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How to Prepare Your Pond for Spring

John Redd

Restoring Your Pond As the last few weeks of winter roll around, preparing your pond for the spring months ahead is a good idea. The winter months can bring some freezing temperatures, which may have affected your diffuser or the pond aerator. One of the first things you can do is inspect the aeration system. Optimizing its performance will help to clean your pond for spring. You will have to do a few other things to prepare your pond for spring. Let’s go over more of these valuable tips to help you prepare for spring. Clearing out the Debris The winter months can bring extreme weather, especially in January and February. Depending on where you live, you may experience days or even weeks of freezing temperatures affecting your pond. In this case, you should keep your aeration system running to help prevent ice freezing over on your pond. When this happens, debris will end up accumulating in and around your pond. You can clear your pond from large debris with a rake or a skimmer. This, of course, is just the start of prepping your pond for spring. Good Bacteria and Your Pond If you don’t have any type of airflow in your pond, harmful bacteria are likely forming at the bottom. You can quickly take notice just by looking at your pond if you’re missing good bacteria, like Outdoor Water Solutions Bacteria Packs. If you see dirty or murky water, you will need to add some bacteria packs to start eating away at the pond muck and sludge. One option you can use is a pellet product that comes with a formula meant to break down the bad bacteria. If you use both an aeration system and bacteria packs, you will start to see an improvement within just a couple of weeks. Check Your Pond Life If you have a pond, you most likely have fish. Fish can be beautiful to have in your pond and can accentuate the overall beauty of your pond’s environment. However, checking your fish is another step you can make as you prepare your pond for spring. Things you should look for in your fish include ulcers, cloudy eyes, or white patches on their skin. Of course, the last thing you want to do is transfer them to another location, such as a different body of water. Instead, because some fish can be temperamental, you will want to feed them with formulated fish food. This will give them the proper nutrition to get them back to health. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.

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Should I Use Pond Dye?

A Reliable Treatment for Ponds If you have a pond, you’ve likely come across the term “pond dye” at one time or another. While the term may seem a little intimidating without knowing the ins and outs of its uses, the truth is that it can be beneficial for your pond. However, you may have some questions about pond dye. In this article, we’ll go ahead and answer some of the most common questions that people ask. What Does Pond Dye Do? The primary purpose of pond dye is to block some of the sun’s rays during those hot days. Without any dye for your pond, you could start to see an increase in algae and other forms of bad bacteria. This is because the sun increases and encourages the formation of algae bloom. Although algae in a pond are necessary, too much can be harmful to pond life and can also create areas of sludge. However, with pond dye, you’ll be able to keep a balanced ecosystem, even protecting your fish in the process. Is It Safe to Use? In short, yes, pond dye is safe to use for your pond. In fact, it can also be used on other bodies of water, such as lakes. However, it is essential to note that the dye can stain your hands, so be careful when applying the pond dye. It is recommended that you use gloves and other protective gear when you use the concentrated form of the dye. Moreover, after the treatment, you should also wait 24 hours before anyone goes back into the waters. After the 24 hours are up, the waters are safe for everyone and will not stain you or your clothing. Different Colors for Your Pond The type of color you choose for your pond will largely depend on preference. This can also include the surrounding landscape. One example can be the All Natural Black Pond Dye. If you have a gorgeous landscape surrounding your pond, this type of dye would be perfect to mirror your layout. The pond dye creates a reflection around the pond, enhancing the overall layout. On the other hand, if you want something more natural, the All Natural Blue Dye could be the way to go. This dye will give you the protective shade you need for your waters while enhancing the pond’s natural color. The Benefits for Your Pond The main benefit of using a pond dye is its protective shield around the waters. You’ll be able to minimize the excessive growth of pond plants, weeds, algae, and more. It will also give your waters a different and unique color. When you first apply the pond dye, the ideal time frame for future applications would be four to six weeks after the initial treatment. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.

