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What Is The Importance Of Cleaning My Fish Pond This Spring?|Rochester|NY|New York|Near Me Spring is here in Rochester (NY) and we recommend that your pond receive a full cleaning at least once or twice per year by Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls to help maintain its low maintenance and beautiful appearance. Failure to perform an annual clean out could result in increased maintenance or fish health issues not to mention possible increased repairs for your pond or pump. 
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Completely removing algae from the pond ecosystem isn’t good though. Some algae need to be present to filter your pond, aerate it, and feed the fish.
Doing a spring pond cleaning we can remove the debris and sludge from your pond, minimize algae, and get your pond back to its original state in no time!
Act now to clear your pond of an algae infestation, and enjoy your own oasis.
Act now to clear your pond of an algae infestation, and enjoy your own oasis.
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If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) (585) 442-6373
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Is There Evaporation In My Fish Pond During The Winter|Rochester|NY|New York|Near Me
If you decide to leave your Rochester (NY) water feature or pond turned on during the winter, you will lose some water due to evaporation but not as much as in the summertime.
Keep an eye on the amount of water of your fish pond, running water is still susceptible to evaporation.
If your koi pond, pondless or water feature are running during the winter, your main concern is to ensure there is enough water for the pump to operate properly. If there is not adequate water, the pump could burn out.
Keep an eye on the amount of water of your fish pond, running water is still susceptible to evaporation.
If your koi pond, pondless or water feature are running during the winter, your main concern is to ensure there is enough water for the pump to operate properly. If there is not adequate water, the pump could burn out.
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Check Your Stream & Waterfall For Ice Dams
it’s possible that the ice buildup or leaves can form dams that could divert your pond basin water out of the pond.
Top off your water feature as needed and make sure the water goes into the pond and not just on top of the ice where more ice can accumulate.
You can add water to your pond with a garden hose running from inside the house or using a bucket and multiple trip system.
Top off your water feature as needed and make sure the water goes into the pond and not just on top of the ice where more ice can accumulate.
You can add water to your pond with a garden hose running from inside the house or using a bucket and multiple trip system.
Add Beauty To Your Garden During The Winter
If you keep your water feature running during the frozen months of winter, you’ll enjoy the beautiful ice sculptures that form on them. The ice will continue to change shapes throughout the entire winter and look beautiful with LED lighting. Be sure to check on the water feature from time to time to make sure everything is running smoothly.
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373
What Happens To Fish During The Winter|Rochester|NY|New York|Near Me
New pond owners in the Rochester New York (NY) area often inquire with us about the health and safety of their fish during the winter months. As long as your pond does not freeze to the bottom and an air hole is provided on the pond’s surface, your fish will survive the winter.
If your pond is at least two-feet deep, the proximity of the earth to the pond’s surface will keep the pond from freezing any deeper than eight inches. That leaves 16” for the fish to lounge around and hibernate over the winter.
If your pond is at least two-feet deep, the proximity of the earth to the pond’s surface will keep the pond from freezing any deeper than eight inches. That leaves 16” for the fish to lounge around and hibernate over the winter.
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Why Do My Fish Disappear?
Your pond fish will tend to “huddle” together in the deepest and warmest part of the pond. It almost looks as though they are trying to keep each other warm.
They don’t do much, they are almost hibernating, but not a full hibernation. They will begin to move if we have some warmer days.
Fish are cold blooded animals so as the temperature in the pond begins to drop so does there metabolism. Which means they can’t properly digest food.
They don’t do much, they are almost hibernating, but not a full hibernation. They will begin to move if we have some warmer days.
Fish are cold blooded animals so as the temperature in the pond begins to drop so does there metabolism. Which means they can’t properly digest food.
How Much Do My Fish Eat During The Winter?
The fish do not need to eat during this time and, in fact, shouldn’t be fed at all. You may be tempted to throw them a bite here and there but food will get lodged in their system and can kill them, so better to be on the side of caution.
Even if the weather should temporarily warm up and your fish become more active, don’t give in to temptation. They won’t starve as their bodies are meant to go through a dormant winter cycle.
Even if the weather should temporarily warm up and your fish become more active, don’t give in to temptation. They won’t starve as their bodies are meant to go through a dormant winter cycle.
How Can I Help Keep My Fish Healthy?
In addition to their metabolism slowing down the immune system also becomes weaker due to the colder temperatures. With their immune system much weaker your pond fish are also much more susceptible to diseases during this time of year.
