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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 LinksWhat Is The Importance Of Cleaning My Fish Pond This Spring?|Rochester|NY|New York|Near Me Spring is here in Rochester (NY) and we recommend that your pond receive a full cleaning at least once or twice per year by Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls to help maintain its low maintenance and beautiful appearance. Failure to perform an annual clean out could result in increased maintenance or fish health issues not to mention possible increased repairs for your pond or pump. 
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Completely removing algae from the pond ecosystem isn’t good though. Some algae need to be present to filter your pond, aerate it, and feed the fish.
Doing a spring pond cleaning we can remove the debris and sludge from your pond, minimize algae, and get your pond back to its original state in no time!
Act now to clear your pond of an algae infestation, and enjoy your own oasis.
Act now to clear your pond of an algae infestation, and enjoy your own oasis.
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If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) (585) 442-6373
Is There Evaporation In My Fish Pond During The Winter|Rochester|NY|New York|Near Me
If you decide to leave your Rochester (NY) water feature or pond turned on during the winter, you will lose some water due to evaporation but not as much as in the summertime.
Keep an eye on the amount of water of your fish pond, running water is still susceptible to evaporation.
If your koi pond, pondless or water feature are running during the winter, your main concern is to ensure there is enough water for the pump to operate properly. If there is not adequate water, the pump could burn out.
Keep an eye on the amount of water of your fish pond, running water is still susceptible to evaporation.
If your koi pond, pondless or water feature are running during the winter, your main concern is to ensure there is enough water for the pump to operate properly. If there is not adequate water, the pump could burn out.
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Check Your Stream & Waterfall For Ice Dams
it’s possible that the ice buildup or leaves can form dams that could divert your pond basin water out of the pond.
Top off your water feature as needed and make sure the water goes into the pond and not just on top of the ice where more ice can accumulate.
You can add water to your pond with a garden hose running from inside the house or using a bucket and multiple trip system.
Top off your water feature as needed and make sure the water goes into the pond and not just on top of the ice where more ice can accumulate.
You can add water to your pond with a garden hose running from inside the house or using a bucket and multiple trip system.
Add Beauty To Your Garden During The Winter
If you keep your water feature running during the frozen months of winter, you’ll enjoy the beautiful ice sculptures that form on them. The ice will continue to change shapes throughout the entire winter and look beautiful with LED lighting. Be sure to check on the water feature from time to time to make sure everything is running smoothly.
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373
What Happens To Fish During The Winter|Rochester|NY|New York|Near Me
New pond owners in the Rochester New York (NY) area often inquire with us about the health and safety of their fish during the winter months. As long as your pond does not freeze to the bottom and an air hole is provided on the pond’s surface, your fish will survive the winter.
If your pond is at least two-feet deep, the proximity of the earth to the pond’s surface will keep the pond from freezing any deeper than eight inches. That leaves 16” for the fish to lounge around and hibernate over the winter.
If your pond is at least two-feet deep, the proximity of the earth to the pond’s surface will keep the pond from freezing any deeper than eight inches. That leaves 16” for the fish to lounge around and hibernate over the winter.
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Why Do My Fish Disappear?
Your pond fish will tend to “huddle” together in the deepest and warmest part of the pond. It almost looks as though they are trying to keep each other warm.
They don’t do much, they are almost hibernating, but not a full hibernation. They will begin to move if we have some warmer days.
Fish are cold blooded animals so as the temperature in the pond begins to drop so does there metabolism. Which means they can’t properly digest food.
They don’t do much, they are almost hibernating, but not a full hibernation. They will begin to move if we have some warmer days.
Fish are cold blooded animals so as the temperature in the pond begins to drop so does there metabolism. Which means they can’t properly digest food.
How Much Do My Fish Eat During The Winter?
The fish do not need to eat during this time and, in fact, shouldn’t be fed at all. You may be tempted to throw them a bite here and there but food will get lodged in their system and can kill them, so better to be on the side of caution.
Even if the weather should temporarily warm up and your fish become more active, don’t give in to temptation. They won’t starve as their bodies are meant to go through a dormant winter cycle.
Even if the weather should temporarily warm up and your fish become more active, don’t give in to temptation. They won’t starve as their bodies are meant to go through a dormant winter cycle.
How Can I Help Keep My Fish Healthy?
In addition to their metabolism slowing down the immune system also becomes weaker due to the colder temperatures. With their immune system much weaker your pond fish are also much more susceptible to diseases during this time of year.
This is why it’s so important during the fall to make sure your pond is clean and free of decaying debris such as leaves and aquatic plant die back. A dirty pond will allow many harmful bacteria to grow and harvest in the pond which could ultimately affect the health of your fish during the winter time.
This is why it’s so important during the fall to make sure your pond is clean and free of decaying debris such as leaves and aquatic plant die back. A dirty pond will allow many harmful bacteria to grow and harvest in the pond which could ultimately affect the health of your fish during the winter time.
