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Backyard Koi Pond Maintenance | Rochester New York | NY|  For many Rochester (NY) homeowners, a backyard koi pond is a beautiful and peaceful addition to their landscape. However, some pond owners may find themselves facing a range of issues, from algae blooms and water quality issues, to difficulty keeping their fish healthy. If you’re having trouble maintaining your koi pond, it may be due to the way the pond was built or designed. At Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls, we understand the challenges that come with owning a koi pond. We also know that many pond owners may not be aware of the underlying causes of their maintenance problems. So, we’ve compiled a list of common koi pond issues, and what you can do to solve them naturally.
Solution: Plant aquatic plants that absorb algae forming nutrients. Don’t overfeed your fish and additionally, a high-quality biological filtration system can help to remove excess nutrients from the water that may be feeding the algae. Draining and cleaning the pond annually is also recommended.
Solution: If you’re experiencing water quality issues, you may need to install a new biological filtration system, additional aeration, plants and/or make changes to the way your pond is structured. Do not overfeed or have too many fish. Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls can help you identify the cause of the problem and provide a tailored solution that will work for you.
Solution: To keep your fish healthy, it’s important to have a proper filtration system in place. The benefits of adding a waterfall go beyond aesthetic appeal. Adding a waterfall to a pond is one of the most effective ways to maintain healthy pond exogen levels. A waterfall can provide an additional source of biological filtration for your pond, promoting healthy growth and cleanliness. At Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls, we are dedicated to helping pond owners solve these and other common problems. We can design and build a new pond that will meet your specific needs, or make changes to your existing pond to improve its performance and beauty. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Some Helpful Links:
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
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12 Reasons To Upgrade Your Pond Filtration In Rochester New York (NY)  Are you having pond water clarity issues or would you like to make life easier as far as taking care of your pond is concerned? Here are a few issues that we have resolved by upgrading or adding a new filtration system to an existing pond:
When Is The Best Time To Update My Pond?The best time to update an existing pond is while it is drained and cleaned. After making the necessary adjustments, the pond will have to be cleaned anyway. If you have any fish, Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will safely remove and store them in holding tanks while the work is getting done. Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
Some Helpful Links:
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE Most Common Pond - Water Feature Problems We've Had To Fix | Rochester New York | NY  Would you like to save a lot of money, time and headaches on your new project? Of course, who wouldn't right? Over the past 20+ years customers have come to us with all kinds of water feature problems throughout the Rochester New York area and beyond. An improperly designed waterfall can cause a great deal of water loss, or it may just look unnatural and need a face lift or rejuvenation. It's sad but true, our primary business is refurbishing and maintaining existing ponds to make them function properly. Some of these ponds installed by other "professional" pond installers or landscapers leave little to be desired, and loads of problems that drive people crazy and force them to look for help. If you are thinking to hire a professional, please be sure to research your contractor first. This could save a lot of frustration down the road. We've been hired numerous times to re-do a pond that was recently built. Water features are meant to help you relax and enjoy them, not get you frustrated.  SOME OF OUR MOST COMMON WATER GARDEN ISSUES THAT WE HAVE HEARD OVER THE LAST 20+ YEARS
Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
Some Helpful Links:
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE 10 Reasons For Cleaning Your Pond Or Water Feature In Rochester New York (NY)  There are several reasons to clean your pond. Let's talk about some of them.
Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
Some Helpful Links:
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE The "Blue Mind" |Water-gardening| Rochester|New York|NY  Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols coined the term “blue mind" to refer to the calm, peaceful sense of happiness that is triggered by being in or near water. Being around water gives our overstimulated brains and senses a rest. Creativity thrives in this relaxed state, as the brain is able to make new and unusual connections because it is not overly distracted by visual and auditory stimulation. So get outside near your pond and relax! Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
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Some Helpful Links
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Algae Problems|Is There Too Much Algae?|Rochester|New York|NY
A Little Algae Is Good For A Pond
Before you panic upon seeing a buildup of algae in your Rochester (NY) pond, keep in mind that algae are a completely normal part of any organic pond ecosystem. A small amount of algae in your water feature is perfectly okay! In fact, it’s a sign of a healthy ecosystem.
Pristine, over-treated water isn’t natural, nor is it good for your fish who enjoy snacking on algae that cling to rocks. Algae only become a problem when the growth becomes excessive and therefore difficult to manage.
An abundance of algae has a simple cause – too much sunlight and an overabundance of nutrient-rich water. That’s why a well-designed pond includes proper filtration to diminish the nutrients that contribute to the growth of algae. In addition, aquatic plants compete for the same food source as algae and can help control its growth. The main goal in keeping clear, healthy water is not to completely rid your pond of algae, but rather to keep it in balance with nature.
Pristine, over-treated water isn’t natural, nor is it good for your fish who enjoy snacking on algae that cling to rocks. Algae only become a problem when the growth becomes excessive and therefore difficult to manage.
