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.  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.  How To Identify If Your Pond Needs Its Filters Cleaned (Summer Maintenance)
*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
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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.
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.
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.
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. 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?
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.
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 How To Get Rid Of Pond Algae|Rochester New York|NY|AcornPonds&Waterfalls The annual ritual of the spring clean-out for the pond or water garden is just the answer. Physically changing the water in your pond, not just treating it,immediately reduces nutrient levels. Removing the leaves, branches, sludge, and other organic debris in your pond removes the source of nutrient build up. Cleaning your filters and starting up your pond system starts breaking down and controlling the remaining nutrients. Get Rid Of Pond Algae - Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Can Help You, Call Us 585-442-6373Do You Want To Remove Your Algae?NY|What Is An Exploratory Pond Cleaning|Water Feature|Service|Rochester|New York|Near MePond (Exploratory & Analyzation) Cleaning Services - Rochester New York (NY) |
| Are you buying a home or have you recently purchased one that has a water feature or pond in Rochester or Western New York (NY) and would it be a good idea to hire a professional pond company to clean, assess, and educate you on the system you have? Having a true pond professional (Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls) figure out and explain everything to you regarding your new water garden and what it is that you need to do for maximum enjoyment can save a lot of headaches down the road. |  |
Peace Of Mind With Your New Water Garden
 | As we know not all ponds are created equal and having extensive pond knowledge will allow a good pond contractor to help guide you. Let's face it, "peace of mind" is everything! It is a state of mental and emotional calmness, with no worries, fears or stress. In the state, the mind is quiet and you can experience a sense of happiness and freedom. Escaping from the stress of life by a beautiful and enjoyable pond will definitely create "Peace Of Mind". |
The Process To Help Homeowners Understand Their Newly Inherited Ponds:
 | The first step is to drain out all the water in the pond to see what is going on. All aquatic life(fish, frogs, etc.) are placed in large holding tubs. The plants remain in the pond. Once the water is out, everything in the pond is examined and explained to the homeowners. It is always important for one homeowner to be present to actually see and understand what is happening. This is time well spent as trying to understand through a phone conversation can be very difficult. The filters are also cleaned and inspected at the time of service. At the end of the cleaning Acorn Ponds provide the homeowner (a written report if desired) a report of all their findings. Basically, the Acorn Ponds team will explain to a new pond owner what they have, and what they can do to make it better and lower maintenance. |
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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How To Fix Fish Pond| Waterfall | leaks |Rochester|New York|NY
Is 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!
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.
Ponds that are located in areas of the country with moderate temperatures and high humidity can expect to see 1 to 1 ½ inches of water loss per week during the spring and summer. Most of this evaporation should be replaced naturally by rain. However, if you live in an area with high temperatures and low humidity, it's possible to see 3 inches or more of evaporation in a week.
The quantity and size of your waterfall(s) will also affect the amount of water that is lost. Regardless of the climate, a 4'x 6'pond with a 20-foot stream and 5 feet of cascading waterfalls may lose as much as 2 inches or more every day!
Why? Splashing and moving water has greater exposure to additional evaporation than does the still water in the pond. If that same pond was 16' x 21' pond, you'd probably never even notice the additional evaporation because it's a larger pond.
What It Isn't
Evaporation is not filling your pond up all the way one evening, and waking up the next morning to find the water six inches lower. That's a leak! If your pond is experiencing a loss of water at a more rapid rate, you either have a leak, or your frogs are drinking the water. Seriously, let's figure that it's a leak. What do you do then?
Low Edges
Look 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.
- Make sure the pond is filled to the appropriate level.
- Unplug the pump.
- Let the pond sit for 24 hours.
- If the water level drops, then you know the leak is in the pond.
When The Water Drops
- To find out where the leak is occurring, allow the water level to continue to drop. The level where the water stops dropping is the level where the leak is located.
- Concentrate your search around the perimeter of the pond at the level that the water has stopped dropping.
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:
- Remove any rocks around the entire perimeter at the level where the water stopped. You can then carefully check for some sort of puncture, or hole in the liner.
- When you find the hole, you simply patch it with a liner patch kit available at pond supply retailers.
- Now you can replace the rocks, fill the pond back to the top, and enjoy!
Steady And Level
If 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.
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
- Investigate the skimmer faceplate without disassembling it.
- Simply move a few rocks around the front of the skimmer and slide your hand behind the liner, feeling for wet soil around the opening of the skimmer. If the soil is saturated, then the faceplate may have not been installed properly and might be the source of the leak.
- Remove the faceplate, clean all of the old silicone off the liner, and refer back to the instruction manual on proper procedures for sealing the skimmer faceplate to the skimmer. Hopefully, you've solved the leak.
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…
Have you thought about…
- Adding a waterfall to your pond?
- Putting in decorative lights?
- Using a safety edge for added reassurance?
- Adding a stream with your waterfall?