Tips for Caring for an Old Pond

A Variety of Methods Work Managing an old pond can be challenging. However, with the right methods and tools, you’ll be able to turn your old pond into a new one. It’s important to note that you won’t find a quick fix that works overnight. It may take some time before you see the benefits. Moreover, using a combination of techniques will get the results you want. Let’s go over some of the tips that you can use: Adding Aeration If a pond has not been adequately kept for a long time, you will find excessive amounts of organic nutrients that cause harmful algae blooms and other aquatic nuisances. This will accumulate into a large area of sludge that will make your pond dirty and uninhabitable for pond life. An old pond, especially shallow ponds, can benefit from a bottom aeration system. This will create an aerobic aeration setup as it transitions away from anaerobic. The aeration process will break down the excessive nutrients and bacteria that have created the dirty environment. Removing Pond Muck If you want to speed up the process, you can also do a few things to remove large areas of pond muck. One way is to use a rake and bucket to dredge the sludge. Although it can be a dirty job, it can help to clear up your pond. Make sure that you wear proper gear, such as masks, when removing the pond muck. This can help minimize those foul odors you are sure to encounter. Skimmers Old ponds usually accumulate large areas of debris, such as tree branches and decaying plants. To clear out these areas of debris, we recommend using skimmers. You’ll be able to fish out decaying plant life, fish waste, and many other areas of thick pond muck. Then, if you use beneficial bacteria and other pond cleaners, you can just concentrate on clearing out branches, leaves, and other floating debris you can find on the surface. Colorants When treating your pond, colorants and beneficial bacteria are essential to clean the waters. Dyes are excellent at blocking the sun’s rays from reaching deep into the pond. Since sunlight greatly contributes to the excessive formation of algae, eliminating this component will serve to keep algae at bay. Beneficial Bacteria When it comes to beneficial bacteria, this will encourage an aerobic reaction combined with the pond aeration system in place. Beneficial bacteria can come in the form of pellets, which will sink to the bottom of the pond. The good bacteria will then eat away at the harmful bacteria and nutrients. You could start seeing improvement to your water quality in as little as a few days. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.

What is Pond Muck, and How Should You Get Rid of It?

Pond Muck and Its Composition If you have a pond, you've likely had to deal with pond muck at some point or another. What does it mean exactly? In short, pond muck is a collection of algae, fish waste, excessive nutrients, bad bacteria, and other types of organic debris. Rest assured that, while pond muck can be a challenge for your pond, Outdoor Water Solutions has Muck Pellets to solve your problem. Pond muck can come in many forms, but it is typically described as a brown, green, or gray sludge accompanied by a foul odor. The Hazards of Pond Muck The muck can also carry hazardous consequences aside from its dirty and unappealing look. This can be especially true for fish and other pond life. As the muck grows more extensive and thicker, it can develop a dense form. This can suffocate the pond's oxygen levels, killing off the fish in the process. The sludge can also cause a clog within the diffuser or pond pump. With its deteriorating environment, you'll no longer have a beautiful, clean pond. How can You Remove Pond Muck? If you have a large area of pond muck, you can consider a few options to remove it successfully. One of the first things you can do is use a pond vacuum. This method can help dredge out all of the muck. You can get to the bottom of the pond, where the muck tends to accumulate. Another option is to use beneficial bacteria to clear the pond. This alternative is the easiest and most effective method to remove pond muck. Finally, simply by investing in pond muck pellets, you will start to see improvements. A Clean Pond Makes a Difference The good bacteria will work by eating away at the muck. Within time, your pond will start to get cleaner and clearer. Although it may take a little time, you should begin seeing more pristine waters by the second month of treatment in most cases. However, if you're dealing with large debris, such as branches or leaves, you can use a rake or pool skimmer to clean these areas. After a few months, if you still have problems, you can do spot treatments with your muck pellets to get the results you want. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.

