Fall Pond Maintenance|Rochester New York|NY|Near Me
With a couple precautions and a little fall pond maintenance, they can! Debris cleanup from the fall may be inevitable especially in Rochester NY, but you’ll need to pay special attention if you’re pond or pondless waterfall has heavy tree cover. A skimmer filter may not be able to keep up with catching all the leaves before they drop to the pond’s bottom and decompose. Removing leaves and sticks with a net will make for an easier spring clean-out next year. Debris left to rot in the pond will eventually decompose, producing gases that may be harmful to your fish. In this case, using a large pond net stretched over the pond can be helpful because it will catch the leaves before they even hit the water. Plus, you can use a leaf blower to clear the area, meaning less work for you Regardless of whether you have a lot of trees or a minimal amount leaves falling, autumn is still a time when you’ll need to empty the debris net or bag of your pond skimmer more often than you were in the summer – usually on a daily basis. It’s also a great time to tend to your plants. It’s sad to see them go, but you definitely don’t want their debris falling to the pond bottom. Here Is A Breakdown Of How To Care For Each Of Your Pond Plants As The Fall Season Unfolds.Hardy Marginals Pond PlantsAs with terrestrial, perennial plants, dropping temperatures signal your hardy aquatic plants to prepare for their winter dormancy. At this time, you should stop fertilizing them as you see leaves begin to yellow and brown. It’s ok to leave these plants where they are in your pond to weather the cold of winter, just be sure to trim the dying foliage of your marginal plants down to 2” above the water level. Tropical Marginals Pond PlantsIn warm climates, tropical marginals will keep growing and will require fertilizer as usual. Water gardeners who live in Zones colder than 8 or 9 will need to treat these plants as they would any garden annual by replacing them each season. A fun alternative to this is to treat them as tropical houseplants and bring them in for the winter. Most tropical marginals will do well potted in heavy garden soil in a sealed clay pot with no drainage holes. When kept wet, the plants do well in a sunny window or sunroom. Waterlilies Pond PlantsWaterlilies will also begin to show their dislike for the cold with yellowing leaves and fewer flowers. When this happens, the leaf and flower stems of hardy water lilies should be cut back to about 2 to 3” above the base of the plant. In warm climates, tropical waterlilies are happy in the pond year round, as long as the water temperature stays above 60°F. In areas where freezing is likely, plants should be overwintered indoors. This can be a difficult task; therefore many gardeners choose to simply buy a new plant each season. Lotus Pond PlantAs with the marginals in your pond, the foliage of your lotus plants will need to be trimmed back after they have died back and turned brown. It’s important not to cut the leaves while they are still green because the freshly cut, hollow stems are susceptible to disease which can spread to the plant’s tuber, possibly killing the plant. Lotus tubers will not withstand freezing, so any plants that are growing in the shallow areas of your pond should be moved to the bottom, away from freezing water. Caring for your aquatic plants in the fall will mean less work and healthier plants come spring. In late fall, when your leaves have stopped dropping, it is also time when your winter preparation should be starting. Properly winterizing a pond at this time of year will make it easier for your spring clean-out. We Recommend Fully Draining & Cleaning Your Koi Fish Pond At Least Once Every Year Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Can Help You, Call Us 585-442-6373Some Helpful Links:
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Effective Way To Filter Pond Water | Rochester NY| Acorn Ponds & WaterfallsOne of the common misconceptions consumers have today about Rochester (NY) pond ownership is that maintenanceis tedious and time consuming but this simply isn’t true when proper steps are taken to create an ecosystem pond that filters pond water and works with Mother Nature, not against her. In addition to plants, fish, aeration, rocks and gravel, a low-maintenance ecosystem pond requires adequate filtration to help keep the water crystal clear. Three types of pond filters are available on the market and include biological, mechanical, and sterilizers. 1.- Biological filters use bacteria to break down pond wastes, converting them into less harmful compounds that can be used as aquatic plant fertilizers. 2.- Mechanical filters trap and remove debris and sediment. 3.