Blog
Got Muck? We’ve Got The Solution!
Did you know that the increased summer heat can increase the chances of unfavorable effects on your pond? The temperature and sunlight combined increase your pond’s water temperature which negatively impacts its ecosystem. When a pond is not being aerated, either naturally or with a solar pond aerator, the stagnant warm water rises which depletes oxygen from lower parts of the pond. The low oxygen levels in the pond put the health of the pond and its fish at risk and give algae the opportunity to grow. To keep a pond and aquatic life healthy and thriving, it’s important to not only keep a watch out for muck but to alleviate the issues that arise from a lack of oxygen as quickly as possible. At Outdoor Water Solutions, we offer just such solutions such as muck pellets for ponds and pond aeration products that will protect your pond from extreme heat. Healthy Ponds Begin With Quick Action A pond can add a touch of ambiance to any piece of property however, some don’t realize that they still need to be maintained in order to sustain its beauty. Oftentimes, a pond management strategy isn’t implemented until issues are at their worst. Some of the signs that a pond is unhealthy include murky water and clumps of slimy green algae growing across the surface as well as a foul odor. These symptoms are a sign that there is a lack of pond aeration and that a pond has been severely neglected. The best plan of action is one that starts before the problems start, and the best way to do that is by adding a pond aeration system such as a solar pond aerator. Aeration will assist in mixing the entire body of pond water, preventing low-oxygen conditions at the bottom of the pond. Pond aeration works by creating circulation and movement to expose large amounts of water to the atmosphere. More water in contact with the atmosphere means more oxygen that can be absorbed by the water molecules. This concentration of oxygen will allow for more beneficial bacteria which can help to metabolize excess nutrients and reduce muck accumulation at the bottom of the pond. There are various pond aeration systems on the market that can properly aerate your pond. Because electricity is through the roof right now, we recommend a solar pond aerator or a floating solar pond fountain if you’re looking to add to the aesthetics. A solar pond aerator or solar fountain works off of the sun, alleviating the need for a power source and saving you money on your electricity bill while saving your pond. If muck has already become an issue, we recommend muck pellets for ponds. Muck pellets break down the unfavorable bacteria that are harmful to your pond and aquatic life and are a fairly simple solution. Muck pellets for ponds do this by sinking into the water and releasing indigenous bacteria that immediately work to begin cutting through the muck and buildup. If your pond is suffering from a muck buildup, muck pellets for ponds are the way to go! These solutions for ponds and so much more can be found at Outdoor Water Solutions. Visit us at outdoorwatersolutions.com to check out our pond maintenance products or contact our pond experts at 866.471-1614 to discover the pond care products that are best for your pond.
Read moreBlog
The Benefits of Surface Aeration for Ponds and Lakes
Both ponds and lakes can benefit significantly from proper lake and pond aeration. There are two main types of aeration: surface and bottom water aeration. In this article, we will focus mainly on surface water aeration. Although bottom aeration is also important, it is primarily used for larger and deeper ponds. Surface aeration works for ponds or lakes that are shallow. They are also helpful for ponds that are large or irregularly shaped ponds that benefit from both surface and bottom pond aeration. This will help keep the water flowing smoothly, creating a clean atmosphere. What Does Aeration Do? In a nutshell, aeration works to infuse oxygen into the water. However, surface aeration works mainly on the surface of the pond or lake. Therefore, if you’re looking to aerate your pond for large amounts of oxygen levels, you will need a bottom pond aerator. A surface and bottom pond aerator can aerate large bodies of water. This is ideal for commercial settings that have a water feature as well. A Clean Environment When you invest in an aeration system, your main goal is to achieve a healthy and clean pond environment. This is beneficial for your pond life. Although a surface aeration system alone won’t rid your pond of excessive algae, it will give you some other benefits. Besides oxygen infusion, you’ll be able to improve water quality. Aeration in any form will break down unwanted bacteria, even though it is only at the surface level of the pond. You can enhance the aesthetic part of your pond. Installing a fountain that serves as an aeration setup will keep the water moving. You won’t have stagnant water that can attract mosquitoes and other pests. A Floating Pond Fountain A pond fountain is a perfect alternative for an pond aeration setup. Depending on the size of your pond, it’s probably the only aerator you’ll need to keep your water looking clean. The floating pond fountain brings a unique and beautiful addition to the pond's landscape. The rippling water effects can be seen throughout the pond as the water droplets fly into the air and drop down. In addition, the process will help mix the water so that toxic gases won’t build up in the pond. The Different Uses of Surface Aeration Aeration can be used for both residential and commercial purposes. Aeration has been utilized for aquaculture systems as a way to improve oxygen levels. This can help the system maintain its overall health and working environment. Floating aeration systems have also been used for waste-water lagoons. The constant movement on the surface helps to mix the water properly, which breaks down the waste in the process. To learn more about the benefits of aeration, click here. Or click here to shop Surface Aerators. 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 Do I Get Rid of Green Pond Water?
