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The Difference Between an Airstone Diffuser and a Rubber Membrane
Keeping Your Pond Healthy Ponds are beautiful additions to any landscape layout. They are also great habitats for fish, frogs, and other pond life. However, to have a nice and healthy pond, you need to remember to add oxygen. This is called aerating your pond. This oxygen is added by compressing air through airline and dispersed through diffusers on the bottom of the pond. We will discuss two types of diffusers, which are airstone diffusers or a rubber membrane. So, what is the difference between the two options? Well, in this article, we’ll go over what each one can offer. The Airstone Diffuser As mentioned in previous articles, maintaining a proper balance of oxygen in your pond is essential. The airstone diffuser is a porous stone that produces small bubbles when air is pumped through. We recommend putting the airstone diffusers in a bucket so they do not sink into the mud. Airstone diffusers are a little more difficult to install, but they are cheaper than the rubber membrane diffusers. The Rubber Membrane When it comes to the rubber membrane diffuser, the price can be slightly more expensive than the airstone diffuser. The rubber membrane diffuser comes on a self-sinking base making it easy to place at your desired location. And, if you need even more oxygen, we offer a double disc diffuser. However, the extra cost may come out to a better investment since the rubber membrane diffuser won’t require as much maintenance as the airstone diffuser. This can be a convenient feature if you don’t have the time to maintain your pond aeration systems. Another advantage that you may find with the rubber membrane is that it doesn’t need to be placed in a bucket. Their Inner Workings When it comes to their functionality, they both do the same thing: to create streams of bubbles, which gives your pond oxygen. Final Takeaway Whether you’re looking to invest in an Airstone Diffuser Kit or a Rubber Membrane Diffuser Kit, both are good options. The airstone diffuser can be ideal for smaller ponds. The rubber membrane is an ideal solution for bigger ponds. This is because more bubbles are created and transported throughout the water, which makes more oxygen for your aquatic environment. To reiterate, both options are good, but your investment would depend on the price, maintenance frequency, and size of 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.
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The Benefits of Bottom Diffused Aeration
Knowing Your Aeration System A lot goes into caring for a pond. One of the most important things you need to have for a pond is aeration. It is also good to know that there are two different types of pond aeration, which are surface and bottom aeration. In this article, we’ll go over the benefits of using a bottom diffused aeration system. In a nutshell, this type of aerating system is said to produce better results for the overall quality of the pond. An Efficient Way to Aerate Your Pond The purpose of an aerator is to distribute oxygen throughout the water. One of the most significant benefits of a bottom aerator is that it is more efficient at evenly distributing these oxygen levels compared to a surface aerator. An even distribution will mean cleaner and clearer waters for the entire pond area. You won’t have to deal with spots that are left untreated. Another benefit that you can get from a bottom diffused aeration system is keeping temperature levels balanced throughout the water column. As the bubbles begin to form at the bottom and float upwards, they will create oxygen levels, not just at the bottom but through the entire pond, including the surface. Better for Older Ponds Ponds that haven’t had proper aeration could have a large amount of pond muck, algae, and other types of debris. With time, the pond muck will tend to sink to the bottom of the pond and stay stuck. When this happens, a bottom diffused aeration system would be your best bet. This is because the main force and power of the diffuser will come from the bottom, which means the water will circulate more at the bottom. Moreover, the aeration will break down the muck stuck at the bottom of the pond much faster and with quality results. Ideal for Fish and Other Pond Life Remember that a proper aeration system will have your pond looking clean and help keep pond life, such as fish, thriving. A bottom diffused aeration system will circulate the water deep inside the pond where fish swim, giving them a high oxygen level. A properly aerated pond is also beneficial for plant life located around the pond. Simply by keeping your pond clean, you will encourage healthy growth for your plants. Otherwise, a pond that doesn’t have aeration would create a dirty environment that could slow down growth or even kill the plant life around the pond. Getting the Most Out of Your Bottom Aerator To see the results you want for your pond, you will have to invest in the right bottom diffused aeration system. One way to have proper bottom diffused aeration is to install an electric aeration system. You can find the perfect aeration system by doing some calculations. Some of the things you can consider are the size of the pond, surface area, depth, and potential areas of concern. This can help you determine which aeration system would work best for you. If you have a deep pond or lake, a Deep Pond Electric Aeration AerMaster Pro is what you need. It comes in a variety of sizes to accommodate all sizes of ponds and lakes. 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 Benefits of Adding Pond Microbes