- Water sterilizers pass water through a tube that houses an ultraviolet bulb, killing living microscopic particles in the water. A good biological filtration system, teamed with a proper mechanical filter toremove solids before the water enters the biological filtration unit, is the most effective way to filter water. With adequate biological and mechanical filtration, the need for sterilizers is eliminated altogether, thereby ensuring a natural ecosystem pond. The Job of a Pond Skimmer The main function of mechanical filtration, or skimmer, is to remove debris before it sinks to the bottom of the pond and decays. The skimmer also houses and hides the pump and plumbing from view, as opposed to being placed directly in the pond where they become an eyesore. The skimmer won’t drain the pond if a possible leak occurs in either the plumbing or waterfalls. There are two main types of skimmers: box skimmers and floating skimmers. Both types filter the water by removing floating debris and waste before it’s had a chance to fall to the bottom of the pond. The box skimmer is the predominant type of skimmer on the market today because it’s easy to maintain. Box-style skimmers come with either vertical or horizontal filter mats. Horizontal mats prove to be the most effective, while providing the least amount of maintenance. In addition to frequent cleaning, vertical mats need to be constantly monitored to make sure there is enough water in the pump chamber for the pump to operate properly. An advantage of horizontal filter mats is that they lay flat so there is no sagging and they don’t lose their shape. They also never clog to the point of preventing water from passing through, so the pump chamber does not run dry. As water enters the skimmer, the large debris is removed and the water is then further filtered through the horizontal mat. The pond water then travels through the plumbing buried underground, up to the biological filter where it’s further treated before re-entering the pond. Biological Filtration Goes to WorkThe biological filter receives water that has already passed through the mechanical filter, or skimmer, typically placed on the opposite side of the pond. The water enters the biological filter via flexible pipe located near the base of the unit. The water then flows from the bottom to the top of the filter, traveling through filter media housed inside the unit. The filter media helps with the removal of fine to medium-sized particles. The larger debris was already removed by the skimmer. As the biological filter fills, it will overflow and cascade over its waterfall lip, cascading down rocks that have been set to create a beautiful and preferably natural-looking waterfall. The waterfall creates aeration for the pond, assisting in the circulation and health of the water. If a slower, stream effect is preferred, the unit simply needs to be sunk lower into the ground. The Science Behind The Design For Pond FiltrationMechanical and biological filtration are critical to processing the many types of nutrients found in a water garden system, including fish waste, uneaten fish food, leaves, and runoff from lawns to name a few. High levels of ammonia (a form of nitrogen) are highly toxic to fish and are a major contributor to prolific algae growth, and so they need to be carefully controlled. In water gardening, the primary nutrient that biological filtration utilizes and renders usable is nitrogen. In biological filtration, nitrifying bacteria, known as facultative bacteria, absorb ammonia, and turn nitrites into nitrates, which are less dangerous. These bacteria require oxygen to live, so it’s important for the pond’s pump to run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If the pump isn’t running, the waterfalls aren’t flowing, and aeration is eliminated from the necessary equation to maintain an ecosystem pond. Keep in mind that if the pump shuts down, the bacteria will quickly use up all of the oxygen and die. This isn’t a good thing. The Role of Aquatic Pond Plants
Plants help purify pond water by reducing nutrients, filtering out sediments and absorbing toxic compounds through the process of phytoremediation. If these excess nutrients are not removed, algae will feed on them, resulting in green water, string algae, or both. Algae control is not the only way plants help create a low-maintenance ecosystem pond. Submerged and marginal plants also provide food, shade, and protection for the fish and other wildlifethat live in and around the pond. Low-Fish Pond MaintenanceTo keep pond water quality high, the simple process of repeatedly turning the water over through the mechanical and biological filters is needed in order to create a naturally balanced, low-maintenance ecosystem pond. Add the remaining components of plants, fish, aeration, rock, and gravel and you will spend less time fiddling in the backyard on pond chores, it means you can enjoy more leisure time relaxing by your backyard oasis. Have A Well Balance Pond with Aquatic Plants, Fish & Filtration System Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester New York (NY) 585-442-6373Some Helpful Links:Women's Council Garden Tour 2017|Water Features|Rochester|New York|NYWomen's Council Garden Tour To Benefit Rochester Museum & Science CenterSaturday, July 15: 10am–4pm Experience six beautiful gardens in the Rochester area. Proceeds benefit the Rochester Museum & Science Center. Start the tour at the RMSC Cunningham House, 657 East Ave, to pick up the tour booklet and browse the New & Used Garden Item Sale and Raffle. You may also purchase tickets on tour date at the RMSC Cunningham House or in advance at the locations below:
