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5 Important Reasons To Aerate Your Pond
Pond aerators work by creating currents and giving crucial oxygen to the fish in your pond. The following are five principal reasons you need aeration in your pond. Aeration creates oxygen levels in the pond Fish require adequate oxygen levels to prosper in ponds, and anaerobic bacteria and microorganisms don't flourish in oxygen-rich circumstances. Solar and electric pond aeration foster oxygen levels, which allows your fish to thrive. Fish without adequate oxygen fight to survive. Anaerobic bacteria flourish in ponds without suitable aeration. This blocks your fish because anaerobic microorganisms produce acids and convey antacids, carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen sulfide, which harm fish. Aeration in fishponds is essential to keeping a proper equilibrium in the organic system. Aeration helps water quality Water quality is something every pond owner worries about. No one wants a foul-smelling, dirty pond. As a result of under-aeration, you will see an increase in carbon dioxide levels. The buildup at the lower portion of your pond will result in an excess of gasses that decrease water quality. Algae create conditions that need aeration. You need to have great pond aeration to have a magnificent pond. Aeration keeps ice open on your pond Bottom-diffused pond aeration is essential to keeping the ice open if you live in a space where your pond freezes throughout the colder season. This is basic to staying aware of sound fish populations throughout the colder season. Keeping the ice open can help prevent fish kill and fall pond turnover. Furthermore, it helps release harmful gasses conveyed by anoxic leftovers. Having the gasses caught in your frozen pond all winter can make for a horrible spring and require extra work to clean your pond when it defrosts. Using aeration to keep the ice from covering your pond attracts everyday life all through winter. Aeration lessens pond algae All things being equal, you wouldn't deal with a pond filled with algae, and there are multiple ways aeration can help combat algae. With a pond aerator, algae spores are mixed into deeper waters in your pond, where light is less adequate. Algae needs sunshine to thrive, and by churning it into the deep water, aeration can help tone down and prevent algae bloom. Aeration lessens dangerous phosphorus Phosphorus is one of the key reasons you see algae spread. In any case, the right pond aerator can drive existing phosphorus to bond with iron, which usually occurs in your pond's current circumstance. In this manner, it is changed into a buildup that isn't useful to pond algae. The Results You don't want that grime and algae have control of your lovely pond, so ensure your pond has suitable aeration. Air-O-Lator offers a wide assortment of aeration systems for all your aeration needs. Get in touch with us if you have questions about what aeration system is best for your pond or lake. We will help you with picking the best aeration system for your needs. At Outdoor Water Solutions, we offer a variety of pond aerators & solar pond aerators providing you with the options needed to pick the perfect pond aerator for your pond. We always enjoy working with clients on ways to improve the quality of their ponds' health & solutions for pond maintenance so, if you have any questions or would like more information on our solar pond aerators, contact us at 866.471.1614 today!
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Can I Prevent a Winter Fish Kill?
A mild winter can bring gorgeous weather. However, the reality with every winter is that those freezing and frigid temperatures begin to arrive sooner or later. Depending on where you live, you may only experience freezing temps for a few days or even months. Whatever the situation, you want to prepare your pond to protect your fish from winter fish kill. What is Winter Fish Kill? Winter fish kill is when temperatures reach the freezing point, which then affects the pond water. It affects it so that it can completely freeze the surface. This causes a depletion in dissolved oxygen levels. In a sense, your fish become trapped beneath the ice without sufficient oxygen to survive. Although winter fish kill usually occurs in shallow ponds, it can also happen in deeper ponds. What You Can Do Winter fish kill can happen in ponds, lakes, and other water features where fish live. The first step to prevent a winter fish kill is maintaining an open hole in the ice where trapped gases can escape. This also allows a flow of oxygen within the waters. An Ice-Away De-Icer can keep a small hole open throughout the winter. Make sure that you also keep an aeration system going in the winter. You can move your diffusers to the shallow end of the pond so the fish can have a warm spot to ride out the cold weather. Keeping the Bottom Layer Warm Even though the top layer of the pond runs the risk of freezing over, the bottom part tends to run at warmer temperatures. You want to ensure your water is circulating to keep the temperature consistent. Remember that fish can be sensitive to sudden changes in temperatures. Air bubblers or fountain pumps are ideal for the fall and winter months. If you’re planning on using a deicer, keep it at the top. Keeping the Pond Clean Of course, you also want to keep your pond clean. You can keep a collection of aquatic plants in the winter. This can help boost good bacteria to help clear out any potential pond muck that could build. However, because plants go through the natural decomposition cycle, you want to balance plant life during the winter. Too much plant life can have adverse effects on a pond. The key here is balance. Keep an eye out for dirty pond muck that could form in the winter. Thick sludge that forms deep in the pond can quickly get out of hand and suffocate your fish in freezing temps. As winter hits throughout the country, pond enthusiasts should utilize surface aeration methods to keep their ponds from freezing, which will help prevent a winter fish kill. At Outdoor Water Solutions, we offer a variety of pond aerators & solar pond aerators providing you with the options needed to pick the perfect pond aerator for your pond. We always enjoy working with clients on ways to improve the quality of their ponds' health & solutions for pond maintenance so, if you have any questions or would like more information on our solar pond aerators, contact us at 866.471.1614 today!
