Ask an Expert
| Question | Date |
|---|---|
| will i need a air stone or bubbler for winter? pond is 4 ft deep by 8 ft by 14 ft i use a round floating deicer and have 3 koi and 3 dozen goldfish that are 4 yrs old Koi may still need some aeration. The bubbler such as the AquaForce pump work until the temp reaches 25 degrees and then the De-Icer will kick in. Cold water holds more oxygen than warm water. It all depends on your climate whether you leave you pond running or you want to shut it down and use a bubbler in combination with the De-Icer. | 2 Dec, 2011 2:39 PM |
| I have a recently installed pondless waterfall in Denver. Temps can get below zero for several days in a row. Besides just shutting it all down and pulling the pump would a pond heater work to ensure it won't freeze up? I was told running water won't freeze up and I can run it all winter but I want to make sure the basin area with the pump won't freeze. If so, what type of heater would you suggest and where should it be installed? Thanks. If you have a pondless, your pump is located about two feet deep. If your frost line is not 18 inches or more, you should be OK. However, the real problem with a pondless is the stream which can produce ice dams which needs monitoring. You also need to top off any water feature that may run in the winter. You have to make the decision according to your location and climate. If you decide to shut it down, make sure the pump is disconnected at the pipe. | 12 Dec, 2011 5:10 AM |
| recently had a pond installed and I have some Koi fish in the pond. I am planning on running the pond year round. I live in central Pa. I believe it is zone 7. I was out checking the pond and don't know why but decided to check and see just how deep the deepest part of the pond was. I was suprised to find out that the depth was only 16 inches at the deepest point. I know everything I read says a min. of 24 inches is required for this area. What will happen if I leave as as and run year round. Will the fish freeze and die. I have contacted the pond installer and waiting for him to contact me back. The pond is an 8 by 11 Auqascape kit. Thanks Richard StoehrThe recommended depth for northern ponds is 24 inches. It all depends on cold it gets and how deep your frost line is. I would be concerned about Koi in a 16" deep pond if you get a severe winter. | 17 Aug, 2011 10:10 PM |
| How many bioballs do I put in my Biofalls Grande? How often do we clean the biofalls and filters and bioballs? DavidYou would need 6 boxes of Bioballs for the Grande. Here's the recommendation for other sizes: Micro - 1 set, Classic Mini or Signature 2500 - 2 sets, Standard Classic or Signature 6000 - 3 boxes of bioballs. Aquascape bioballs come 100 in a set and come with a mesh bag. We recommend that the Biological Filter be cleaned out at a spring Clean Out. Everytime you clean the mats in the biofalls you have to re-introduce the bacteria to the pond. Even though the mats may have a brown substance on them, this is the good bacteria colony and you don't want to wash this away. You would have the rish of your pond water going green and sometimes it takes 6 weeks to clear this situation up. Remember, you should be using bacteria on a regular basis throughout the summer months. | 17 Aug, 2011 1:49 AM |
| What is the appropriate bacteria product to use when water temp is below 55 degrees? My pond is about 2500 gallons.When water temps reach below 55 degrees, you can use the Cold Water Bacteria until the water reaches 35 degrees then it's time to discontinue till spring. | 29 Nov, 2011 12:28 AM |
| I have a 10(+) year old koi pond with waterfalls. It was installed with an Aquascapes pond kit. Over the past month, I noticed the ground around my skimmer box was wet. With the recent rain from Hurricane Sandy, the pond flooded and I went to clean leaves out of my skimmer box net and observed 'wisps' of muddy water weeping in around the skimmer box outlet tube. Is this something that can be individually fixed or am I looking at a whole new skimmer box? Note: when the water level in the skimmer is below the outlet tube, I do not have the wet ground issue. Thank you in advance for your help.Your equipment meaning your biofalls and skimmer were sealed originally with black silicone sealant but after a period of time, the seal may break and and needs to be resealed. This involves removing the plate and screws and cleaning the liner and then resealing, adding new screws to the unit and reattaching the liner to the unit. Call your certified contractor to do this properly. | 8 Nov, 2012 6:56 PM |
