste, dead and decaying plant material, and excess nutrients that cause poor water quality and clarity. Blended and tested to produce maximum results in ornamental ponds. |  |
Automatic Dosing System
| The more surface area available for bacteria to grow, the more efficient your biological filter. Providing crystal clear water quality creates less problems, thereby lessening maintenance, which leaves more time to enjoy the pond and less time spent maintaining it. |  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.
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 585-442-6373
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Gorgeous Lotus | Water Features | Rochester | New York | NY
The 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.
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.
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Here Are Some Tips To Keeping Your Lotus Happy & Amazing Year After Year
Keep 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 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.
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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.
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.
 | For wintering purposes, the Lotus needs a good trim and a plunge to the deepest part of your pond. There it can maintain moisture without freezing near the surface. Keeping the Lotus season after season is an easy task. But what’s easier is going out and enjoying their beauty. Get out there! |
Keep Your Pond Looking Great With Pond Maintenance Services By Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY) Call Us 585-442-6373
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10 Tips For Fall Pond Care|Rochester|New York|NY|Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls
What Should I Do With My Pond In The Winter?
In Rochester, Monroe County, NY, a very common question for us is "what should I do with my pond in the winter?" A nip in the air, shorter days, and the shedding of multi-colored leaves from the trees signifies a changing of the seasonal guard.
Gardeners across the country take precautions to protect their landscapes from the harsh reality of winter. Water features in the landscape require special consideration when putting your pond to bed for a long winter's nap. For Rochester, Monroe County NY pond owners, Pond maintenance chores in the fall and winter are not that difficult but are important to ensure the health of your ecosystem water garden.
Here are some basic guidelines to help your aquatic plants and finned friends weather the chill of Mother Nature. Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls can help you with these fall pond maintenance and winter preparation tasks if you live in the Rochester, Monroe County New York (NY) area. Be sure to contact us early to ensure a spot on our schedule.
Gardeners across the country take precautions to protect their landscapes from the harsh reality of winter. Water features in the landscape require special consideration when putting your pond to bed for a long winter's nap. For Rochester, Monroe County NY pond owners, Pond maintenance chores in the fall and winter are not that difficult but are important to ensure the health of your ecosystem water garden.
Here are some basic guidelines to help your aquatic plants and finned friends weather the chill of Mother Nature. Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls can help you with these fall pond maintenance and winter preparation tasks if you live in the Rochester, Monroe County New York (NY) area. Be sure to contact us early to ensure a spot on our schedule.
Pond Tenting Systems can be installed as part of the Fall Maintenance Programs by Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls if you live in the Rochester, Monroe County New York (NY) area.
- Decaying leaves and foliage produce toxic gases that can harm your fish so you want to remove this debris before winter rolls into town. You don't need to remove every single last leaf, but try to remove the majority.
- If you put protective pond netting over your pond before the leaves started to fall, your job is easy. Carefully roll up the net and discard the leaves that were caught.
- If you didn't use a net over the surface of your pond, you'll need to remove the build-up of leaves from the bottom of the pond. Use a long handled pond net to scoop them out.
- Check yourskimmer basket and remove any leaves that are still caught inside.
- Add Cold Water Beneficial Bacteria to the pond once the temperature drops below 50 degrees. Use twice weekly for two weeks, and then once per week until the water starts to freeze.
- Stop fertilizing your aquatic plants after the first frost.
- Trim back hardy marginal aquatic plants to 2" above the water to keep the dead foliage from drooping over into the pond.
- Trim back waterlily leaves and stems to 2-3" above the base of the plant. This keeps dead foliage from decomposing in the pond.
- If you left hardy waterlilies in their pot, drop them into the deepest part of the pond to over-winter. Do not bring them indoors as they need a period of dormancy.
- Bring tropical waterlilies indoors if you want to over-winter them. Keep the pot in 50-degree water or take them out of the pot and store in sand. Be advised, even trained horticulturists lose a lot oftropical waterlilies when storing them indoors, so you might simply want to treat them as annuals.
- Once temperatures drop to 50 degrees, stop feeding your fish. They need to get ready to hibernate and you'll want to avoid any metabolic complications. You can feed them Cold Water Fish Food until the temperature drops below 50 degrees.