This is why it’s so important during the fall to make sure your pond is clean and free of decaying debris such as leaves and aquatic plant die back. A dirty pond will allow many harmful bacteria to grow and harvest in the pond which could ultimately affect the health of your fish during the winter time.
This is why it’s so important during the fall to make sure your pond is clean and free of decaying debris such as leaves and aquatic plant die back. A dirty pond will allow many harmful bacteria to grow and harvest in the pond which could ultimately affect the health of your fish during the winter time.
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373
Winter Pond Maintenance|Aerators|Floating Pond Heater|De-Icer|Rochester|NY|New York|Near Me
Here's What We Do And Suggest For Ponds Near Rochester (NY):
Use an aerator as your main source for de-icing your pond during the winter, to keep that hole in the ice.
Also add a "true" pond de-icer as a back-up floating in the pond but not plugged in. Only plug the de-icer in unless it gets really cold and your hole in the ice is closing up.
It's also great to have a back-up de-icing device in the pond in case another decides its too tired and stops working.
So in reality- Using both is best!
Learn more about Winter Pond Maintenance and Preparation
Also add a "true" pond de-icer as a back-up floating in the pond but not plugged in. Only plug the de-icer in unless it gets really cold and your hole in the ice is closing up.
It's also great to have a back-up de-icing device in the pond in case another decides its too tired and stops working.
So in reality- Using both is best!
Learn more about Winter Pond Maintenance and Preparation
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Winter Koi Fish Pond Maintenance Service Availabilities In Rochester & Monroe County (NY) Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Now! 585-442-6373
Why Should I Net My Pond?|Pond Tenting Services|Rochester|NY|New York|Near Me
At Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls, we feel tenting or netting your pond is one of the top 3 most important maintenance tasks that should be done to your pond every year.
Often we are asked, "Why even bother if I am going to clean it out in the spring?"
Netting your pond will make the clean-out easier in the spring, but that's not the reason we highly suggest this maintenance task. Keeping the leaves out will provide a much better environment for your fish to hibernate over the winter in your pond.
When leaves fall into the water they immediately begin decaying and producing "not so nice stuff" in the water, which can be harmful to your fish. An over abundance of this "not so nice stuff", caused by buckets full of leaves, could cause your fish to not make it through the winter.
Net your pond, keep a majority of those leaves out, and your fish will thank you!
Often we are asked, "Why even bother if I am going to clean it out in the spring?"
Netting your pond will make the clean-out easier in the spring, but that's not the reason we highly suggest this maintenance task. Keeping the leaves out will provide a much better environment for your fish to hibernate over the winter in your pond.
When leaves fall into the water they immediately begin decaying and producing "not so nice stuff" in the water, which can be harmful to your fish. An over abundance of this "not so nice stuff", caused by buckets full of leaves, could cause your fish to not make it through the winter.
Net your pond, keep a majority of those leaves out, and your fish will thank you!
Pond Netting & Tenting Service Availabilities In Rochester & Monroe County (NY) Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Now! 585-442-6373
Some Helpful Pond Info Links:
Backyard Pond Tour|Koi Ponds|Fountains|Recreational Pond|Rochester|New York|NY|Near You
Tom Warmerdam, owner of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls based in Rochester (NY) traveled to Chicago in 2018 to participate in a water feature build, attend Pondemonium, network with other water feature artists from all over the world and go on the most amazing pond tour for contractors ever.
Learn More About The Koi Ponds & Water Features On This Tour, Click The Video Below!
Some of the water gardens we visited were projects Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls had helped build in previous years. Every residence we visited was privately owned. Tom With Acorn attends these events annually so he can bring the knowledge, design ideas and training home to incorporate similar water features and pond projects in the Rochester (NY) and surrounding Western (NY) towns.
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373
Some Other 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 & 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.
The Purpose Of Pond Filter Pads | Rochester New York (NY)
Filter pads (or other filter media) have an important role in your water feature, the purpose of filter pads is to keep a lot of surface area that will help to grow the beneficial bacteria. In reality should not be cleaned very often.
This beneficial bacteria helps to balance your ecosystem water feature and are responsible for maintaining crystal clear healthy water; break down organic waste – in the form of sludge, and breaks down ammonia – from fish waste.
This beneficial bacteria helps to balance your ecosystem water feature and are responsible for maintaining crystal clear healthy water; break down organic waste – in the form of sludge, and breaks down ammonia – from fish waste.