The Basic Principles of Pond Maintenance
At Outdoor Water Solutions, one of the most important aspects of our company is educating our customers in proper pond management. From natural pond bacteria products to pond aeration systems, our goal is to provide everything a pond owner needs to properly maintain their pond. Though we’re always available to address anyone’s concerns, often, we encounter individuals that receive recommendations for pond maintenance from unreliable sources or the DIY solution they chose didn’t adequately address the problem. There are various different sources that claim to have solutions geared towards pond preservation and maintenance and while there is great information out there, the fact is the best source to get information from is that of professionals who are passionate and knowledgeable in this field. If you’re a pond owner and are searching for pond maintenance information, the owners of Outdoor Water Solutions are here to help. When it comes to pond maintenance we believe there are three key components that will provide your pond with the care it needs to keep your pond and aquatic life thriving. The Steps to a Healthy Pond When dealing with pond maintenance and management, the truth is there is no quick fix or solution that will make pond problems disappear overnight. Oftentimes we meet customers who are dealing with an out-of-control algae problem and who’ve tried solutions that claim to be fast-acting but are to no avail. The first thing to know is that just as it took time for your pond to break down and deteriorate, it will also take time to correct the situation. At Outdoor Water Solutions, our first component of proper pond maintenance is natural pond bacteria products. Our products are designed to break down excess nutrients and organic matter in the pond which can reduce algae and odor, making your pond clean and healthy. These products also include pond aeration systems and aeration products that are particularly useful when you’re located in an area where natural aeration is not a possibility. The next component of proper pond maintenance is lake and pond dyes. Humans aren’t the only beings that need to be sheltered from the sun. Ponds need to be protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays as they can help prevent weeds and algae from growing. Lake and pond dyes help to filter sunlight, shielding your pond from the sun and unhealthy growth. Lastly, we recommend utilizing pond muck pellets for the health of your pond. Pond muck pellets are perfect for high-use areas such as ponds, docks, and swimming pools. These pellets work by going straight into the muck, eliminating muck and sludge in specific areas. Professional Pond Maintenance at Your Service When it comes to proper pond maintenance, trust the experts. Outdoor Water Solutions is a proven leader in pond management with years of experience in the industry. We offer high-quality natural pond bacteria products and pond aeration systems that are designed to maintain your pond and keep your aquatic life healthy and thriving. For more information on our pond products and services, contact the professionals at Outdoor Water Solutions today at 866.471.1614!