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Can Help You With Fall Pond Maintenance & Winter Preparation, Call Us 585-442-6373
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Offering Fall Pond Maintenance Services & Landscape Ideas For Rochester, Monroe County, NY
 Greece NY's Trusted Certified Aquascape Contractor Since 2004 | Looking for Fall Pond Maintenance or Landscape Ideas In Greece, NY? If you don't see your town below, give us a call 585.442.6373 Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Fall Pond Maintenance Service Areas: Rochester, Monroe County, New York, NY Pittsford, Penfield, Brighton, Fairport, Irondequoit, Perinton, Victor, Mendon, Webster, Greece, Chili, Scottsville, Bushnell's Basin, Rush, Henrietta, North Greece, East Henrietta, West Henrietta, East Rochester, Bloomfield, West Webster, North Gates, Honeyoye Falls, Gates Chili, Bergen, Palmyra, Charlotte, Palma, North Chili, NY |
Pond Service|Review|Rochester New York|NY
Review for Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls
Click here to see review on Houzz
Relationship: Client
Project Date: May 2015
Project Price Range: $1,000-$9,999
I hired Tom after interviewing a few companies regarding my existing two-tiered pond with waterfall that had become overgrown with algae and a maintenance nightmare. Most companies offered a maintenance program to clean periodically as the solution, but Tom offered a solution that required limited maintenance.
While the other solutions would have been less costly they didn't get to the root of the problem and were more of a Band-Aid approach. Tom's Aquascape solution made more sense to me in that it included an ionizer, beneficial bacteria doser, skimmer and BOG filtration system. I did question the cost of his solution during the process, but now feel I received fair value for the solution he brought to the table. It has been 2 months since he completed his work and I'm very pleased with the results. The ionizer after finding the correct setting and beneficial bacteria dozer has kept 95+% of the algae away. I get the occasional string of algae that is easy enough to rake out and allows me to see and enjoy the beautiful Koi that I have.
The skimmer has trapped all the debris that falls into the pond after the last few windy months that would have settled on the bottom. While I am grateful for all that and it has truly allowed me to enjoy my pond again, my favorite thing Tom did was install the BOG filtration system, as it has turned the second tier of my pond into a thing of beauty with the incredible plants he put up there. I know that the filtration system is also helping with the algae problems I had, but I really didn't expect to enjoy the beautiful plants up there that give the whole pond a softer look than just looking at a lot of rocks. I also want to communicate that Tom kept his commitments in regards to the timing of the project and has been available if I have any questions.
Even when I don't have questions he has followed up multiple times to make sure everything is going well and to see if I needed anything. All in all, Tom and his guys surpassed my expectations and I would highly recommend working with him and his company.
Project Date: May 2015
Project Price Range: $1,000-$9,999
I hired Tom after interviewing a few companies regarding my existing two-tiered pond with waterfall that had become overgrown with algae and a maintenance nightmare. Most companies offered a maintenance program to clean periodically as the solution, but Tom offered a solution that required limited maintenance.
While the other solutions would have been less costly they didn't get to the root of the problem and were more of a Band-Aid approach. Tom's Aquascape solution made more sense to me in that it included an ionizer, beneficial bacteria doser, skimmer and BOG filtration system. I did question the cost of his solution during the process, but now feel I received fair value for the solution he brought to the table. It has been 2 months since he completed his work and I'm very pleased with the results. The ionizer after finding the correct setting and beneficial bacteria dozer has kept 95+% of the algae away. I get the occasional string of algae that is easy enough to rake out and allows me to see and enjoy the beautiful Koi that I have.
The skimmer has trapped all the debris that falls into the pond after the last few windy months that would have settled on the bottom. While I am grateful for all that and it has truly allowed me to enjoy my pond again, my favorite thing Tom did was install the BOG filtration system, as it has turned the second tier of my pond into a thing of beauty with the incredible plants he put up there. I know that the filtration system is also helping with the algae problems I had, but I really didn't expect to enjoy the beautiful plants up there that give the whole pond a softer look than just looking at a lot of rocks. I also want to communicate that Tom kept his commitments in regards to the timing of the project and has been available if I have any questions.
Even when I don't have questions he has followed up multiple times to make sure everything is going well and to see if I needed anything. All in all, Tom and his guys surpassed my expectations and I would highly recommend working with him and his company.