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Invite You To Come See Our New Water Feature And Say Hello! Have A Backyard Water Feature Project In Mind? We’re Ready When You Are. Contact Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Today. (585) 442-6373Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls is offering this information source to our website visitors & Rochester NY Pond Owners. Our Pond services are performed in Monroe County Rochester New York (NY) & surrounding areas. Pond Maintenance, Pond Construction & Pond Repair are all in our wheelhouse of talent, Explore our website for more ideas.
How To Fix Fish Pond| Waterfall | leaks |Rochester|New York|NYIs There A Leak In Your Pond, Or Are Your Frogs & Fish Drinking All The Water?Leaks are among the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed problems anyone can have in their Rochester New York (NY) pond or waterfall. Understanding the basic principles of leak detection and repair will save you time, money, and headaches in your water gardening adventures … I guarantee it! What Is Evaporation?First, let's have a look at what evaporation is and what it isn't. Evaporation is caused by water turning into a vapor and escaping from your pond. The amount of water loss will vary according to the region of the country and the time of year. Ponds that are located in areas of the country with moderate temperatures and high humidity can expect to see 1 to 1 ½ inches of water loss per week during the spring and summer. Most of this evaporation should be replaced naturally by rain. However, if you live in an area with high temperatures and low humidity, it's possible to see 3 inches or more of evaporation in a week. The quantity and size of your waterfall(s) will also affect the amount of water that is lost. Regardless of the climate, a 4'x 6'pond with a 20-foot stream and 5 feet of cascading waterfalls may lose as much as 2 inches or more every day! Why? Splashing and moving water has greater exposure to additional evaporation than does the still water in the pond. If that same pond was 16' x 21' pond, you'd probably never even notice the additional evaporation because it's a larger pond. What It Isn'tEvaporation is not filling your pond up all the way one evening, and waking up the next morning to find the water six inches lower. That's a leak! If your pond is experiencing a loss of water at a more rapid rate, you either have a leak, or your frogs are drinking the water. Seriously, let's figure that it's a leak. What do you do then? Low EdgesLook for any low edges. Settling at the pond's edge is the most common cause of a leak, especially in a new pond. Typically, the low edges are found around the stream and waterfall where settling may have occurred after a few rainfalls. These areas are usually built up during the construction of the pond using the soil from the excavation, and are prone to some settling. Your first line of defense is to carefully inspect the edges of not only your stream and waterfall, but also the perimeter of the pond. As the dirt around the stream or waterfall settles, it can create low spots that may cause water to escape over the edge of the liner. Keep your eyes peeled for wet mulch or gravel, or muddy areas around the perimeter of yourpond. If you find a spot that's leaking, all you have to do is lift the liner up and push some soil under it in order to raise the edge. Bingo – leak fixed! Another possibility is that water is splashing out of your stream. To fix a "splash leak," all you have to do is adjust a few of the rocks under and around your waterfall. This will contain or redirect the splash and it will stop the splash leak. Once again, you've solved the problem the easy and cost-effective way ... using common sense. Low edges can be built back up by simply backfilling and compacting soil beneath the liner in order to raise the edge of the liner above the water level. Obstructions In The Stream And Waterfalls In addition to checking for low edges, you should also check your stream and waterfall. Rocks and excessive plant or algae growth in the stream or BIOFALLS filter can restrict the flow of water and divert it over the edge of the liner. Plants and algae should be maintained by trimming them back in order to let the water pass freely. All in all, these leaks are extremely easy to fix Still Leaking?You've spent 15 minutes or so following the suggestions listed above and you still can't find the leak. What do you do next? It's time for a little more work, and some drastic measures. You'll have to shut your pump off for a day. By doing this, you'll be able to determine the approximate location of the leak.
