back to main pond & watergarden page
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Click on a subject link below to view the info.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pond Owners Handbook
pond & water gardening videos
I want to learn about Ecosystem Ponds
I want to learn about the RainXchange™ System
*Water changes on a pond? Do you really need to??
*A little info about Winter
*Rain And Your Pond. Will It Cause You Headaches?
Pond or Pond Fish Problem ?? <click here
Library of Water Plants
generate a wish list here to bring with you
Seaming Two Sections of Liner Together
Aquascape Inc.
**ALBERTA 1 CALL - Call before you dig**
**Do I need a City of Edmonton Pond Permit?**
Pond or Pond Fish Problem ?? <click here
Nature's Corner Store Video Channel
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking to have your pond or water garden built by a trained professional?
Visit our indoor showroom featuring a beautiful stream, waterfall and pond built by Certified Aquascape Contractor(CAC), Blue Planet Water Features <click here
Certified Aquascape Contractors (CAC) are the most qualified and informed pond installers in the water gardening industry. All CACs are required to attend continual training and education seminars and maintain a proven record of outstanding work and dedicated customer service and support. Find a CAC in your area<click here
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
back to top
back to top
back to top
Certified Aquascape Contractor(CAC), Blue Planet Water Features <click here
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rain And Your Pond.
Will It Cause You Headaches?
We all know that April showers bring May flowers, right? But did you also know that April showers could give way to your least favorite kind of plant … algae? Yup, it seems that rain, combined with a bit of lightning, can add nitrates to your pond through something called “atmospheric fixation.” It’s all a part of what we call the nitrogen cycle. We used to attribute an algae bloom in the pond after a thunderstorm to fertilizer run-off, and that may still be a factor, but you should also consider the lightning involved in the storm. Nitrogen gas is broken up, allowing it to combine with oxygen-forming nitrogen oxide, which is dissolved in rainwater. To put it simply, nitrate is fertilizer, so it’s like you’re adding fertilizer to your pond. Have you ever noticed that your grass is always a bit greener after a good storm? That’s why! So what can help you counteract the murky, algae lined water that may result from a strong thunderstorm? Well, first of all, it’s important to know that you won’t always get an algae bloom after a storm ... it really depends on your pond. But if you do, your aquatic plants immediately go to work, chowing down on the nitrates and using them to grow. So your aquatic plants aren’t only beautiful, but they’re a useful part of your pond’s ecosystem. Another option for you is to add some type of bacteria product immediately after the storm to counter-act all the nutrients that are heading into the water. An important thing to remember is not to let a little algae disrupt the way you handle your pond. It’s very natural to have algae growing in your pond; after all, how many ponds built by Mother Nature herself have a little algae here and there? Don’t start fooling with your water chemistry until you know there’s a definite problem. Algae is a part of pond ownership, and while we don’t want our pond overrun by it, a little here and there adds character. Add some bacteria and let your plants help you fight the good fight. After all, those May flowers are going to need a little extra boost to be big and glorious this season. Wouldn’t it be nice if Mother Nature whipped up a little rain and lightning to help them along the way?
General water garden and pond information
<back to top>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water Changes? On a Pond? Do you really need to?
Water Changes
"Topping Off" the pond is not a water change. You should know this about water: The solids in water do NOT evaporate, nor do many of the chemicals in the water. This means that the nitrates, phosphates, a good bit of the carbon dioxide, all the salt, minerals, etc NEVER leave the pond and accumulate over time. As the pond water level goes down by evaporation, you may notice that the fish perk up as you add water back. There is a transient increase in water quality after the addition of 'new" water but it's rapidly offset by the dissolution of the existing background pollution. So, "topping off" actually concentrates solids and organic chemicals in the water over time. Real water changes should be endeavored.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Winter and Your Pond - What will you do?
Many of you ask if you can keep your fish outside in the winter here.
The short answer is YES, but at your own risk!
No, I do not recommend that you keep your fish outside in the winter here in Edmonton, although it is your choice whether you want to or not.
I personally have kept my fish outside in the winter for several years now without problems to the fish. BUT, there is a catch. You will have a better chance of success if your pond has been maintained properly all season. Which I do. Proper water changes throughout the season, no over feeding of the fish, feed proper food in fall, no feeding below 55 degrees F. are just a few of the necessary steps.
When my pond is ready to be shut down, I take my main pump out of the skimmer filter and store it inside the house in a pail of water to keep the pump seals moist. In the pond I use a 2000gph pump raised off the bottom of the pond as not to disturb the bottom using a large outlet nozzle just below the surface of the water. The pump should be pushing water about 4-8 inches above the surface. This keeps a hole in the ice when it does form on my pond and lets toxic gases out. Some people use a heater a foot or so away from the pump also.
That's what I do and I have had success for years. Never lost a fish yet. (edit: lost 2 fish over 8 winters now)
The KEY here is; your pond must be properly maintained all season. This includes water changes.
*Water changes on a pond are VERY important before the ice forms.
General water garden and pond information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<back to top>
back to top
View the Pond & Water Gardening videos<click here<
