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Pond Care 101

Pond Management in the Short-Term Pond management is critical if you want a healthy pond. Pond owners can use different strategies with different results. One of the oldest methods of pond care was the reactive approach. The recommendation was to wait until a problem arose with the pond environment. In this case, you wouldn’t take action until you began to notice an excessive amount of algae or weeds. Although this short-term approach did work, the long-term effects were counterproductive. Why Past Methods Aren’t The Best Past methods would break up weeds, algae, and other debris in your pond. However, with time, this encouraged the growth of pond muck. One example is weed overgrowth found in ponds. If you apply chemicals to weeds already growing in a pond, the chemicals break them down into a biodegradable material. If you stop at applying chemicals, the leftover debris of the decaying weeds will settle down in the pond, which will create pond muck. In a sense, this is the same as adding fertilizer to your pond. The results would be a faster-growing process for weeds. What should you do? The New Methods for Pond Care Nowadays, it is recommended to take a proactive approach to pond management. By doing this, you’ll be taking preventive measures to keep debris, pond muck, and algae out of your waters. One of the first things you can do is invest in an aeration system. Your goal here is to keep your waters moving. The constant flow of water will encourage good bacteria to grow. This is called the aerobic process to inject oxygen into your water and prevents organic material from settling on your ponds bottom. Adding Beneficial Bacteria Another preventative measure you can take is to add beneficial bacteria to your pond. This can come in the form of pellets. If you have a problem with pond muck that has accumulated, these pellets are made to sink to the bottom. They will then begin eating away at the excessive nutrients that have formed. Although it may take a some time, you will start to see a clearing of the waters. You can rest easy knowing that the pellets are friendly to the environment. The pellets are also good at preventing a future buildup of pond muck. Using Pond Dyes One of the things that contribute significantly to the deteriorating effects is the sunlight. Especially during the summer months, you may begin to see excessive pond muck across the waters. This is because the sun’s rays encourage the growth of algae. Algae, coupled together with bad bacteria, your pond’s well-being can quickly go downhill. In this case, using pond dyes is a great way to protect the waters from excessive sunlight. The dyes work by giving your waters a protective shade. Color options include blue, black, or a mix. Depending on the layout of your pond, you can create a natural or a reflective color for the surface water. 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 Keep Your Fish Happy

Caring for Your Fish Fish are beautiful creatures that can perfectly complement any pond, lake, or other body of water. While some fish require less attention than others, many types of fish do require more care. Therefore, it is essential to study your fish and research their needs to keep them happy. Let’s go over a few ways that can keep your fish happy and thriving in the water. Clean Water is Important One of the first things you need for your fish is healthy water. No matter what kind of fish you have, make sure you invest in an aeration system, algaecides, and beneficial bacteria. The aeration setup will keep the waters moving, ensuring your fish have plenty of oxygen. The algaecides will balance the algae in the water, and the good bacteria will keep the waters clean. A Thriving Environment Fish are content as long as they have a clean environment and plenty of food. However, adding natural plant life and other accessories can increase their happiness. You can do this by trying to recreate a natural habitat for them. For example, include natural rocks into their pond and habitat to create a shelter where your fish can hide. Plant plants in your pond also absorb nutrients found in the water, such as fish waste, and can even protect them from predators. Plants can also provide shade and oxygen for your fish. Adding a Fish Attractor The fish attractor is a great alternative that works as a hiding place for your fish. It mimics and resembles submerged trees or rock formations that act as shelter for the fish. Moreover, the attractor can give cover to the bigger fish while it is waiting to ambush its prey. These work perfectly if you are growing trophy fish in your pond. The fish attractor can also help those small fish hide at times. Outdoor Water Solutions offers a variety of attractors to meet all your needs. These include the Safe Haven Fish Attractor – Mossback. We also have bundles and kits to provide more protection depending on the needs of your fish and the size of your pond. They can go submerged in the water from 6 feet deep and up to 30 feet deep. Have Plenty of Fish Fish can be social creatures. When you add fish to your pond, you’ll also increase the beauty and natural environment. Keep in mind that you have to research which types of fish would work for your pond’s habitat. You’ll also have to make sure to balance the quantity of fish you put in your pond along with any decorations. Remember that fish need a lot of room to swim in the water. Therefore, it is important to balance fish and plant life. Having a proper balance is key to keeping your fish happy and in harmony with their environment. 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!

