 |
|
||||||||||
 | ||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
 |
| |
Q:Why is my clear pond water turning green? A: This is the start of suspended algae growing in your pond. This is a natural occurence in nearly all ponds in the spring, except those ponds equipped with a U. V. Light filter. Ponds without these types of filters will clear eventually (within 4-6 weeks) if properly stocked and/or otherwise properly filtered. These ponds are described as "balanced", and every pond owner should strive for this. The key to understanding and controlling excessive algae growth in ponds is understanding the Nitrogen Cycle. This is the basic biological, naturally occurring process of fish waste, and other organic wastes in the pond being converted into a compound called nitrate that is used by plants (particularly algae) as a food source. The full completion of this cycle is important to keep pond water free of ammonia and/or nitrites, compounds that are harmful, even deadly to fish. Various types of bacteria, known as nitrosomas and nitro-bacters grow on surfaces of the pond and are the key components of the Nitrogen Cycle. A healthy population of these is critical to fish health. Filters described as "biological" are full of materials with lots of surface area to promote and sustain these microbes. The use of a quality "bacterial boosting" product is highly reccomended.Lilypons "Ponsparkle" will jump start the development of the bacteria in the spring, cutting normal development time in half and will sustain them at peak performance when used throughout the entire year, even in winter.Nitrates, the final by-product of the nitrogen cycle is harmless to fish, though it must be controlled since it, along with sunlight is a main contributor to algae growth. Certain types of pond plants are extremely good at absorbing these nitrates, particularly Submerged Plants. The proper stocking rates for these plants is 1 bunch per 1-2 sq ft of pond surface, ie; a 50 sq ft pond will require 50 bunches or (2) 16" dia. containers with 25 bunches planted in each. NOTE: Large koi may quickly devour these types of plants.Another important component to a "balanced" pond is surface-covering plants. Use waterlilies, since they are the most beautiful type to cover 50-70% (more for smaller ponds, less for larger ones) of the waters surface to block the penetration of U.V. (sunlight) into the water. FYI: one waterlily covers approx 10 sq ft of surface area. Add some snails and/or tadpoles to "scavenge" excess debris, plant waste and algae and this will complete stocking for "balanced" easy to maintain pond. In summary, if the pond is properly stocked and bottom debris is minimal all that is required for early spring "green water" is patience. Allow the plants to fully grow out and they will slowly "out-compete" the algae for food and light. Q:How do I choose the proper pump for my pond? A: Look for advice on this from trusted pond retailers (such as Lilypons). Before you seek them be prepared to provide some information so they can help make the correct decision. 1. The specific application: ie; filter/skimmer, waterfall, decorative fountain/statuary, or a combination. Each item has its own desired flowrate. 2. Entire volume of water in the pond(s). There are formulas for determining this. 3. The desired distance, vertically and horizontally from the placement of the pump (in the pond) to the discharge point. If you are replacing an existing pump be prepared to provide any available info about the existing pump and tubing/piping size. If possible taking the pump itself to the retailer may be best.Always check the power consumption (wattage use) of a chosen pump and the warranty. Many models are extremely energy efficient. Typically more expensive to purchase they may save many energy dollars over the course of time. See "How to Choose a Pump" for more details. Q: I would love to have a backyard pond. How do I start? A: The best ponds with the happiest owners begin with careful, thorough planning from the start. Find reliable sources of information such as a good book (Ortho's "All About Building Waterfalls, Ponds and Streams is excellent) or even better a good Pond Supply Store. Any good supplier knows that providing reliable, practical information is the key to a successful, happy customer. These sources can provide answers to questions such as: What type of pond do I want? Where is the best location? Can I install it myself? How much maintenance is involved? Watergardening in general is a very easy hobby. It can become very difficult and frustrating without the proper information Richard M. Koogle is the Vice President and Director of Operations of Lilypons Water Gardens. He has nearly 30 years of experience in all aspects of water gardening, and is eager to share his knowledge with your organization! Richard is a nationally recognized water garden speaker and his lectures are informative, practical, inspiring, and feature colorful slides! Contact him directly for more information: (ph)1.800.825.5459 x 1002 To find out more about Richard click here: Richard's Bio. |
|
|
||||||
| Home | Account Login | Visit Us | Our Guarantee | Order Status | Privacy Policy | Shipping |
| ||||
| Lilypons is a member of: | Mail Order Gardening | Water Gardeners International | Truly Named Certified Member | IWGS |
| Phone: 1-800-999-5459 |Visit: 6800 Lily Pons Road, Adamstown, MD 21710| Email: info@lilypons.com |
