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Introducing The Ice-Away De-Icer For Lakes and Ponds
As the summer months draw to a close, both fall and winter can’t be too far behind. With cold weather arriving in a few months, preparing your pond or lake is a good idea. Freezing temperatures can begin to arrive as early as October in some areas. If you want to keep your pond or lake healthy, the Ice-Away De-Icer from Outdoor Water Solutions is an excellent choice to keep the water from freezing over. One of the benefits of an Ice-Away Deicer is that it uses a water-cooled motor. This means there is no oil in the system to leak out and contaminate your pond. The Purpose of De-Icing Preventing ice from forming in and around your pond is essential. The damaging effects of freezing temperatures can have devastating consequences for your pond life. Moreover, ice can also harm plant life around your pond. The purpose of de-icing your waters is to stop this from happening. Investing in a deicer can also save your docks and the shoreline landscape surrounding the waters. If you tend to have harsh winters with freezing temperatures lasting for days, you will surely get great use from the Ice-Away De-Icer. How Does It Work? The Ice-Away De-Icer works by moving water inside the pond or lake. This constant movement keeps the water from standing still and freezing over. The unit itself is submersible and works by producing high volumes of water as it moves in a vertical direction. Because the winter months can also bring a collection of debris, the Ice-Away De-Icer works to push surface vegetation or decaying plants away from your docks. Although the vertical mixer is a submersible unit, the Ice-Away can be mounted to a float where a dock is unavailable. The Diffuser Many deicer units are available on the market. However, one of the most significant features that makes the Ice-Away De-Icer stand out is that it comes with a diffuser design. This diffuser is an excellent feature because it utilizes the mounting of the motor and sling for installation. The diffuser is what increases water movement deep within the pond or lake. The velocity or speed of the diffuser is what helps the water movement reach from the depths of your pond to the open waters of the surface area, which is your primary goal. So rest assured that now is the perfect time to invest in the Ice-Away De-Icer for 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 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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Does Your Pond Need a De-Icer to Survive the Winter?
A frozen pond seems like such an easy fix: simply break the ice and your problem is solved. However, by doing this you could essentially be putting your fish in front of the equivalent of a sound system. It may sound like a party but the soundwaves can actually stress and hurt your fish. Needless to say, this is probably the worst way to go about saving your fish and aquatic life from a frozen pond. In a situation like this, a pond de icer would be a much healthier and safer solution. Before you make the plunge, there are a couple of circumstances that will alleviate the need for a pond de icer. If you have a waterfall or you do not have any fish, a pond de icer may not be a necessity. Waterfalls will keep a hole in your pond via the moving water and fish will stay away from it while hibernating as the water will be colder than the rest of the pond. But Which Pond De Icer is Best For You? There are two types of de icers to choose from for your pond. One is a floating pond de icer. A floating pond de icer will keep a hole in the ice allowing for toxic gasses to escape and help keep your fish healthy. A submersible de icer is good for heating a small part of the pond and sits about 10” below the surface which is great for your hibernating fish. However, depending on the severity of the winter weather, there’s no guarantee that it will keep a hole so it’s a good idea to pair your pond de icer with a pond aeration system. Why Not a Pond Heater? At Outdoor Water Solutions, we often get asked what the difference is between a pond de icer and a pond heater. A pond heater is nice however, they pretty much turn your pond into a hot tub. Pond heaters are primarily meant for ponds that contain tropical fish and can interfere with the seasonal cycle and immune system of koi, goldfish, and other pond fish that are not tropical. Adversely, a pond de icer does not heat the water, it only melts the ice. Making a Pond De icer Work For You and Your Fish Whether it’s a pond aeration system, pond de icer, or both, the pond products we carry are designed to keep your pond and aquatic healthy and happy. When it comes to a floating pond de icer the best place for it is anywhere other than close to running water or deep areas. If you’re combining your pond aeration system with a submerged de icer, place it close to the surface so that it can melt the ice. And, of course, be sure you have a battery backup for your solar aerator just in case! Keep Your Pond and Fish Healthy This Holiday Season A pond de icer and pond aeration products will ensure that your fish have a healthy and thriving holiday season. If you live in an area where the cold winter weather will most assuredly freeze your pond, consider adding a pond de icer to it to help it and your aquatic life make it to spring. For more information on pond de icers or pond aeration products, contact us today to speak to one of our pond experts at 866.471-1614!