When The Water Drops
Now the fun begins! At this point, you may want to consider calling in Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls, but if you want to continue on your own you'll need to:
Steady And LevelIf the water level remains the same, then it is safe to assume that the leak is not in the pond. Now you'll need to check the pipe, the plumbing fittings, and the pump connections for leaks. Another possible culprit is the faceplate of your skimmer, if you have one. If the water level stopped dropping above the bottom of the faceplate you should investigate the skimmer. It may not have sealed correctly. If the Leak Is in the Skimmer
It's not fun when your pond is losing water. It can be a time-consuming and frustrating process to locate the leak. Hopefully with these steps and tips, you can quickly locate the source of the leak and get right back to enjoying your water garden. It’s A Great Time To Upgrade Your Pond.When your pond is in need of repair or a total renovation, it is a great time to look into the upgrades you always wanted. Have you thought about…
If Your Pond Is Experiencing A Leak, Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Can Help You, Call Us 585-442-6373Some Helpful Pond Info Links:How To Protect Pond Fish And Koi From Heron|Rochester|NY|New York|near meA lot of time and effort are spent caring for our fish friends in Rochester NY. Fish protection is of utmost importance when the foliage of our plants start to give way to colder temperatures. Since this change comes about pretty abruptly, we figure it’s good to get our cards out on the table early. An informed attack is a successful one when it comes to predator defense! Heron, Stalking A PondFirst let’s determine who is after our pals. Predators vary depending on your geographical location. For us in Rochester NY, it’s mainly the Heron & curious Raccoon but those are the two most prevalent in the hobby. It’s for this reason, that we need to be proactive, not reactive, to our pets’ protection. There are others but these are the two most prevalent in the hobby. For the heron, things get a little more challenging. They are very crafty and smart birds and you should not underestimate them. There are many methods available to keep them or scare them away from your pond – from plastic heron statue replicas to floating alligator decoys and motion-activated sprinkler. Keeping them in a fresh position will be sure to send an “I’m real” vibe to intruders. The floating Alligator is just convincing enough to keep the Heron from swooping in on your oasis. Just be sure to keep the head and body exposed and free from tangling in your plants. These options toward him all offer varying levels of success for every water garden hobbyist. Pond Predators In Rochester NYPond Plants Are Also A Great Measure Against Attacks
ScareCrowAnother decoy on the market is a motion-activated sprinkler called a Scarecrow. When the predator gets close enough the motion sensor will activate, and the visitor will get a quick blast of water. The water will turn on for a couple of seconds and is usually enough to annoy whatever predator may be present. Our clients have had great success with this device in the past! The Scarecrow doesn’t distinguish between predator or human, so you can watch your friends, family, and even us if we are maintaining your pond get shot by a stream of water! Funny!) If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373Some Helpful Pond Info Links:7 Tips For Planting Your Pond|Backyard Pond Design|Rochester|NY|New YorkFrom colorful lilies that dance on the pond’s surface to aquatic forget-me-nots that hug the edges of your Rochester NY water garden, it’s the amazing pond plants that put the “garden” in “water garden.” You can apply many of the same tips and guidelines you use to create your terrestrial flower beds. Things like color, height, and planting conditions are things you’ll want to consider when it comes to naturalizing your pond with plants. 1. Create Interest with Variety. Random placement of plants with varying textures and colors will create more interest than using plants that have all the same growth habit or leaf shape. 2. Play with Colors. Choose colors you like best and consider the type of lighting your pond receives. Yellow, orange, and white help brighten shady areas, while cool blue and violet tone down the intensity of the sun’s rays. 3. Go Green. A soft, calming space is created by using different textures and shades of green foliage. The combination is effective on its own, but also looks great when accented only by white flowers. You can also play with color based on leaf selection alone, since you’ll find aquatic foliage in a range of colors such as red, purple, yellow, and several variegated combinations. 4. Know Your Plant Size. One of the biggest mistakes novice water gardeners make is failing to realize how big their pond plants might grow. Be sure to take height and width of the mature plant into consideration and allow enough space for future growth. 