How Do I Keep Unwanted Pests Out of My Pond
Ponds can be a great attraction. But, unfortunately, it can also attract a variety of creatures to your new pond. Although some animals may be a welcome sight, others may be a nuisance. In this article, we'll discuss pond maintenance tips on keeping unwanted pests out of your pond. Doing this can ensure a balanced, safe environment for your fish and other pond life. Herons The pest on the list is the heron. Herons are beautiful birds, but they love to snack on fish. This can be a big problem if you have fish in your pond, such as bass and bluegill. What can you do? The first thing you can do is install a heron decoy. Since herons are territorial by nature, they tend to avoid ponds they think have already been claimed. Another thing you can do is to give your fish a hiding place. For example, you can place plants, rocks, and other coverings where your fish can hide. You may also want to consider using pond dye. A lovely shade to color the water's surface will hide your fish from incoming heron predators. Dealing With Raccoons Other pests that could leave your pond with any life are raccoons. These animals eat a variety of smaller creatures, including mice, insects, fish, turtles, and frogs, just to mention a few. You can keep raccoons away from your pond by doing a few simple things. First, make sure to keep the area around the pond clean. This means keeping any nearby garbage cans sealed. You can also place small raccoon traps baiting them with cat food. Lastly, flashing LED lights work great at mimicking the flashing eyes of a predator, which will scare away the raccoons. Creative Solutions for Relocating Pests Some unwanted pests that could cause a problem are muskrats or snapping turtles. These creatures can be fun to have around your pond from time to time. However, they can also cause an issue with your pond fountains. If you find that your power cords for the fountains are getting chewed up and destroyed, you have to find a way to remove them. One way is to trap and release them to a new location. You can use fish or meat to bait your turtle traps. Moreover, muskrat traps will have to be baited with something different, such as apples. Predator Decoys Some of the bigger unwanted pests can do damage to your pond. In fact, some of the bigger animals have been known to produce large amounts of waste that can destroy a pond's clean environment. One of those animals can include the Canadian Goose. You can use predator decoys to prevent Canadian Geese from hanging around your pond. Alternatives that you can consider are swan, coyote, and alligator decoys. Make sure to place your decoys in an open area where they can be seen from above. At Outdoor Water Solutions, we offer a variety of pond aerators & solar pond aerators providing you with the options needed to pick the perfect pond aerator for your pond. We always enjoy working with clients on ways to improve the quality of their ponds' health & solutions for pond maintenance so, if you have any questions or would like more information on our solar pond aerators, contact us at 866.471.1614 today!
Enhance Your Aquatic World with Efficient Fish Feeders
Fish feeders are essential tools for maintaining a healthy and thriving aquatic environment. Whether you have a backyard pond, lake, or fish farm, these automated devices offer convenience and efficiency in feeding your aquatic friends. Outdoor Water Solutions offers a variety of fish feeders to meet all your needs. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of fish feeders and how they contribute to the overall well-being of your fish. We'll also discuss some key features and considerations to help you choose the right fish feeder for your needs. Automated Feeding for Optimal Nutrition: One of the primary advantages of fish feeders is their ability to provide consistent and regulated feeding to your fish. With programmable timers, these feeders dispense precise amounts of food regularly, ensuring that your fish receive the nutrition they need without overfeeding. This feature particularly benefits fish farmers, as it helps optimize growth rates and minimizes wasted food. Customizable Feeding Schedules: Fish feeders allow you to create customizable feeding schedules tailored to your fish's specific dietary requirements. Adjusting the frequency and portion size will enable you to mimic natural feeding patterns and maintain a balanced diet for your fish. Many fish feeders also offer adjustable dispensing settings, allowing you to control the amount of food released during each feeding cycle. Weather-Resistant and Durable: When selecting a fish feeder, choosing one that can withstand outdoor conditions is essential. The fish feeders available at Outdoor Water Solutions, for example, are built to be weather-resistant and durable. Constructed with high-quality materials, these feeders can withstand exposure to sunlight, rain, and other environmental factors, ensuring their longevity and reliability. Easy Installation and Maintenance: Fish feeders are designed for easy installation and maintenance. They often come with mounting brackets or stands, allowing you to place them near your pond or lake securely. Additionally, they are equipped with user-friendly control panels, making it simple to program feeding schedules and adjust settings. Maintenance typically involves regular cleaning of the feeder and checking the food supply, which can be done quickly and efficiently. Compatibility with Different Fish Food Types: Fish feeders are versatile devices that can accommodate various types of fish food. Whether you're using pellets, flakes, or other specialized feeds, the feeders can be adjusted to dispense the appropriate size and quantity of food. This flexibility ensures that your fish receive the optimal diet for their species and size. Enhancing Fishing Experience: Beyond their functional benefits, fish feeders enhance the fishing experience. Establishing a consistent feeding routine can attract fish to a specific location. This feature is delightful for pond owners and hobbyists who enjoy observing the natural beauty of their aquatic inhabitants. Conclusion: Fish feeders play a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of your fish population. With their automated feeding capabilities, customizable schedules, and durability, these devices offer convenience and efficiency in providing optimal nutrition. By investing in a high-quality fish feeder, such as those offered by Outdoor Water Solutions, you can enhance your aquatic world and enjoy the beauty of your fish while ensuring their nutritional needs are met. So, take the plunge and explore the benefits of fish feeders for your aquatic environment today! At Outdoor Water Solutions, we offer a variety of pond aerators & solar pond aerators providing you with the options needed to pick the perfect pond aerator for your pond. We always enjoy working with clients on ways to improve the quality of their ponds' health & solutions for pond maintenance so, if you have any questions or would like more information on our solar pond aerators, contact us at 866.471.1614 today!