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373
Winter Pond Maintenance|Aerators|Floating Pond Heater|De-Icer|Rochester|NY|New York|Near Me
Here's What We Do And Suggest For Ponds Near Rochester (NY):
Use an aerator as your main source for de-icing your pond during the winter, to keep that hole in the ice.
Also add a "true" pond de-icer as a back-up floating in the pond but not plugged in. Only plug the de-icer in unless it gets really cold and your hole in the ice is closing up.
It's also great to have a back-up de-icing device in the pond in case another decides its too tired and stops working.
So in reality- Using both is best!
Learn more about Winter Pond Maintenance and Preparation
Also add a "true" pond de-icer as a back-up floating in the pond but not plugged in. Only plug the de-icer in unless it gets really cold and your hole in the ice is closing up.
It's also great to have a back-up de-icing device in the pond in case another decides its too tired and stops working.
So in reality- Using both is best!
Learn more about Winter Pond Maintenance and Preparation
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Winter Koi Fish Pond Maintenance Service Availabilities In Rochester & Monroe County (NY) Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Now! 585-442-6373
Why Should I Net My Pond?|Pond Tenting Services|Rochester|NY|New York|Near Me
At Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls, we feel tenting or netting your pond is one of the top 3 most important maintenance tasks that should be done to your pond every year.
Often we are asked, "Why even bother if I am going to clean it out in the spring?"
Netting your pond will make the clean-out easier in the spring, but that's not the reason we highly suggest this maintenance task. Keeping the leaves out will provide a much better environment for your fish to hibernate over the winter in your pond.
When leaves fall into the water they immediately begin decaying and producing "not so nice stuff" in the water, which can be harmful to your fish. An over abundance of this "not so nice stuff", caused by buckets full of leaves, could cause your fish to not make it through the winter.
Net your pond, keep a majority of those leaves out, and your fish will thank you!
Often we are asked, "Why even bother if I am going to clean it out in the spring?"
Netting your pond will make the clean-out easier in the spring, but that's not the reason we highly suggest this maintenance task. Keeping the leaves out will provide a much better environment for your fish to hibernate over the winter in your pond.
When leaves fall into the water they immediately begin decaying and producing "not so nice stuff" in the water, which can be harmful to your fish. An over abundance of this "not so nice stuff", caused by buckets full of leaves, could cause your fish to not make it through the winter.
Net your pond, keep a majority of those leaves out, and your fish will thank you!
Pond Netting & Tenting Service Availabilities In Rochester & Monroe County (NY) Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Now! 585-442-6373
Some Helpful Pond Info Links:
7 Spring Pond Maintenance Tips Rochester (NY) New York
1. Cleaning your pond in Rochester NY, let’s do the dirty work. After winter, ponds can have an unpleasant odor, murky water, be full of debris, and be dirty in general. This makes it hard to see your fish. Your pond becomes worse and less enjoyable the longer it stays like this.
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The best time to perform a koi pond clean-out is the early spring. Acorn recommends that your pond receive a full cleaning at least once per year.
2. Check your pond pump and make sure that it's clean and functioning correctly. Remember your pump is the heart of your water feature and needs to be in good condition at all times.
 3. Remove the algae, leaves and other debris left over from the season before. This is crucial because an excess of decaying debris will add to the nutrient levels and the algae in the pond. |   |
 | 4. Start adding beneficial bacteria treatments and continue to do so regularly throughout the season. It competes with the algae for available nutrients, starving the algae of its food source. |
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5. Add aquatic plants to your pond to absorb algae forming nutrients. Plants are great for adding character to a pond by providing color and texture, but from a filtration perspective, they’re second to none.
Thriving from the excess nutrients in a pond and depriving algae of its food source, the aquatic plants in a water garden, given proper coverage, are critical for the overall health of the ecosystem.
Thriving from the excess nutrients in a pond and depriving algae of its food source, the aquatic plants in a water garden, given proper coverage, are critical for the overall health of the ecosystem.
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6. When should I start feeding my pond fish?
Fish are also sensitive to water temperature, and as it warms up, you will see more activity, and be tempted to feed them. You’ve missed your fish all winter, but until the water temperature is consistently at 55° F, don’t feed them.
7. Avoid overfeeding your fish. Fish food that is not eaten will add more nutrients to the pond, helping feed the algae. Remember there are plenty of natural foods already in your pond for your fish to eat.
Fish are also sensitive to water temperature, and as it warms up, you will see more activity, and be tempted to feed them. You’ve missed your fish all winter, but until the water temperature is consistently at 55° F, don’t feed them.
7. Avoid overfeeding your fish. Fish food that is not eaten will add more nutrients to the pond, helping feed the algae. Remember there are plenty of natural foods already in your pond for your fish to eat.
Water features provide soothing sights and sounds that help you relax and de-stress in today's busy world
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373
When Is The Best Time To Clean My Fish (KOI) Pond | Rochester New York | NY
The best time to perform a koi pond clean-out in Rochester NY is the early spring, before your water garden completely awakens from its winter dormancy – ideally before the water temperature in the pond creeps above 55º F.