| What does the ion gen 2 probe look like when it needs to be replaced I can't find any pics or videosYou have to remove the probe and look at it. If there is excess mineral deposit, then scrape it off. If the probe is worn down to the point that not much of the probes are left, then it's time to replace. Watch the DIY video on the IonGen and you will see pictures of the probe. | 11 Nov, 2012 4:56 PM |
| I have an approx 1400 gal koi pond built about 4 yrs ago with your products and let me say first that I have not had any problems with the equipment! We have throughly enjoyed the experience. My question is concerning algea that has settled at the bottom ...my water is very clear but the fish "stir" up this on the bottom. It appears to me to be dead algea. I use algeafix. I want to vaccum but have heard that they don't work very well. Any suggestions ? THANKS !Glad you like your pond. Have some questions for you: 1. Have you ever cleaned out the pond? Should be done in the early spring. 2. Have you been using any bacteria product? Now is the time of year to use the Sludge Cleaner which is composed of mostly bacteria. We have tabs that work very well in digesting the sludge. We do carry a pond vac which works well but if you have gravel on the bottom of the pond which is recommended by Aquascapes and the gravel makes it more difficult to use. AlgaeFix works at getting rid of string algae but when it works it kills the algae and that algae falls to the bottom of the pond and then this matter has to decompose. And the cycle begins all over again. If you have a large amount of debris on the bottom of your pond then you need to vac it out, use the sludge cleaner tabs, or shovel it out. This means as it decomposes it creates nutrients which feed the plants and whatever is left of these nutrients then feed the algae and the vicious circle begins again. Your pond can become dependent on this chemical. Break the cycle by removing the debris at the bottom and begin using beneficial bacterias and less of the AlgaeFix. | 4 Sep, 2011 10:40 PM |
| We installed a pond, appx. 20,000 gls. last year. We installed the Ion-Gen filter with the pond. The customer wants to know about the replacement duration for the probes. I told him the indicator light should indicate when they need replacing. Any other information I can share with him? ThanksThere are two videos about the IonGen on our site. Look for the Information Videos on the left side of the Home page. The life of a probe all depends on the pond owner's use of the IonGen and the settings. The higher the setting the more probe use there might be. There are many variables that come into play with the size of the feature, the settings of the IonGen, condition of the water and even the location of where the IonGen is installed. | 29 Aug, 2011 3:20 PM |
| I'm interested in the Aqua Surge Pro Adjustable Flow 2K to 4K pond pump. I can't seem to find info on your site. If you have this item would you email me specs regarding electrical useage, (my present pump runs a 1600 gal pond and cost me $100+ a month to run). Also info on gph flow, max head on 2" line, if I need adapters, solids removability, etc. Maybe you can guide me to where I might purchase this pump. First choice in-store, second choice online. Whichever, I need this pump before warm weather and algea moves in. Thanks for your response.This pump is available at www.aquascapes.com website on our product pages under waterfall pumps. You may need an adapter and by calling us, we can get you the right adapter for your check valve. This is a great pump which allows you to increase your water flow when you are near the waterfall entertaining and can dial it down when you do not need the extra flow. It eliminates the guessing. Call us at 877 780-1174 for details. You must have a skimmer to place this pump in as it is NOT a solid handling pump.. | 10 Feb, 2013 9:51 PM |
| We recently had an Aquascape professionally installed pond. We aquired some fish, and were wondering if the water needs to be tested weekly even though we are adding the beneficial bacteria weekly. No, the water should be fine. Testing is only required if you have an over abundance of fish. | 30 Sep, 2012 7:47 PM |
| I cannot seem to control a string algae problem. I add beneficial bacteria weekly and use your algaecide product, but i'm having no luck. Is this a Ph in the water problem and is there a way to prevent this algae rather than treat it after it appears? Right now i'm forced to powerwash everything every couple weeks.String algae problems mean you have too many nutrients in the pond and not enough plants. Look into the IonGen which is a electronic device that release metal ions into the water to control the string algae and it is safe for the fish. Also, you may need to clean out the pond as everything that sinks to the bottom of the pond will have to decompose and will cause an algae bloom. Chemical treatments are difficult and hard on the fish and your pond becomes dependent on them. Also the EcoBlast works well on the rocks of the waterfall and stream. Watch the DIY video on the IonGen. | 18 Apr, 2013 2:15 PM |