Will Aeration Benefit My Pond In Winter?
Despite the common misconception that pond aeration is only beneficial during the summer's warmer months, year-round aeration can offer numerous advantages to your pond and its inhabitants. Naturally, this includes each of the four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter Aeration will help your fish grow and thrive if done correctly. Solar, windmill, and electric pond aeration systems are available from Outdoor Water Solutions. When the seasons change, you'll see that proper pond aeration is essential to keeping your fish alive. This is especially true in the fall when the water's temperature shifts from warm to cool from summer to fall. Water can begin to separate without aeration, with oxygenated levels at the surface and no oxygen at the bottom. Fish that stay close to the base will be left without oxygen. Aeration can aid in the breakdown of fallen leaves and other autumnal debris when winter arrives. Aeration will keep water circulation during the spring and summer months. By doing this, the abundance of nutrients won't grow and cause algae blooms or even pond muck. Fish Life A healthy fish population requires year-round aeration if you want to enjoy your pond. Fish can breathe more easily in water with a lot of oxygen. Your fish will feel less stressed due to the low oxygen levels. If you want to have a variety of fish, including bass, bluegill, catfish, and others, a pond must also have a lot of aeration. The primary objective is to have clear and clean water in your pond. For the aerobic cycle you want in the pond, aeration is necessary. This cycle or process encourages beneficial bacteria as it digests nutrients and waste from the pond. More aeration means higher oxygen levels to keep microscopic organisms working hard and leaving behind clean, clear water. A Stable Ecosystem What do these advantages all mean? In short, it means that your pond's ecosystem is stable. Otherwise, harmful bacteria, insects, mosquitoes, and waste would thrive in your pond. However, proper pond aeration will reduce stagnant water, which can result in pond muck and unpleasant odors. Lastly, small weeds will not grow in or around the pond if there is a high volume of aeration for both the bottom and surface areas. Finally, you can enjoy your pond year-round with aeration. Call us at 866-471-1614 if you are still unsure which system would be best for you. We can provide expert assistance. At Outdoor Water Solutions, we offer a variety of pond aerators & solar pond aerators providing you with the options needed to pick the perfect pond aerator for your pond. We always enjoy working with clients on ways to improve the quality of their ponds' health & solutions for pond maintenance so, if you have any questions or would like more information on our solar pond aerators, contact us at 866.471.1614 today!