5. Short in Front, Tall in Back. This might seem like a no-brainer, but always put shorter plants in front of taller ones. Most likely, you’ll spend most of your time viewing your water garden from a deck or patio, so keep that sight line in mind when planting your pond. 6. Group Plants Together. Interior decorators tell you to group like objects together when decorating your home, to create visual impact. Use this same principle when planting your pond. Plant a row of marsh marigolds along a stretch of the ponds edge, as opposed to dotting them all around the pond in single locations. 7. Consider Each Plant’s Needs. Be mindful of how much sun your aquatic plants require, along with their planting depth. If a plant requires full sun, that’s a minimum of 6 hours of unobstructed (ie not dappled shade) sun per day. If you’re not sure what your plant needs, search online for information. You’ll want to ensure an interesting mix of aquatic plant types for your water garden. Plant a few marginal at the pond’s edge, include colorful water lilies or even a lotus, add floating plants like water lettuce, and include submerged plants to help add oxygen to yourpond. Variety is the spice of gardening life, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Have A Backyard Water Feature Project In Mind? We’re Ready When You Are. Contact Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Today. (585) 442-6373SOME HELPFUL POND INFO LINKS:How To Attract Birds, Dragonflies & Butterflies To Your Pond In Rochester NYAdd Water To Your YardUse of moving water like a small bubbler, patio pond fountain, ponds& pondless can attract birds and they will be coming back to your Rochester NY garden to drink and bathe. Not all birds may be interested in the foods you offer, but many more species will take advantage of water. Attracting birds, dragonflies & butterflies to your pond can be easy, and summer is a fantastic season to attract them to your water garden, and if you take steps to meet birds' needs for food, water, shelter and nesting sites, you will be pleasantly surprised at how many different birds take you up on your avian hospitality. Just like attracting any wildlife, it is essential to meet butterflies' basic needs to entice them to regularly visit your backyard pond. Opt for native plants whenever possible. Both birds and butterflies will be more familiar with native varieties, and native plants will thrive better on less care. Eliminate insecticide use. Not only will insecticides kill butterflies, but they also kill other insects that birds will eat. Instead, attract birds to the garden and rely on them for natural pest control. One way to attract dragonflies to your patio pond, pond & pondless is adding aquatic plants. Female dragonflies lay their eggs on submerged aquatic plants, mud banks submerged in water or, if they can't find a better spot, directly in the water. They live underwater for months and sometimes years before emerging as adults. Dragonflies attack and eat insects. These beneficial creatures can be an asset to the garden, keeping menacing insects such as mosquitoes to a minimum. Have A Backyard Water Feature Project In Mind? We’re Ready When You Are. Contact Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Today. (585) 442-6373Other Links That May Be Useful:Spring Pond Maintenance|Tips For A Clear Pond|Rochester|New York|NYNow that spring is here, you’re probably noticing some changes in your pond – your fish are coming back to life and you may even be able to see some plant growth. Some changes that are taking place, however, aren’t so desirable, like that excess algae growth that you’ve noticing. Understanding the transition that your pond makes from winter into spring and summer is essential in maintaining a healthy pond ecosystem. You may have just spent your weekend cleaning your pond – or having your pond contractor do it for you. A couple of days … weeks pass, and you notice an incredible growth of string algae. “Not again,” you screech to yourself. “I thought my pond was clean!” Well, my friend, cleanliness does not necessarily mean algae-free, especially in the cool water of the early spring. Some simple, important steps can be the difference between a balanced pond with minimal maintenance and a pond that requires unnecessary maintenance. Although bacteria and plants don’t start growing properly until water temperature reaches 55°F, there are still some simple steps you can take to maintain a crystal clear, trouble-free pond. 1) The PlantsSince plants directly compete with algae for nutrients and sunlight, they are probably the most important addition to your pond. Add a wide variety of plants to your pond. This not only creates a natural look, but also will help reduce the algae in different areas of your pond. Place your floating plants, such as water lettuce, in your BioFalls Filter. These floating plants reproduce rapidly, using up enormous amounts of nutrients. A stick placed across the front of the BioFalls Filter will prevent the plants from flowing over the front of the waterfalls and into the pond. Plenty of bog and marginal plants should be added to the pond. Plants such ascattails and iris take up large quantities of nutrients. They are hardy and will be back each spring to help keep your pond balanced. Cover the water surface of the pond by planting waterlilies. Lily pads float on the top of the pond, shading the water. 2) The Bacteria