Should I Add a Fountain to My Pond?

A Quality Pond Fountain A fountain can be a beautiful addition to any pond. It can accentuate the overall landscape in and around your pond’s layout. This is important because it can keep your surface waters moving. The last thing you want is stagnant water that can attract mosquitoes or accumulate pond muck. So what features compose a quality and durable pond fountain? Let’s go over some important things for you to consider. The 3 HP Classic Fountain OWS Series Here at Outdoor Water Solutions, we carry a wide range of classic fountains according to your pond’s size and layout. The 3 HP Classic Fountain is one of our most popular fountains because of its durability and design. In fact, all of our classic fountain selections boast great features for any pond. The fountain comes with a submersible pump and motor with a 230v power output. In addition, the fountain is sturdy and will last you for many years because of its stainless-steel components, which are resistant to corrosion. An Efficient Setup The efficient setup for this particular model comes with the standard 150-foot power cord. However, you will be able to find lengths of up to 300 feet. The fountain is optimized for all ponds with improved and enhanced hydraulics, which increases performance and efficiency. This can keep the water flowing high above the fountain, helping to create the aeration flow on the water surface. The Floatation Assembly The stainless-steel frame of the flotation device helps keep your fountain going strong without any issues. It is composed of high-density polyethylene that also comes with full UV protection. The motor and pump are encased in a stainless-steel cage for durability and protection. You’ll have easy access through the encasement to perform regular maintenance on your pump and motor. This is essential to increase the lifespan of your fountain. Lights and Nozzles Although lights don’t come with the fountain alone, they can be purchased separately. If you decide to invest in lights for your fountain, the package comes with four low voltage LED lights, which are great for energy efficiency. They also come encased in a stainless-steel housing completed with tempered glass lenses. The setup protects the lights from debris and possible damage. When it comes to the nozzles, you’ll have an array of options, including the Orion, Sirius, Nebula, and Spectrum nozzles. The premium nozzles include the tornado nozzle and the tornado geyser. Sizes in heights can vary but range from 16 feet to 24 feet in height, depending on your choice. Final Takeaway Whatever you decide to invest in for your pond, Outdoor Water Solutions recommends a fountain big enough for your pond. If you are not sure which fountain is best for your lake or pond, call us today at 866-471-1614. Our trained aeration professionals can help you pick the perfect fountain. 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 Grow Trophy Fish In My Pond?

Summer is the perfect time to go outdoors and do some fishing. Those who love to fish know the thrill of catching that prized trophy fish out on the waters. If the particular fish breaks any records in size, you know the fisherman will be telling that story for years to come. How can you grow your trophy fish in your pond? Although some may think it is near impossible to grow a large enough bass to call a trophy fish, you can do it with persistence and dedication. In this article, we’ll go over a few tips that can help. Habitat and Environment Regarding habitat, you want to know what type of bass you have. Whether you have small or large bass, you must adjust their surroundings to their needs. In general, bass fish like to hunt their prey in cover. Therefore, having good plant life or cover in the pond is essential to their habitat. Bass do not want to chase after their prey, which is one of the reasons they grow. By not wasting their energy swimming after prey, they conserve more energy resulting in weight gain. As the environment changes each season, it is ideal to diversify your pond’s layout. This includes changing or implementing new plants, coverings, hardwoods, and rock piles. If your pond lacks cover, consider adding a Fish Attractor to protect your small baitfish and provide structure for your bass. We offer a variety of sizes to suit your pond. Monitor and Research Your Bass You also have to monitor your fish. Make sure that they are growing according to your goal. To ensure proper growth for bass, it is essential to keep an abundance of forage fish. Of course, you have to remember that smaller bass eat smaller fish. Large bass can feed on larger meals with various fish, including bluegill, threadfin shad, and more. A Fish Attractor will allow your bate fish to thrive so they can feed your bass. Harvest and Genetics Genetics play an important role in how you raise your fish. Remember that young and small bass live as any other small fish would. They travel in schools of fish, waiting to prey on the smaller fish in groups. On the other hand, larger bass usually hunt on their own in the thick of cover. Finally, harvest is another essential component to growing your trophy fish. Make sure that you keep your bass population at a controlled level. Too many bass in one spot can suffocate growth rates. If there is too much competition among the bass, you should harvest your bass to keep a healthy living environment. Your best bet would be to harvest out the mid-range sized bass to reduce competition and keep enough forage fish for the population. 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!