Pond Basics: How-To’s To Keep Your Pond Clean
A pond is a stunning addition to any landscape. It has a natural, one-of-a-kind layout that goes well with the surroundings. In addition, although ponds enhance any landscape, proper maintenance is essential. At first, it might seem hard. However, once you get the hang of it, it can be a straightforward process. So let's talk about ways to improve your pond's beauty. Proactive Versus Reactive There are two approaches to maintaining a pond: active or passive. Your best bet for keeping your pond clean and beautiful is to take preventative measures. Reactive methods, however, can clear gunk or pond muck in a matter of days. Which is superior? As referenced, the proactive attempts to keep your lake in a solid state. When trouble spots appear in your pond, the reactive method may include performing spot treatments. Adding Outdoor Water Solutions Pond Pack to your pond is one of the best things you can do. A pond dye, aerobic bacteria, and water clarifier are all included in each pack. Together, these three work to keep your pond clean throughout the year. Cleaners and Bacteria Pond muck is a mixture of algae, excessive nutrients, animal waste, leaves, and branches. This kind of buildup can be avoided in your pond by using natural algaecides or herbicides. In addition, we recommend adding concentrated aerobic bacteria to a barley straw medium and using a water clarifier if you have issues with excessive nutrients at the bottom of your pond. Both of these come in the OWS Pond Pack. The Pond Pack and other bacteria packs and water clarifiers can be found here. The bacteria play a role in the water column's breakdown of excess nutrients. Additionally, it consumes extra organic matter that accumulates in your pond's bottom. Together with pond dye, a water clarifier helps maintain the health of your pond by controlling excess phosphorous in the water. Pond Dyes The sun is one of the main factors that can accelerate the growth of bacteria and algae blooms. This can be especially true in the summer when the hottest temperatures provide the ideal conditions for the development of algae and bacteria. Pond muck can form because the sun's rays can seep deep into the water. On the other hand, pond dyes are the ideal choice to provide additional protection. Pond dyes block a lot of sunlight and create shade. At Outdoor Water Solutions, we offer a variety of pond aerators & solar pond aerators providing you with the options needed to pick the perfect pond aerator for your pond. We always enjoy working with clients on ways to improve the quality of their ponds' health & solutions for pond maintenance so, if you have any questions or would like more information on our solar pond aerators, contact us at 866.471.1614 today!
What Are Algae, and What Can I Do About It?
Ponds often have algae in them. Everyone who owns a pond will likely come across it at some point. Algae can develop on the surface or even at the pond's bottom. Algae is a natural and necessary part of the environment of a pond, even though it can be a nuisance. However, algae growth can become problematic if it is excessive. What algae is and how to get rid of it will be discussed in this article. Algae is a type of aquatic plant that does well in water and the summer sun. A collection of weeds and other single-celled formations may be included. Furthermore, unlike conventional plants, it does not have roots or stems. Algae can also flourish in a pond with low oxygen levels. To keep the water moving, an aeration system is essential. You can avoid algae growth in your pond by doing this. Different Kinds of Algae Your pond's algae can be identified by its appearance. In ponds, there are three kinds of algae that are common. Algae: Planktonic Algae that live in plankton are the first. This kind of algae typically grows in the water column and can alter the appearance of the water. For example, it can change the color of your water to brown, bluish-green, or green. Fish in your pond will be unable to survive if they are left alone and allowed to thicken because oxygen levels quickly drop. Algae with filaments: Pond scum or pond muck are common names for this kind of algae. The algae on the surface of the pond form a mat-like or thick covering. It floats on top of the water, turning parts of the pond wholly green or completely covering the pond if it is not treated. Chara: The most closely resembled plant is the Chara algae. It can have anywhere from six to sixteen leaf-like branchlets and thorn-like growths. There are no flowers, leaves, or roots on the stem, so the branchlets spiral around it. It may resemble pond-submerged plants with a glance. How to Get Rid of Algae Depending on whether you have algae or want to avoid it, how you treat it is different. Installing an aeration system in your pond is the first step in preventing it. Algae blooms won't form because the oxygen will keep the water moving. Algaecides are excellent if you already have a lot of algae in your area. Lastly, Pond Dyes are also excellent at shading the pond's surface. The protective coating will stop the sun's rays from fueling algae growth by doing this. Pond Dye is available from Outdoor Water Solutions in a variety of colors to complement the appearance of your pond. At Outdoor Water Solutions, we offer a variety of pond aerators & solar pond aerators providing you with the options needed to pick the perfect pond aerator for your pond. We always enjoy working with clients on ways to improve the quality of their ponds' health & solutions for pond maintenance so, if you have any questions or would like more information on our solar pond aerators, contact us at 866.471.1614 today!
What Does Aeration Do For My Pond?
