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Fish Algae Control
Fish Algae Control Adding fish to your pond can be a great way control the algae levels in your pond. Tilapia is the number one species for algae control, however they can be restricted by state Fish and Game Agencies. It is important to check and see which species of Tilapia is suitable for your pond environment. Tilapia should not be stocked less than 15 pounds per acre. If you have any questions about which fish are right for your pond or would like more information, then please give us a call at 1-479-879-2961. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
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Natural Algae Prevention
We recently had a question sent to us from a pond owner who is looking to prevent algae from growing and to combine “all natural” products with aeration. John Redd, Owner of Outdoor Water Solutions offered the following suggestions: Step 1: Keep colorant in your pond year around. It should have a consistent blue/dark blue appearance that is pleasing in color, but more importantly, filters the sunlight and keeps it off of the bottom. The amount of dye is dependent on pond size, pond depth, rainfall and sunlight. On a 1 acre pond that is 4’ deep on average, we would typically recommend 1 quart of concentrate to start. If 8’ -12’ deep, it would probably take 2 quarts to start assuming there is no residual colorant left from last year. Then you would add a ½ quart each month or two to keep the color year around depending on how much rain and/or dilution you might get. You can always add some, give it a day or two, then add more until you get the color you want. You should not be able to see the bottom at 2’-3’ of depth. Algae can grow anytime, even over winter, so having a colorant in your pond all year is critical to preventing algae growth. Step 2: Add supplemental aerobic bacteria every 2 weeks once the water temperature hits 50 degrees. For a one acre pond, you would add 8 packets (4 pounds) every 2 weeks. Toss it in around the edges of the pond and out in the middle. These are water soluble packets that dissolve and increase the # of aerobic bacteria in your pond with the objective of breaking down excess nutrients and organic matter. Step 3: Selectively control algae that appears. Some people use an algaecide. Others use a lake rake and pull it into shore and dispose of it. Keeping it from sinking to the bottom and adding to your existing muck is typically a good idea. Have a question? Contact us today or Call Us 1.866.471.1614!
Sunlight Reduction Algae Control
Sunlight Reduction Algae Control Limiting the amount of sunlight is effective in managing filamentous algae, but not eliminating other species. Pond dyes produce different shades of color that block the sunlight, and are safe to use for plants or algae. You can find several of these items here on our website. Other options include utilizing another plant species that can inhibit the light from penetrating the bottom of the lake or pond. These can be effective and risky. You must choose the right species for the environment and temperature in your geological region. Have questions? Drop us a line or give us a call at 1-479-879-2961.
Nutrient Reduction Algae Control
Nutrient Reduction Algae Control Plants need nutrients to grow, algae included. Reducing the amount of nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, will limit the amount of algae present in your lake or pond. No one will be able to eliminate nutrients completely, especially if you have a fishery. Nitrogen and phosphorus are two main nutrients needed for algae to grow, phosphorus is number one overall. Constructed lakes and ponds are heavily influenced by their surrounding environment, such as runoff from degraded land, agriculture, and lawn practices. Management of nutrients into the pond can be achieved by: constructing wetlands; building buffers in-between the nutrient source and waters edge; create a floating island planted with plants, herbs and flowers; or you can create an aquatic plant buffer that pertains to the goals of the lake or pond. All of these are good options to managing nutrient loads. Nutrient reduction can also be achieved thru chemical, biological, and mineral applications. These treatments are applied by spraying, injecting, or dispersal over the treatment site. Nutrient reduction is a key step in managing algae for the long term and not a quick fix.