| Is it a good practice to do a full cleanout of my koi pond (approximately 1,00 gallons) every spring? I was planning to do the following: Move koi to a temporary holding area; drain the pond; pressure wash the gravel/rocks; clean the pump and reattach; add filters and bioball; fill pond; add detoxifier and bacteria; move koi back to the pond.Yes, with small water gardens with fish, it may be necessary especially if you live where you have a winter climate. Best time to clean out is spring. Check out the DIV videos for instructions and written instructions on our Pond Tips. | 9 Apr, 2013 2:00 AM |
| I have always keep my pump running all year long but am thinking of removing it this winter.I live in central Ohio and the pond is about 4-5 foot deep in the center. Naturally this is where all the koi spend the winter. Any pros? Cons?It depends on the winter. If you remove the pump remember to disconnect at the pipe not at the pump. With koi you will need aeration and a deicer. Purchase those from the store. | 3 Nov, 2012 8:10 PM |
| Do you recommend using Nature's Defense Pond Health and clarity along with Muck Defense. My algae is not too bad but I have a lot a sediment in the pond and suspended particles. All of the above will work well. Nature's Defense and Clarity Defense will take care of the green water but you have to follow the regular dosage chart. Muck Defense will help break up the debris on the bottom of the pond. All these products are natural bacteria enzymes and are not chemical based. | 6 Jul, 2011 5:44 PM |
| will i get faster moving water if i go from a 1.5" outlet hose to a 2" hose i have a 20' pondless waterfall with a 6550 gph pumpYes, you may get more volume. The 1.5" pipe will only allow 2800 gallons to pass through the pipe. However the 2" pipe will allow 4800 gallons to pass through the pipe. Purchasing a larger pump is not the answer unless you have the pipe capacity to fit the pump volume. Other facters are the height you are pumping up to and the amount of elbows you may have in pipe restriction. | 10 Jul, 2011 1:11 PM |
| Recently had a pond less system installed about 6 weeks ago. After a few heavy rains, the water is extremely merky/muddy. What is the best way the clear up the water? Remove/replace water?You can flush out the basin. You also need to fix any locations where you are getting runoff. | 16 Jul, 2011 5:29 PM |
| Is there a filter required and or needed to be installed with a pondless waterfall. Using the new waterfall Spillway there is no room for filter media. Since there is not a pond or fish, I wouldn't think you need a filter. Please advise. Thank you, Shaina No filter media needed when you do not have a pond. | 19 Jul, 2011 4:13 PM |
| We have water that comes up behind the biofalls. The pond is about 12 years old. How do we repair this?It's time to have the biofalls resealed with silicone and new stainless screws put into the plate. Call your local CAC for a professional to do this. | 15 Sep, 2012 5:00 PM |
| My koi have been acting very strange. They have not been eating nearly as much as they have in the recent past. Most are spending a lot of time under the waterfall or where the shallow pond meets the deeper pond and have been jumping out of the water. I can not see any noticable signs of illness.The hot weather is difficult on the fish. Use a pond thermometer and test to see if your water temperatures are above 80 degrees. If so, do not feed them as much as they cannot digest the food as well in hot water. We suggest that you might feed them the cold water fish food to help with the food digestion. Also if the water temp gets over 85 degrees, you should consider doing a 10% water exchange to cool down the water. | 29 Jul, 2011 4:06 AM |
| We have murky water in our pond and I have been reading about the IonGen Electronic Clarifier will this product clear murky water? Thank you It will help but if you have murky water, you need to add the bacteria to the pond. The IonGen works to keep the string algae off the feature. It is not the cure all for all pond concerns. You should always use a bacteria in your pond on a regular basis. If you have biological filters, you should only clean them once a year in the spring. aquascapes.com | 31 Jul, 2011 2:33 AM |