What Chemicals Work Best On Pond Weeds

The Landscape of Your Pond The habitat of a pond contains a collection of naturally occurring components, such as fish and algae. An aeration system that provides aeration can also be an important part of the pond’s environment. However, you may find other naturally occurring items growing in and around the pond, including weeds. When it comes to pond weed, they can be a nuisance to deal with and can even ruin the landscape of your pond. This is where pond microbes can come in to help. Outdoor Water Solutions carries a wide variety of products to help you control pond weeds. In this article, we’ll go over what pond microbes are and which types work best for specific pond weeds. Pond Microbes To put it simply, pond microbes are sorts of bacteria that help break down organic matter in a pond. These microbes can also be referred to as microorganisms. A pond will contain both good and bad bacteria. Basically, good bacteria will thrive in a pond that has high levels of oxygen, and bad bacteria works in a pond with little to no oxygen. The problem with bad bacteria is that it will create large areas of sludge as it breaks down organic material. Rest assured that the bacteria or pond microbes that you find on the market are good bacteria, which will benefit your pond. Now, let’s take a look at your chemical options. Cutrine: The product Cutrine works best to keep algae and Chara at bay. A simple treatment should do the trick. Green Clean: Another product you can consider is Green Clean, which is great to control algae. ShoreKlear: ShoreKlear will work best to control emerged and floating weeds. In particular, you will find excellent results for alligator weeds, Water Primrose, Cattails and more. When it comes to floating weeds, ShoreKlear will be able to control Water Shield, Water Hyacinth, American Lotus and many others with excellent results. Reward & Weedtrine: This alternative will give you good results for emerged, submerged and floating weeds. However, you may have to treat the area more than once for better and long-term effects. Water Primrose and Naiad weeds will have the best results with the Reward & Weedtrine products. Navigate: The Navigate microbe products work for both submerged and floating weeds. These can include Bladderwort, Coontail, American Lotus and Water Lettuce weeds, just to mention a few. You will find the best results with the Eurasian Watermilfoil weeds. Sonar: The Sonar Pond microbes are some of the best choices on the market. This product will work on emerged, submerged and floating pond weeds. However, you will get the best results for submerged pond weeds, including American Pondweed, Naiad, Hydrilla/Elodea and others. Flumigard: The Flumigard microbe treatment is a product that you may have to use more than once for those long-term effects. Moreover, this alternative boasts excellent results for submerged and floating weeds. You’ll be able to treat Sago Pondweed, Curly Leaf Pondweed, Duckweed, Water Lettuce and Watermeal weeds. The Results Remember that it’s always important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on treatment. Although some products will work with a one-time solution, other products like Reward, Weedtrine and Flumigard may require more than one treatment. This will provide optimal results for long-term weed control. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.

How To Use Pond Traps for Fishing

Fishing at the Pond or Lake Nothing is more relaxing than enjoying a pleasant afternoon around the pond or lake. You can find many activities to do when you’re enjoying the outdoors, such as fishing. Whether it’s with your friends or family, you can have many hours of fishing fun. However, if the fish are just not taking the bait, it can also be frustrating. One of the things that you can consider using is a pond trap. When it comes to using a pond trap, it’s essential to know which traps work best for certain types of fish. Let’s go over the differences between these pond traps. The Purpose of Pond Traps What is the purpose of a pond trap? Well, a pond trap can be used any time to catch fish. Many people use pond traps when they’re having trouble catching fish with traditional reels and rods. A pond trap can catch fish much faster if you use the correct bait. Moreover, it’s also essential that you use the correct type of pond trap for the right kind of fish. If you don’t use the proper pond trap, the fish could escape and swim away. How Pond Traps Work A pond trap works by trapping fish inside. Simply bait the pond trap and wait for the fish to get caught. The fish enters the trap through a variety of entrances, depending on the trap’s design. You also don’t have to worry about smaller fish getting caught because the traps are designed for a specific size of fish. In addition, the design includes small gaps all around the trap so that other types of pond life can escape. The Catfish Trap As you figure out the differences between these fish, you’ll be able to choose the perfect pond trap. Catfish are considered very popular among consumers and fishermen as well. Both catfish and perch fish have their similarities and differences. One example will include the fins of these fish. A catfish has barbels and an adipose fin, which is a significant distinction to perch. Catfish will also require a bigger trap, whereas perch fish may need a smaller design. The catfish trap will also work to catch rough fish around your pond or lake. The design comes with a three-door system that will allow you to catch more than one fish. The Perch Trap The catfish prey on the perch fish. Perch are usually smaller in size than catfish. These types of fish have a soft and spiny dorsal fin. Since catfish are generally easier to catch than perch, using a pond trap in this instance would be ideal. When it comes to the trap itself, it comes in a little smaller size than the catfish trap. The trap is also easy to bait and can hold a lot of baitfish or perch throughout the catch. The perch trap features two funnels, one on each side of the trap, which will increase the chances of catching more fish at a time. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.