7 Ways to Control Algae
7 Way to Control Algae It's that time of the year, when winter is holding on ferociously, spring is around the corner, and summer is not far behind. As managers of lakes and ponds its time to reassess our annual algae and vegetation management plans/prescriptions. As a professional we are always asking what, why, when, where, and how did our plan work, or did not work. We must give credit where its due. Algae’s basic function along side the rest of the terrestrial world (trees, plants, etc.), is to produce oxygen for the environment we live in. However, as the temperatures begin rising algae growth can take on a whole new meaning for lake and pond owners. That credit we just gave it, took the preferable “right turn Clyde”. Algae begins growing unchecked and becomes an ugly mess that is ruining the tranquility and beauty of your recreational pond. Professional lake, pond, or water managers are always trying to get one step ahead on algae. No one likes seeing green floating scum on their water. But did you know that there maybe many variables contributing to algae growth? Pond owners should consider the type of fish the pond holds, slope and depth of the pond, livestock that may be around the pond, the water source, and the previous use of pond. These are just some of the considerations to thing ab out when you see algae growing in your pond or lake. When addressing algae problems, start by assessing your what our the current goals are for the pond. Goals and current events will determine what methods are used to treat algae. If there is an event happening in two days, a chemical treatment that results in dead brown mats of algae won’t be received very well by guests. There is no “one size fits” all recommendation or product to control algae. It is the job of the consultant to provide all available options and information after asking and answering questions that will help you to make decisions for your lake or pond. Remember, no two ponds that are alike and a product that is labeled “one size fits all” will more than likely disappoint. So, what options should you consider? We'll take a look at seven algae control options and discuss them weekly. They include: Nutrient Reduction Sunlight Reduction Fish Chemicals Biological Mechanical Aeration Controlling algae is a process. Start with your goals for your pond or lake, discuss the costs, time and resources needed. Remember there is “no one size fits all”. Educate yourself and if needed, worth with a lake or pond professional to discuss your situation. If your lake or pond is looking great, everyone will benefit and enjoy your efforts.
BalCam II Compressor
BalCam II Compressor Outdoor Water Solutions introduced a new breakthrough compressor design in 2007 that pumped more air at a higher psi through a single diaphragm utilizing a balanced camshaft approach and was named the “BalCam” Compressor. The compressor workload was balanced across the camshaft and center bearing which means less bearing failure than competitive products. In 2014, Outdoor Water Solutions has developed a new, upgraded compressor that offers many exciting new patent pending features. This compressor offers a longer life span and is easier to rebuild for those that want this compressor to operate for 10-15+ years. All Outdoor Water Solutions compressors carry a 5 year warranty which is the longest warranty in the industry! Outdoor Water Solutions is the only Aeration Company using Stainless Steel Crankshafts and Excentrics! Key Upgrades – BalCam II Compressor: New Stainless Steel Crankshafts New Stainless Steel Excentric ¼” Thick Top Cover Plate Upgraded Grade 8 Bolts on top Upgraded Welds on Compressor Canister Double Set Screw Design with Locking Snap Ring on all Excentrics and Center Bearings Flats Machined on Crankshaft to Lock all Bearings and Hub into Place Upgraded Neoprene Diaphragm Produces up to 4.5 CFM of air at 30 psi! BalCam II Compressors now have Stainless Steel Crankshafts and Excentrics. This means no rust and will last for years. This also makes the compressor much easier to rebuild if you ever have to rebuild it. New SS Excentric is precision machined and has two set screws with a locking snap ring. Most importantly, the center bearing is balanced in the middle of the crankshaft to equalize the workload for less bearing failure. All three bearings are inside the compressor and sealed. With today’s advanced bearing technology, you do not need to climb 20’ in the air to grease bearings every year. Why Purchase from Outdoor Water Solutions? New BalCam II Compressors with stainless steel components – exclusive to Outdoor Water Solutions! Industry leading 5 year warranty on all compressors Industries only technical support hotline Heavy duty 16 gauge and 18 gauge galvanized steel construction Compressor design pumps up to 4.5 CFM of air at up to 30 psi using a single diaphragm so less parts to maintain vs. other companies with double diaphragm compressors. Made in the USA, not imported from China, Mexico or Canada. Multiple tower heights (12’, 16’, 20’, 24’ and 25’ towers) Multiple tower styles – (3 Legged, 4 Legged, Telescopic & Wood Towers) Custom Powder Coating available in any and all colors. Largest head in the industry at 73” in diameter Welded one piece steel hub which attaches with 2 set screws and a thru bolt on the end, so you never have to worry about your head coming off Automatic overspeed protection All bearings are permanently sealed and are inside of the compressor All are designed for heavy load capacity Access the worksheet here: BalCam II Compressor.
What are Aeration Windmills?