Decorative & Aerating Floating Ponds - Which Do You Need?
Springtime is quickly approaching and with it comes the perfect weather for entertaining. And with entertaining guests comes the need for a springtime spruce up of our homes - the outdoors being just as important as the indoors. If you have a pond on your property, floating pond fountains are not only a great way to add curb appeal but also keep your pond healthy. But what if your pond contains aquatic wildlife and is in need of a deeper cleaning? Pond fountains are great for smaller ponds that are already clean but need some decoration, but to keep your pond healthy from the floor up, an aerator for ponds is what you will need. There is a big difference between floating pond fountains and pond aerators so today, we will be discussing the differences as well as which one will best work for your pond. Floating Pond Fountains and Pond Aerators The first thing you want to know about ponds is that they all need aeration. A healthy aquatic ecosystem requires a consistent level of oxygen in the water. This is achieved when the water is either naturally or mechanically moved, bringing it to the pond’s surface and in contact with the air. This process is known as aeration and can occur with natural sources such as wind, heavy rain, or waterfalls or with an apparatus that does this manually like aerators for ponds. If you live in an area where the weather does not provide the natural sources needed for pond aeration, you’ll definitely want to begin considering a pond aerator. But, which will be best for your pond? The answer is: it depends. Decorative floating pond aerators vary in size with the smaller ones being perfect for small ponds that don’t need very much aeration. They’re also great for ponds that already get plenty of natural aeration and are really in need of a little sprucing up. On the other hand, if your pond is subject to problems with aquatic weeds and algae and is full of fish, a more heavy duty pond aerator is the way to go. The good news is, if you’re still hoping for heavy duty aeration as well as a beautiful water display, floating pond aerators are available to provide both. What Else To Know About Pond Aerators In addition to the size of the pond aerator or pond fountain you will need, it’s important to note that regular aerators for ponds require electricity to operate. However, if your pond is not located near a power source, you still have options! At Outdoor Water Solutions, we carry solar pond aerators that are a great alternative for ponds that are not near a power source. Solar pond aerators are great for the environment and your electricity bills as once they are installed, the sun does everything for you. So, if you live in an area that gets plenty of sunshine all year round, a solar pond aerator might just be perfect for 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!
How to Prepare Your Pond for Spring
Restoring Your Pond As the last few weeks of winter roll around, preparing your pond for the spring months ahead is a good idea. The winter months can bring some freezing temperatures, which may have affected your diffuser or the pond aerator. One of the first things you can do is inspect the aeration system. Optimizing its performance will help to clean your pond for spring. You will have to do a few other things to prepare your pond for spring. Let’s go over more of these valuable tips to help you prepare for spring. Clearing out the Debris The winter months can bring extreme weather, especially in January and February. Depending on where you live, you may experience days or even weeks of freezing temperatures affecting your pond. In this case, you should keep your aeration system running to help prevent ice freezing over on your pond. When this happens, debris will end up accumulating in and around your pond. You can clear your pond from large debris with a rake or a skimmer. This, of course, is just the start of prepping your pond for spring. Good Bacteria and Your Pond If you don’t have any type of airflow in your pond, harmful bacteria are likely forming at the bottom. You can quickly take notice just by looking at your pond if you’re missing good bacteria, like Outdoor Water Solutions Bacteria Packs. If you see dirty or murky water, you will need to add some bacteria packs to start eating away at the pond muck and sludge. One option you can use is a pellet product that comes with a formula meant to break down the bad bacteria. If you use both an aeration system and bacteria packs, you will start to see an improvement within just a couple of weeks. Check Your Pond Life If you have a pond, you most likely have fish. Fish can be beautiful to have in your pond and can accentuate the overall beauty of your pond’s environment. However, checking your fish is another step you can make as you prepare your pond for spring. Things you should look for in your fish include ulcers, cloudy eyes, or white patches on their skin. Of course, the last thing you want to do is transfer them to another location, such as a different body of water. Instead, because some fish can be temperamental, you will want to feed them with formulated fish food. This will give them the proper nutrition to get them back to health. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.