| No question, just a thank you. I added the Microlift to our pond as directed and have had great results. I will continue as prescribe on the package our murky water has cleared. I will turn the UV in the skimmer back on this weekend. It's good to have someone out there who understands and will assist you. I am reading more to obtain the knowledge about what's the best ecosystem for our pond. I told my husband every pond is different and we will have to learn what works best for ours. Take careWe appreciate your reply and are glad you had good results. Customer Service | 3 Aug, 2011 4:58 PM |
| Did the Beneficial Bacteria Dry used to be called Aquaclear Extreme? I have a customer that used to buy Aquaclear Extreme and I am trying to figure out what the new name of the product is. Please help.Yes, the new name is Beneficial Bacteria. | 9 Aug, 2011 2:44 PM |
| Iam using muck away in my 1/4 acre recreational pond. Can i also use copper sulfate at the same time?No you cannot. We recommend you use the PondClear Pac which also may include the Pond Algae Defense. Using eco-safe products is the best solution to a healthy pond. | 23 Jun, 2012 6:05 PM |
| Iongen System says that the probe can be put in skimmer or BioFalls. What is Biofalls?A BioFalls is the biological filter which is the start of the waterfall that flows into the pond. It houses filter mats and we suggest BioBalls which allow a good bacteria colony to form which keeps the water clear. But you must use a bacteria product to treat the pond on a regular basis during the growing season. Too many fish can upset the quality of the water causing murky water. A healthy fish count is 1 to 1.5 inches of fish to every square foot of garden. | 16 Aug, 2012 2:27 PM |
| We recently rebuilt our old pond to enlarge the size and fix some leaks. Unfortunately, after all of our hard labor, the pond continues to leak near the skimmer box (it's an old school 2005 skimmer box for the micropond kit). I thought the problem was with the pump because I was losing all of my water in the skimmer box over night. When I removed the pump over night I still found wet soil outside of the skimmer box. Any suggestions for problem solving? We just purchased a check valve and I'm not sure where to attatch it. Thanks for your help. When a skimmer box has been installed over 5 years, it is sealed with black silicone and screws and in time, the seal will fail. Your seal has failed and you need to reattach the liner to the skimmer box using the black solicone sealant. | 3 Oct, 2011 3:07 AM |
| My pond water was clear until fall leaves fell into the water. Now I have dark stained water - coffee color. It is to cool for an Algie bloom. Any idea how to clear up this water? Thanks When the leaves fall into the pond, they have to decompose and if there are a lot of them because of their organic makeup, the process could change the color of the water to brownish. To avoid this from happening, use a pond net to keep the leaves out. If you could use a fish (skimmer) net now, to net out the leaves settled on the bottom, this might help. There are two ways to get rid of the brown water: 1. Emptying the pond and refill the pond with new water or wait till spring when you clean it out. 2. Use the pond carbon which comes in a mesh bag and needs to be placed in the Biofalls or where you get flow through the carbon. 4 lbs treats about 800 gallons. It will last 6 months. Here's the link to the product: http://www.aquascapes.com/shop/water-treatments/water-conditioners/activated-pond-carbon-4-3-lb.html Thanks for visiting aquascapes.com | 6 Oct, 2011 2:41 AM |
| My aquascape 1500 has died and we have a new aqua surge 2000. The connection on the 1500 is a 2" discharge And the 2000 is a 1" discharge. What part do I need to make the connection? Thank youSince you have a 2" check valve, you will need to purchase the adapter. Watch the DIY videos on how to install the AquaSurge. On the product page on the right side you will see the adapters of choice. The AquaSurge 2000 comes with the 1 to 1.5" adapter but you do have to purchase the 1.5" to 2' adapter. Call 877 780-1174 if you have questions. | 27 Jan, 2013 10:30 PM |
| Let me restate my question. How do I kill the brown algae, that is in our holding tank (600 Gallons)?We have a pondless waterfall. Use the EcoBlast on the rocks. Pull off the algae and then treat the rocks. Or turn off and let the sun bake the algae off. Remove it and don't let it get into your basin. Or use MicrobeLift Algae way 5.4 on a regular gasin. | 25 Oct, 2012 2:20 PM |
