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Pairing Pond Products With Our Fish Feeders

Jodi Zellner

If you've been yearning to transform your pond or lake into a vibrant and thriving ecosystem, look no further. Outdoor Water Solutions has a range of outdoor products that not only complement your space but also add a functional aspect to it. In particular, our fish feeders, which provide a consistent and controlled supply of food to your fish, can be paired with a number of other products to take your outdoor space to the next level. By pairing our fish feeders with decorative windmills, floating pond fountains, or windmill aerators, you can achieve the ultimate pond area. These products are not just accessories, they're the key to unlocking a blend of nature and innovation. See how each of these products brings in their own unique features and find which dynamic duo is best for your outdoor space! Innovative Fish Feeding Solutions Before we get into the dynamic duos, we should understand the role fish feeders play in managing ponds and lakes. Fish feeders play a pivotal role in maintaining the health and vitality of ponds and lakes, offering a host of benefits to both aquatic ecosystems and enthusiasts alike. These automated devices ensure a consistent and controlled supply of nutrition for fish, fostering optimal growth and well-being. By distributing feed uniformly across the water surface, fish feeders help prevent overcrowding, minimizing competition and territorial behavior among fish. Beyond convenience, these devices contribute to water quality management, reducing the risk of issues like overfeeding-induced algae blooms. Fish feeders create opportunities for fishing enthusiasts to enhance their fishing experiences, attracting fish to specific areas and increasing catch rates. Fish feeders emerge as indispensable tools, harmonizing the delicate balance of nature while providing enthusiasts with a means to cultivate thriving aquatic environments. Decorative Windmills and Your Pond Pairing decorative windmills designed solely for aesthetic appeal with purposeful fish feeders creates a dynamic duo in the realm of outdoor pond products. The decorative windmills add a charming touch to the pondscape, evoking a sense of rustic beauty and tranquility. Their ornate designs and graceful rotations in the breeze contribute to an enchanting visual atmosphere. One of our most popular decorative windmills is our Ornamental Wood Windmill with a customizable powder coated head, that pairs beautifully with any of our Texas Hunter Fish Feeders. Complementing this aesthetic enhancement, fish feeders bring a practical element to the partnership. While the windmills captivate with their decorative allure, the fish feeders ensure the well-being of the aquatic inhabitants by providing a controlled and regular feeding schedule. The result is a harmonious blend of form and function, where the serene beauty of decorative windmills converges seamlessly with the practical benefits of fish feeders. Aerator Your Pond Windmill aerators and fish feeders form another unique dynamic duo in the area of outdoor pond products, offering a comprehensive solution for pond management. Windmill aerators harness the power of the wind to oxygenate the water, promoting a healthy aquatic environment. These aerators enhance water quality, reduce algae growth, and provide essential aeration for fish and other pond inhabitants. One of our most popular windmill aerators is the 16’ Deluxe Aeration Wood Windmill, which uses pressure treated wood and powder coated mounting plates for optimal and long-lasting usage. Paired with fish feeders, this combination ensures a well-rounded approach to pond maintenance. Fish feeders contribute to the well-being of aquatic life by dispensing a controlled and regular supply of nutrition. The synchronized operation of windmill aerators and fish feeders creates a harmonious balance between environmental sustainability and the nurturing of fish populations. Together, they establish an effective and efficient system that not only enhances the aesthetics of outdoor ponds but also fosters a thriving ecosystem for aquatic organisms. Floating Pond Fountains Compliments Your Pond Saving the best for last, floating pond fountains and fish feeders collaborate as yet another dynamic duo, transforming outdoor ponds into captivating and thriving ecosystems. Floating pond fountains add a visually stunning dimension to the pond, creating mesmerizing water displays that enhance the overall aesthetic appeal. Beyond their decorative charm, these fountains play a crucial role in oxygenating the water, promoting a healthy environment for aquatic life. Fish feeders contribute to the well-being of the pond's inhabitants by dispensing controlled and nutritious feed. Together, they elevate the pond experience by not only creating a visually enchanting atmosphere but also fostering the health and vitality of fish and other aquatic organisms. This combination exemplifies the integration of aesthetics and practicality in outdoor pond products. Partner With the Pond Experts Today Plan to upgrade your outdoor space and let Outdoor Water Solutions be of service. Between our wide range of products and our knowledgeable pond experts, we can help you get your pond or lake area looking its best! Give us a call at 866.471.1614 or get in touch with us using our online contact form!