Best Tips for Growing Trophy Fish
Trophy Fish Stories and Your Pond A trophy fish is a beautiful thing to have in your pond. Anyone who loves to fish will probably have hundreds of fishing stories throughout their lifetime. But, of course, the most memorable stories are where they catch those trophy fish that get first place in a competition. As a pond manager, one of your goals for attracting fishing enthusiasts is raising trophy fish. Although it may sound nearly impossible to grow large trophy fish to accommodate your guests, it can be done. In particular, one of the most challenging fish to grow is large bass. In this article, we’ll go over some quick tips on how to grow a trophy fish. Creating an Ideal Habitat As with any other living creature, the environment around is what contributes to the overall well-being. The same thing goes for the large bass fish. When it comes to bass fish, they like to conserve their energy as much as possible when hunting for prey. One way bass like to catch smaller fish is by finding cover. The bass will hide within their cover as they wait for the smaller fish to swim closer. Providing enough cover for your bass will allow them to grow and thrive. In addition, they’ll be able to conserve their weight and structure as they hunt. An ideal coverage area can revolve around 10 to 15 percent of the pond’s habitat. You can use rock piles, hardwoods, and cedars. One of the easiest ways to add cover for your fish is to add a fish attractor to your pond. Outdoor Water Solutions offers a variety of fish attractors for your pond no matter how much or little cover your fish need. A Steady Stream of Feed A feeding program is another ideal way to grow your trophy fish. Remember that your number one priority is to keep your fish on a regular feeding schedule. Always have enough forage fish for your bass. Bluegill is the primary preference for bass in general. If you want to grow your trophy fish, adding just one pound on a bass fish takes around 10 pounds of forage fish. It’s a good idea to replenish your forage fish by having enough bluegill that spawn in the long term. Of course, ensure that you also have supplemental alternatives other than bluegill forage in your pond. You can include Golden Shiners, Threadfin Shad, Crawfish, and Rainbow Trout, to mention some examples. Genetics and Harvest Genetics and harvest also play an essential role in how large and healthy your bass fish grow. Choosing a quality fish can go a long way. However, it would help if you remembered that harvest is essential to growing trophy fish successfully. The more bass you have in your pond, the more crowded it will get. Therefore, you can harvest the mid-range bass to keep competition at bay. By doing this, good bass will have a better chance to grow into the trophy fish 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!