Seeing your pond covered in green can be an aggravating sight. It can be incredibly frustrating if you’ve tried many ways to eliminate the green in your pond without success. What works? What doesn’t? It is essential to know why the green color is showing up in your pond. By understanding its composition, you’ll be able to treat the problem. In this article, we’ll go over why your pond sometimes turns green. We will also cover some things you can do to get rid of the green color once and for all in your pond. Why Does Your Pond Turn Green? In short, your pond turns green as a result of algae. However, some algae are necessary to maintain a balance within your pond’s ecosystem. Too much algae bloom will result in a green color that covers your pond. Algae can explode during the summer months because of the heat. The sun is what fuels algae in a pond. However, you can still get algae in the fall and winter months. The first step to prevent an explosion of algae in your pond is to infuse oxygen in the waters. Proper Aeration is the First Step Another reason why algae suddenly erupt in a pond is stagnation. Without any proper water movement, your pond is ripe for algae growth. The best way to combat this problem is by infusing oxygen with an aeration system. Whether it’s a floating pond fountain or a bottom-based aerator, the water flow will increase direct contact between oxygen and water. This results in faster decomposition of excessive nutrients and an increased water flow. Adding Bacteria for the Fall and Winter Months In any pond, you will find both good and bad bacteria. The bad bacteria are what contribute to the excessive formation of algae. To prevent the bad bacteria from taking over, it would be a good idea to invest in bacteria that works for the fall and winter months. The Outdoor Water Solutions Fall and Winter Blend of Lake and Pond Bacteria features a unique blend to restore good bacteria throughout the cooler and even colder months. It is effective well down to the 38-degree Fahrenheit temperature. It will diminish nutrient overload in your pond while reducing foul odors in the water. This creates a healthier and cleaner pond environment. The Results Speak Volumes Aeration can also help break down fish waste, organic matter, and more. Coupled with good bacteria for the fall and winter seasons, you are sure to rid your pond of green-colored algae. Remember that algae doesn’t just come in green. It also forms in brown, red, amber, and orange colors. Ensure you keep an eye on your pond before the algae gets out of hand. When applying the good bacteria formula to your pond, consider the excessive sediment that has also formed at the bottom of the pond. A double application may be necessary to get the results you want. 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!
Bass Management Dos and Don'ts
Fish management is one of the most essential parts of sports fishing. If you want to catch healthy fish, you want to have the right habitat type in your pond. In this case, we'll go over what you can do to keep your bass healthy and thriving. The last thing you want is to catch a bass fish that is small and skinny. Bass are described as a slim yet muscular fish that likes to hunt forage fish. Therefore, it's important to have an environment suited for their hunting grounds and overall habits. Should You Have Large Areas of Cover? The first thing you shouldn't have for bass is a large area of cover that completely dominates your pond. Although areas of cover in an area of water would be good for other types of fish, such as sculpin or rockfish, bass are much different. Bass fish tend to move quickly and in short dashes when chasing their prey, including forage fish. However, you need to have enough some cover to protect your forage fish so that they can grow in size and don’t get eaten when they are only ¼” or less in size. In the end, make sure that you use areas of cover carefully in your pond or lake so that your bass fish have room to feed while protecting the small fry they eat. If you need more cover in your pond, you should add one of our many fish structures. How do Bass Hunt? Bass tend to linger on the outskirts of a large area of cover. This is because they have more freedom or room to move when they strike. On the other hand, lingering in a wide area of cover will limit their movement. What are the results? Studies have shown that bass that stayed well inside big areas of cover had a more challenging time catching forage fish, which resulted in a slow growth rate. Have Plenty of Forage Fish One of the most important things you can do is have a balanced amount of forage fish. . How do you find the right balance? Bass require a large amount of forage fish in order to grow. Stocking the pond with fathead minnows or golden shiners helps but having a healthy population of bluegill, sunfish and other forage fish is probably more important. All of these fish spawn and provide small forage fish for the bass to consume. Good habitat and balanced cover allows these small fry to get some size so their more than just a snack when they get eaten. Final Takeaway Providing adequate habitat and cover along with plenty of forage fish is critical to growing big bass. They won’t get big if there’s no food in the pond. At Outdoor Water Solutions, we offer a variety of 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 pond aerators, contact us at 866.471.1614 today!