Should I Use Pond Dye?

A Reliable Treatment for Ponds If you have a pond, you’ve likely come across the term “pond dye” at one time or another. While the term may seem a little intimidating without knowing the ins and outs of its uses, the truth is that it can be beneficial for your pond. However, you may have some questions about pond dye. In this article, we’ll go ahead and answer some of the most common questions that people ask. What Does Pond Dye Do? The primary purpose of pond dye is to block some of the sun’s rays during those hot days. Without any dye for your pond, you could start to see an increase in algae and other forms of bad bacteria. This is because the sun increases and encourages the formation of algae bloom. Although algae in a pond are necessary, too much can be harmful to pond life and can also create areas of sludge. However, with pond dye, you’ll be able to keep a balanced ecosystem, even protecting your fish in the process. Is It Safe to Use? In short, yes, pond dye is safe to use for your pond. In fact, it can also be used on other bodies of water, such as lakes. However, it is essential to note that the dye can stain your hands, so be careful when applying the pond dye. It is recommended that you use gloves and other protective gear when you use the concentrated form of the dye. Moreover, after the treatment, you should also wait 24 hours before anyone goes back into the waters. After the 24 hours are up, the waters are safe for everyone and will not stain you or your clothing. Different Colors for Your Pond The type of color you choose for your pond will largely depend on preference. This can also include the surrounding landscape. One example can be the All Natural Black Pond Dye. If you have a gorgeous landscape surrounding your pond, this type of dye would be perfect to mirror your layout. The pond dye creates a reflection around the pond, enhancing the overall layout. On the other hand, if you want something more natural, the All Natural Blue Dye could be the way to go. This dye will give you the protective shade you need for your waters while enhancing the pond’s natural color. The Benefits for Your Pond The main benefit of using a pond dye is its protective shield around the waters. You’ll be able to minimize the excessive growth of pond plants, weeds, algae, and more. It will also give your waters a different and unique color. When you first apply the pond dye, the ideal time frame for future applications would be four to six weeks after the initial treatment. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.

Pond Leaks Are No Match For Soilfloc Pond Sealant

Regardless of the climate your pond is in, if you have a pond on your property you’re aware that it is sometimes subject to dissipating water. If you live in an area where hot weather is not uncommon, it may appear that the water in your pond is simply evaporating. However, this may not be the case. It may seem far-fetched but there is the possibility that your pond or other body of water may be experiencing a pond leak. The good news is, there’s a solution! With Soilfloc Pond Sealant, we can fix your leaking pond and alleviate the issue of disappearing water. Eventually, Every Pond Will Experience a Leak Unfortunately, if you own a pond, you are not safe from a potential pond leak. The good news is you’re not alone. In order to repair your pond leak with Soilfloc Pond Sealant, the first thing you need to do is identify it. To do this, you want to eliminate all other possibilities. Before you purchase Soilfloc Pond Sealant, be sure your water isn’t evaporating. If your pond is located in an area where it's subject to high temperatures, high humidity, and a high amount of sunlight, your pond could lose one to two inches of water each week. Additionally, water evaporates more quickly when there is more surface area so if your pond features splashing falls and stream rocks it is going to lose water pretty fast. It’s important to note that if your pond is subject to varying temperatures, a pond aerator can help with this. Aerators for ponds or even pond fountains can keep the temperature steady and constant by continually circulating the water in the pond. Floating pond fountains make a beautiful addition to any pond and add wonderful aesthetics. If you’re interested in a pond aerator but your pond does not have access to electricity, solar pond aerators are available and can be a great option for your pond. So, if evaporation is the cause of your low water levels, aerators for ponds are the way to go! If your pond is surrounded by blooming plants, you may not need Soilfloc Pond Sealant just yet, as thirsty plants could be the culprit. However, if your pond’s water levels are dropping at the same rate regardless of whether it’s sunny or cloudy, your plants may not be causing the drop in water levels. If your pond is new, you may not need Soilfloc Pond Sealant as low edges may be to blame. Check the areas in your pond’s stream or waterfall to see if the soil or mulch on the edges is wet. If they are, it’s a pretty simple fix that can be done by you. Now That You’ve Ruled Out All Other Possibilities After you’ve eliminated every possibility, it’s time to confirm you have a pond leak. First, you’ll want to turn off your pump. But before you do this, be sure you have a pond aerator in your pond if you have fish or other wildlife as a pond aerator will keep the oxygen levels up. Once you’ve tuned your pump off, let your pond sit for 24 hours. If the water drops and continues to do so past the 24 hours, your pond is experiencing a leak. This is where Soilfloc Pond Sealant comes in. This low-cost product and method allows you to fix the leak in your pond, save your water, all without the need for additional concrete or plastic liners. Additionally, it is harmless to your wildlife. We love this product and highly recommend it to anyone experiencing a pond leak. For more information or to purchase Soilfloc Pond Sealant, contact us today at 866.741.1614!