What are Pond Microbes? The word microbes can encompass an array of things. It composes a collection of bacteria, protists, and more. When it comes to ponds, there are good and bad bacteria. You will want to promote good bacteria for your pond so they can destroy bad bacteria. One type of bad bacteria can be found on the pond's surface, while others accumulate at the bottom. Pond microbes, like Outdoor Water Solutions Bacteria Packs, can help to rid your pond of bad bacteria. Let's go over five benefits that you can get from adding pond microbes to your pond. Control Algae: Although some algae are necessary for an optimal pond ecosystem, too much algae bloom can also be bad. It can make the pond look dirty and even suffocate the good bacteria. Adding pond microbes can keep algae levels at a balanced point. In the end, you are sure to get clear water by using pond microbes. Controls Pond Muck: Pond muck is a combination of excess nutrients, algae, and bad bacteria. The good bacteria you add to the pond will break down any excess nutrients that can cause pond muck. Nutrients are also necessary to keep your pond thriving. However, any type of excess nutrients in a pond will do more harm than good. Pond muck can begin to grow within just a few days if it is not adequately controlled. Using pond microbes will also help to keep pond muck at bay. A Great Combination: Pond microbes can do wonders when you use them in combination with other strategies, such as aeration. You may also need a kit that can work to clean and clear your water. This can include concentrated aerobic bacteria, water clarifier, and Blue Dry Pond Dye. When used together, you will quickly see the benefits. Easy Maintenance: Another essential benefit is its convenient setup. The application process is simple when you use the kit or just the pond microbes on their own. Simply by following the manufacturer's instructions on applying the microbes, you are sure to get the results you want. Moreover, you won't have to drain your pond to clean it. Although you may have to use a skimmer to gather leaves and other forms of large debris, using a pond microbes kit will save you time and energy. Along with the aeration process, you will see a change in the water and even your pond life. Benefits for Pond Life: The last benefit is a cleaner environment for all of your pond life, such as fish. As mentioned before in the article, some nutrients and algae are necessary for your fish to live. However, too much can cause harm to your fish or impede growth. In addition, if you don't use pond microbes to remove excess nutrients or algae, the overgrowth of pond muck will suppress oxygen levels in the pond. Remember that oxygen is another component needed so that your fish can survive. 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 do I Get Rid of It?
Having a Pond as an Adornment A pond is a beautiful adornment that can complement any home layout or rural homestead. However, a pond can also come with an array of responsibilities. This can include aerating the pond properly, keeping it clean, and keeping your fish nice and healthy. Another thing you have to remember is to get rid of pond muck. Pond muck is an accumulation of collected waste that forms over time. This can result from an overflow of algae, debris, and other types of bacteria that can form within the water. Let’s go over what pond muck is and how you can get rid of it. How Pond Muck Forms As mentioned earlier in the article, pond muck is the result of waste and debris in a pond. This begins as fish waste, or food accumulates then sinks to the bottom of the pond. Other factors that can contribute to the formation of pond muck are dead plants, leaves, or tree branches that have fallen into the pond itself. The debris will begin to decay and form unwanted bacteria that will lead to pond muck. The process can be much faster if you don’t have any type of aeration system in place. You will notice pond muck due to its foul odor and unappealing sight. The water will become cloudy, dirty, and brown. Adding Muck Pellets How can you get rid of pond muck? Well, one of the most effective ways is to add pond muck pellets. These pellets work great because it will get into the pond to break down the formation of muck. Moreover, the pellets will also be able to control the pond muck before it begins to form. The pellets are great alternatives for a wide range of water formations or features, including ponds, lakes, swimming pools, and more. These pond muck pellets are made with sludge-eating bacteria, enzymes, and minerals, which are all made to clear up your water. Safe and Convenient for Your Pond What makes pond muck pellets so appealing? The first thing about muck pellets is that they are environmentally friendly and safe to use. They are also easy to spread around your pond, lake, or pool. All you have to do is use a spot treatment around the problem areas. You should use around 4 pounds per week for four weeks. Then, you’ll need to follow that up with an application of 1 pound every other week as needed. The Results Make a Difference In the end, you are sure to see the results in just a few days. If you already have pond muck forming in the water, it will begin to clear up within a week. If you haven’t had any type of pond muck or algae blooms in the water, you can rest easy knowing that the water will stay clean and clear. We recommend Lake & Pond Muck Pellets because they are convenient and come in sizes from 10 pounds up to 250 pounds for all pond sizes. 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 Problems Are Caused By Poor Aeration?