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Pond De Icers and Their Wildlife Conservation Role

As temperatures drop, ponds and lakes have the potential to freeze, posing a threat to the diverse ecosystems thriving within. Pond de icers play a crucial role in helping the wildlife get the sustenance they need to survive in the frigid winter months of the year. Outdoor Water Solutions, with its commitment to preserving aquatic ecosystems, offers innovative solutions like pond de icers, which prevents pond and lake ice formation. When winter descends, ponds and lakes face a unique challenge – the formation of ice. While the frozen surface of a pond or lake may catch our attention, by revealing the beauty of nature in the winter, they conceal the struggle for survival beneath. Aquatic life, either fish or submerged vegetation, relies on maintaining a balance of temperature and oxygen levels. The freezing of water disrupts this delicate balance, posing a threat to the vibrant ecosystems that flourish during warmer months. So what can be done to keep aquatic life safe until warmer weather arrives? How De Icers Ensure Wildlife Wellbeing Enter pond de icers. These devices play a pivotal role in preserving aquatic life by preventing the formation of ice layers. By maintaining an opening in the ice, pond de icers allow essential oxygen exchange and temperature regulation. This is particularly vital for fish, which can suffer from oxygen depletion and temperature extremes in frozen waters. Dock deicers, also known as ice eaters, extend their protective influence to waterfront structures. Docks are not merely platforms for human recreation; they also serve as habitats for various microorganisms and small aquatic creatures. Dock deicers ensure that these delicate ecosystems remain viable even in the coldest months, fostering biodiversity and sustaining the intricate web of life beneath the ice. Zooming out from ponds to larger water bodies, the role of lake deicers becomes paramount. Lakes, with their expansive surfaces, face greater challenges in maintaining a balance during winter. Lake deicers become instrumental in preventing the formation of ice sheets that could have catastrophic effects on the entire aquatic ecosystem. From fish populations to waterfowl, the impact of lake deicers ripples through the diverse inhabitants of these vast bodies of water. Solutions for Every Water Body In this dance between winter and wildlife, Outdoor Water Solutions emerges as a key player. Specializing in pond de icers, our company offers fast-acting solutions for diverse bodies of water. Our commitment to environmental conservation aligns seamlessly with the ethos of maintaining thriving ecosystems even in the harshest season. What sets us apart from other companies is not just the range of de-icing solutions but our commitment to sustainability. Their devices are designed to be energy-efficient, ensuring minimal impact on the environment while safeguarding aquatic life. The dedication to innovation translates into cutting-edge technology that maximizes the effectiveness of pond de icers. Another advantage that sets our de icers apart is the fact that our Ice-Away De-Icer is oil-free. This means, rather than other companies’ de icer which use oil-filled motors, there is no potential for oil to leak into your ponds when you choose to use our de icer. Take the Plunge As a responsible steward of your aquatic environment, choosing the right de icer is paramount. Consider factors such as the size of your water body, local climate conditions, and the specific needs of the wildlife inhabiting it. Outdoor Water Solutions provides expert pond guidance to help you make informed decisions, ensuring that your de icer becomes a guardian of life beneath the winter ice. Ready to experience the long-lasting benefits with our de icers? Contact us by calling 866.471.1614 today. Your pond and aquatic life will thank you!

How to Prepare Your Pond for Spring

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.

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.

Pond Maintenance With a Floating Pond Fountain

Nothing offsets a gorgeous piece of land or a beautiful home or building like a pond. Some are nature-made, some are man-made, but all (when properly maintained) make perfect accents. If you’ve ever taken notice of these ponds, you’ve probably also noticed that most ponds, particularly those built for aesthetics, also include a floating pond fountain. While floating pond fountains certainly add to the ambiance created by these ponds, they’re actually serving a purpose beyond aesthetics. In addition to contributing to the look, floating pond fountains help keep natural-made and man-made maintained and functioning properly, to an extent. A floating pond fountain is a great addition to your pond however, there are certain aspects of a pond that will determine if a more in-depth pond aerator is a better option for your pond’s maintenance. Will a Floating Pond Fountain Work For Your Pond? To determine if a pond fountain is the type of aerator for ponds that will work best for your pond maintenance, it’s important to understand the function of pond fountains. Considered a type of surface aeration, floating pond fountains float on the surface of the pond water, shooting out water which provides an incredible display while also pushing debris, algae, and plants to the edges of the pond making it easier for their removal. While they’re great additions for more reasons than one, floating pond fountains are limited in the amount of water they pull and mix as they can only suck water from their surroundings so they should only be used for ponds that are 4 to 5 feet deep. If your pond is deeper than 6 to 8 feet, an underwater pond aerator such as a solar pond aerator may be the way to go. An underwater pond aerator sits at the bottom of a pond, utilizing a pump that connects two lines: an electrical cable and an airline. The pump sits on the land around the pond allowing the electrical line to connect to an electrical box. The airline runs from the pump into the water, connecting to the aerator. Oxygen is then injected into the water as well as removes bad gasses such as methane and sulfur dioxide by pushing them to the surface and out of the pond. Underwater pond aerators also break down organic sediment like muck allowing for bugs and microbes to consume it. Solar pond aerators are beneficial for anyone who does not have access to power (around the pond) or are looking to use green energy. If your pond contains fish or other types of aquatic life, an underwater pond aerator is going to be your best bet to maintain your pond and keep a healthy ecosystem. If your pond is more designed for aesthetics and is fairly shallow, a floating pond fountain will make a great addition to not only the look of your pond but the health of it. At Outdoor Water Solutions, we offer pond maintenance products and technical support nationwide, ensuring no matter where you are in the United States, your pond will receive superior service and attention. Contact us today at 866.471.1614 to learn more about our service, products, and how we can help you maintain your pond.

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.