How Do I Pick The Right De-Icer For My Pond
The Ice-Away De-Icer from Outdoor Water Solutions is a must-have item for those who own a pond. The de-icing process is important when those freezing temperatures hit your area. If the outside air reads 32 degrees Fahrenheit, your waters will usually be warmer at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it won’t take long to reach those freezing temperatures in the water if it gets colder. Therefore, you will want to invest in a de-icer if your winters tend to run in freezing temperatures for long periods at a time. This is where the Ice-Away De-Icer comes in to help. The Features The purpose of any de-icer is to prevent ice from forming in your pond. Therefore, it’s ideal for keeping ice away around your pond, including the docks, shoreline, and surrounding landscape. Freezing and thawing ice can damage the floats on docks and also damage boats and the lifts that protect them over the winter. The Ice-Away De-Icer comes with many useful features that will keep ice from your pond. Moreover, it is also eco-friendly with its submersible motor and design. The motor does not use oil to operate, and its submersible feature keeps it from freezing over as opposed to other options that sit on the dock. The De-Icing Process Many think a de-icer warms the waters in your pond to keep them from freezing. The fact is that it works in a completely different way. In a nutshell, the de-icer keeps the water flow in your pond constantly moving, which prevents ice from forming. The diffuser creates large volumes of water moving it toward an exclusive flow, which would be in a vertical direction. The Benefits of Keeping Your Pond Safe The main goal of using a de-icer is to keep your pond life well and thriving during the winter weather. Deeper ponds will have warmer waters where fish can live. On the other hand, shallow ponds will tend to freeze much faster. The Ice-Away De-Icer will devote a vertical flow of water to keep the surface from freezing over. A frozen pond will prevent air from escaping, resulting in trapped gases. These gases will harm your fish, killing them off as these trapped gases stay stuck in the water. The Ice-Away De-Icer can also push decaying plants and other vegetation away from your pond and docks. Indeed, if you want to keep your fish alive and other pond life safe from freezing weather, the Ice-Away De-Icer is the right investment. 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!
What to do With Your Pond During Freezing Temperatures
As the fall season begins, the winter season won’t be too far behind. Some areas begin to see freezing temperatures as soon as October. When caring for a pond, it’s essential to know when those freezing temperatures will arrive in your area. Why is this information critical? Well, freezing air temperatures can affect your water to the point of freezing your pond and potentially kill your fish. So let’s review what you should do with your pond during freezing temperatures. Knowing the Weather The first thing to do is stay informed about the weather. Then, make sure you have a plan for those long days of cold weather. If you see that you’re in for a long stretch of freezing temps, it’s time to take action. You should be okay if you’re only looking at a day or two of freezing temperatures. However, if the weather calls for below or freezing temperatures, you need to consider how to properly care for your fish to keep them safe and healthy. How Can Cold Weather Harm Your Fish? As water cools, it can cause a pond turnover where low oxygen water from the bottom mixes in with the surface water. This can cause a low oxygen condition that can kill fish. A layer of ice on the surface can also cause a fish kill if the sunlight cannot penetrate thru. Some type of bottom diffused or surface aeration can help prevent both of these fish loss issues. Using a Deicer It’s ideal to prepare your pond ahead of time. Investing in a deicer is a great idea to keep your waters from freezing. Outdoor Water Solutions offers the Ice-Away De-Icer, which works by pushing water upwards as it draws warmer water from deep in the pond. This keeps a constant water flow in the pond, preventing a complete freeze. The Ice-Away De-Icer boasts an eco-friendly, stainless-steel Franklin Electric submersible motor, a foul-resistant propeller, and more. Protecting Your Fish Fish are delicate creatures that can quickly die if not cared for properly. Stress is one of the main effects that can cause harm to your fish. Because of this reason, we recommend leaving your fish in your pond even in freezing weather. 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!