Tips for Caring for an Old Pond

A Variety of Methods Work Managing an old pond can be challenging. However, with the right methods and tools, you’ll be able to turn your old pond into a new one. It’s important to note that you won’t find a quick fix that works overnight. It may take some time before you see the benefits. Moreover, using a combination of techniques will get the results you want. Let’s go over some of the tips that you can use: Adding Aeration If a pond has not been adequately kept for a long time, you will find excessive amounts of organic nutrients that cause harmful algae blooms and other aquatic nuisances. This will accumulate into a large area of sludge that will make your pond dirty and uninhabitable for pond life. An old pond, especially shallow ponds, can benefit from a bottom aeration system. This will create an aerobic aeration setup as it transitions away from anaerobic. The aeration process will break down the excessive nutrients and bacteria that have created the dirty environment. Removing Pond Muck If you want to speed up the process, you can also do a few things to remove large areas of pond muck. One way is to use a rake and bucket to dredge the sludge. Although it can be a dirty job, it can help to clear up your pond. Make sure that you wear proper gear, such as masks, when removing the pond muck. This can help minimize those foul odors you are sure to encounter. Skimmers Old ponds usually accumulate large areas of debris, such as tree branches and decaying plants. To clear out these areas of debris, we recommend using skimmers. You’ll be able to fish out decaying plant life, fish waste, and many other areas of thick pond muck. Then, if you use beneficial bacteria and other pond cleaners, you can just concentrate on clearing out branches, leaves, and other floating debris you can find on the surface. Colorants When treating your pond, colorants and beneficial bacteria are essential to clean the waters. Dyes are excellent at blocking the sun’s rays from reaching deep into the pond. Since sunlight greatly contributes to the excessive formation of algae, eliminating this component will serve to keep algae at bay. Beneficial Bacteria When it comes to beneficial bacteria, this will encourage an aerobic reaction combined with the pond aeration system in place. Beneficial bacteria can come in the form of pellets, which will sink to the bottom of the pond. The good bacteria will then eat away at the harmful bacteria and nutrients. You could start seeing improvement to your water quality in as little as a few days. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.

What is Pond Muck, and How Should You Get Rid of It?

Pond Muck and Its Composition If you have a pond, you've likely had to deal with pond muck at some point or another. What does it mean exactly? In short, pond muck is a collection of algae, fish waste, excessive nutrients, bad bacteria, and other types of organic debris. Rest assured that, while pond muck can be a challenge for your pond, Outdoor Water Solutions has Muck Pellets to solve your problem. Pond muck can come in many forms, but it is typically described as a brown, green, or gray sludge accompanied by a foul odor. The Hazards of Pond Muck The muck can also carry hazardous consequences aside from its dirty and unappealing look. This can be especially true for fish and other pond life. As the muck grows more extensive and thicker, it can develop a dense form. This can suffocate the pond's oxygen levels, killing off the fish in the process. The sludge can also cause a clog within the diffuser or pond pump. With its deteriorating environment, you'll no longer have a beautiful, clean pond. How can You Remove Pond Muck? If you have a large area of pond muck, you can consider a few options to remove it successfully. One of the first things you can do is use a pond vacuum. This method can help dredge out all of the muck. You can get to the bottom of the pond, where the muck tends to accumulate. Another option is to use beneficial bacteria to clear the pond. This alternative is the easiest and most effective method to remove pond muck. Finally, simply by investing in pond muck pellets, you will start to see improvements. A Clean Pond Makes a Difference The good bacteria will work by eating away at the muck. Within time, your pond will start to get cleaner and clearer. Although it may take a little time, you should begin seeing more pristine waters by the second month of treatment in most cases. However, if you're dealing with large debris, such as branches or leaves, you can use a rake or pool skimmer to clean these areas. After a few months, if you still have problems, you can do spot treatments with your muck pellets to get the results you want. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.