Windmills can be used for a lot of things. They can be used to pump water, produce electricity and grind grain. They can also be used to compress air; these windmills are called aeration windmills. Aeration windmills were developed about 30 years ago and have been improving ever since. The original design consisted of a small 7” diaphragm and brass check valves. Over the years, innovative companies like Outdoor Water Solutions have developed new technologies like their patent pending “BalCam” Technology. This allows their aeration windmills to pump significantly more air by balancing the piston and crankshaft on three internally mounted sealed bearings. Outdoor Water Solutions also increased the size of the diaphragm to 10 inches and increased the size of the check valves to allow for more air flow. Older style aeration windmills had a diaphragm surface area of 38.5” and maxed out at 1.5 CFM of air. The new 10” diaphragms has a surface area of 78.5”, which is a two-fold increase in size and can produce up to 4.5 CFM of air with the new BalCam design and less restrictive check valves. Aeration windmills use the wind to compress air. The air is then used primarily for aerating ponds, lakes, lagoons, septic tanks, etc.. or for pumping water out of a stream, pond or shallow well. The compressor is mounted on top of the windmill tower and just behind the windmill head or blades. As the wind blows, the head turns powering the compressor. Inside, a piston with a rubber diaphragm on top goes up and down compressing air and pushing it out to diffusers or water pumps. Outdoor Water Solutions offers a 5 year warranty against any mechanical defects in their compressors on their aeration windmills. This is the longest warranty in the industry. If you look at performance, customer service and product warranties, you’ll see why Outdoor Water Solutions is the market leader in aeration windmills today. You can see a 7 minute video that talks about the history of windmills in America as well as the history of Outdoor Water Solutions at http://youtu.be/R-HF-dQT2cE
Windmill Head Rocking
Windmill Head Rocking Why does my windmill head rock back and forth? Usually, this happens when you have low wind speeds or winds coming from multiple directions vs. a head on wind. The rocking back and forth is due to the backpressure on the system. If you have your diffuser at 12’, then it will take about 5 pounds of pressure to push air thru the airlines. To build up 5 lbs. of pressure it might take a 4, 5 or 6 mph wind to get the head to turn. This is a normal part of operation, especially at low wind speeds or if you have inconsistent winds.
Pond Fountain Benefits
Pond Fountain Benefits Installing a fountain in your pond or lake can make a dramatic statement. Many shoot 10-20’ up in the air and can have light kits for an even more dramatic appearance. Pond fountains have been around for a long time and the quality has continually improved. Variations come from a wide range of motor sizes and water patterns and prices vary from about $800 to upwards of $25,000 for a bigger high-end fountain. Most ponds around ¼-1/2 acres in size look well with a ½ hp fountain. As your pond size increases, typically the motor size increases to push more water volume and height. Larger fountains include a 1hp, 1.5hp, 2hp, 5hp, and can go up to 40hp or more. Most pond fountains are considered decorative fountains, but there are some out there that are aerating fountains. Both are similar in design, however, the aerating fountains typically circulate more water with less height. Decorative fountains or pond fountains can help improve water quality, especially in ponds or lakes that are relatively shallow – like 4’-6’ deep. The challenge is that fountains pull water from 2’-4’ down and circulate that. They are not the best at circulating water in deeper ponds as they don’t take water from the deeper bottom and bring it to the top which breaks up the thermocline. To do this effectively, you would need to use a bottom diffused aeration system instead of a pond fountain. In summary, pond fountains can provide aesthetic value and aeration, circulation and agitation benefits to your pond. Visit our website to learn more about the many fountain options we offer: https://www.outdoorwatersolutions.com/store/fountains-surface-aerators-c-30.html
Windmill Aeration Benefits
Windmill Aeration Benefits All ponds and lakes benefit from aeration. Pond aeration is just like adding air to an aquarium. With air, the aquarium stays fairly clean. Shut off the air and it starts to turn green. The same process works for pond and lakes. Adding oxygen to a pond helps aerobic bacteria thrive. They are the lifeblood of a healthy pond as aerobic bacteria are much more effective than anaerobic bacteria at breaking down organic matter and excess nutrients. Bottom diffused aeration brings water from the bottom of the pond to the surface where it comes in contact with sunlight and wind, which add viable oxygen. This water then goes back down to the bottom where the aerobic bacteria can start to eat the black organic matter and muck on the bottom. Without aeration, ponds turn eutrophic. They start to accumulate excess muck on the bottom which then feeds algae and other weeds. Aeration has been proven to reduce algae growth, eliminate pond stratification, reduce pond turnover and complete freeze up in the winter. All of this means a cleaner, healthier pond with less fish kills. Windmill aerators are effective in aerating ponds and lakes. Windmill Aeration works by placing air diffusers at the deepest levels of your pond. These air diffusers take the oxygen that is compressed into airlines and carried down into the water to the air diffusers. The air diffusers then turn the compressed air into thousands of fine oxygen bubbles. Pond windmills that provide aeration are typically healthy ponds.