Keeping Your Pond Thriving in The Winter
It’s hard to believe but we’re already at the time of year when the leaves fall off the trees and the sweaters come out of hibernation. As the cool weather blows in, the natural process in your pond also begins to come to a halt. In order to keep our ponds healthy and our fish thriving, it’s important that we prepare them for winter to ensure we assist mother nature when it needs it most. But how do we winterize a pond? It may sound silly but winterizing a pond is something that should actually be performed every year. There are ways to keep your pond in pristine condition until we’re back in Spring, and a couple of those include aeration products and pond care products such as a de-icer. If you’re a pond owner that lives in an area of the country that is prone to harsh winters, this blog post is for you. The Effects of a Freezing Winter Keeping your pond oxygenated and keeping a hole open in the frozen water can mean the difference between life and death for your fish. You see, when the surface of the pond freezes over, it eliminates any transfer of air to or from your pond. Without a de-icer or a pond aeration system, the decomposing debris and the oxygen that your fish consumes produces gasses that are toxic to your pond’s aquatic life. Because these gasses become trapped under the ice, outside fresh air cannot reach the water which then fatally affects the fish. The good news is, no matter how cold it gets, this is 100% preventable. Here are some winter pond care tips to keep your pond and aquatic life alive and well in the cold. If you live in an area that is prone to freezing temperatures every winter, a de-icer is a necessary tool to keep a hole open in the layer of ice. Our Ice-Away De-icer is not a heater but it is designed to maintain an open hole in that it will allow for gas exchange. Fortunately, fish will do fine without a heater so it’s not a necessity. There are a variety of options with our de-icer to choose from and our specialists here at Outdoor Water Solutions are always available to help you find the right one. While a de-icer is important to maintain a hole in the ice, aeration products such as pond aeration systems are a must to keep oxygen circulating properly when mother nature cannot assist. When you combine both a de-icer and a pond aeration system, you have a combination that will ensure a hole is kept open, water circulates properly, and the dissolved oxygen levels remain high. Further, if you have a solar pond aeration system, it’s important that you consider a solar aeration battery backup for your solar aerator to ensure it keeps running regardless of the circumstances. At Outdoor Water Solutions, we specialize in pond aeration products that are designed to maintain your pond and keep it beautiful, healthy, and thriving. For more information on our winterization products, contact our professionals today at 866.471.1614!
Can I Boost Oxygen Levels In My Pond With Aeration?