Ponds contribute significantly to the well-being and overall beautiful layout of a landscape. A pond can provide a balanced ecosystem for all pond life if done correctly. Moreover, it also complements surrounding structures and landscapes with a natural yet elegant look. You've probably heard the term aeration if you already have a pond. What is pond aeration? Why is aeration a vital feature to have in a pond? Let's go over the mechanics and purposes of pond aeration. What Aeration Does for Your Pond In short, aeration injects a steady flow of oxygen into the water. This is essential for all sorts of reasons. The primary purpose of aeration is to keep your pond clean. Proper aeration will keep those pond waters nice and clear so that you can have an aesthetically pleasing landscape. However, its mechanics are much more complex. Aeration can help decompose dead plants and other types of organic material. Mainly, the aeration system helps to break down excess nutrients that would otherwise build to make your pond dirty. This process introduces aerobic bacteria into your pond. Aerobic Bacteria and Your Pond Aerobic bacteria, also known as good bacteria, will use oxygen to break down organic materials in your pond. However, the natural movement of the aeration will never let sediments at the bottom of the pond settle. Therefore, it is recommended to use both surface pond aerators and bottom pond aerators for optimal results. Microorganisms found at your pond's bottom layer help decompose these sediments. Although anaerobic bacteria will also break down the sediments found at the bottom, the process is much slower. Because of this reason, the aerobic cycle works much better. No Aeration Means a Dirty Pond Stagnant water is something you don't want to have in your pond. Without any aeration, the water in your pond will become stagnant, resulting in little to no movement. As a result, the water in your pond will become dirty. It can even begin to smell in and around your pond as pond muck comes together. In addition, no aeration means decaying plants, algae bloom, and other debris will not break down properly. As a result, you may notice brown or greenish sludge floating atop the water. The Results Of Aeration Many things can affect the water in your pond, such as polluted particles, dust, falling leaves, and other natural fragments. As more debris collects in your pond, the water quality decreases. However, the results with aeration will make a big difference. The added boost in oxygen levels will improve water quality within just a few days. Pond Aeration in the Summer and Winter Months Although aeration systems will work year-round, it is crucial to have one in place for the summer months. Hot weather tends to diminish oxygen levels in the water. Less oxygen can dissolve in warmer waters, which is where aeration comes in to help. Aeration is also essential in the winter. An aeration system will keep the water moving, helping prevent the water from freezing when temperatures hit 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember that aeration is vital to having a balanced environment for your pond. Do you have a question about what aeration can do for you? Call us at 866-471-1614. Need to order your pond aeration system? Click here to shop our electric, solar, and windmill aeration systems! At Outdoor Water Solutions, we offer a variety of pond aerators & solar pond aerators providing you with the options needed to pick the perfect pond aerator for your pond. We always enjoy working with clients on ways to improve the quality of their ponds' health & solutions for pond maintenance so, if you have any questions or would like more information on our solar pond aerators, contact us at 866.471.1614 today!
Should I Keep Leaves Out of My Pond?
Autumn brings many changes to the weather. From cooler temperatures to changes in color and falling leaves, this beautiful season comes with a breath of fresh air. However, it’s also essential to maintain your pond as leaves begin to fall everywhere. Although a small amount of leaves won’t cause harm to your pond, an overflow of leaves can contribute to the formation of pond muck. Let’s go over why keeping your pond clear from leaves is essential to pond maintenance. How Leaves Break Down in the Water If your pond is near or right next to trees, you may notice leaves floating on the surface of your pond. Sooner or later, those leaves will sink down to the bottom. Moreover, they will also start to break down as time passes. Although these leaves can be a great source of nutrients for the water, too much can overload the pond’s natural cycle. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep your pond clean. What Happens to the Leaves? If you don’t clear your pond of leaves, you will see a difference in cleanliness within a few days. As the leaves break down, they form a sludge that will come together. This can be a collection of algae, leaves, and other floating debris, which is also referred to as pond muck. The problem is when too many leaves begin to decay at once. When bacteria have a lot of organic matter to work with, such as decaying leaves, it reproduces so fast that your water starts to get cloudy. A Dirty Environment Can Affect the Landscape When you have pond muck as a result of leaves, it can create an atmosphere nobody wants to be around. It will also affect your pond life, such as fish. A thick sludge of waste and bad nutrients can suffocate your fish. If the sludge is thick enough, it can clog your aerating system and diffuser. Walking around the waters where pond muck has formed can be difficult. It will usually smell around the pond area, with the muck attracting mosquitoes and other unwanted pests as well. Cleaning Regularly Maintaining your pond is essential. Overall, it creates a perfect balance of bacteria, nutrients, and oxygen necessary for pond life and an aesthetically pleasing landscape. This includes clearing your pond of leaves. As mentioned in the article, a few leaves won’t make much difference. However, if you let those leaves accumulate, the problem can quickly get out of hand. Your best bet is to pull any leaves floating on the surface with a Lake and Beach Rake. Leaves that have already fallen deep in the pond may have to be removed with a pond vacuum. Whatever method you choose, clearing those leaves in the fall is undoubtedly necessary for any pond’s environment. At Outdoor Water Solutions, we offer a variety of pond aerators & solar pond aerators providing you with the options needed to pick the perfect pond aerator for your pond. We always enjoy working with clients on ways to improve the quality of their ponds' health & solutions for pond maintenance so, if you have any questions or would like more information on our solar pond aerators, contact us at 866.471.1614 today!