Have Your New Water Feature Or Backyard Pond Professionally Installed By Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY)
Click here to see more reviews for Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls
Summer Pond Maintenance|Tips|Services|Rochester New York|NY
Summer Pond Maintenance Tips For Rochester New York
Pond Owners
| Record high temperatures in the Rochester, Monroe County, New York (NY) area create a number of challenges for people, pets, plants, and yes, even your water garden. You’ll want to keep a close eye on your pond, especially when the water temperature reaches 80 degrees or higher. Warm water has a low capacity for holding oxygen, so you may start to see your fish gasping for air close to the water’s surface, or especially close to a fountain or waterfall. In addition, warm pond water leads to increased activity and that means your fish require more oxygen at a time when it’s least available. |  Click the image to learn more about our scheduled summer pond maintenance services in Rochester, Monroe County, New York(NY) |
 Lifestyle |  Fish |  Wildlife |  Plants |
 Click the image to learn more about water garden & pond fish in Rochester, NY. | As your fish struggle for oxygen, they’ll become increasingly stressed. And stressed fish are more likely to develop diseases … a scenario you want to avoid. |
To optimize fish health during extreme heat, you’ll want to ensure your fish have the best pond environment possible. It all starts with a well-designed water feature. Depth, plant coverage, shade, and circulation should all be considered when building a pond. A minimum depth of two feet is suggested so the bottom can remain cooler.
| You’ll also want to stock your pond with a lot of plants to provide shade for the fish. A good rule of thumb is to provide plant coverage of approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of the pond’s surface area. Waterlily pads provide great coverage, but if your pond lacks the proper amount, you can easily add floating plants such as water lettuce until the waterlilies fill in. |  Click the image to learn more about pond plants in Rochester, NY. |
 Click the image to learn more about pond filtration in Rochester, NY. | Perhaps one of the most important parts of pond design is circulation. If possible, you’ll want to place your biological filter and mechanical filter across the pond from each other, so that all areas of the pond are skimmed and the water circulated. And keep in mind that waterfalls, streams, and even fountains play a huge part in the oxygenation of the water in your pond. If you don’t already have a waterfall cascading into your pond, you might want to invest in a fountain that can be added without any construction to the pond. |
During these hot, dog days of summer, try some of these maintenance tips to keep your pond performing optimally:
- Add oxygen to your pond by placing an aerator or AquaForce® pump in your pond. You can also install a fountain with a pump if your pond doesn’t have a waterfall or stream built in.
- If you feed your fish, feed them in the morning and be careful not to overfeed. Uneaten food decays faster in warmer water and can pollute the pond.
- Be sure to remove dying leaves and flowers before they have a chance to decay in the warmer water.
Demand The Best, Have It Installed Right... The First Time!
Summer Pond Maintenance By Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY)
 Learn more about pond algae in Rochester, NY |  We can help you with pond maintenance in Pittsford, NY. |
 Rochester NY's Trusted Pond Contractor Since 2004 | Looking for Ecosystem Pond & Goldfish Pond Services or Pondless Water Feature Ideas In Pittsford, NY? If you don't see your town below, give us a call 585.442.6373 Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Water Feature Service Areas: Rochester, Monroe County, New York, NY, Pittsford, Penfield, Brighton, Fairport, Irondequoit, Perinton, Victor, Mendon, Webster, Greece, Chili, Scottsville, Bushnell's Basin, Rush, Henrietta, North Greece, East Henrietta, West Henrietta, East Rochester, Bloomfield, West Webster, North Gates, Honeoye Falls, Gates Chili, Parma, Palma, Charlotte, NY |
Control Floating Aquatic Plants|Hyacinth|Water Lettuce|Tips|Rochester NY|Near Me
| Keeping floating aquatic plants from getting pulled into the pond skimmer can sometimes be a chore in Rochester, NY. Have you ever purchased water hyacinth or water lettuce from a garden center, placed them in your water garden only to come back a short time later and find all your new plants blocking the skimmer? |  |
How To Control Your Floating Pond Plants
Here's an easy DIY pond tip to help control these beneficial pond plants that seem to have a mind of their own. Tools and products required:
- Short piece of flexible pipe.
- Saw or utility knife to cut the pipe.
- Coupling to connect the pipe.
- Fishing Line.
