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Is The Pond Too Hot For My Koi?|Rochester|NY|New York|Near Me  Can Warm Temperatures Have An Impact On My Koi Fish Or Pond?It’s July in Rochester (NY) and the summer heat may have you questioning the water temperature in your koi pond. Although Koi can survive in up to 90 degrees F. it doesn’t mean they’re healthy at that temperature. Make sure your pond has plenty of circulation and oxygenation with waterfalls and/or deep aeration to protect your fish from the heat.  How Will Aeration Help My Pond?The addition of deep aeration in the summer will help turn over the entire pond including warm surface temperatures and cool bottom temperatures which will help cool the pond. Once summer is over, the aeration system should be changed to shallow water. This will help keep an opening in the ice and provide a slightly warmer temperature for your fish on the pond bottom. Waterfall aeration will help add oxygen to the pond encouraging growth of beneficial bacteria which also helps keep the water clear. Some Helpful Links:
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Is Wetland Filtration Right For My Koi Pond|Rochester|NY|New York|near Me  Having water clarity problems or thinking about upgrading your Rochester NY pond? You may want to consider adding a wetland filter. A constructed wetland or bog filter functions similar to biological filter (waterfall filter) except there is an up-flow system that recirculates the water underneath and a shallow, plant filled area with gravel to help bacteria colonization. It mimics a natural wetland and provides crystal clear water quality. If wetland filtration was a car, think of it as the Tesla. The addition of a properly installed constructed (bog) wetlands will make any pond look natural and beautiful. Did you know more plant and animal life is associated with natural wetlands than any ecosystem in the world? By adding a wetland you are not only improving your ponds health but also adding to the diversity of nature. Constructed wetlands can be installed on new water gardens or added to an existing pond! Check Out The Water Clarity Of A Wetland Filtration System On This 6' Deep Koi Pond!
Some Helpful Links 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.
Check Your Stream & Waterfall For Ice Damsit’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.  Add Beauty To Your Garden During The WinterIf 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) 585-442-6373Backyard Pond Tour|Koi Ponds|Fountains|Recreational Pond|Rochester|New York|NY|Near YouTom 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) 585-442-6373Some 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.
NY|Landscape Ideas|Small Space Water Features Rochester|New York|Near MeLooking 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.  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.  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. 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.
 Birds and butterflies enjoy visiting outdoor fountains to enjoy a refreshing splash or nourishing drink.
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:Small Backyard Ponds Rochester|NY|Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Small ponds are an attractive option in Rochester New York (NY) for a number of reasons! If you’re under the impression that a pond simply won’t fit in your yard … think again! Ponds come in a variety of shapes and sizes and their versatility is what makes them such a great addition to your landscape … in addition to the music of the waterfalls and the birds and butterflies they attract. You might not think to use big rocks for a smaller pond, but a few boulders create focal points, softened by aquatic plants. The flat rock on the left is a perfect spot to sit and dangle tired tootsies in the water.  The waterfall is in proportion to these small ponds, nestled snug against the corner of a patio. This used to be a boring patch of grass, but now the homeowners love sitting outside to drink in this view.   A waterfall and winding stream spill gently into this small pond. A mix of aquatic and terrestrial plants mingle with the rocks and water.  Not sure what to do with that empty space beneath an outdoor staircase? Add a waterfall and pond! This one tucks nicely into this once unused area next to a lower level patio.  Transform Your Landscape Into An Extension Of Your HomeWhether you choose a small 4’x6′ pond or something much larger, you won’t regret sprinkling your landscape with a little water. Hire Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY) To Install Your Backyard Pond . Call Today! (585) 442-6373​NY|WHY HIRE US? Pond Contractor Reviews|Pond services|Rochester|New York|Near MeAcorn Ponds & Waterfalls specialize in backyard fish (Koi) pond & water features design, maintenance & construction in Rochester & Western counties of New York (NY). Please take a moment to watch this video of our clients as they go over their experiences with us. Choose Acorn to help you add a little bit of paradise to your gardens. 585-442-6373 Our Other Pond Services Include: Cleaning, Maintenance, Repair & Renovation Of Water Features & Backyard Water Gardens Rochester New York (NY) Have Your New Water Feature Or Backyard Pond Professionally Installed By Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY)Some Helpful Pond Info BlogsEffective Way To Filter Pond Water | Rochester NY| Acorn Ponds & WaterfallsOne of the common misconceptions consumers have today about Rochester (NY) pond ownership is that maintenanceis tedious and time consuming but this simply isn’t true when proper steps are taken to create an ecosystem pond that filters pond water and works with Mother Nature, not against her.  