The Importance of Proper Aeration for Your Pond or Lake
Having proper aeration for your pond or lake can benefit your overall layout. You’ll be able to have a clean pond or lake along with an aesthetically pleasing landscape. Let’s go over exactly how crucial proper aeration is for your pond and lake. Decreases Pond Muck Infusing oxygen is one of the first steps to a cleaner and better pond. Proper aeration benefits the natural habitat of your pond or lake because it will help break down nutrients. Without proper aeration, a combination of decomposing debris, algae bloom, and fish waste can accumulate in the form of pond muck. Increases Oxygen Levels If you plan to have fish in your pond, you will need an infusion of oxygen. No aeration system in place means that oxygen levels will become low and could become dangerous for fish life. Proper aeration is also beneficial if you plan on having submerged plants. As the bubbles from your aeration system or diffusers release into the pond, oxygen will become plentiful. As a result, your water will move throughout your lake or pond. No More Stagnant Water When it comes to stagnant water, it can bring many unwanted pests and foul odors. The importance of aeration, in this case, is to rid your pond of mosquitoes, harmful bacteria, and more. The thermocline is a layer of water located between the warm waters of the surface and the colder waters deep below. A bottom diffuser would work great because it will mix both the surface and bottom waters, eliminating the mid-layer of water altogether. Better Water Quality Your overall goal with proper aeration is better water quality. As your aeration system works, you will notice the difference within just a few days. The water will become clearer, and you’ll begin to see organic debris disappear from your pond or lake. Of course, larger debris like tree branches may have to be removed with a skimmer. Healthy Pond Life Finally, the importance of proper aeration resonates with your pond life. The lack of aeration in a pond can also kill off your fish in the winter. As organic debris decays, the gases leftover from this process can get trapped if your pond freezes, suffocating your fish. Rest assured that if you properly aerate your pond, your fish will be happier and thrive as they grow, whether winter or summer. Outdoor Water Solutions offers a variety of aeration solutions. 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!
Too Many Geese On Your Pond? Here's How To Fix It!
Having a pond can be a relaxing place to spend time outdoors. The last thing you want to deal with are geese hanging around your pond. While geese are beautiful creatures, they can be a nuisance as they create problems for pond owners. It is a natural occurrence for wildlife to gather around large bodies of water, such as ponds and lakes. When it comes to Canadian geese, they tend to gather during the fall, spring, and winter seasons. In this article, we’ll go over a few ways to help deter geese around your pond. Using Predator Decoys One way to deter geese from gathering at your pond is by implementing predator decoys. These can come in the form of swan, alligator, or coyote decoys. The replica decoys should be placed where geese can spot them as they fly over. This will stop the geese from landing near or at your pond in the first place. Swan decoys work because real swans are very territorial and aggressive toward geese. Therefore, when geese see these fake decoys, they will go away. Like any other animal, geese fear alligators and coyotes, so using these lifelike decoys will also deter them from even landing near your pond. Reducing Open Spaces Geese can be a massive nuisance because they make loud noises and leave up to four pounds of waste around your pond. Since geese love open spaces, especially near a body of water, another good tip would be to reduce the area around your pond. You can do this by planting bushes and a variety of plants. It is also important not to feed the geese you find because they will keep returning. Add an Away With Geese Unit One helpful strategy is to use an Away with Geese-Land Unit or Away with Geese-Water Unit. This unit works great within 75 yards in and around your pond. It is best to keep it nearby and in the line of sight. The units feature flashing lights that cause a disturbance in the sleep patterns of geese. Moreover, the amber lights are barely noticeable to humans and other pets, so they won’t cause disruption. It runs on solar-powered batteries that recharge during the day. The away with geese unit is safe and environmentally friendly. Rest assured that by utilizing these strategies, you will successfully keep away geese, leaving you to enjoy 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 so, if you have any questions or would like more information on our solar pond aerators, contact us at 866.471.1614 today!
Does My Pond Need Year Round Aeration?