Automatic Dosing System
3) The FishFish are also sensitive to water temperature, and as it warms up, you will see more activity, and be tempted to feed them. You’ve missed your fish all winter, but until the water temperature is consistently at 55° F, don’t feed them. Their metabolism is still in slow motion and they are unable to digest the food properly. If you do feed them and food cannot be digested, this can result in food starting to decay in the body of the fish causing fish to become sick and possibly resulting in their death. When you do start feeding them, begin with small amounts of a quality fish food formulated for colder water temperature, such as Aquascape Premium Coldwater Fish Food Pellets for all pond fish. 4) Patience Please.....It takes time for the bacteria to establish itself and colonize to the point of being a benefit to your pond. In general, a new pond can take anywhere from two to six weeks for the bacteria population to reach this point. We Recommend Fully Draining & Cleaning Your Koi Fish Pond At Least Once Every Year Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Can Help You, Call Us 585-442-6373Other Helpful Pond Info Links:When To Stop Feeding Pond Fish & Koi| Rochester NYYou've enjoyed the summer relaxing next to your Rochester NY water garden and now the time has come when the leaves start littering the ground and our ponds. The nets are also going over the ponds, but your fish are still swimming around and there is still time to enjoy your pond. So, the most popular question I receive this time of year is: What is my fall fish feeding protocol and when should I stop feeding them? Even though it's fall and the temperatures are falling a well balanced diet is still important for your fish. When pond temperatures fall below 60-degrees, your fishes’ metabolism and digestive system begins to slow down, which inhibits the ability to digest protein effectively. Investing in a pond thermometer will help you determine when to change the eating regimen of your beloved finned friends. Aquascape Premium Cold Water Fish Food has been scientifically formulated to provide quality nutrition to all pond fish, including goldfish and koi. The inclusion of spirulina and wheat germ helps make the food easier to digest at colder water temperatures. Feeding your fish the proper food will help ensure your fish survive their winter slumber. So in conclusion you should still be feeding your fish, but feeding a well balance fall formulated food once the water temperatures reach 60-degrees. We recommend you stop feeding all together, once water temperatures reach 50-degrees. If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373Some Helpful Pond Links:Koi Pond Design| Installing A Fish Pond| Rochester (NY)|Acorn PondsGreat Tips For Installing A Pond In Rochester (NY) New YorkAre you considering adding a water garden or pond to your Rochester (NY) New York home? Are you ready to start enjoying the water gardening lifestyle? These tips will help you design and build a water gardenwhether you want to do it yourself or hire it out. Tip # 1 LocationLocate your pond close to the house so that it can be enjoyed from both inside and outside the home. Tip #2 Use A Pond KitAquascape offers a top of the line pond kit that includes all the components necessary to build your pond. Be sure to place your skimmer at the lowest point on one end and your waterfall spillway on the opposite end. Tip #3 EcosystemProvide a balanced ecosystem for your pond with the addition of plants and fish. Aquatic plants will take the nutrients out of the water that algae compete for and the fish will fertilize the plants! Tip #4 Add A Stream And WaterfallA small shallow stream is perfect for birds to come and get a drink and take a bath. Be sure to angle the waterfall towards the viewing area Tip #5 Install A Fish CaveTip #6 Underwater LED LightingThe addition of low voltage led lighting will extend your enjoyment time. It will turn on and off automatically and are very cost efficient to run. Get Underwater Lighting for in the pond and around the waterfalls. Have A Backyard Water Feature Project In Mind? We’re Ready When You Are. Contact Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Today. (585) 442-6373Some Helpful Pond Info Links:5 Critical Summer Fish Pond Tips For New York By Pond Contractor Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester (NY)Now that summer has arrived in Rochester New York (NY), there are things that you need to remember about your water feature in order to keep a balanced ecosystem pond along with happy fish! Take a moment to refresh your memory with these 5 critically important tips.