Ecosystem Pond Filtration In Rochester New York (NY) In addition to plants, fish, aeration, rocks and gravel, a low-maintenance ecosystem pond requires adequate filtration to help keep the water crystal clear. Three types of pond filters are available on the market and include biological, mechanical, and sterilizers. 1.- Biological filters use bacteria to break down pond wastes, converting them into less harmful compounds that can be used as aquatic plant fertilizers. 2.- Mechanical filters trap and remove debris and sediment. 3.- Water sterilizers pass water through a tube that houses an ultraviolet bulb, killing living microscopic particles in the water. A good biological filtration system, teamed with a proper mechanical filter toremove solids before the water enters the biological filtration unit, is the most effective way to filter water. With adequate biological and mechanical filtration, the need for sterilizers is eliminated altogether, thereby ensuring a natural ecosystem pond. The Job of a Pond Skimmer
The main function of mechanical filtration, or skimmer, is to remove debris before it sinks to the bottom of the pond and decays. The skimmer also houses and hides the pump and plumbing from view, as opposed to being placed directly in the pond where they become an eyesore. The skimmer won’t drain the pond if a possible leak occurs in either the plumbing or waterfalls. There are two main types of skimmers: box skimmers and floating skimmers. Both types filter the water by removing floating debris and waste before it’s had a chance to fall to the bottom of the pond. The box skimmer is the predominant type of skimmer on the market today because it’s easy to maintain. Box-style skimmers come with either vertical or horizontal filter mats. Horizontal mats prove to be the most effective, while providing the least amount of maintenance. In addition to frequent cleaning, vertical mats need to be constantly monitored to make sure there is enough water in the pump chamber for the pump to operate properly. An advantage of horizontal filter mats is that they lay flat so there is no sagging and they don’t lose their shape. They also never clog to the point of preventing water from passing through, so the pump chamber does not run dry. As water enters the skimmer, the large debris is removed and the water is then further filtered through the horizontal mat. The pond water then travels through the plumbing buried underground, up to the biological filter where it’s further treated before re-entering the pond. Biological Filtration Goes to Work
The biological filter receives water that has already passed through the mechanical filter, or skimmer, typically placed on the opposite side of the pond. The water enters the biological filter via flexible pipe located near the base of the unit. The water then flows from the bottom to the top of the filter, traveling through filter media housed inside the unit. The filter media helps with the removal of fine to medium-sized particles. The larger debris was already removed by the skimmer. As the biological filter fills, it will overflow and cascade over its waterfall lip, cascading down rocks that have been set to create a beautiful and preferably natural-looking waterfall. The waterfall creates aeration for the pond, assisting in the circulation and health of the water. If a slower, stream effect is preferred, the unit simply needs to be sunk lower into the ground. The Science Behind The Design For Pond FiltrationMechanical and biological filtration are critical to processing the many types of nutrients found in a water garden system, including fish waste, uneaten fish food, leaves, and runoff from lawns to name a few. High levels of ammonia (a form of nitrogen) are highly toxic to fish and are a major contributor to prolific algae growth, and so they need to be carefully controlled. In water gardening, the primary nutrient that biological filtration utilizes and renders usable is nitrogen. In biological filtration, nitrifying bacteria, known as facultative bacteria, absorb ammonia, and turn nitrites into nitrates, which are less dangerous. These bacteria require oxygen to live, so it’s important for the pond’s pump to run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If the pump isn’t running, the waterfalls aren’t flowing, and aeration is eliminated from the necessary equation to maintain an ecosystem pond. Keep in mind that if the pump shuts down, the bacteria will quickly use up all of the oxygen and die. This isn’t a good thing. The Role of Aquatic Pond Plants
Plants help purify pond water by reducing nutrients, filtering out sediments and absorbing toxic compounds through the process of phytoremediation. If these excess nutrients are not removed, algae will feed on them, resulting in green water, string algae, or both. Algae control is not the only way plants help create a low-maintenance ecosystem pond. Submerged and marginal plants also provide food, shade, and protection for the fish and other wildlifethat live in and around the pond. Low-Fish Pond Maintenance To keep pond water quality high, the simple process of repeatedly turning the water over through the mechanical and biological filters is needed in order to create a naturally balanced, low-maintenance ecosystem pond. Add the remaining components of plants, fish, aeration, rock, and gravel and you will spend less time fiddling in the backyard on pond chores, it means you can enjoy more leisure time relaxing by your backyard oasis. Have A Well Balance Pond with Aquatic Plants, Fish & Filtration System Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester New York (NY) 585-442-6373Some Helpful Links:How To Fix Fish Pond| Waterfall | leaks |Rochester|New York|NYIs There A Leak In Your Pond, Or Are Your Frogs & Fish Drinking All The Water?Leaks are among the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed problems anyone can have in their Rochester New York (NY) pond or waterfall. Understanding the basic principles of leak detection and repair will save you time, money, and headaches in your water gardening adventures … I guarantee it!  