Winter Pond Maintenance|Aerators|Floating Pond Heater|De-Icer|Rochester|NY|New York|Near MeHere'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
Winter Koi Fish Pond Maintenance Service Availabilities In Rochester & Monroe County (NY) Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Now! 585-442-6373
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Why Should I Net My Pond?|Pond Tenting Services|Rochester|NY|New York|Near MeAt 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!  Pond Netting & Tenting Service Availabilities In Rochester & Monroe County (NY) Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Now! 585-442-6373Some Helpful Pond Info Links: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 585-442-63737 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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NY|WHY HIRE US? Pond Contractor Reviews|Pond services|Rochester|New York|Near Me
Acorn 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)
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 Blogs
What To Do When Your Fish Pond Freezes Over|Rochester|NY|New York|Near Me
Upon arriving to my Rochester New York (NY) home after being out of town this March, I discovered my fish pond had completely frozen over. My floating pond de-icer and and solid handling pump were not running and my gfi outlet was tripped. It is very important for the health of your koi and pond fish to keep an opening in the ice so the toxic gases of decomposing plants and organic matter can escape and not get trapped under the ice. Use this as a reminder to check on your ponds throughout the winter and make sure there is an opening in the ice.
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If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373
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Fall Pond Maintenance|Rochester New York|NY|Near Me
 | When fall rolls around in our part of the world here in Rochester (NY) New York, the change of seasons is apparent by the beautiful, multi-colored leaves and the cool change in temperatures will remind us to start the fall pond maintenance. It may be your favorite time of year, but how will the cooler temperature and falling leaves affect your aquatic paradise? Can ponds and trees live together peacefully in the fall? |
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Hardy Marginals Pond Plants
As 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.
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.
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Tropical Marginals Pond Plants
In 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.
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.
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Waterlilies Pond Plants
Waterlilies 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.
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.
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Lotus Pond Plant
As 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.
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 585-442-6373
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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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