Often, people do not realize how much water can evaporate from a pond during the dog days of summer. The Eastern states typically lose 1 to 1.5″ of water each week. Pond owners in the hot, arid Southwest have reported evaporation levels in excess of 3″ a week. Remember, these are averages. Some ponds may not experience evaporation levels this high. Other ponds with large pumps pushing high volumes of water, or ponds designed with multiple waterfalls and a lot of cascades and splashing may have evaporation rates much greater than these. If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373Some Helpful Pond Info Links:Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls is offering this blog as a personal information source to our website visitors & Rochester NY Pond Owners. Our Pond services are performed in Monroe County Rochester New York (NY) & surrounding areas. Pond Maintenance, Pond Construction & Pond Repair are all in our wheelhouse of talent, Explore our website for more ideas.
Gorgeous Lotus | Water Features | Rochester | New York | NYThe Absolutely Gorgeous Lotus is the pinnacle of the water feature gardening season for us. We look forward to seeing the happy blooms sprout up from the surface and those delicate petals unfurl. These flowers are in a class all their own! Perfectly balanced and gently colored, usually in a white or delicate pink tone, the petals pile softly on top of one another making nothing more than plant perfection. Yeah. We’re BIG fans of this one! We wait through some pretty terrible winter weather to get to see these beauties. Here Are Some Tips To Keeping Your Lotus Happy & Amazing Year After YearKeep the Lotus tuber in a pot without holes. Clay is best for the root system to grow easily. The rooting system needs the constant moisture to continue fantastic growth. The Lotus can be fertilized during the growing season as often as the Water Lily, once a month during the summer will ensure plenty of nutrients for the plant to thrive. The leaves will yellow much the same way a Water Lilies pads do when they need to be trimmed and removed. The lovely flower however will simply open and its petals will fall off the stem after fully blooming. The base of the Lotus must be completely submerged in the water, but a shallow plant shelf will reward you with lots of blooms and great growth.