How Do Pond Microbes Work: Bacteria Packs and Clarifiers

Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteria When it comes to caring for a pond, you’ll need to use a few alternatives to clean and clear your pond fully. One way that can help clear your pond is by using pond microbes. These microbes will come in the form of bacteria packs and clarifiers. Now, remember that bacteria in a pond is necessary to thrive. However, you will find two types of bacteria: anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. Your aim is to have aerobic bacteria. In this article, we’ll go over some of the options of bacteria packs you can consider that will fill the role of aerobic bacteria. You can find more information about pond microbes and even order them here. Organic Matter in a Pond Why do you need these bacteria packs and clarifiers? Well, although aeration does maintain your pond, ponds that have heavy amounts of algae or pond muck will need these types of clarifiers. When sludge forms along your pond, it can cause foul odors, accentuate a dirty environment and even clog your diffusers. Bacteria packs and pond clarifiers work to break down organic matter at the bottom and the pond's surface. Organic matter can include a buildup of excessive nutrients found in your pond, such as algae, bad bacteria, fish waste, and more. What Should You Choose? Whether you’re looking to clean or clear your pond, both bacteria packs and clarifiers will be able to help. Although these pond clarifiers can clear your pond effectively, you will want to use skimmers to fish out large forms of debris. This can include leaves, tree branches, and other types of debris. In fact, clearing out most of the debris yourself can help to speed up the process. Muck Pellets Remember that each product you find will have its purpose. One example will include muck pellets. This is the perfect choice if you have issues with sludge buildup at the bottom of your lake or pond. The pellets will sink to the bottom and begin to eat away at the sludge. Muck pellets contain bacteria made to break down enzymes and trace materials that make up large areas of sludge. Pond Clarifiers You’ll be able to find pond clarifiers packaged as big as 10 pounds per bucket. This amount should be enough to treat a large pond or even a lake. This product works by tying up excess phosphorous and soil particles in the water. The result will give you clearer water. Since this product’s base is aluminum sulfate and rids the water of soil particles that are suspended, water treatment plants tend to use this alternative with great success. Bacteria Pack The bacteria pack is similar to the muck pellets because they work to rid the water of bad bacteria. However, a bacteria pack can work great for both the surface and the bottom of the pond. The product is environmentally friendly and will also work to break down organic material found in your water. Bacteria packs will usually dissolve within five or ten minutes of treating the water. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.

How Can I Beautify My Pond?

Designing Your Pond A pond is a beautiful addition to any landscape. Ponds are great additions to any landscape because they can create a pleasant, relaxing environment. Moreover, when you have a pond, you can do many things to accentuate its beauty. Rest assured that you will be able to find various ways to design your pond, such as a design that attracts birds. In this article, we’ll go over five ways that can beautify your yard just how you want. Pond Lights One of the first things that can go a long way to making your pond all your own is by adding pond lights. You’ll be able to appreciate these types of lights, especially at night. You can find floating pond lights that can get their power from the sun’s solar energy. At night, these lights will light up and bring your pond to life. Floating Pond Fountain A floating pond fountain, like the 1.5 HP Classic Fountain, is another addition that can beautify your pond. It can add beauty to your pond and provide a magnificent display. When it comes to floating pond fountains, you’ll be able to choose the size according to your pond’s water depth and overall surface area of water. You can find a floating pond fountain complete in a kit so that you won’t be missing anything. You’ll have everything you need to install the pond fountain. Waterfall A waterfall is another option that you can consider for your pond. It can be pretty easy to create a waterfall yourself. Simply by diverting the water with tubing toward the top of the pond, you’ll be able to have the water falling from a higher altitude. You can use rocks to create an unique design for the waterfall. The stones can also be used to hide the tubing along the way. Adding Fish If you’re looking for a natural landscape for your pond, one of the first alternatives you should consider is adding Koi fish in your pond. Koi fish are enjoyable to look at as they swim around in your pond. Fish are also a natural part of any pond that can make the entire landscape thrive and look beautiful. First, however, make sure that you have enough water to accommodate your fish. If you have a small pond, you should limit the number of fish you put in the water. Pond Plants Finally, make sure that you also put plants around your pond. After all, a green landscape completes the habitat of the pond. Plants you can add to your pond include Botswana Wonder, Rosette Water Lettuce, Water Hyacinth plants, and more. Remember that if you invest in floating pond plants, they will do well in the summer months. You will have to maintain them so that they won’t overtake the pond. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.