Improving Pond Aeration What causes the majority of pond problems? Well, about 90 percent of pond problems are caused by poor aeration. In this article, we’ll go over some of the things you can do to improve pond aeration. Specifically, we’ll look at the three main ways to aerate your pond: solar, electric, and wind. Moreover, we’ll also go over some of the benefits that each option offers. Choosing the right one for you can help to keep optimal aeration levels. The Solar Aeration System When it comes to solar pond aeration systems, it is always best to keep this setup in a wide-open space without any obstructions. Your main goal here is to get abundant sunshine to power your aeration system. You can also complement your solar aeration system by periodically cleaning your pond with skimmers. This would mainly be used to remove debris from the pond, such as tree branches and fallen leaves. Another benefit of using a solar aeration alternative is that you won’t have to use electricity from the grid. This will save you money. The Electric Pond Aeration Setup If you have a pond aeration system but still see a poor aeration cycle, you may need a bigger aeration setup. An electric pond aerator can give you large CFM output to accommodate the size of your pond. Another thing to look at is where the location of the pond is within the layout. If you have a solar aerator with obstructions in the way, the sun’s rays could be getting blocked from reaching the panels, resulting in weak energy output. In this case, the electric aeration system would be the way to go. Remember that you want to infuse a proper amount of oxygen levels to remove bad bacteria, keep algae levels balanced and have your pond life thriving. Wind Aeration and Its Benefits The wind aeration system is a clear alternative. It is considered to be environmentally friendly. If you still see poor aeration results from your aeration system, it could be that your pond needs a deep cleaning. Sometimes, even an aeration system won’t be able to clear out that deep-rooted algae, bacteria, and other forms of bad nutrients. You may need to drain your pond to dredge out that pond scum found at the bottom or apply pond chemicals when this happens. A wind aeration system is helpful because you’ll get a natural source of energy coming from the wind. The Results What are the results? Simply by using various methods together with aerating, you are sure to minimize the percentage of problems with your aeration unit. Using good bacteria and organic solutions to complement your pond aeration system is another idea you can consider. By doing this, you’ll be able to clean your pond much faster and efficiently. Because oxygen may take longer to reach the bottom of the pond, adding good bacteria to eat away at excessive nutrients may prove to be helpful. This will surely help to solve the problem of poor aeration in 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.