Pond Dye Benefits
Pond dye is typically applied in a concentrated amount and takes time to disperse, usually several hours. Over the course of a single day it can change the appearance of water in your pond or lake. What are the benefits of pond dyes? Algae Control - Pond dyes help filter sunlight in your pond water, which helps control the growth of algae and other weeds. Controlling algae is a benefit for your fish, allowing them enough oxygen in your pond or lake. Pond dyes offer a natural balance to your pond, allowing your fish to thrive. Appearance - Pond water color is determined by the geological makeup of the area. It can be clear or muddy, brown or blue. Pond dyes are available in several colors, blue being the most popular. When used they give the appearance of a clear blue lake or pond. Safe to use - If you follow the instructions, pond dyes are safe to use and are non-toxic. They are safe for human use, fish and aquatic plants. Most dyes do not discolor your ponds plants or fish. Pond dyes will not interfere with herbicides or algaecides if you use these in your pond or lake. Outdoor Water Solutions offers several options for pond dyes including Dry Lake & Pond Dyes, All Natural Black & Blue pond dyes, and Aquashade. You can find out more about these products on our website.
Pond Fountains
Pond Fountains Fountains are a wonderful addition to your pond or lake. Fountains, in addition to adding a decorative look to your pond or lake, fountains also help to aerate the water in your pond or lake, replenish oxygen supplies, break up the water column thru de-stratification and help eliminate algae and odors. The more water moves throughout your pond or lake, the more oxygen the water contains which results in keeping your pond healthy. Outdoor Water Solutions offers and Eco line and Premier line of fountains. They are manufactured in the U.S., and offer excellent quality. Our fountains are easy to assemble, low cost to operate, and offer several different and unique patterns. We also offer lighting kits for your pond or fountain.
Windmill and Electric Aeration for Pond Algae Control
Windmill Aeration Systems are great systems for where you do not have electricity or where you don’t want to spend money on electricity. You do need to have access to an area where there’s some wind to turn a windmill. Typically, each windmill will need 3-6 mph of wind to turn. For a windmill to be effective, you would need an average of 6-8 hours of wind each day. On some days, there might not be any wind. On others, you might have 24 hours of constant wind. But, if you can average 6-8 hours a day, you can get enough wind to aerate and circulate your pond. Electric Aerators - There are many good electric aerator options out there if you have access to electricity. You can then aerate 24 hours a day or put the aerator on a timer and aerate 12-14 hours if you want. Most electric aerators are one of three types – linear diaphragm, rotary vane or rocking piston in design. Solar is also a viable option but is about 2-3 times more expensive than using electricity or wind for a given CFM output. Another option is to integrate a windmill aeration system and an electric aerator into the same system. Both would share the same airlines and diffusers. A control box as sold by Outdoor Water Solutions could be used to manage the two by turning on the electric aerator when the wind isn’t blowing and shutting it back off when the wind starts. This option allows you to aerate 24 hours a day and to do it as cost effective as possible given you’re using wind energy as often as possible. The existence of algae in you pond may be a fact of life, but it is good to know that there are ways to prevent excessive growth of it and there are ways to control it with some patience and the right tools. Outdoor Water Solutions manufactures a wide range of pond and lake products including all of the products mentioned here for algae control. You can learn more at www.Outdoorwatersolutions.com or by calling 1-866-471-1614 for a free catalog.