When it comes to infusing a pond or lake with oxygen, you want to focus on aeration. A healthy pond must contain aeration to promote that thriving energy for your pond life. Moreover, it will also help to keep the waters crystal clear and clean. But, you may be wondering: how does it work? This article will cover the ins and outs of boosting your oxygen levels with an aeration setup and how it can contribute to pond maintenance. The Aeration Process Understanding the benefits of proper aeration goes hand in hand with knowing how the process works. The primary purpose of aeration is to have a balance of oxygen levels in your pond. Little to no oxygen in a large body of water can be detrimental to pond life, including fish. Without any oxygen, your fish will surely die off with time. A full aeration flow can also help break down excess nutrients that cause bad bacteria. Aeration systems are built according to the size and area of the body of water. You’ll also have various aeration systems to choose from on the market. You could find floating pond fountains, bottom pond aerators, solar-powered, and much more. Whatever you decide, you want an aerator that can move enough gallons of water per minute for your pond to ensure a healthy pond. Increasing Your Oxygen Levels A small pond can benefit from a decorative floating fountain. However, if you have a large pond and surface area to cover, you may need to invest in either a large, bottom-diffused aerator or multiple smaller aeration systems. To get the most out of your aerator, you want to get the right type of aeration system. Bottom pond diffusers break down the muck that forms deep in the waters. The diffuser sits right at the bottom. On the other hand, a surface pond aerator works by sending drops of water into the air, creating a beautiful display in the process. As the water drops back into the pond, it creates a ripple effect throughout the surface. Preventing Pond Muck Why is a boost in oxygen important? In short, you don’t want to give bad bacteria a chance to form. In addition, with time, stagnant water can become murky as a collection of weeds, fish waste, algae, and other types of debris result in pond muck. This can be pretty apparent as murky water and clumps of slimy green algae growing across the surface as well as a foul odor. The excessive formation of muck can suffocate your fish. It also creates a dirty and even hazardous environment around the pond. However, with the proper oxygen boost, you’ll be able to keep your maintain your pond or lake and keep it clean and clear from this muck. The Different Types of Aeration Systems You can find an aeration system that best fits your needs. If you live out in an open area, you could benefit from a solar-powered or wind-powered aerator. An electrical aerator works best if your pond is in a place where trees obstruct it. In this case, a wind-powered alternative would not work. Likewise, a solar-powered aerator would be ideal if you live in a warmer climate with the abundant sun. Otherwise, you won’t be getting sufficient power to aerate your pond. To provide proper aeration for larger ponds, we recommend investing in a floating pond fountain along with a bottom aeration system to receive a sufficient boost in oxygen. 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 do I manage the Bass in my small pond?
Many pond enthusiasts love to have fish in their ponds. However, some may question whether keeping fish in small ponds is possible. In this case, we’ll be talking specifically about bass. The fact is that you can have bass fish in a small pond. You can’t have too many. This will depend on the size of your pond. One example can include a pond that measures about half an acre, which would probably only fit 25 pounds of largemouth bass. If you want more bass, you will need to use a feeder to keep a steady flow of fish food. Keeping Your Bass Happy Bass are relatively easy to keep in a pond. When it comes to a small pond, having proper oxygen levels is one of the first things you want in your pond. Aeration is key to keeping your fish alive and thriving in their natural habitat. A small pond with many bass will need plenty of oxygen to supplement their well-being. Another thing to remember is that bass like to hide among plant life and other coverings to capture their prey. Although this can be a challenge to include in a small pond, consider adding logs, plant life, large rocks, and other natural coverings. Bass and Good Quality One of the best things you can do to keep good quality bass is to watch them regularly. How are they looking? Are they small, or are they growing? If you notice some of your bass looking small, you can change the population in your pond. If your pond is packed with too many bass, they will not grow properly. They need the space to swim and forage for their food. You can also include larger or adult-size bluegill for your bass. Remember to weigh and measure your bass whenever you notice slow growth rates. Proper Feeding is Important Forage fish is your primary focus if you want bass in your small pond. However, you can also add supplemental pellet food to increase their protein intake. This can ensure healthy growth rates among your bass. Smaller bass will get more out of these pellets and a combination of forage fish as they start to grow. The easiest way to add pellet food to your pond is to have a fish feeder. The 175lb Texas Hunter Fish Feeder is an excellent option because it allows you to put feeding on autopilot. Simply fill up the feeder, which can be ordered with either straight or adjustable legs for ease of installation, and your fish will be happy! Once your bass are bigger, you can include larger bluegill and shad in their diet. 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!
What is Algae, and How do I Get Rid of It?