| I know I have put too much barley in my pond. I used the liquid and also threw the pellets in.. It took 3 days for it to turn Brown like a light brown. What do I do now? Plus thewater doesnt stink at all and suprisingly my fish are still alive from the one that i have seen. I also have activated carbon in my filter. I was only able to have my water clear for 3 weeks before it turned green and now brown... well over time of course.. PLease help Ive been trying to clean this pond up for the longest already.. I have plants in it not many rocks and I clean it daily.... You could do a water exchange no more between 10 and 20%. Use a detoxifier if you use tap water. You have to use a bacteria in your pond to keep the ecosystem balance. A good ecosystem in a pond would consists of rocks and gravel, filtration system, a balanced number of fish, and plants. To keep the ecosystem balanced you need to use a bacteria enzyme on a regular basis. Hot weather and full sun can bring on green water. Green water can take up to 4 to 6 weeks to clear. The extreme hot weather is causing many problems with green water. Get a sun shade cloth and shade you pond if you can. | 13 Jun, 2012 2:18 AM |
| Have a pondless Waterfall. The waterfall rock has green slime (algae I assume) on it. How do I get rid of it. I am letting pondless waterfasll run thru the winter. I also put clokrine one time in it assuming it would helf but it just wound up foaming.t The green slime is string algae. String Algae is more prevelant in the spring and fall and in areas of the country where the winter has been warm. Your choice is to ignore it, use an Algaecide such as Algaeway, manually clean off the algae from the waterfall with an Algaecide like EcoBlast, or in the spring after a clean out, install an IonGen. The IonGen is an electronical system that irradicates the string algae and prevents it from forming in the future. When using algaecides, remember that it will kill the algae, algae goes to bottom of pond and then decomposes. Then the nutrient load will cause the string algae to begin to form again. You have to use the Algaecide on going. Investing in the IonGen is the best savings in product purchase and in your time. We will soon have the new 2nd Generation IonGen available. Don't use chlorine in your pond. If you install an IonGen, the only product you will need to purchase will be beneficial bacteria. | 9 Jan, 2012 2:27 PM |
| I currently have a pond measuring 10'x15',approx.1700 gallons with a pump rated for 3,000 gph.can I use my existing equipment to convert over to a "pond less" waterfall or would I need supplemental/different equipment?To convert this pond to a pondless, you might want to make the basin smaller. But you will not be able to use the skimmer. You will have to purchase the Pump vault and some of the AquaBlox boxes. The count depends on the size of the basin. You will also need to purchase rocks, river rounds and decorative gravel. All the other equipment can be reused. | 12 Mar, 2012 6:05 PM |
| How do I calculate how may tons of rock I need to buy for my pond?Use the following link to read the article about pond calculations. http://www.aquascapes.com/planning-pond-calculations/ Lots of good information in this article. | 27 Feb, 2012 9:22 PM |
| can i use the iongen 2 with the iongen1 fitting or do i need to repipe it . it looks like the probe does not scew in on the ion gen2Yes, you can use the old probe with the new unit but you will need to order an adapter wire. Call us a 877 780-1174 to order the adapter. | 24 Jan, 2012 8:00 PM |
| Is there any significant difference between the G1 and G2 iongen other than looks? I have a 10,000 gal pond using two aquascape waterfall filters, a aquascape uv light and also a ultima II biological filter. Would the iongen create any problem for the biological filter? Thanks for the help.Yes, the G2 is much improved. It's easier to use and has many new features. Check out the product specs at Aquascapes.com | 29 Jan, 2012 3:57 AM |