Although you may think pond aeration is only beneficial during the warmer months in summer, the truth is that aeration year-round can provide many benefits for your pond and pond life. This, of course, includes all of the four seasons: fall, winter, spring, and summer. If done correctly, aeration will help your fish to grow and thrive. Outdoor Water Solutions offers a variety of pond aeration systems, including solar, windmill, and electric aeration systems. The Seasons Beginning with the fall season, you’ll see that proper pond aeration is key to keeping your fish alive when the seasons change. As summer rolls into fall, temperatures in the water change from warm to cool. If you don’t have aeration, water can begin to separate, with oxygenated levels on the surface while the bottom stays without oxygen. Fish that remain near the bottom will be left without oxygen. When winter hits, aeration can help break down any fallen leaves or other debris left from autumn. Now, when it comes to spring and summer, aeration will help keep the waters circulating. This will keep the abundance of nutrients from growing and contributing to algae blooms or even pond muck. Fish Life If you are a pond enthusiast who wants a healthy group of fish, you must have aeration year-round. High levels of oxygenated water can help your fish breathe easier. This minimizes any stress your fish may have due to low oxygen. Moreover, having large amounts of aeration in a pond is also essential if you want to have a variety of fish, such as bass, bluegill, catfish, and more. Clean Water The main goal is to have your pond clean and clear. Aeration is essential for that aerobic cycle you want in the pond. This cycle or process promotes good bacteria as it digests nutrients and pond waste. More aeration means higher oxygen levels to keep microscopic organisms working hard, leaving clean and clear water behind. A Stable Ecosystem What do all of these benefits mean? In short, it means a stable ecosystem for your pond. Otherwise, your pond would be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, pests, mosquitoes, and waste. However, having the proper pond aeration will reduce stagnant water that can form pond muck resulting in foul odors. Finally, having a high volume of aeration for both the bottom and surface areas of the pond will prevent small weeds from growing in and around the pond. Rest assured that by having aeration year-round, you’ll be able to enjoy your pond. If you are still unsure which system would work best for you, call us at 866-471-1614 today for expert help. 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 Does Solar Aeration Matter?
Proper aeration is an essential part of keeping a pond or lake clean. It provides a stable environment for your pond life and enhances the overall aesthetics of the layout. When shopping for your aeration system, you will run into a couple of alternatives, including solar aeration. What are some of the benefits of solar aeration? In this article, we’ll go over the essential benefits. Aeration Benefits A solar pond aerator is just as reliable as any other aeration system, such as electric. They will provide the same purpose, which is to aerate your pond. Aeration is important because it will infuse the waters with oxygen. When you aerate your pond, the oxygen will break down any excess nutrients that can contribute to algae bloom or pond muck. Moreover, you can find surface and bottom aeration methods for your pond. Depending on the size of the pond, you want to invest in an aeration system with enough power to aerate the entire pond. Reliable Power One of the most significant advantages of solar power is that it is always reliable. Even on cloudy days or at night, your solar pond aeration system can store energy for continuous use if you have a battery backup. Your aeration system will also continue to work if a power outage occurs. Energy Savings Solar energy is appealing to many because it does not need electricity. This means you won’t need to set up long wires or cables to connect your aerator. Since you won’t use electricity to run the aeration system, you will save money on your monthly electric bill. Environmentally Friendly A solar aeration setup is clean and friendly to the environment. Because no electricity is utilized, it will minimize any excess energy that can contribute to the city grid. As less electricity is used, your setup will have less impact on the environment. This will take off energy loads on the electricity grid, especially during peak hours. Your setup is also self-contained and self-reliable, so you don’t need to depend on outside sources. Perfect for Open Spaces When setting up your solar pond aeration system, you must find the right location to install the solar panels. Make sure you choose a wide-open space where the panels can receive abundant sun. You will surely benefit from using a solar aerator if you have a pond and a large sunny area for your solar panels. Outdoor Water Solutions offers a wide variety of solar aeration systems, including the new for 2022 TurboAir™ 24v Direct Drive Solar Aeration System. The Turbo Air comes in 3 sizes for all your solar aeration needs. 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 Is Having A Pond Beneficial?