How Does Pond Aeration Work?

Pond Aeration is Essential Adding a pond to a landscape can help to accentuate its beauty and uniqueness. However, to keep your pond looking great, you will have to invest in an aeration system. A lot goes into maintaining your pond properly, and pond aeration paramount. However, if you’ve never heard of pond aeration, the term may seem a little technical. Outdoor Water Solutions offers a variety of pond aeration systems. In this article, we’ll go over the purpose of pond aeration and how it works. The Aeration Process Have you ever seen a dirty pond that has green muck and standing water? Well, this is the result when you don’t have proper aeration. The aeration process is vital to keeping your pond clean and clear from pond muck and other debris. If you don’t aerate your pond, you will have dirty water along with foul odors. The aeration process works by breaking down any excessive nutrients found in the pond. This is done when the pond aerator infuses oxygen into the water. Algae and Your Pond Algae can be found in ponds. Even though algae are a necessary component for a natural habitat for your pond, you also don’t want an overgrowth of algae bloom, which is where pond aeration comes in to help. The oxygen will work to move and circulate the waters. This process breaks down the nutrients in the form of dissolved oxygen. In addition, pond aeration creates aerobic bacteria that eliminate excessive nutrients, such as phosphorous particles. The algae won’t be able to grow much without the phosphorous nutrients. Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteria As mentioned earlier, aerobic bacteria are beneficial for keeping your pond clean and clear. However, what is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic bacteria? Aerobic bacteria are what you get with a pond aerator. The constant infusion of oxygen that circulates the water creates aerobic bacteria. On the other hand, anaerobic bacteria are the result of an absent aeration system. When this happens, the anaerobic bacteria will break down excess nutrients found at the bottom of the pond. Without the help of an aeration system, the result will be dirty water and a foul odor. Excessive nutrients One of the main reasons you need a pond aerator is to provide your pond life, such as fish, with oxygen. The fish needs oxygen in the water to thrive and survive. Moreover, pond aeration will also work to remove excessive nutrients found at the bottom and surface of the water. The aerobic process is much more convenient because the bacteria will decompose organic matter in the pond. This will produce odorless and harmless carbon dioxide gases as the aerobic bacteria works. The Results The pond can begin to create excessive nutrients, especially when it’s a hot day. Within just a few days, you may start noticing dirty water and blooms of algae without a proper aeration system in place. Remember that pond aeration works by keeping your water moving and breaking down organic matter, which will result in a cleaner pond and overall environment. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.

What is Solar Aeration?