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Install Your New Water Plants
After making a circle, simply place the pipe in the desired area of the water garden. Next, secure the pipe with fishing line and tie it off to a nearby rock. Spend more time enjoying your water garden and less time maintaining it in Rochester, NY!
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373
Other Helpful Related Pages To Read
The Key To Clean Water For Fish Ponds In The Rochester, NY Area
Maintaining Water Quality
| Most Rochester, Monroe County New York (NY) water gardeners are aware of the importance good quality water plays in a pond habitat. Not knowing how to get or keep water quality can prove challenging to some pond owners. Your water may be perfectly clear, but your fish may not be acting like you’re used to seeing, which can tip you off that something might be a little off in your pond’s water. Before you make any rash decisions on treating your water garden, ask yourself the following questions: |  Click the image to learn more about stream & Waterfall construction in Rochester, Monroe County NY |
How Many Fish Should Be In My Pond?
If you have more than 10” of fish for every 100 gallons of water, you may have too many fish and should consider finding some of them a new home or building a second home for some of them. It may be time to expand, remodel, renovate or enlarge your existing backyard pond! Contact Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls for more info.
 Click the image to learn about pond fish in Rochester, NY. | How Much Do I Feed My Fish?No more than once per day is recommended and no more than your fish can eat in 2 to 3 minutes (if you have an ecosystem pond with plants) – then remove all excess, leftover food. |
How Many Plants Should I Have?
At season’s peak, you should have no more than 40% to 60% of the surface area of your pond either covered or shaded by plants. Too many plants can cause oxygen deficiencies at night due to the photosynthetic process, where the plants take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide.
What Water Treatments Should I Use?
| At Acorn Ponds we use only Aquascape water treatments because we know they work. Acorn highly recommends adding beneficial bacteria to you pond or water garden regularly to keep it looking it's best. |  Click the image to learn more about pond water treatments in Rochester, NY. |
How Do I Know If My Pump Is The Correct Size For My Pond?
You should be turning over, or circulating, the entire pond’s volume a minimum of once every hour. Make sure your pump’s flow isn’t restricted by debris or trying to pump water higher than it was intended. Every pump has its flow limitations. See the side of your pump box for information.
What Does It Mean If There Is A Lot Of Decaying Debris On The Bottom Of My Pond?
 Click to learn more about Pond Filters in Rochester, Monroe County, NY. | Decaying debris, combined with fish waste and leftover fish food, can cause ammonia levels to spike in your pond. Clean out your pond and add beneficial microbes such as Aquascape’s Beneficial Bacteria to help keep it that way. |
What Type Of Filtration Should I Have?
How Often Should I Clean My Filter?
| Most filters need to be cleaned no more than once or twice per year. Refer to manufacturer’s instructions for details on your specific filter type. Filters in your pond skimmer can be cleaned more frequently to remove fish waste and debris in the net. Biofalls filter media only needs to be cleaned in the spring during spring pond maintenance and can be cleaned again late summer by Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls of Rochester, Monroe County, NY. We always recommend cleaning all filter media for winter storage. |  Click the image to learn more about pond maintenance in Rochester, Monroe County, NY. |
What Should My Pond's Water Temperature Be?
| Water exceeding 75º F has a more difficult time retaining acceptable levels of dissolved oxygen. This is why it’s important to have your pond shaded by aquatic plants, which should provide shade cover to 40% to 60% of the surface area of your pond. It’s also why you need adequate circulation in your pond. |  |
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Offering Fish Pond Installation Services &
Landscape Design Ideas-Rochester, Monroe County, NY
 Webster NY's Trusted Certified Aquascape Contractor Since 2004. | Looking for Fish Pond Installation Services or Landscape Design Ideas In Webster, NY? If you don't see your town below, give us a call 585.442.6373Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Pond Installation Service Areas: Rochester, Monroe County, New York, NY Pittsford, Penfield, Brighton, Fairport, Irondequoit, Perinton, Victor, Mendon, Webster, Greece, Chili, Scottsville, Bushnell's Basin, Rush, Henrietta, North Greece, East Henrietta, West Henrietta, East Rochester, Bloomfield, West Webster, North Gates, Honeyoye Falls, Gates Chili, Bergen, Palmyra, Charlotte, Palma, North Chili, NY |