Top 5 Reasons to get a Floating Pond Fountain
Getting a Clean, Thriving Pond A pond is a beautiful addition to any landscape, especially if you live on a farm or in a rural area. Moreover, anyone who has taken care of a pond can tell you that it does need a little bit of upkeep. One of the first things you have to think about is aeration. Without proper aeration, you are sure to be missing critical components to having a clean and thriving pond. Additionally, a floating pond fountain, like any of our Classic Line of Floating Pond Fountains, adds beauty to the environment. So why should you invest in a floating pond fountain? Let’s go over five reasons in this article. Water Quality: When it comes to your pond, water quality is the most important thing you want to concentrate on improving. Installing a floating pond fountain can help to circulate water throughout the pond. This can create the needed oxygen for plant and fish life. Without oxygen stimulation in a pond, the water will become stagnant and give way to pond muck, foul odors, and bacteria. Algae: Although algae particles are a necessary component in any pond, an overgrowth of algae can also cause problems. Your goal here is to have a proper balance of algae levels. The problem with algae is that it can block or stifle oxygen levels in a pond, which is terrible for pond life. Algae bloom can also create an unpleasant landscape that makes the pond look dirty. As algae need sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to grow, a floating pond fountain can minimize this process to keep algae levels at bay. Odors: A pond is meant to be enjoyed by everyone, so when you begin to smell foul odors coming from your pond, the experience can leave you disappointed. Remember that standing water can quickly create a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria, pond scum, and other types of debris to form. The result can bring foul odors to the water. However, you can prevent this from happening by using a floating pond fountain. A Healthy Environment: A floating pond fountain is a great way to promote a healthy environment for your fish. This can also be important if you have a lot of fish in your pond. In this case, you will want to invest in a pond fountain that can properly distribute a large amount of oxygen levels throughout your pond. Oxygen will stimulate growth for your fish and allow them to live longer. Aeration is beneficial for all types of pond fish, such as Koi. Pests and Insects: When it comes to your pond, you always want your water to keep circulating. The last thing you want is standing water in the middle of a hot summer day. In fact, within just a few days, stagnant water can attract mosquitoes and other pests. However, with a floating pond fountain, you will be able to keep your water moving around your pond. Rest assured that you will notice the difference in just a couple of 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.
Why Do I Need A Solar Pond Aerator?
If you have a pond, you know that stagnant water can cause unwanted bacteria, pests, as well as illnesses that can harm your fish. Having a pond aerator is essential to keep circulation of water and air inside your pond. The more oxygen you have the better off your pond will look and also healthier your fish will be. A great option for an aerator is a solar pond aerator. These aerators are made up of solar panels that transform sunlight into electrical energy to power the aeration system. By using sunlight to power your pond aerator, you can minimize the use of environmental resources thus saving on electricity. Solar pond aerators are also a great option when you can’t run a cable from your power source to your pond. Solar pond aerators come in different sizes. The larger the solar panel, the more sunlight it can absorb and convert. Larger solar panels are able to emit and create higher amounts of electrical energy. It can, therefore, operate a more powerful and efficient aerator. Ponds with lots of direct sunlight will be ideal to power a solar pond aerator. There are several choices of solar pond aerators. Knowing the depth of your pond, size and also your sunlight conditions will help with choosing the most efficient solar pond aerator 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 1-866-471-1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote.
What is Pond Muck?
Have you ever swum in a pond that smells bad, and when you get out you have black goo on your feet and legs? If your pond does not have aeration, chances are Muck has been accumulating on your pond bed since its inception. But what exactly is Muck? Muck’s physical appearance is often a blackish-brown slimy substance that will often time smell of sulfur or other pungent odors. Organic material of all kinds, such as grass clippings, droppings, dead organisms, and other forms of life will fall to the bottom and begin its transformation into this nasty smelling goo. Due to the anaerobic (no oxygen) nature of unaerated ponds, this organic material will slowly accumulate, all while leaching potent nutrients into the water column; nutrients that allow algae and other nuisance vegetation to thrive. In this way, Muck is a food source to all sorts of unwanted plants. Therefore over the years; ponds will get worse each season in regard to algae and other unwanted vegetation. Muck can also be a breeding ground for leeches, as they love to grow in it. This is just another reason on a long list of reasons to want to get rid of Muck if you have it or avoid getting it if you do not. If there is nothing in place that can negate the large quantities of nutrients that accumulate in the pond, you can be certain it will only get worse with time. And because the pond is anaerobic, the processes that could break down this muck cannot occur, as they are aerobic (require oxygen). Due to the anaerobicity, this oxygen free zone along the bottom of the pond will produce harmful bacteria and hydrogen sulfide. As a result, other living organisms in the pond can be harmed from the production of these byproducts. So, what can you do to proactively assure that you avoid Muck accumulation? Methods to Avoid Muck Accumulation: Bottom Diffused Aeration – With a bottom diffused aeration system, you ensure that your water column is completely destratified. That