| I am a professional landscaper. love your website and am new at water scapes. I have a 300gal pond and am wondering if you can add too much beneficial bacteria and too much barley? I have a mini barley bale and using barley liquid weekly. Also just starting using the eco-carbon as my pond was tea coloured. I am also using the bacteria weekly as well as the s.a.p every two weeks. Is that too much?? i also dont have any plants or fish but would like to start small with the lettuce and hyancinth till i get things figured out?? Have you read our Pond Tips? To have a completely balance pond, you need fish, plants, rocks, and filters. You cannot add too much bacteria. But I am concerned about the brown water. The barley can cause the water to go brown and the other reason might be that you have some run off from mulch or surrounding landscape. Check it out to make sure the liner is high enough so that rain water cannot wash into the pond. I would recommend you get one lily and a few marginals and a few floating plants. Make sure the plants you purchase are clean of any string algae as you don't want to introduce that to your pond. Clean plants with fresh water before putting in pond. Buy fish all at once from the same location and make sure their tanks are clean and non-diseased. Look for healthy fish. Small ponds do well with Shubunkins and Fantail Goldfish. No feeder goldfish. Fish count is 1" of mature fish per square foot of your garden. Sounds like you only need a few Shubunkins Goldfish matures to about 6 to 8". | 29 Mar, 2012 2:58 AM |
| We are having to fill our pond on a daily basis and are begining to think there may be a leak in the pipes. Is there a way to check the pipes for leaks without digging up the yard and pond?Check out our Pond Tips/Troubleshooting Leaks. | 4 Feb, 2012 5:51 PM |
| my customer wants to add chlorine tablets to her pond to get rid of the algae she has building up. the pond is in direct sun and she is tired of seeing all the algae. she has fish in the pond, but doesnt care if she has to get rid of them to add the chlorine. is this safe to add even though she has plants in pond. also can she add chlorine and still keep the fish. any help would be great. thank you. Chlorine is deadly to fish and some plants. Check out the IonGen for maintaining the string algae and always add bacteria to a pond throughout the growing season. | 4 Feb, 2012 8:40 PM |
| After opening our pond the water has turned a dark stained tea color. What do I do??The reason you have dark stained water is because organic matter has gotten into the pond usually from rain run off. You should try to correct this problem by making sure your liner is high enough that you do not get run off. Treatment: You can purchase the Activated Carbon as a treatment for this problem. Place bag of carbon into the biological filter and leave in for 6 months. | 24 Apr, 2012 12:50 PM |
| All the rocks in our pondless waterfall were covered with brown "gunk". Shut it down for a week, brown stuff dried up like dead leaves. Power washed everything, started is back up, looked beautiful. Three weeks later the brown "gunk" is already very noticeable. What is this stuff and is there something I can use to prevent it?This is a form of algae. Next time when it dries off, remove it instead of washing it into the basin. Everything that you flush into the basin will have to decompose and the algae will come back. You can use an algaecide 2 times a month. We recommend Microbe-Lift Algaway 5.4. You can purchase it on our website. Comes in various sizes. aquascapes.com | 3 May, 2012 5:13 PM |
| I have green algae on my pondless waterfall rock. Since it is not stringy, I assume it is regular algae and not string algae. I have poured an algecide in but it seems to not clean it off the rock or prevent the green algae from being on the rock. Also, how do I figure the gallons of warter in my pondless waterfall? Using an algaecide like Oxi-Clean or EcoBlast directly on the rocks will clean up the rocks. Installing an IonGen will help with the green algae on the rocks also. If you do not physically remove the algae, the algaecide will kill it and flush down into the basin, where in a few weeks it will come back. Using a combination of Oxi-Clean and a liquid algaecide like Algaway twice a month usually will keep the waterfall clean. Also, remember that the basin of a pondless should be flushed out in the spring every other year. But to save all the expense and work in doing that, have an IonGen installed is the best option. | 8 May, 2012 1:14 PM |
| Can we run filters all year. Live in SE virginia. If not, should bio balls be cleaned?Clean the filter and biofalls in the spring. You can run your waterfall all year but the bacteria colony developed in the filters will die in cold weather. Just make sure you watch the build up of any ice. Sometimes in really cold climates you will need to run the de-icer near the skimmer. | 14 Dec, 2012 9:14 PM |
| I have purchased bioballs for my grande biofalls instead of using lava rocks. What do you recommend placing on top to keep the mesh bag with the bioballs from floating to the top of the waterfall. Thank you,MariannePlace a rock on top of the bioballs and it will hold them down. | 24 Apr, 2013 1:37 PM |
