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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.
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.  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.  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. If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) 585-442-6373
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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! 585-442-6373Why 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:Backyard 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.
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
Large Scale Water Feature (Fountain)|Design|Construction|Services|Rochester|New York|NYAcorn Ponds & Waterfalls of Rochester New York (NY) who specialize in water feature design, installation & restoration services in the Rochester & Western (NY) area travel to Chicago Illinois to help in the installation of another large scale water feature at the Q-Center hotel. Water feature contractors from all over the world converged and worked together to create one of the most extreme fountains ever. At it's highest point the water feature reaches 11 feet and included in the design around it are planting beds where flowers will be changed out regularly according to the season. Also included around the fountain were fire pits, seating benches, retaining walls along with several trees and shrubs as well as outdoor LED lighting. Quests who stay at the hotel will be able to come out of conferences and gather around during brakes and meetings to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds. Hire Water Feature & Fountain Installation, Maintenance And Repair Specialists - Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY) Call Us Today! 585-442-6373Some Helpful Water Feature Links:Water Feature Renovation & Bubbling Urns Installation Ideas View Our Gallery For More Water Feature Ideas Check Out This Large Recreational Pond Build Check Out Another Large Commercial Waterfalls Project At The Q 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.
Backyard Pond|Restoration|Repair|Rochester|New York|NY|Acorn Ponds & WaterfallsHave you been thinking about planning a pond renovation in Rochester New York (NY), or what you might want to do to change and enhance your existing fish pond or waterfall? If you’re still dreaming of your first fish pond or waterfall, this too is a great time to plan for that!  Pond Renovation Project By Acorn In Rochester New York (NY) Research Your ContractorResearch your contractors to make sure you are making the right decision. Someone telling you to rebuild the entire pond without options to repair the one you have most likely doesn't know where to start when trying to repair your current pond problem.
Hopefully You're Well On Your Way To Dreaming About Creating Or Enhancing Your Own Personal Paradise In Rochester NY Spillway Bowls Water Features In Rochester NY If you have a small space that you would like to add a little bit of paradise to, the patio pond or spillway bowl might be a great option for you. Or, perhaps you would like to test the waters of owning a pond a container water garden is a great place to start! Add Tranquility & Beauty To Any Rochester NY Garden With Our Bubbling Rock Water Features Or Garden Fountains! Consider Acorn's Bubbling Boulders Or Rock Fountains! Need Help With Your Vision? Contact Acorn To Design Your Own Personal Paradise Now! (585) 442-6373A fountain incorporated with a well thought out landscape plan, some decorative stone, and maybe some light can make for a very eye appealing creation. Something good for adding a little trickling water sound in a small area of your garden like near your front door or patio. They can be very sustainable by using rainwater to refill and top off the evaporated water. LED Lighting can be added for extending your enjoyment time into the night.  What do you envision for your own personal oasis? Right now – when your thoughts, ideas, and mental plans for your dream garden and fish pond are still fresh in your mind – is the time to get them on paper. Dreaming is always the first step to planning. In your mind, what would be the perfect backyard paradise? Here are some questions to ask yourself as you search for your perfect pond makeover.
Hire Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls To Design, Build & Maintain Your Backyard Pond In Rochester New York (NY) - Call Us Today! (585)-442-6373 Let's Get Started On Building Your Dream Pond 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:NY|Beneficial Pond Bacteria|Pond Water Treatments|Rochester|New York|Near MeThe very short answer: Yes! Each year as we maintain ponds in Rochester NY, we consistently remind our customers to add beneficial pond bacteria to their ponds & water gardens. This is to maintain a consistent balance of beneficial pond bacteria to provide consistent water quality and water clarity for the pond’s ecosystem. Why Add Beneficial Pond Bacteria If It Will Grow On It’s Own?Honestly, we asked the same question and were skeptical to consistently add this extra liquid “stuff”. We felt as though the pond and filtration would maintain the proper pond bacteria levels without supplementation and this does happen to a certain extent, however… We decided to test products to see if they really made a difference. Over the course of a year, we consistently added beneficial pond bacteria and a sludge bacteria to one pond and not another, both having similar fish loads and proper filtration. The results were dramatic. The pond with “stuff”, added consistently, was gin clear with no green water in the spring and a 3 week filter cycle ( pond enthusiasts: a filter cycle is how quickly water quality results showed 0 for ammonia and nitrites). Also, in the fall there was very little sludge build-up on the bottom of the pondand every stone was visible. The fish were also very lively and looked extremely healthy.
By this time we felt as though we had answered the question of: Is it worth adding pond bacteria? Yes, in our opinion it is 100% worth it to add pond bacteria and sludge reducing bacteria. Read Acorn Ponds Info About Our Bacteria Dosing System |
 | Have you ever forgotten to add your water treatments to your backyard pond only to be reminded by an abundance of algae growth? The Aquascape Automatic Dosing System will help keep your water feature looking great all year long! |
*So What Made That Difference???
*Just Because We Added Some Liquid Bacteria To The Pond???
*Just Because We Added Some Liquid Bacteria To The Pond???
The waste levels become elevated and the bacteria need to grow naturally to eat this waste. It takes time for these bacteria to multiply which can create poor water quality and water in the meantime. This creates a bacteria cycle of highs and lows. Your pond needs consistency.
Adding beneficial pond bacteria is a way of supplementing and keeping pond bacteria levels steady so the bacteria are consistently keeping up with the ammonia and fish waste levels. This is somewhat similar to us taking vitamin supplements for our bodies in an effort to keep our vitamin levels consistent.
Adding beneficial pond bacteria eliminates high and low bacteria level swings which provides us with a cleaner and clearer pond, as well as a healthier environment for our fishfriends.
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls is Western New York's including Pittsford, Fairport, Webster & beyond premier water garden and koi pond contractor. Building, maintaining, and helping customers with their ponds is our passion, hobby, and most of all fun and rewarding.
We take great pride in our attention to detail and careful planning from the design process throughout the construction of any water feature you can dream up. Beyond construction of your water feature, we also specialize in the maintenance of anything and everything related to waterscapes. Our vast knowledge of koi and pond fish will always be at your fingertips, whenever you need help.
Adding beneficial pond bacteria is a way of supplementing and keeping pond bacteria levels steady so the bacteria are consistently keeping up with the ammonia and fish waste levels. This is somewhat similar to us taking vitamin supplements for our bodies in an effort to keep our vitamin levels consistent.
Adding beneficial pond bacteria eliminates high and low bacteria level swings which provides us with a cleaner and clearer pond, as well as a healthier environment for our fishfriends.
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls is Western New York's including Pittsford, Fairport, Webster & beyond premier water garden and koi pond contractor. Building, maintaining, and helping customers with their ponds is our passion, hobby, and most of all fun and rewarding.
We take great pride in our attention to detail and careful planning from the design process throughout the construction of any water feature you can dream up. Beyond construction of your water feature, we also specialize in the maintenance of anything and everything related to waterscapes. Our vast knowledge of koi and pond fish will always be at your fingertips, whenever you need help.
Keep Your Pond Looking Great With Pond Maintenance Services By Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls Of Rochester New York (NY) Call Us 585-442-6373
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.
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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