An abundance of algae has a simple cause – too much sunlight and an overabundance of nutrient-rich water. That’s why a well-designed pond includes proper filtration to diminish the nutrients that contribute to the growth of algae. In addition, aquatic plants compete for the same food source as algae and can help control its growth. The main goal in keeping clear, healthy water is not to completely rid your pond of algae, but rather to keep it in balance with nature.
Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
- Service visits
- Seasonal maintenance such as deluxe spring cleaning, mid-summer service, fall tenting & winter preparation
- Filtration system cleaning & maintenance
- Plant care
- Removal of string algae
- LED lighting
- And so much more!
Some Helpful Links:
How To Get Rid Of Pond Algae
Small Backyard Inspirational Ideas
Planning A Pond Renovation?
Is The Pond Too Hot For My Koi?
Water Garden Ideas For Your Backyard Pond Renovation
Koi Pond Installation Project Showcase Michelle & George
How To Get Rid Of Pond Algae
Small Backyard Inspirational Ideas
Planning A Pond Renovation?
Is The Pond Too Hot For My Koi?
Water Garden Ideas For Your Backyard Pond Renovation
Koi Pond Installation Project Showcase Michelle & George
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Can I Feed Fruit ToMy Koi?|Rochester|New York|NY
It can be fun, although not necessary to give your pond fish a summer snack from time to time (not more than once a week). Koi in particular will enjoy watermelon, grapefruit, orange slices, and even Honey Nut Cheerios.
Be sure the fish are active before feeding and only toss in a VERY small amount of any snack (the amount the fish can eat right away) since old food is not good for your pond. In particular, peas will sink to the bottom of the pond.
Some Helpful Links:
How To Get Rid Of Pond Algae
5 Critical Summer Fish Pond Tips
Planning A Pond Renovation?
Learn More About Pond Filtration Systems
Project Showcase Koi Pond Installation For Michelle & George
How to Attract Birds & Butterflies to Your Pond
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Summer Pond Maintenance|Rochester|New York|NY
As we approach summer in Rochester (NY), there are three things to remember about your water feature to keep a balanced ecosystem pond along with happy fish.
- Be sure to remove dying leaves and flowers before they have a chance to decay in warmer water.
- Aquatic plants such as water lilies help provide fish with shade from the heat of summer sun, cooling the water and making algae control easier too.
- 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.
Your Water Feature Deserves The Best Care Possible
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will ensure your pond is running as smoothly as the day it was installed. That way, you can enjoy the tranquility afforded by a water garden without the hassle of maintenance responsibilities. Some of Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls maintenance services include:
- Service visits
- Seasonal maintenance such as deluxe spring cleaning, mid-summer service, fall tenting & winter preparation
- Filtration system cleaning, maintenance & upgrades
- Plant care
- Removal of string algae
- Pond - waterfall leak repair & rejuvenation
- LED lighting
- And so much more!
Some Helpful Links:
Small Backyard Pond Ideas
6 Tips for Designing a Koi Pond
Pond & Garden Lighting - Magic At Night
Planning A Pond Renovation?
Is Adding Beneficial Bacteria Worth it?
Small Backyard Pond Ideas
6 Tips for Designing a Koi Pond
Pond & Garden Lighting - Magic At Night
Planning A Pond Renovation?
Is Adding Beneficial Bacteria Worth it?
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
It It Good To Have Frogs In A Pond?|Rochester|New York|NY
While eating up insects in your Rochester (NY) backyard pond, frogs add to the diversity of species. By coexisting productively with plants, fish, insects and other wildlife, they help play a role in your pond's ecosystem.
As a matter of fact, the number of amphibians in your pond can be a good indicator of your pond's health!
If you are interested in drawing them to your backyard, you shouldn't have to try very hard. It's not unusual for frogs to show up in your ponds because ponds provide two things that frogs crave: water & food!
Some Helpful Links:
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
How To Measure Pond Water Level|Water Loss|Leaks|Rochester|New York|NY
If you think you might have a leak or just want to monitor the water level in your Rochester (NY) pond, looking at water lines on rocks is NOT an indication of water loss. Water wicks on rocks and varies, making it ebb and flow and not a good way to see if you are losing water.
For a good reference, check for something that is plastic, like your skimmer box. Plastic does not hold water and will be a much better way to assess any water loss. Inside the skimmer there is usually screws that could be used to mark the water level.
For a good reference, check for something that is plastic, like your skimmer box. Plastic does not hold water and will be a much better way to assess any water loss. Inside the skimmer there is usually screws that could be used to mark the water level.
Some Helpful Links:
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Pond Skimmer Installation|Maintenance|Repair| Rochester|New York|NY
The main function of a pond skimmer is to remove floating debris from the surface of a pond before it has a chance to sink to the pond floor.