The Importance of Aeration in Winter
As winter rolls around the corner, cold temperatures can’t be too far behind. Pond owners everywhere should begin preparing for potential freezing weather that could affect the waters. It’s also essential to protect your pond life and keep up with pond maintenance when those temperatures reach the freezing point. Let’s go over why properly aerating your pond is vital this winter. How Aeration Works Aeration is the primary way to keep a pond clean and maintain your pond. It works by infusing oxygen into the pond. When introducing aeration into your pond, you will create constant water movement for both the surface and bottom areas. Without proper aeration, the pond waters become stagnant, resulting in a dirty environment. In addition, the waters will attract pests like mosquitoes, and you’ll begin to see areas of green or brown sludge on the surface. Aeration in the Winter Bacteria grow as part of the natural cycle of your pond’s habitat, which can result in gases. So, how does aeration help in the winter? As previously stated, aeration infuses oxygen into the pond. Depending on where you live, you are sure to see freezing temperatures sooner or later. When this happens, it traps toxic gases deep in the waters. This is harmful to your fish and other pond life. Therefore, it is essential to keep an area from freezing over. Doing this will help release the toxic gases that form in the waters. Keeping the Ice Open Rest assured that you don’t have to clear the ice from the entire pond. A large hole would be sufficient to keep your water flowing. However, remember that many factors affect how big or small your hole in the waters will get. Ideally, you want to have a big enough hole where ducks and other pond life can have access. Along with the size of the hole, you’ll also have to calculate how long it will remain open. Depending on which type of aerator you get, you could keep the hole open throughout the entire winter season. The Size and Depth of the Pond Remember to consider the size of your pond. You have to get an aeration system big enough to keep up with the surface area and depth of the water. A larger aeration system will give you a bigger hole, which will remain open for longer periods of time. You may also think about investing in a bottom pond aerator. This will keep the waters deep in the pond circulating, keeping your fish healthy, warm and happy. A Good Strategy Since it’s much harder to keep ice from forming in deeper ponds, try to find a spot where you can install the aeration system. This will keep the water moving on the surface, preventing ice from forming. Remember to place your diffusers evenly throughout the pond where you want the hole to form. For example, you can put them in a shallow area across from each other. Keeping even a small hole on the surface of your pond will help keep your fish and different pond life safe in the wintertime. To learn more about aeration systems, click this link. To order your aeration system, click here. At Outdoor Water Solutions, we offer a variety of pond aerators & solar pond aerators providing you with the options needed to pick the perfect pond aerator for your pond. We always enjoy working with clients on ways to improve the quality of their ponds' health so, if you have any questions or would like more information on our solar pond aerators, contact us at 866.471.1614 today!