means that there is little change in temperature and oxygen concentration the deeper you go. This type of system will assure that oxygen is present where the Muck has settled, allowing beneficial aerobic bacteria in the water column to breakdown the Muck, in turn, lowering nutrient concentration in the water. Often, people will start to regain depth in their ponds just from this change, depending on how many years’ worth of Muck a pond has accumulated. Additionally, if you are applying an herbicide or algaecide when needed, you are simply masking the symptoms of an already sick pond, and even making it worse. If the pond does not have aeration, those dead plants and algae will simply sink to the bottom and begin leaching nutrients, repeating the cycle. Beneficial Microbes – The aerobic bacteria that breaks down the Muck can be supplemented in high concentrations to ensure breakdown of matter on the bottom of the pond. With oxygen present, these bacteria will deplete the nutrient load and mitigate the foul odor often produced by stagnant ponds. At Outdoor Water Solutions, we sell a dry proprietary Barley Straw Blend of 5 strains of Microbes specifically designed for ponds and lakes. The bacteria come in water soluble packs that are easy to apply and require no preparation. Due to its dry nature, we can fit 20-50x live bacteria in the package when compared to a liquid product. This high concentration ensures that the bacteria can cultivate and thrive in the water column long enough to do its job. Muck Pellets – Muck Pellets are similar in function to the Beneficial Microbes, but vary in application. These pellets are formulated to sink to the bottom and eat the Muck in a localized area, quickly and effectively, whereas the Beneficial Microbes cultivate in the water column, spanning across the entire pond. The benefit of Muck Pellets is that if there is a Dock, loading zone, swimming area, etc. in a pond that has been overtaken by Muck, Muck Pellets is the product to go with. Due to the trace mineral base and enzymes that are present, the bacteria are catalyzed to degrade Muck and nutrients from their surroundings. The bacteria that are in the pellets are high volume waste consumers, meaning they decompose large quantities of Muck at a fast rate. This one tool can be utilized with other solutions mentioned to give you the best chance to reduce the amount of organic material you have sitting on the bottom of your pond. Outdoor Water Solutions is one of the leading companies in the pond industry and sells a full line of pond microbes including the Lake & Pond Bacteria and the Lake & Pond Muck Pellets. We also have super concentrated blue dye and multiple aeration options including electric, solar and wind powered. Please email or call us at 1-866-471-1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote.
What Exactly is Algae?
Algae can be a problem for a lot of pond owners. It can even grow on the bottom in late winter, early spring when you think it should be dormant. It can be controlled with algaecides but the best option is to prevent it with a combination of pond dyes, aeration and supplemental microbes. Types of Algae: Algae often floats on the top of your pond and appears to be in mats. Usually, many forms of algae grow on the bottom then rise to the surface over time. Before you treat it, it’s important to understand the different forms of algae and how they live in your pond’s ecosystem. There are three common types of algae found in North American ponds: Filamentous Algae. Most commonly called pond moss, moss, pond scum or string algae. This algae starts growing on the bottom then floats to the surface where it forms a mat. This can easily cover a large part of your pond and makes it extremely difficult to fish or swim in. Planktonic Algae. These are floating microscopic plants that are usually floating on the surface and can be green, blue-green and or brown in color. Forms of planktonic algae, especially the blue-green kind can be toxic to both people and animals if not controlled. Most planktonic algae is beneficial and are an important part of the aquatic ecosystem. They also produce oxygen and food for the animals that live in your pond. Chara. This form of algae grows on the bottom and looks very similar to a plant called Naiad. It doesn’t have any flowers or true leaves. You can tell it’s chara by its strong musky odor when crushed. Why do you have Algae? Algae is a life form and is very dependent on both sunlight and nutrients to grow. If your pond has runoff coming into it that carries Nitrogen or Phosphorous from farm fields, golf courses, yards and anywhere else that might be carrying fertilizer, then you’re probably going to have algae. It also likes shallow water and abundant sunlight. Older ponds that have black organic matter on the bottom are also prone to algae as that organic matter releases nutrients as it decomposes. How do you Treat Pond Algae? Liquid Algaecides. Floating mats of algae and planktonic algae are usually treated with a liquid product, like Cutrine Plus, which is a liquid copper based product that is sprayed over top of the algae to provide control. Granular Algaecides. Bottom growing algae like some filamentous algae and chara can be tough to control unless you apply a granular product directly to the algae. Cutrine®-Plus granular is a good option for this as the granules will sink and come into contact with the algae on the bottom. Can you be Proactive and Prevent Algae? The answer is yes. The best way to prevent an algae problem or to at least minimize it is to be proactive. By using a combination of pond dye to shade the water, all natural microbes and sub-surface aeration, you can work on the problem vs. just putting a band aid on it. By changing your pond to aerobic vs. anaerobic, you start to break down excess nutrients which feed the algae. Adding microbes and dye further helps the situation. Outdoor Water Solutions is one of the leading companies in the pond industry and sells a full line of pond microbes including the Lake & Pond Bacteria and the Lake & Pond Muck Pellets. We also have super concentrated blue dye and multiple aeration options including electric, solar and wind powered. Please email or call us at 1-866-471-1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote.