Solar Aeration When it comes to pond aeration, you will find a wide variety of choices. Among these choices, you will have the solar pond aerator to consider. What makes solar aeration the right investment for your pond? To find out if a solar aerator is what you need, you’ll need to know a few things. By understanding the mechanics of a solar aeration system, you will get the most out of your aeration setup. Outdoor Water solutions offers a variety of solar aeration solutions including the OWS DW Classic 5 Solar Aerator. This article will go over some of the specifics about what solar aeration is and what it can do for your pond. The Aeration Process The aeration cycle will be the same for a solar aerator, with some differences compared to the other options. The aeration cycle is essential to keep your pond clean and clear. Its primary purpose is to infuse your pond with oxygen. This gives the water constant circulation throughout your pond. Without any type of aeration, your water would become stagnant and cause an array of unwanted results. Aeration can prevent dirty water, foul odors, and more within the pond. A Solar Aerator and Your Pond How do you know if a solar aerator is the right choice for you? Well, let’s go over a few facts. The solar aeration system does not use electricity to power the aerator. Instead, it uses the sun’s energy to power the entire aeration process. The aeration will then work to break down the excessive nutrients to give you clear water. A solar aerator will work great for you if you live in an open area where your panels can receive an abundance of sunshine. Even if you live in a confined area, as long as you give your panels a clear path to sunshine, you are sure to keep your aerator working. The Benefits of a Solar Aerator One of the most significant benefits of a solar aerator is that you will be able to save money on your monthly electric bill. Using a solar-powered aerator is also good for the environment and the pond’s surroundings. The good thing about the solar aerator is that you can also invest in a solar aeration battery backup. Any solar power will also be stored in the battery. This can come in handy on those cloudy days when you can’t get that abundant sunshine you need. The battery backup will kick in and power your aerator. Great for Rural Homes A solar aeration system can work great for anyone living in a rural homestead, such as a farm. Since connecting electricity to a pond aerator can be challenging, a solar pond system would be the perfect solution. You can also be confident that solar pond aerators will work to aerate large and small ponds. Make sure that you choose the right size to accommodate the surface area and depth of the pond. By doing this, you are sure to get the results you want for your pond. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.

The New American Feeder H125 Fish Feeder: Lighter and More Convenient Than Ever

Anyone who has a pond knows the responsibility of keeping a balanced environment. Aside from having clean and clear water, it is also essential to keep your fish healthy. However, it can be challenging to find the time to feed the fish regularly. As with any animal, it is ideal to have a regular feeding schedule for your fish. This is why we have introduced a new fish feeder to take the worry out of feeding your fish. It is a convenient setup that you, and your fish, will enjoy. Let's go over some of the features you will enjoy when you invest in our new American Feeder H125 fish feeder. An Ideal Design for Any Pond We are the first company to offer this type of fish feeder to all pond enthusiasts. One of the most significant features that comes with our new fish feeder is its convenient design. It is made for any pond, regardless of size and shape. With a capacity of 75lbs, this fish feeder can feed all of your fish. You can easily move your new fish feeder anywhere around your pond because of its lightweight feature. The powder-coated aluminum body of the fish feeder cuts the weight in half while still keeping that heavy-duty finish. It'll be able to withstand some of the harshest weather elements in both the winter and summer months. Setting Your new Fish Feeder Once you have your new fish feeder, setting it up will be fast and easy. The feeder will come with the capability to mount anywhere around your pond. You won't find the need to use multiple legs for a complete installation. With our Vari-Tilt Base component, you can mount your fish feeder on the docks or along the shoreline. You can also adjust your fish feeder on a schedule to feed your fish throughout the day without any worries. Finding the Best Location When it comes to finding the ideal location for your feeder, you can rest easy knowing the process is easy. Because of its lightweight design, you can install your feeder anywhere. An ideal location would be as near as possible to the pond's shoreline or body of water. With the high-velocity blower, feed is distribute in an arc that is 45’ long and 25’ at its widest. The Solar Powered Fish Feeders The American Feeder H125 comes with a solar panel at no extra charge. This means you never have to trudge out to the pond just to change feeder batteries. These chargers can be mounted on the side of the feeders to maximize the sun's solar energy. Rest assured that a fish feeder will be the perfect choice for your pond and fish in the end. We guarantee quality and convenience with all our products and services. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.