Algae is a common occurrence in ponds. Anyone who has a pond will likely encounter it sooner or later. Algae can form at the surface or even at the bottom of the pond. Even though algae can be an annoyance, it is a natural and essential component of a pond habitat. However, when you have too much algae growth, it can become a problem. This article will go over what algae is and ways to get rid of it. Algae In short, algae is an aquatic plant that thrives in the summer sun and water. It can include a collection of weeds and other types of single-celled formations. Moreover, it does not have stems or roots like other traditional plants. Algae can also thrive in a pond where there are minimal oxygen levels. This is why it is essential to have an aeration system to keep the waters moving. By doing this, you can avoid an algae buildup in your pond. Types of Algae You'll be able to tell what types of algae you have in your pond by its appearance. There are three types of algae that commonly appear in ponds. Planktonic Algae: The first one is planktonic algae. This type of algae usually forms in the water column and can also change the water's appearance. It can turn your water different shades, including green, bluish-green, or brown. If left alone and allowed to thicken, fish in your pond won't be able to survive as oxygen is quickly depleted. Filamentous Algae: This type of algae is commonly referred to as pond scum or pond muck. The algae form a thick covering or mat-like shape on the pond's surface. It floats atop the water, coating parts of the pond completely green and even covering the entire pond if it goes untreated. Chara: The Chara algae tends to resemble plants the most. It can have 6 to 16 leaf-like branchlets with thorn-like growths. The branchlets spiral around the stem without any flowers, leaves, or roots. With a quick look, it can resemble submerged plants in the pond. How to Get Rid of Algae How you treat algae depends on if have it or you want to prevent it. To prevent it, the first thing you have to implement is an aeration system in your pond. The infused oxygen will keep the water moving, preventing algae bloom from forming. If you have it, algaecides work great to treat large areas of algae. Finally, Pond Dyes are also excellent at shading the surface area of your pond. By doing this, the protective coating will block the sun's rays, that fuels algae formation. Outdoor Water Solutions offers Pond Dye in a variety of colors to match the look of your pond. At Outdoor Water Solutions, we offer a variety of 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 pond aerators, contact us at 866.471.1614 today!
Why Ice-Away De-Icer Is Important For Your Pond
Wintertime can bring freezing temperatures that adversely affect your pond and pond life. If you live in an area where you experience freezing temperatures, your pond can end up freezing over. This can eliminate sufficient airflow and movement in the water, which can end up killing your fish. We recommend a reliable deicer to keep your pond from freezing. In this article, we will review the features of Outdoor Water Solutions' new Ice-Away De-Icer. An Eco-Friendly, Submersible Motor One of the first things to look at is the motor. The stainless-steel Franklin Electric submersible motor is an excellent choice. It is U.L. recognized, and C.S.A. certified. In addition, the submersible aspect of the motor is ideal because it won’t freeze in the pond waters. Other deicers that are installed on the dock run the risk of freezing over, shutting the motor down altogether. Another benefit of the Franklin Electric submersible deicer is that it is eco-friendly. The motor does not use oil to operate. In fact, it is water-cooled and water-lubricated, making it a perfect choice for your pond. Low Maintenance When it comes to a deicer, low maintenance is always a plus. In this case, this submersible deicer does not have any seals or bearings you need to maintain. You also don’t have to worry about long shafts that could bend, become out of balance or eventually break off. The dimensions of the motor shaft are 5/8 inch in diameter and 1 ½ inches long. A Sturdy and Reliable Design The design is vital for your deicer as well. You do not want your deicer to break down in the middle of a cold snap. The Franklin Electric submersible motor features a computer-designed propeller with high speeds. The propeller is also foul-resistant, meaning it won’t get tangled up in stray fishing lines or nets. A Good Choice for Your Pond The Franklin Electric submersible motor has a diffuser that features an exclusive flow. The directional flow is ideal for keeping a spot where ice won’t form in the pond. This prevents trapped gases from forming, allowing these particles to escape. One recommendation to keep your pond from freezing is to complement your deicer with an aeration system. By doing this, the airflow from the aerator along with the deicer can keep your water flowing nicely. The Franklin Electric submersible deicer also comes with a two-year warranty, which is perfect if you need a replacement. 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!