How do you Improve a Pond the Natural Way?
Improving Pond Water Quality the Natural Way Together with a team of seasoned biologists and water quality experts, OWS has created a simple, easy to use Pond Care System. The three products included in the Pond Pack work together to help to prevent problems before they start! Today, many pond owners rely on the use of algaecides and herbicides to keep their pond looking nice. While these products work well, they are primarily curative in nature. That means they fix the problem after it is already a problem – like algae and weeds. They do not fix the underlying issue which is a buildup of nutrients and a lack of aeration and water circulation. These “excess” nutrients and lack of oxygen is really what causes too much algae and too many weeds. Other potential problems with traditional solutions: Pond Turnover – without proper aeration, most ponds will physically turn over once or twice a year. This is due to the water stratifying into different layers with the colder, oxygen depleted water on the bottom. As the seasons change, a pond can invert or turn over, which brings the colder, low oxygen water to the surface where fish will often die due to lack of oxygen. Pond Algae – with a lack of oxygen and a build up of nutrients, pond algae can thrive in a pond. Algaecides are effective in killing the algae that’s there, but do not prevent it from coming back as they do not fix the real problem. Pond Muck – with a lack of oxygen, beneficial bacteria, and enzymes on the bottom of a pond, the decomposition process of leaves, fish waste, grass clippings, etc. cannot occur. The bottom of the pond soon starts to build up with a black layer of muck that cannot decompose and instead continues to accumulate and release excess nutrients into the water further feeding algae and other weed problems. Pond care is really evolving as the industry itself becomes more environmentally conscious and pond owners start to consider alternatives to using potentially harmful chemicals to treat their pond water. Just like any problem that needs to be solved, the best way to approach it is to look at the underlying issues or symptoms of the problem. An excess of nutrients and a lack of aeration and water circulation are usually the underlying problems that cause algae and excess vegetation in a pond. As a more environmentally sound alternative, pond care can be achieved by using a combination of biological products and aeration. The Pond Pack from Outdoor Water Solutions combines three different natural products that work together to help prevent future problems. To further improve your pond environment, aeration provided by an Outdoor Water Solutions solar, wind or electric aerator can make a big difference by adding beneficial oxygen to the water. This begins breaking down excess nutrients, both in the water and on the bottom of the pond. Combining additional oxygen in your pond with a mixture of beneficial bacteria, water clarifiers, and natural pond dye gives your pond the care it needs to stay healthy and clean. Pond Care Packs Provide: An Easy and Safe to Use Pond Cleaning System No FDA or EPA Approval Required No Need to take Courses and go through a Licensing Application All Natural Solution to Help Keep Your Pond Clean and Healthy For Use in Ponds, Lakes, Fisheries and Ornamental Bodies of Water Each Pond Pack contains three different products which work together to help people clean up their ponds and maintain them in good condition 365 days a year. These three natural products are proven and tested to help tie up nutrients in the water body and provide the simplest and most cost effective solution available on the market. Recommended Solution Each Pond Pack box will treat ¼ acre pond with an average depth of 4' - 6 feet. For a ½ acre pond 4-6 ft deep, you would use two boxes for season long performance. Each Pond Pack Box contains three all natural products designed to help keep your pond clean and healthy all season long. Lake & Pond Water Clarifier is a non-toxic granular product commonly used in the water treatment industry to improve water clarity. It also reduces the amount of phosphorous in the water and helps clean up murky pond water. Lake & Pond Bacteria is a non-toxic natural blend of beneficial microbes in a barley straw base. Lake & Pond Bacteria helps break down organic matter, diminishes nutrient overload, helps reduce odor, and creates a clean, clear pond ecosystem. Lake & Pond Dye is a proprietary blend of environmentally friendly, non-toxic, water-soluble dyes formulated to reduce sunlight penetration and impart a natural blue color when applied to ponds, lakes and fountains. For ponds that have a lot of algae present, you may need to treat with a copper based product. For ponds larger than ¼ acre, you may need to purchase multiple Pond Packs to get season long performance. Aeration systems are not required, but extremely helpful in increasing the performance of these products. NOTE: The use of these products can improve water quality in ponds and small lakes, especially when combined with aeration. For the most environmentally sound system, combine these products with an Outdoor Water Solutions aeration system.