- Installing a bog filter?
If Your Pond Is Experiencing A Leak, Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Can Help You, Call Us 585-442-6373
Some 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.
- 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.
- Aquatic plants such as waterlilies help provide fish with shade from the heat of summer sun, cooling the water and making algae control easier too.
- Is there really a leak?
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.
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) 585-442-6373
Some 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.
Pond Sludge|Muck|Removal|Cleaning|Services|Rochester|New York|NY|Near Me
 | Sludge or muck is merely the organic waste of plants and animals that accumulates at the bottom of every pond. If you don't drain & clean your pond every year, the buildup of sludge can be overwhelming making it more difficult to get rid of. Sludge & muck buildup can lead to more pond problems as well as be detrimental or harmful to the health of your koi fish. |
So How Do I Get Rid Of It?
 | The quickest way to get rid of the muck & sludge is to physically remove it. The pond must be pumped all the way down to the bottom and the muck can be removed with buckets, shovels, vacuums & power washers. There are chemicals available to aid in the removal of light muck buildup but will take time & patience working with the different products. |
How To Keep Muck & Sludge Under Control
To control muck & sludge in your pond:
- Keep your pond clear of organic materials such as leaves, sticks & twigs.
- Cut back aquatic pond plants in the fall.
- Add beneficial bacteria to your pond regularly.
- Drain & clean your pond at least once a year.
- Install a waterfall filter in your pond.
- Install a skimmer in your pond.
- Use aeration when needed in the summer.
- Don't overstock your pond with fish, koi & goldfish.
Have Your Pond Professionally Built & Maintained By Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY) (585) 442-6373
Send us pictures of your dirty pond for a pond cleaning quote and get help now tom@acornponds.com
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
 Click image to learn more about pond cleaning & maintenance in Rochester (NY) | For a thorough pond cleaningand to protect yourself and your fish efficiently, we recommend using the following equipment (pictured in illustration to the left). |
Steps Involved For A Successful Pond Cleaning.
- Drain your pond down until there are just a few inches of water. Store some of the pond water in a holding tank and keep tank covered & aerated.
- Carefully collect your koi & fish and put them in the tank with the pond water.
- Drain the rest of the water out of the pond and remove large debris.
- Power wash the rock & gravel in the entire pond and remove all sludge & muck.
- Trim & deadhead all aquatic water plants.
- Vacuum out the waterfall filter & skimmer.
- Clean & rinse all filter media(replace filter pads every year) & inspect the waterfall pump intake.
- Adjust any dislodged rocks & inspect your lighting system.
- Start adding water to the pond as well as de-chlorinator.
- Acclimate your pond fish and re-introduce them to the pond.
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)
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Call Us Now! (585)-442-6373
We do most of our pond cleaning & in the spring but we offer the service all year long. Cleaning a fish pond is dirty, back breaking, hard work. Let us do the heavy lifting of cleaning your pond. We can set it up so it is easy to take care for the rest of the year and you can maintain it yourself.
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
SCHEDULE A POND CLEANING SERVICE WITH ACORN NOW!
Beneficial Bacteria||Pond Water Treatments|Maintenance|Rochester NY
Fall Pond Water Treatments
Shorter, cooler days in Rochester, Monroe County NY mean your pond could benefit from some special attention. To keep your pond water clean and clear throughout the fall season, be sure to stock up on Aquascape Cold Water Beneficial Bacteria, which works at temperatures below 50F and contains 7 pure strains of concentrated beneficial bacteria that go to work quickly, cleaning and balancing your ornamental pond.
Continue to add beneficial bacteria to your pond until you begin to see ice form on the surface.
Continue to add beneficial bacteria to your pond until you begin to see ice form on the surface.
Cold Water Pond Bacteria for Spring & Fall
Aquascape Cold Water Beneficial Bacteria maintains a strong biological balance, providing clean, clear, and healthy water conditions. It reduces ammonia, nitrite, and organic debris, meaning less pond maintenance for you! Cold Water Beneficial Bacteria is safe for plants and fish.
If you have questions or need help with the maintenance of your ornamental or backyard goldfish pond and you live near Rochester, Monroe County, NY call 585.442.6373 or Contact us Now!
If you have questions or need help with the maintenance of your ornamental or backyard goldfish pond and you live near Rochester, Monroe County, NY call 585.442.6373 or Contact us Now!
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Offering Pond Maintenance Services & Landscape Ideas For Rochester, Monroe County, NY
Looking for Pond Maintenance Services or Landscape DesignIdeas In Pittsford, NY? If you don't see your town below, give us a call 585.442.6373
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls 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, Near Me
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls 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, Near Me
Fall Pond Water Treatments Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Can Help You, Call Us 585-442-6373
Demand The Best, Have It Installed Right...
The First Time!
 Pond Cleaning Services in Pittsford, NY! |  Fall Pond Maintenance In Pittsford, NY! |
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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