How to Prevent a Winter Fish Kill
As the winter season approaches, many places will experience colder weather near or even below freezing. This is around the time when pond owners everywhere should begin preparing for the colder months ahead. Fish are sensitive creatures which are susceptible to cold temperatures, especially when it dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Without any proper techniques to keep your fish safe, you will experience a winter fish kill. However, following a few simple tips can prevent this from happening. Having Aeration Makes a Difference As a general rule of thumb, you want to have enough oxygen for your fish throughout the year. This will keep your fish thriving and growing in all seasons, including the winter. Aeration is essential in the winter to keep your fish nice and warm beneath the waters. In addition, having a steady flow of moving water will minimize the risk of ice forming in your pond. Using a Deicer You may hit the freezing mark at 32 degrees Fahrenheit during those cold snaps. Although the bottom water of the pond stays warmer than the surface, your main goal is to prevent ice from forming at the top. Why? Well, if ice forms on the surface of your pond, it will essentially trap your fish. In this case, a deicer would be an excellent option for keeping an air column open for your fish. The deicer works by floating on the pond’s surface, keeping this area thawed. Ventilation by Leaving a Hole Open Remember that the Ice Away De-Icer is not a heater. It works in conjunction with an aeration system to help keep ice at bay. Although the rest of the pond may freeze, you only need a hole big enough to let the trapped gases escape. If you don’t leave a hole open in the waters, trapped gases will surely suffocate your fish. These toxic gases result from decomposing organic matter that stays trapped in the pond. When you inject oxygen into the pond and allow it to escape, it creates a natural cycle that inhibits a healthy environment for your fish and other pond life. Leaving a Warm Spot in the Pond Aside from toxic gases harming your fish, you must also consider the water temperature. Deeper ponds tend to have warmer waters at the bottom. However, keeping the water warm could be much more challenging if your pond is shallow. Your best option would be to leave warm spots around the pond where your fish can swim during the winter season. You can strategically place diffusers in these spots to create the warm water. Remember to keep both your aeration system and deicer running together to prevent a winter fish kill this season. At Outdoor Water Solutions, we offer a variety of pond aerators & solar pond aerators providing you with the options needed to pick the perfect pond aerator for your pond. We always enjoy working with clients on ways to improve the quality of their ponds' health so, if you have any questions or would like more information on our solar pond aerators, contact us at 866.471.1614 today!
Can I Raise Trophy Fish in My Small Pond?
Ponds are great complements to any landscape, whether you have a large or small pond. What about fish? Well, although some may think you may be limited on the types of fish you want to stock in a small pond, the fact is that you can stock bigger fish as well. You can have a variety of fish to your likings, such as catfish, bluegill, and bass. Rest assured that you will be able to raise big and healthy fish with the proper routine and maintenance. However, remember that smaller ponds will yield smaller quantities. Quality Matters To have quality fish in your pond, you must keep them thriving with the right feeding routine. Make sure that you research what type of food would be best for your fish. Bass, for example, are top-line predators that like a variety of prey. You can have big bass if you supply them with bluegill, forage fish, crawfish or minnows. It is also ideal that you provide your bass with generous habitat. OWS offers a variety of Fish Attractorsdepending on the size of your pond. These fish attractors offer a safe habitat for your bait fish and allow your bass to grow larger. Aeration Pond aeration is key to keeping your fish alive and growing. Fish need oxygen to survive, so maintaining your pond is essential, which will include optimizing the performance of your aeration setup. The aeration process is part of your regular maintenance routine for your pond. Think about investing in either a surface aerator or a bottom pond aerator. Both aerators will work to keep a steady flow of moving water. Harvest You need to keep an eye on your fish as they grow. Having a proper balance of fish population is essential to prevent overcrowding. If you see fish that are not growing, you may want to remove these fish to let others continue to grow. Then, depending on your goal, you can decide which fish to keep. Food Chain Stocking a steady supply of forage fish is essential. However, you don’t want to forget about those little fish, either. After all, if you have your forage fish nice and fed, your bass will surely appreciate it. It is a good idea to think about the natural state of the pond’s habitat. Then, you can put familiar and comfortable surroundings for your fish like a fish attractor. At Outdoor Water Solutions, we offer a variety of pond aerators & solar pond aerators providing you with the options needed to pick the perfect pond aerator for your pond. We always enjoy working with clients on ways to improve the quality of their ponds' health so, if you have any questions or would like more information on our solar pond aerators, contact us at 866.471.1614 today!