3 Ways to get your Pond or Lake Ready For Spring
Check out these 3 Ways to Get Your Pond or Lake Ready for Spring! Is your pond or lake ready for spring? Now that the ice is gone, and spring is working its way across the country, it’s time to think about treating your pond. All ponds age and as they age, they eventually accumulate black muck on the bottom which then leads to excessive plant vegetation and algae issues. Why, because the bottom of most ponds is anaerobic and things do not break down and decompose very easily in an anaerobic environment. As the muck layer grows, it releases phosphorous and other nutrients which then feed green plants and algae or pond “moss”. So how do you prevent these things from happening? Here are 3 ways to get your pond or lake ready for spring. First, consider adding bottom diffused aeration. This turns the bottom aerobic which means much more rapid decomposition due to the more active aerobic bacteria. Why do you think the wastewater treatment plants churn and move their water, to add oxygen and aerobic bacteria, the same way oxygen and aerobic bacteria keep an aquarium clean. Aeration options include wid energy, electricity or solar power. All are effective, and all work. Secondly, add some additional microbes and aerobic bacteria. A concentrated blend of dry bacteria can speed up nutrient and organic matter decomposition. This can be in pellet form to work on the bottom muck extensively or in dry powder form to circulate throughout the water column. Thirdly, use a colorant to help filter the sunlight. We have a wide range of dye’s that are all super concentrates and can help significantly, especially in ponds with shallow edges where algae is prone to grow. Lastly, you can selectively use an algaecide or herbicide to help with problem areas. Outdoor Water Solutions carries a wide range of these products to help control excessive algae and weeds in problem ponds. Follow these 3 tips and your pond or lake will be ready for the warmer weather and looking good!
4 Ways to Treat Spring and Summer Ponds
Now that the ice is gone and summer is here, it is time to think about treating your pond. All ponds age and as they age, they eventually accumulate black muck on the bottom which leads to excessive plant vegetation and algae issues. Why, because the bottom of most ponds is anaerobic and things do not break down and decompose very easily in an anaerobic environment. As the muck layer grows, it releases phosphorous and other nutrients which then feed green plants and algae or pond “moss.” So how do you prevent these things from happening? Here are four recommendations: First, consider adding bottom diffused aeration. This turns the bottom aerobic which means much more rapid decomposition due to the more active aerobic bacteria. Why do you think the wastewater treatment plants churn and move their water, to add oxygen and aerobic bacteria, the same way oxygen and aerobic bacteria keep an aquarium clean. Aeration can be done with wind energy, electricity or using solar power. All are effective and all work. Secondly, add some additional microbes and aerobic bacteria. A concentrated blend of dry bacteria can speed up nutrient and organic matter decomposition. This can be in pellet form to work on the bottom muck extensively or in dry powder form to circulate throughout the water column. Use a colorant to help filter the sunlight. We have a wide range of dye’s that are all super concentrates and can help significantly, especially in ponds with shallow edges where algae is prone to grow. Lastly, you can selectively use an algaecide or herbicide to help with problem areas. Outdoor Water Solutions carries a wide range of these products to help control excessive algae and weeds in problem ponds. Have questions about maintaining your pond or lake? Give us a call 866-471-1614.