If you want to spruce up your property, a lake or pond would be a great way. It improves the overall layout of your property with a beautiful, aesthetic look and can even increase your property value. What other benefits can a pond or lake give you? In this article, we’ll go over a few of the benefits, and when you decide on a pond why a solar pond aerator is the right tool to maintain that pond. A Relaxing Environment One of the biggest benefits is that you’ll be able to enjoy a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. It is a place to call your own. After a long day’s work, you can come home and sit around the pond to enjoy the evening. Rest assured that nothing puts your mind at ease like watching the water flow, watching the fish swim, and seeing that sunset across the pond or lake. A Natural Habitat for Wildlife When you build a pond, it creates a natural habitat for wildlife. Even a lake tends to draw a variety of different animals. This is perfect for anyone who likes the outdoors. Some animals you may expect to see can include butterflies, waterfowl, deer, turtles, frogs, and more. The simple visual of seeing these animals can be a great stress relief. Your Own Fishing Spot You’ll love having your pond or lake if you love to fish. You’ll be able to stock the pond with fish so you can go fishing whenever you’d like. You can even raise trophy bass to enhance your fishing experience. It’s an excellent hobby when managing your fish's habitat. One of the best things you can add to your pond is Texas Hunter Fish Feeder. We carry them in various sizes, depending on the needs of your pond. Plus, your fish feeder can be ordered with either straight legs for docks or adjustable legs for shoreline setup. You can monitor the growth and behavior of your fish to ensure quality pond life. Fun for Everyone Who doesn’t like fun at the water park? Having your pond or lake is like having your own private water park. It is fun for the entire family and your friends as well. You can plan a lovely day in the summer to swim, fish or camp. Remember to keep your pond or lake clean. One of the benefits of having an automatic fish feeder is that you don’t have to worry about over-feeding. This will help keep your pond clean and allow everyone to enjoy the waters even more. A Natural Water Source Those who have a farm can also benefit from having a pond or lake. The water provides a natural source of drinking water for your farm animals. As long as it is accessible, it will become their natural habitat. The body of water can also serve as an outlet for natural irrigation for your crops and garden. These are only a few of the great benefits of having an pond. At Outdoor Water Solutions, we offer a variety of pond aerators, such as 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 pond aerators, contact us at 866.471.1614 today!
Don’t Skip on Winter Pond Aeration and Maintenance
To have a healthy pond, proper pond aeration and circulation are vital all year long. Winter can prove to be one of the most difficult times of the year for pond maintenance depending on where you live. Pond aeration systems can wield results fairly quickly during the summer months as pond algae and aquatic weed build-up tend to decrease, correlating with the amount of time your pond aerator is running. The winter, however, is another story. When using pond aeration products in the winter, the benefits are not immediately obvious and can be very subtle. The results of using aeration products are still significant and necessary to the survival of your aquatic life, nonetheless. You may not see them right away, but these are the benefits of utilizing pond aeration systems during the winter. Winter Protection Through Pond Aeration During the winter, aquatic life and certain types of algae and plants produce less oxygen as a result of the inability to rely on photosynthesis. Layers of ice can make this situation worse. Through pond aeration and, in some cases, a de-icer, oxygen levels can increase in the pond ensuring you don’t lose your fish or plant life during the cold winter months. Further, Autumn loads your pond with organic matter such as leaf litter and fertilizer which provide a certain level of nutrients that your pond will try to digest. Pond aeration systems will produce a healthy amount of oxygen and circulation that will amplify the process giving your pond an advantage for the winter months. Depending on the thickness of the ice or the winter temperatures, pond aeration can disrupt the formation of ice allowing for an escape path for toxic gasses from the sediment below that would otherwise be trapped under the ice. This is even more important in more shallow ponds. Should you be in an area that is subject to freezing temperatures resulting in a frozen pond, a de-icer may need to be added to your aeration products to ensure your pond is properly aerated. Choosing Your Pond Aeration System There are a few pond products to choose from when it comes to pond aeration. If your pond has a fountain, a bottom-diffused pond aeration system can be combined to make a perfect aeration pair. These pond aeration products transport air from a land-based compressor to diffuser disks at the bottom of the pond, producing a constant stream of air that will prevent the water around the fountain from freezing during the winter. If your pond is not located near a power source or if you’re looking to save on electricity, a solar-powered pond aeration system and a solar aerator backup battery are great options. And, of course, a de-icer is a great addition to any aeration products when you’re located in an area where the winters get rough. Our pond aeration systems experts are ready and available to answer any questions you may have about your pond and keeping it and your aquatic life alive and well during the harsh winter months. Visit our Outdoor Water Solutions website to see our catalog of pond aeration products or contact one of our professionals for more information at 866.471.1614.