What Chemicals Work Best On Pond Weeds

The Landscape of Your Pond The habitat of a pond contains a collection of naturally occurring components, such as fish and algae. An aeration system that provides aeration can also be an important part of the pond’s environment. However, you may find other naturally occurring items growing in and around the pond, including weeds. When it comes to pond weed, they can be a nuisance to deal with and can even ruin the landscape of your pond. This is where pond microbes can come in to help. Outdoor Water Solutions carries a wide variety of products to help you control pond weeds. In this article, we’ll go over what pond microbes are and which types work best for specific pond weeds. Pond Microbes To put it simply, pond microbes are sorts of bacteria that help break down organic matter in a pond. These microbes can also be referred to as microorganisms. A pond will contain both good and bad bacteria. Basically, good bacteria will thrive in a pond that has high levels of oxygen, and bad bacteria works in a pond with little to no oxygen. The problem with bad bacteria is that it will create large areas of sludge as it breaks down organic material. Rest assured that the bacteria or pond microbes that you find on the market are good bacteria, which will benefit your pond. Now, let’s take a look at your chemical options. Cutrine: The product Cutrine works best to keep algae and Chara at bay. A simple treatment should do the trick. Green Clean: Another product you can consider is Green Clean, which is great to control algae. ShoreKlear: ShoreKlear will work best to control emerged and floating weeds. In particular, you will find excellent results for alligator weeds, Water Primrose, Cattails and more. When it comes to floating weeds, ShoreKlear will be able to control Water Shield, Water Hyacinth, American Lotus and many others with excellent results. Reward & Weedtrine: This alternative will give you good results for emerged, submerged and floating weeds. However, you may have to treat the area more than once for better and long-term effects. Water Primrose and Naiad weeds will have the best results with the Reward & Weedtrine products. Navigate: The Navigate microbe products work for both submerged and floating weeds. These can include Bladderwort, Coontail, American Lotus and Water Lettuce weeds, just to mention a few. You will find the best results with the Eurasian Watermilfoil weeds. Sonar: The Sonar Pond microbes are some of the best choices on the market. This product will work on emerged, submerged and floating pond weeds. However, you will get the best results for submerged pond weeds, including American Pondweed, Naiad, Hydrilla/Elodea and others. Flumigard: The Flumigard microbe treatment is a product that you may have to use more than once for those long-term effects. Moreover, this alternative boasts excellent results for submerged and floating weeds. You’ll be able to treat Sago Pondweed, Curly Leaf Pondweed, Duckweed, Water Lettuce and Watermeal weeds. The Results Remember that it’s always important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on treatment. Although some products will work with a one-time solution, other products like Reward, Weedtrine and Flumigard may require more than one treatment. This will provide optimal results for long-term weed control. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.