Keep Your Pond Looking Great With Pond Maintenance Services By Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY) Call Us 585-442-6373Some Helpful Pond Info LinksHow Much & How Often I Should Feed My Koi Pond Fish|Rochester|New York|NY|Acorn Ponds & WaterfallsHow Much Should I Feed My Koi Pond Fish In Rochester New York (NY) ?Feed your fish one to three times a day during the feeding months, when water temperatures are 55 Degrees F and above. When the temperature drops to 55 Degrees F, switch to a low protein food just a few times a week and then stop feeding altogether when water temperature hits 50 Degrees F. If they get hungry later, there will be plenty of natural things like algae in the pond to nibble on that are easier to digest. Spring Is Here, When Can I Start Feeding My Pond Fish Again?Once spring is officially here and your water temperature is 50 degrees F, start feeding your fish small amounts of cold water low protein fish food again just a few times a week but wait until you are sure winter is over. Rule Of Thumb For How Much To Feed Your FishRule of thumb is feed only enough food that your fish will consume in 3-5 minutes during warm temperatures. A thermometer can be purchased and suspended in your pond so you know what the temperature is. Why Do I Need To Be So Careful About Feeding My FishFish start slowing down in preparation for a period of semi-dormancy as the water temperature cools down in the fall. Their digestive and immune systems slow down, and they are not capable of digesting the same types of foods that they can during the warmer months. Koi are particularly susceptible to problems at this time, as they have no stomach to aid in digestion; food will pass directly into their small intestines, where it will sit and rot. Watch your fish closely during temperature changes and it is better to under feed them a little than over feed them. Remember there are plenty of natural foods already in your pond for your fish to eat. Build & Maintain Your Koi Fish Pond With Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester NY – Call Today! 585-442-6373Some Helpful Pond Info Links:Koi Fish Pond Design|Caves|Tunnels|Rochester New York (NY)YES! Your Koi Fish Will Need Places To Hide In Your Fish Pond In Rochester New York (NY)To escape predators and seek refuge, your fish need places to go when they get stressed out. A well designed pond that has rock & gravel covering the entire liner is great beginning. When building & designing garden fish ponds, we like to offer multiple places for the fish to escape to. Where Can Your Koi Fish Hide In Your Pond?
Build & Maintain Your Koi Pond Or Water Feature With Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls – Call Today! 585-442-6373Some Helpful Pond Info Links:How Many Koi Fish You Can Put In A Pond|Rochester|New York|NY|Acorn Ponds & WaterfallsA Frequently Asked Question: "How many fish can I put in my pond " In Rochester New York (NY) ?
Rule Of Thumb For Your Fish
The Fish In Your Pond Will Grow
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373Some Helpful Links:
Pond Aeration|Koi Fish Ponds|Ecosystem Ponds|Filters|Rochester New York (NY)Pond Aeration Ideas - Rochester New York (NY)
Four Ways We Aerate Fish Ponds In Rochester (NY) New York : The four ways we aerate fish ponds in Rochester (NY) New York :
Aerators
Solid Handling Pumps
Waterfall Filtration
Spitters & Fountains
Keep Your Koi Pond Looking Great With Pond Aeration Services By Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY) Call Us 585-442-6373Some Helpful Pond Info Links:How To Clean A Pond In Rochester New York (NY)Acorn recommends fully draining and cleaning your koi fish pond at least once every year, otherwise you might have to deal with other problems such as increased maintenance or fish health issues not to mention possible increased repairs for your pond or pump. Items Needed Should You Decide To Do It Yourself
Steps Involved For A Successful Pond Cleaning.
Click here to get more pond maintenance & cleaning tips for koi or fish ponds Hire A Pro To Clean Your Pond In Rochester New York (NY) |
The Aquascape Pond De-Icer prevents winter fish loss in Rochester, Monroe County NY by keeping a hole open in the ice during the cold winter months. The Pond De-Icer helps ensure there is sufficient oxygen levels and proper gas exchange in the pond helping to prevent fish loss…even during extreme weather conditions. |
Energy Efficient
The Aquascape Pond De-Icer is energy efficient, requiring only 300-watts of electricity. The low energy consumption of the Aquascape Pond De-Icer results in a heater that costs 5x less to operate than traditional Pond De-Icers you would find in the market. |
Stainless Steel Construction
Hire Acorn To Take Care of All Your Pond Maintenance Needs In Rochester NY! Call Tom At
(585) 442-6373
Prevent Winter Fish Loss And Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls To Prepare Your Pond In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373
10 Tips For Fall Pond Care|Rochester|New York|NY|Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls
What Should I Do With My Pond In The Winter?
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.
- 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
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
Click here to see review on Houzz
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)
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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. |
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. |
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. |
- 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)
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
- Short piece of flexible pipe.
- Saw or utility knife to cut the pipe.
- Coupling to connect the pipe.
- Fishing Line.
Install Your New Water Plants
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
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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