Spring is in the air, and it’s finally here! This season brings extended daylight, rising temperatures, and the rebirth of flora and fauna.
Also, it is the time when your hibernating koi fish emerge from their hiding places to stretch their sleepy bodies.
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls is ready for your annual Spring pond cleaning..... Are you?
Spring is in the air, and it’s finally here! This season brings extended daylight, rising temperatures, and the rebirth of flora and fauna.
Also, it is the time when your hibernating koi fish emerge from their hiding places to stretch their sleepy bodies.
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls is ready for your annual Spring pond cleaning..... Are you?
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Why Is Pond Cleaning Important?
Pond maintenance and cleaning are designed to help you accomplish one thing: Enjoy your water feature more!
You may find yourself outside enjoying your pristine oasis more with loved ones.
- See all of your pond and fish with crystal clear water
- Plants neatly trimmed and no debris anywhere for a nice, fresh look
- Pumps, filters and plumbing unclogged and running smoothly so your pond stays a paradise
You may find yourself outside enjoying your pristine oasis more with loved ones.
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Can I Wait To Clean My Pond Out?
If a clean-out is performed when the water is warmer, after bacteria colonies form, the balance of the ecosystem will be thrown off and your pond will go through another period of algae blooms before the bacteria colonies become re-established. Be patient, your pond will naturally balance itself provided you don’t have a fish overload.
Hire Acorn Ponds to get your pond/water feature looking it’s best! Call today for a pond cleaning quote. Let our experience work for you, contact us now! 585-442-6373
Hire Acorn Ponds to get your pond/water feature looking it’s best! Call today for a pond cleaning quote. Let our experience work for you, contact us now! 585-442-6373
Water Garden|Design|Plan|Ideas|Rochester New York|NY
| It’s mid-December and most of Rochester, Monroe County New York (NY) is covered in snow. Many of us are seeking refuge by drinking hot chocolate and watching football curled under comfy blankets. At the same time, our thoughts turn to warmer days and dreams of dangling our feet in our wondrous water gardens as we listen to the birds sing and watch toads and turtles sun themselves on the pond rocks. |  Cabin Fever |
 | Winter is a great time to dig out water gardening books and start planning new things for this year’s water garden. Much like veggie gardeners turn to seed catalogs for the upcoming growing season, water gardeners delight in planning the addition of new fish and plants for the pond. |
As your thoughts turn to the lazy, carefree days of summer, consider the following options to enhance your pondering enjoyment:
Add a New Waterfall
| Most pond owners install a water garden in their landscape so they can enjoy the sound of running water. Chances are you have a waterfall to create this soothing sound, but why stop at just one? Aquascape has made it easy to add a waterfall to your existing pond with the creation of its new Waterfall Spillway. Designed specifically to retrofit into existing features, the waterfall spillway makes it easy to add multiple waterfalls to your feature. |  |
Introduce Finned Friends
Maybe this is the year to add that beautiful butterfly koi you’ve been eyeing at the local garden center. After a long, cold winter, why not boost your spirits by rewarding yourself with a colorful jewel such as a new finned friend that will delight you as it glides gracefully beneath the lily pads? Fish add personality to your pond and can provide hours of entertainment.
Children love to feed them, cats and dogs enjoy watching them, and you’ll enjoy being greeted by them every time you visit your pond.
Children love to feed them, cats and dogs enjoy watching them, and you’ll enjoy being greeted by them every time you visit your pond.
Splurge on Plants
| New varieties of waterlilies become available every year and some are simply downright breathtaking. Look into adding some tropical water lilies for extra color & extended bloom time. You might also want to try your “blue thumb” at growing the lovely lotus. This majestic plant becomes the focal point of any water garden and can also be grown in aquatic containers placed on a sunny porch or patio. |  |
Create Interest With a Fountain
  | A variety of fountains and spitters are available for adding a new dimension to your water garden. Whether you choose a stylized patio pond or charming resin frog spitter, there’s a decorative option for every budget and taste. Not only do fountains and spitters add a whimsical or elegant touch to the waterscape, but they also help provide delightful sounds in the garden and help to keep the water moving. Turn Your Dreams Into a Reality |
Whatever your water garden dreams may be during this frosty season, be sure to make a plan for turning those pondering dreams into reality. Scour pages of water garden photo books, visit our web page on Patio Ponds or Pondless Waterfalls that have inspirational photos, dig through garden magazines that showcase water features and landscape design to find landscaping ideas.
Plenty of inspiration abounds to help you plan now for an even more enjoyable season of water gardening ahead!
Log onto our image gallery at www.acornponds.com/gallery for more photos to inspire you as you dream and plan new features for your water garden.
Plenty of inspiration abounds to help you plan now for an even more enjoyable season of water gardening ahead!
Log onto our image gallery at www.acornponds.com/gallery for more photos to inspire you as you dream and plan new features for your water garden.
Have Your New Water Feature Or Backyard Pond Professionally Installed By Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY)
Some Helpful Blogs:
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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