How to Protect Fish During Winter

Pond Life in the Winter As those cold, freezing temperatures begin to arrive, it is time to prepare your pond and fish. Of course, your first priority is to protect your fish because of their sensitive nature. Because the freezing temps don’t usually arrive until November or December, it is ideal to begin preparations as early as October. Let’s go over some of the things you can do to keep your fish safe in the winter. Aeration is the First Step The first thing to remember is that pond aeration is important in any type of weather, including winter. Aeration is key because the process keeps the water flowing smoothly throughout the pond. Because the water continuously moves, it is hard for the water to freeze over, potentially causing harm to the fish. Make sure that you invest in an aeration system that will suit your needs. You can choose from solar, electric, or wind-powered pond aerators. A Natural Habitat The cold temperatures could cause your fish to move slow as they swim. Moreover, you may also see them stay way below the surface of the water. This is because the fish will find warmer spots deeper in the pond. You can also create a natural habitat within the pond so that your fish can hide during the winter. For example, using rocks to create crevices or small caves inside the pond can help protect your fish during the winter. Create Shelter for Your Fish Other than creating natural caves with rocks or stones, you can also invest in fish shelters. Depending on the size of your pond, you’ll have an array of sizes to choose from for your fish shelter, which can include Koi castles or empty flowerpots. This will give your fish a natural sense of their habitat, protecting them in the process. Creating a Waterfall Along with your pond aerator, it would also be a good idea to implement a waterfall. You can run a separate hose to connect a flow of water that can cascade off the high ground. This, coupled with your already existing aerator, will surely keep your pond from freezing over. Fish also tend to eat less in the winter, so you can reduce the amount of food you feed them. Otherwise, leftover flakes or pellets will just sink to the bottom and create waste. Using a Winter Pump When you’re browsing through your pond aeration alternatives, make sure that you also consider an aeration system that is made for the winter. Other pumps may not be able to handle freezing temperatures and could even break down, which can cause your pond to freeze. In this case, you can look for pumps that are specific for cold temperatures. Keeping an Air Hole on the Surface One important thing to consider about an aeration system is how it keeps your pond open in freezing temperatures. Your goal is to keep your pond from freezing over, having proper aeration will keep the pond from freezing over. If your pond does freeze on the surface, it is essential to keep an air hole. By doing this, you’ll allow oxygen in your pond along with letting gases out. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.

Five Ways to Beautify Your Yard This Fall

A New Season Brings Changes Now that the fall months have arrived, you’ll be able to enjoy the colorful changes that come with the season. However, many may find it challenging to find ways to beautify their yard because most plants become dormant. In contrast with spring, the leaves begin to fall, bringing many changes to the foliage in orange, red, and other gorgeous colors. So how can you take advantage of these changes to beautify your yard? Let’s go over five easy ways that can complement the season to perfection. Water Features: One of the easiest methods to beautify your yard is by adding a water feature. This can include a variety of alternatives, including fountains, ponds, and more. Although water features can complement any season of the year, they still add a unique touch to the decorative layout of your yard. Decorative Windmill: Another option that you can consider is a decorative windmill like the Large Wood Backyard Windmill. If you’re looking for a rustic, cozy layout for your yard, you need to have a decorative windmill. It can also give your exterior design a relaxing ambiance. When it comes to these types of windmills, you will find various sizes, including large and small. You’ll also have different designs to suit your taste in decorations. The ornamental windmills can come in wood or galvanized steel designs. One of the great things about choosing a decorative windmill is that you’ll have an assortment of colors to choose from, depending on the décor of your landscape. Planting Perennials: Spring is usually when you begin to think about which plants to add to your garden. However, you can find an array of shrubs or plants that will also thrive in the fall. Along with trees that change color, you can also find shrubs with the same effect, which you want for your fall decorations. Shrubs or perennials that you should look for are smoke bush or witch hazel. Colorful Fall Foliage: Many homeowners take the time to rake the leaves from the front and backyard. If you rake the leaves from your lawn, it would be ideal for keeping some just for the color. The leaves left on the ground can also be used as mulch. Leaves that you do rake up can be used as fall decorations for the exterior part of the house. You can make them into wreaths for your doors. Even a small branch can help to fill a vase in your home. Fall Decorations: The last thing that makes fall a beautiful time of year is the natural complements that bloom in the season. Pumpkins are one of those fruits that give the fall season its hallmark. Simply adding a few pumpkins around your yard will create that nice autumn feeling you want. Along with pumpkins, you can add heirloom corn as well. Heirloom corn can come in a collection of colors that will surely enhance your fall decorations. Moreover, the heirloom corn will also be delicious to eat. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.