How Do I Fix Pond Muck?
What is Pond Muck? If you have a pond, you’ve likely encountered pond muck at one time or another. The sight of this muck is unmistakable in any pond. It can come in many shapes, forms, colors, and even smells. Although you most likely will see it during the hot summer months, it can also form during the fall and winter months if you don’t care for your pond correctly. Let’s go over some of what composes pond muck. We’ll also discuss a couple of things you can do to get rid of it. Pond Muck Pond muck has also been referred to as sludge, pond scum, and other unflattering terms. The fact is that pond muck is a collection of excessive nutrients and unknown debris at times. Mainly, pond muck is formed when decaying plant life accumulates in the water. This can include pond weeds, algae, fish waste, and more. You may even contribute to the formation of pond muck if you overfeed your fish. Another way to put it is that muck results from waste that has piled up for weeks or even months. The Consequences of Pond Muck Pond muck can come with many unwanted consequences when it comes to pond muck. It is not aesthetically pleasing and can make your pond look ugly. It can also make your pond smell bad. If you smell a sulfur-like odor, you most likely have pond muck. Moreover, if you have fish or any other type of pond life, pond muck can be a hazard to their health. When pond muck gets thick enough, it can begin to suffocate your fish. It can also get stuck or obstruct water flow in an aerator or pond pump. What can You Do? The good thing is that you can do something about pond muck. If you already have a problem with pond muck, the first thing to do is treat it with Outdoor Water Solutions Muck Pellets. By doing this, you’ll be able to break down the muck. However, with bigger debris, such as tree branches, we recommend removing them with a skimmer. You can also use an aerating system to improve water circulation. This is important to infuse oxygen into the waters, which will improve pond life. Finally, if you want to remove aquatic plant life, including weeds, we recommend natural herbicides. Rest assured that you will notice a clearing of your pond within just a few weeks. 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!
Pond Maintenance for the Summertime
The summertime is the perfect season to spend time outdoors. You can enjoy a wide range of activities with friends and family. One of those activities can include spending relaxing days around a pond. Many like to fish or just enjoy the aesthetically pleasing view and atmosphere of the pond. However, the summer can also bring those hot temperatures, affecting your pond’s stability. So how can you keep your pond looking great in the summer? Pond maintenance is key to keeping clean and clear waters. Having an Automated System The best thing you can do to keep your pond nice and clean is to install a pond aerator. A bottom aerator is ideal. This will infuse oxygen for your fish. Moreover, the advantage of a bottom aeration system is that it will mix the waters deep in the pond rather than just the surface. The last thing you want is stagnant water that can develop muck, algae, and sludge. Want to know more about aeration? Click here. Using Herbicides and Algaecides If you find your pond crowded with pond weeds or an abundance of algae, you can consider a natural herbicide or algaecide solution. Herbicides work best to remove unwanted weeds that grow in the water. If you don’t remove these weeds, they can decay and form a muck collection. The same thing goes for algae in ponds. Although some algae are necessary for a pond’s ecosystem, too much can damage the pond’s habitat. Pond Dyes Make a Difference The summer heat can fuel algae bloom in a pond within just a matter of weeks. You’ll tell if you have an overgrowth of algae if you notice areas of green covering in spots or throughout the entire pond. Algae bloom can contribute to pond muck. As it thickens in the water, it can suffocate your fish or even obstruct your pond pump or aerator. To minimize algae in your pond, we recommend using pond dyes. Since the sun’s rays penetrate deep into the water, fueling algae growth, pond dyes can form a protective covering on the water’s surface. In addition, Outdoor Water Solutions carries a variety of pond dyes that will give your water a nice shade. These alternatives can include blue, dark blue, and black dye. Each color will give your surrounding landscape a unique, beautiful complement. 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!