When and How To Clean Your Pond
Having a clean pond is key to keeping your landscape beautiful. Unfortunately, when debris accumulates in and around the pond, the results can create a dirty environment. The overall layout will become polluted with pond muck, bad bacteria, and other components that can harm the pond's ecosystem. In addition, the collective formation of pond muck can attract pests, such as mosquitoes, snakes, and more. What can you do? Let's go over some valuable tips. A Collection of Debris One of the biggest eyesores for any pond is floating debris. Of course, this can include tree branches, algae bloom, and leaves, just to mention a few. What happens when these begin to decay and waste away deep in the waters? Well, this is what contributes to pond muck. In time, the waste will come together to form a thick sludge that can suffocate your fish and other pond life. The ideal pond needs to have clean water with plenty of infused oxygen. Aeration is the first step to having a clean pond. Moreover, you will need to take other steps if your pond is already dirty. Using Chemicals for Preparation Although you may be inclined to first fish out weeds by raking them out, you may do more harm than good. Raking any dead vegetation or weeds out of the pond will likely cause them to break apart, making it harder to clean. In this case, we recommend using contact chemicals before rakes or skimmers. Both contact and systemic chemicals need to touch the plants to work correctly. The kind of chemical you use is determined by the kind of weeds you have. You can find a comprehensive chart of weeds and their proper chemicals here! When it comes to systemic chemicals, the application will be absorbed into the growth system reaching into the roots. Removing the Debris Once you've treated the problem plants in the pond, you can start to use rakes or skimmers to pull any dead debris from the waters. Remember the importance of this step because any decaying organisms that sink to the bottom will act as a fertilizer for future weeds. You also want to clear out any obstructions that can block your aeration system and diffusers. Hindering the Growth of Pond Muck Once you've cleared all the dead vegetation, weeds, and algae from your pond, make sure that you take steps to stop any potential growth in the future. A combination of herbicides, algaecides, and aeration will help keep your pond clean and healthy. Finally, because weeds and algae thrive with the sun, pond dyes are the perfect alternative to block the sun's rays. More information about the use of pond dye can be found in our blog "Should I Use Pond Dye." 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!
Is a Solar Pond Aerator The Best Option For Your Pond?
As pond owners, ideally, we want mother nature to take the reins and help our ponds maintain their beauty and aquatic health. Unfortunately, there are parts of the country that are prone to inclement weather making it difficult for nature and your pond to work together. If your beautiful pond has taken a hit from the ever-changing weather, this blog is for you! There are various options available for maintaining your pond but not every option will work for every pond. Some ponds are not near a power source so it’s difficult to utilize electric pond aeration devices. The electricity that is used from these devices can also get a little pricey, making it another reason why it may not be the best option. Fortunately, a solution in the form of solar pond aeration is available for anyone who needs to keep their pond maintained but is not in a position to invest in electric pond aeration. The Benefits of Pond Aeration The most critical water quality factor that affects the overall health of your pond is dissolved oxygen. When you add any type of pond aeration system to it, the dissolved oxygen level will increase, accelerating the breakdown of organic matter and preventing the release of toxins from sediment into the water. When your pond is properly aerated, it’s less prone to harmful algae blooms and provides a healthy environment for your aquatic life. Pond aeration is necessary for a pond to maintain its health and normally occurs naturally courtesy of the wind. When strong winds are not available, pond aeration systems are needed. In situations where pond aeration is needed but adding a system may not be in the budget or the nearest transformer is hundreds of yards away, solar pond aerators may be the perfect solution. Getting to Know Solar Pond Aerators A solar pond aerator works similarly to a traditional system, except the compressor is connected to solar panels rather than an electrical power source. Solar pond aerators are a great choice for properties where obtaining electrical service can be challenging, or if you’re in an area where there is a heightened concern for environmental sustainability or an “off-the-grid” operation. Solar pond aerators let natural sunlight do all of the work. They also come in the form of floating solar pond fountains to add to the ambiance of your pond. These solar aerators and solar fountains not only help you get creative with your pond but also are a great addition to your pond maintenance as you’ll never have to worry about lack of wind if you live in the warmer states in the winter, you’ll never run out of sunlight! Additionally, because solar pond aerators rely solely on sunlight, you’ll save hundreds in electricity bills. Outdoor Water Solutions has a solution for any issue you may be experiencing with your pond. We carry a variety of solar pond aerators including floating solar pond fountains that will provide your pond with the aeration it needs to survive and thrive. Check out our solar pond aerators and contact us today at 866.471.1614 to learn more about these amazing pond care products!