What Is Evaporation?First, let's have a look at what evaporation is and what it isn't. Evaporation is caused by water turning into a vapor and escaping from your pond. The amount of water loss will vary according to the region of the country and the time of year. Ponds that are located in areas of the country with moderate temperatures and high humidity can expect to see 1 to 1 ½ inches of water loss per week during the spring and summer. Most of this evaporation should be replaced naturally by rain. However, if you live in an area with high temperatures and low humidity, it's possible to see 3 inches or more of evaporation in a week. The quantity and size of your waterfall(s) will also affect the amount of water that is lost. Regardless of the climate, a 4'x 6'pond with a 20-foot stream and 5 feet of cascading waterfalls may lose as much as 2 inches or more every day! Why? Splashing and moving water has greater exposure to additional evaporation than does the still water in the pond. If that same pond was 16' x 21' pond, you'd probably never even notice the additional evaporation because it's a larger pond. What It Isn't Evaporation is not filling your pond up all the way one evening, and waking up the next morning to find the water six inches lower. That's a leak! If your pond is experiencing a loss of water at a more rapid rate, you either have a leak, or your frogs are drinking the water. Seriously, let's figure that it's a leak. What do you do then?  Low EdgesLook for any low edges. Settling at the pond's edge is the most common cause of a leak, especially in a new pond. Typically, the low edges are found around the stream and waterfall where settling may have occurred after a few rainfalls. These areas are usually built up during the construction of the pond using the soil from the excavation, and are prone to some settling. Your first line of defense is to carefully inspect the edges of not only your stream and waterfall, but also the perimeter of the pond. As the dirt around the stream or waterfall settles, it can create low spots that may cause water to escape over the edge of the liner. Keep your eyes peeled for wet mulch or gravel, or muddy areas around the perimeter of yourpond. If you find a spot that's leaking, all you have to do is lift the liner up and push some soil under it in order to raise the edge. Bingo – leak fixed! Another possibility is that water is splashing out of your stream. To fix a "splash leak," all you have to do is adjust a few of the rocks under and around your waterfall. This will contain or redirect the splash and it will stop the splash leak. Once again, you've solved the problem the easy and cost-effective way ... using common sense. Low edges can be built back up by simply backfilling and compacting soil beneath the liner in order to raise the edge of the liner above the water level.  Obstructions In The Stream And Waterfalls In addition to checking for low edges, you should also check your stream and waterfall. Rocks and excessive plant or algae growth in the stream or BIOFALLS filter can restrict the flow of water and divert it over the edge of the liner. Plants and algae should be maintained by trimming them back in order to let the water pass freely. All in all, these leaks are extremely easy to fix Still Leaking?You've spent 15 minutes or so following the suggestions listed above and you still can't find the leak. What do you do next? It's time for a little more work, and some drastic measures. You'll have to shut your pump off for a day. By doing this, you'll be able to determine the approximate location of the leak.
When The Water Drops
Now the fun begins! At this point, you may want to consider calling in Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls, but if you want to continue on your own you'll need to:
Steady And LevelIf the water level remains the same, then it is safe to assume that the leak is not in the pond. Now you'll need to check the pipe, the plumbing fittings, and the pump connections for leaks. Another possible culprit is the faceplate of your skimmer, if you have one. If the water level stopped dropping above the bottom of the faceplate you should investigate the skimmer. It may not have sealed correctly. If the Leak Is in the Skimmer
It's not fun when your pond is losing water. It can be a time-consuming and frustrating process to locate the leak. Hopefully with these steps and tips, you can quickly locate the source of the leak and get right back to enjoying your water garden. It’s A Great Time To Upgrade Your Pond.When your pond is in need of repair or a total renovation, it is a great time to look into the upgrades you always wanted. Have you thought about…
If Your Pond Is Experiencing A Leak, Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Can Help You, Call Us 585-442-6373Some Helpful Pond Info Links: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: |
AuthorLandscape 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. Archives
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