Pond Talk

Pond Advice For Small And Large Ponds

Q & A Of The Day

Can I Use Pool Products In My Pond?

Q & A Of The Day, Small Ponds

Janine wrote in recently with a very common question. She asked, “Can I use swimming pool products in my pond?” She went on to mention that she’s had some algae problems in her pond and had tried chlorine for a time but wondered if something else might help the situation.

Answer: Thanks for the question Janine! I’m glad you asked because you are surely not the only person wondering about this. Here’s my take on this topic. I have always taken a very conservative approach to treating my pond or water garden. Which basically means that in a general sense I don’t ever suggest using a pool product in a pond. [Read more…] about Can I Use Pool Products In My Pond?

Pond And Lake Restoration

Large Ponds, Q & A Of The Day

What happens when a pond get’s “old and is dying”?  What can be done to save it or restore it back to what it once was?

Todays Q & A comes to us from Janet that sent us a link to an interesting article from Sag Harbor News. It seems that Mill Pond, an old and well established lake in the NE United States is in very bad shape. You can read more about this unfortunate situation through this news report.

Answer: Thank you for the link and for your question Janet.  It’s inevitable that every pond will age and unfortunately part of that process is a natural “filling in” of the pond basin with all kinds of things. [Read more…] about Pond And Lake Restoration

Winter Aeration Tips For Large Ponds

Large Ponds, Q & A Of The Day

In todays Q & A Of The Day a question came in from Holly who’s using an aerator in her pond throughout the winter. It seems that the compressor running this system is making some odd noises. Almost like an exhalation of air every 5 to 10 seconds and it just started a week or so ago. The system has been running great for months and this is unusual.

Answer: Thanks for the question and email Holly. While your situation with the aerator is not normal in the sense of the word, it may not be unusual at all. This reaction by the compressor represents some form of blocking or kinking in the airline and the added back pressure is being released from time to time by the compressor system. [Read more…] about Winter Aeration Tips For Large Ponds

Choosing A Pond Skimmer

Q & A Of The Day, Small Ponds

Bob sent in this pond question recently. “I have been doing some research on pond skimmers.  I see some of these products say they are good for 1000 gallons.  I don’t understand what the gallons of a pond have to do with surface skimming.  I would think size of the pond surface should be the consideration when trying to find the right size of skimmer. Am I missing something?”

Answer: Bob, thanks for the great question.

A pond skimmer, for those that may not know, are devices that are installed in smaller ponds, usually on the opposite side of a water fall that capture and trap unwanted material that enters the pond. [Read more…] about Choosing A Pond Skimmer

Can Pond Algae Still Grow In The Winter?

Q & A Of The Day, Small Ponds

I’ll share a recent and common question that always comes in during the colder months of the year.  This one is from Robert who has a small pond that he keeps open year round.  He was somewhat surprised to find algae growing in the water, even with the pond being surrounding by snow and the temperatures are still quite cold.  He asks if this is at all normal?

Answer: As odd as winter algae may sound, it’s really not unusual for small pond owners who may choose to keep their pond open all winter long. [Read more…] about Can Pond Algae Still Grow In The Winter?

Is My Pond Filter Too Small?

Q & A Of The Day

Todays Q & A Of The Day comes from Susan who writes, “HELP! I think my filter is to small for my pond. I have a Laguna 2100 bio filter. My pond is in full sun it’s 23ft.long 20ft.wide and 3ft.deep. My pond is 3yrs. old and my water is still green and my ph is to high. I have used all kinds of chem.and solar salt. Nothing has changed. I can’t believe my koi are still happy and alive! Can you help?”

Answer: Thank you Susan for your question. Fish can certainly handle green water and if the pH is around 9.0 or below you’re probably ok there as well.
[Read more…] about Is My Pond Filter Too Small?