Removing unsightly debris before it can collect on the bottom helps keep your pond healthy and beautiful while improving the water quality for your fish.
The skimmer also houses the pump and plumbing from view, which creates a more natural-looking pond. Combine a mechanical skimmer with a biological filter for optimal pond filtration.
Removing unsightly debris before it can collect on the bottom helps keep your pond healthy and beautiful while improving the water quality for your fish.
The skimmer also houses the pump and plumbing from view, which creates a more natural-looking pond. Combine a mechanical skimmer with a biological filter for optimal pond filtration.
Some Helpful Links:
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Spring Pond Maintenance|Issues|Repairs|Rochester|New York|NY
In Rochester New York, during the spring clean out is generally the best time to address any issues you might be having with your water feature like underwater lights, low liner edges (leak detection), algae, water clarity and other potential repairs.
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will already be in there and pumping out water to clean the pond, making it a good time to for adjustments and improvements.
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls will already be in there and pumping out water to clean the pond, making it a good time to for adjustments and improvements.
Some Helpful Links:
Is Adding Beneficial Pond Bacteria Worth It?
What is an Exploratory Pond Cleaning?
Most Effective Way To Filter Pond Water
What Is The Importance Of Cleaning MY Pond This Spring?
Planning A Pond Renovation In Rochester New York (NY)?
Is Adding Beneficial Pond Bacteria Worth It?
What is an Exploratory Pond Cleaning?
Most Effective Way To Filter Pond Water
What Is The Importance Of Cleaning MY Pond This Spring?
Planning A Pond Renovation In Rochester New York (NY)?
RENOVATIONS | INSTALLATIONS | MAINTENANCE
Water Garden Ideas For Your Backyard Renovation|Rochester|NY|New York|Near me
Summer will come soon, if you are thinking about a new pond or upgrading your old pond in Rochester New York (NY), you really don’t need to talk to anyone else. Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls can help you with it.
If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water. Sometimes all you need is a simple bench to listen to the music coming from the sound of the waterfalls, or a chair to enjoy the view of your water feature.
A water feature is clearly the heart of the gardens, you can attract birds, dragonflies, frogs, butterflies and more.
If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water. Sometimes all you need is a simple bench to listen to the music coming from the sound of the waterfalls, or a chair to enjoy the view of your water feature.
A water feature is clearly the heart of the gardens, you can attract birds, dragonflies, frogs, butterflies and more.
Add Something New To Your Backyard Pond
It’s always fun to add new elements to your outdoor living space. The new addition could be as simple as a waterlily or fish … or it could be a bit bigger, like a beautiful bubbling urn or water wall.
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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.
Add A Waterfall Or Stream To Your Pond
Waterfalls are a natural source of white noise and are ideal for sleep and masking distracting sounds. Listening to a waterfall is a great way to wash your daily worries away: close your eyes or lie down, and let the natural sounds permeate your mind.
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Add a Fountain To Your Existing Pond
Fountains assist in the process of moving the water from the surface with the bottom. The water towards the bottom becomes oxygenated through the aeration brought on by the fountain.
Plenty of inspiration abounds to help you plan now for an even more enjoyable season of water gardening ahead!
Water gardens provide sanctuary by offering food, water, shelter, and a place for wildlife.
Plenty of inspiration abounds to help you plan now for an even more enjoyable season of water gardening ahead!
Water gardens provide sanctuary by offering food, water, shelter, and a place for wildlife.
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Log onto our image gallery at www.acornponds/gallery for more photos to inspire you as you dream and plan new features for your water garden.
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Add LED Underwater Lights...
With today's busy lifestyle, it is often difficult to find the time to enjoy your Rochester New York (NY) water garden and landscape during the day but, with the addition of LED underwater lights and LED pond lighting systems..... enjoying your or outdoor living space is easy... day or night!
Create More Areas For Aquatic Plants
Consider adding a few marginal plants to soften the edges of your pond, and then take it one step further and consider adding a few plants just outside of the pond to naturalize it.
Pond plants to help control algae and balance your pond or water garden.
Better filtration, cleaner water and less maintenance. Keep aquatic plants neat, orderly, and fresh so you can naturally maintain the pond over depending on water treatments
Pond plants to help control algae and balance your pond or water garden.
Better filtration, cleaner water and less maintenance. Keep aquatic plants neat, orderly, and fresh so you can naturally maintain the pond over depending on water treatments
If You Need Help Or Have Any Pond Maintenance Questions, Call Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls In Rochester (NY) (585) 442-6373
What 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.
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.
What Happens To My Koi Pond After Winter?
After winter, ponds can have an unpleasant odor, murky water, be full of debris, and be dirty in general. Acorn Ponds can fix that with spring pond maintenance, clear the water and the air and get back the pond you remember.
Your pond is turning into an algae pit. The algae need to be taken under control before it takes control of your pond. Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls can help your with a Spring pond cleaning.
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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
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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