How To Use Pond Traps for Fishing

Fishing at the Pond or Lake Nothing is more relaxing than enjoying a pleasant afternoon around the pond or lake. You can find many activities to do when you’re enjoying the outdoors, such as fishing. Whether it’s with your friends or family, you can have many hours of fishing fun. However, if the fish are just not taking the bait, it can also be frustrating. One of the things that you can consider using is a pond trap. When it comes to using a pond trap, it’s essential to know which traps work best for certain types of fish. Let’s go over the differences between these pond traps. The Purpose of Pond Traps What is the purpose of a pond trap? Well, a pond trap can be used any time to catch fish. Many people use pond traps when they’re having trouble catching fish with traditional reels and rods. A pond trap can catch fish much faster if you use the correct bait. Moreover, it’s also essential that you use the correct type of pond trap for the right kind of fish. If you don’t use the proper pond trap, the fish could escape and swim away. How Pond Traps Work A pond trap works by trapping fish inside. Simply bait the pond trap and wait for the fish to get caught. The fish enters the trap through a variety of entrances, depending on the trap’s design. You also don’t have to worry about smaller fish getting caught because the traps are designed for a specific size of fish. In addition, the design includes small gaps all around the trap so that other types of pond life can escape. The Catfish Trap As you figure out the differences between these fish, you’ll be able to choose the perfect pond trap. Catfish are considered very popular among consumers and fishermen as well. Both catfish and perch fish have their similarities and differences. One example will include the fins of these fish. A catfish has barbels and an adipose fin, which is a significant distinction to perch. Catfish will also require a bigger trap, whereas perch fish may need a smaller design. The catfish trap will also work to catch rough fish around your pond or lake. The design comes with a three-door system that will allow you to catch more than one fish. The Perch Trap The catfish prey on the perch fish. Perch are usually smaller in size than catfish. These types of fish have a soft and spiny dorsal fin. Since catfish are generally easier to catch than perch, using a pond trap in this instance would be ideal. When it comes to the trap itself, it comes in a little smaller size than the catfish trap. The trap is also easy to bait and can hold a lot of baitfish or perch throughout the catch. The perch trap features two funnels, one on each side of the trap, which will increase the chances of catching more fish at a time. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.

Pond Maintenance With a Floating Pond Fountain

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

How Do Pond Microbes Work: Bacteria Packs and Clarifiers

Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteria When it comes to caring for a pond, you’ll need to use a few alternatives to clean and clear your pond fully. One way that can help clear your pond is by using pond microbes. These microbes will come in the form of bacteria packs and clarifiers. Now, remember that bacteria in a pond is necessary to thrive. However, you will find two types of bacteria: anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. Your aim is to have aerobic bacteria. In this article, we’ll go over some of the options of bacteria packs you can consider that will fill the role of aerobic bacteria. You can find more information about pond microbes and even order them here. Organic Matter in a Pond Why do you need these bacteria packs and clarifiers? Well, although aeration does maintain your pond, ponds that have heavy amounts of algae or pond muck will need these types of clarifiers. When sludge forms along your pond, it can cause foul odors, accentuate a dirty environment and even clog your diffusers. Bacteria packs and pond clarifiers work to break down organic matter at the bottom and the pond's surface. Organic matter can include a buildup of excessive nutrients found in your pond, such as algae, bad bacteria, fish waste, and more. What Should You Choose? Whether you’re looking to clean or clear your pond, both bacteria packs and clarifiers will be able to help. Although these pond clarifiers can clear your pond effectively, you will want to use skimmers to fish out large forms of debris. This can include leaves, tree branches, and other types of debris. In fact, clearing out most of the debris yourself can help to speed up the process. Muck Pellets Remember that each product you find will have its purpose. One example will include muck pellets. This is the perfect choice if you have issues with sludge buildup at the bottom of your lake or pond. The pellets will sink to the bottom and begin to eat away at the sludge. Muck pellets contain bacteria made to break down enzymes and trace materials that make up large areas of sludge. Pond Clarifiers You’ll be able to find pond clarifiers packaged as big as 10 pounds per bucket. This amount should be enough to treat a large pond or even a lake. This product works by tying up excess phosphorous and soil particles in the water. The result will give you clearer water. Since this product’s base is aluminum sulfate and rids the water of soil particles that are suspended, water treatment plants tend to use this alternative with great success. Bacteria Pack The bacteria pack is similar to the muck pellets because they work to rid the water of bad bacteria. However, a bacteria pack can work great for both the surface and the bottom of the pond. The product is environmentally friendly and will also work to break down organic material found in your water. Bacteria packs will usually dissolve within five or ten minutes of treating the water. Outdoor Water Solutions offers high-quality pond & lake aerators (solar, electric & wind) and aeration windmill systems, fish feeders, fountains, and all-natural pond care products. Please email or call us at 866.471.1614 and we can provide you with a detailed quote and can even help you design the best solar aeration system for your needs.

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