Also, some customers mistakenly believe this beneficial bacteria is “crud” and will unfortunately wash it off. Once removed, the process of growing beneficial bacteria will have to start all over again!
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls recommend to only clean your filter pads a couple times a year. Once during the spring clean out and again during fall shutdown. In some cases a third mid summer cleaning of filters can benefit the pond as well. Most filter pads will last a year or two before you should have to replace them.
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls recommend to only clean your filter pads a couple times a year. Once during the spring clean out and again during fall shutdown. In some cases a third mid summer cleaning of filters can benefit the pond as well. Most filter pads will last a year or two before you should have to replace them.
How To Identify If Your Pond Needs Its Filters Cleaned (Summer Maintenance)
- Do you have a waterfall on your pond that starts to slow down around the end of June?
- Is your water a bit dirtier than it was a month or two ago?
- Have some of the stalks of your plants fallen over?
- Would you like to spruce up your koi fish pond for a wedding, birthday, event or party?
*Because each pond is unique, there are more examples but these are the most common.
Not Sure What Type Of Filtration Is Right For You? We Can Help! Call Us For A Pond Design Consultation 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:
NY|Landscape Ideas|Small Space Water Features Rochester|New York|Near Me
Looking to spruce up your yard in Rochester NY?
When planning your landscape ideas and options, consider a new water feature. Fountains and container water gardens are the perfect way to add a splash of water to your landscape.
Affordable and easy to install, you’ll find a variety of water features to give your outdoor living space a unique look.
When planning your landscape ideas and options, consider a new water feature. Fountains and container water gardens are the perfect way to add a splash of water to your landscape.
Affordable and easy to install, you’ll find a variety of water features to give your outdoor living space a unique look.
Miniature water gardens, also known as Patio Ponds, are becoming increasingly popular on patios and decks. These small-scaled ponds provide the opportunity to enjoy beautiful waterlilies in a variety of colors.
You can even add small fish like Rosy Reds. Kids love watching the tiny fish swim and you can bring them indoors when winter rolls around.
Fountains for decks, patios & porches - Fire can be incorporated!
One of the fastest-growing trends in outdoor living features is the combination of fire and water. Our popular fire fountain creates a soft, pleasing sound of water as it flows over and around the pebbles. Fire adds a surprising element that looks great at night, too.
You can even add small fish like Rosy Reds. Kids love watching the tiny fish swim and you can bring them indoors when winter rolls around.
Fountains for decks, patios & porches - Fire can be incorporated!
One of the fastest-growing trends in outdoor living features is the combination of fire and water. Our popular fire fountain creates a soft, pleasing sound of water as it flows over and around the pebbles. Fire adds a surprising element that looks great at night, too.
Refreshing fountains are popping up in yards all over the country as more homeowners look for unique ways to improve the curb appeal of their house.
An underground reservoir holds the pump and water that recirculates through the fountain. You’ll find a variety of fountain styles to suit your taste and budget.
An underground reservoir holds the pump and water that recirculates through the fountain. You’ll find a variety of fountain styles to suit your taste and budget.
Where Is A Good Location For My Fountain?
Landscape fountains vary in size and can be added to any front yard, side entrance, under a window, next to a backyard patio, deck or can be incorporated into a pond or pondless waterfall! Indoors or outdoors, fountains are a great way to add ambience to any space.
The Stacked Slate Urn fountain does double-duty in this gorgeous front yard. Not only does it provide visual appeal, but it’s connected to a rainwater harvesting system. Rainwater is collected from the roof of the house and stored in the fountain’s 500-gallon reservoir.
Fountains make a great accent piece for your flower beds. This grouping of natural rock fountains are the perfect, rustic complement to the dainty, colorful impatiens.
Who wouldn’t enjoy coming home to this beautiful scene?
A trio of stone fountains welcomes visitors to these suburban homes, adding to the home’s value with increased curb appeal.
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Birds and butterflies enjoy visiting outdoor fountains to enjoy a refreshing splash or nourishing drink.
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View our collection of videos about owning fish ponds & water features and get information and ideas for designing water gardens in the Rochester New York (NY) areas & beyond near me.
Whatever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the beauty and refreshment that a small water feature adds to your outdoor living spaces!
Have Your New Water Feature Or Backyard Pond Professionally Installed By Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY)
Some Helpful Pond Info Links:
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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