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Common Concerns over Using Rocks and Gravel in Ponds

3/26/2018

8 Comments

 
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Every spring we get an influx of phone calls from new homeowners who have inherited a pond and are trying to figure out how to maintain it. Other times it's a DIY customer who is designing their very first pond and are planning their maintenance. So naturally, we ask about how the pond (or the plan for the pond) is set up and whether or not that set up includes rocks and gravel. We often find the same 3 questions from new ponders:
                                   “Do Rocks and gravel make ponds dirty?”
– Plain and simple: Rocks and gravel do not make a pond dirty. A pond can only become dirty depending upon how the pond owner manages the pond—i.e. are you over feeding your fish? Are you cleaning out your pond yearly? Are you properly maintaining it at all? Imagine a rock by itself---it doesn’t have any byproducts…it doesn’t ooze any liquids. If you place rocks and gravel into a body of water and just leave it alone what will it do? Sit there. However, if a pond owner overfeeds, overstocks fish, poorly maintains or even neglects that same rock and gravel-filled pond, it will indeed APPEAR dirty. The reality is that a pond without rocks and gravel will be the same amount of dirty—you just don’t notice it as much if the dark waste is against a black liner. In fact, there are benefits to gravel, in that it can actually enhance filtration and water quality in a pond if used correctly with beneficial bacteria products.

                          “Can rocks and gravel kill your fish?”
–It is true that some varieties of rock can fluctuate pH levels, or begin breaking down in the water, thereby causing issues. If you’re using the correct rock however, generally river gravel/pea gravel, then there is no worries about the potential of them killing your fish.

              “Will rocks and gravel will poke holes through the pond liner?”
– While this COULD BE a possible problem if the pond was built incorrectly, it is also true that the damage that rocks and gravel can do to liners is from human error or poor material choices. Don’t just use any jagged/sharps and think about what you’re doing when you place them on the liner and you will see that damage to pond liners from rocks and gravel pretty much never happens. It's also important to consider what type of pond liner you've used or how old it is. We've had DIY customers try to reuse 15-20 year old liners they've found on craigslist, which is ultimately on it's way "out" (i.e. getting brittle). So of course it's set up for rips and tears and isn't the fault of the rocks--- but of the liner itself. Liners made specifically for pond use is DESIGNED to withstand and coexist with rocks and gravel. For example, we've used rocks that weigh a couple tons and haven't had problems-- it's super tough stuff!
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So Now What???

We’ve used rocks and gravel in ponds for 2 decades without any of the problems we’ve heard concerns over. These are probably the most common conerns we’ve heard against the use of rock and gravel from being used inside water features. Maybe you have questions about a different argument against the use of rocks and gravel in ponds--- ask them!

Located in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Dreamscapes Watergardens installs koi fish ponds and pondless waterfalls (disappearing waterfalls) all over the Central Pennsylvania area. For more information on koi ponds and waterfeature installations, please contact us directly!

Dreamscapes also carries a full line of pond supplies from water treatments and fish medications to pond pumps, heaters, fountains, plants and fish! Tadpoles and snails are also available at our Aquatic Retail Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania seasonally while supplies last from May-August.  If you think you need it, we have it!

Retail Hours:  April 5th-October 27th 2018:
                           Monday-Wednesday: By Appt
                           Thursday-Friday: 10am-5pm
                           Saturday: 9am-12pm
                     October 28th-April 2019: HOURS BY APPT

Contact Us
2155 State Route 343, Lebanon Pa | 717-272-6555 | [email protected]

Dreamscapes Watergardens services the city of Lebanon, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Cleona, Cornwall, Fredericksburg, Indiantown Gap, Jonestown, Kleinfeltersville, Mount Gretna, Myerstown, Newmanstown Palmyra, Quentin, Reistville, Richland, Schaefferstown of Pennsylvania,
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What is a skimmer box?

3/19/2018

0 Comments

 
At Dreamscapes, we deal with the same pond pieces of equipment so often we forget how some of them may need explaining. Recently, for example, we were asked the following question:
                          What is a skimmer box?
If you've been ponding for a while, you should know! But if you're new here--that's okay, too. So let's take it back to basics for this blog and dive into the pros, cons (are there any?) and specifics of a pond skimmer!

What is a Skimmer Box?

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"Skimming" is a method of filtration and filtration is a method to remove STUFF. You could relate this to a pool skimmer--whether it be the net skimmer you use manually to catch the bugs and grass or the automatic skimmer that does it for you.

Skimming your pond is similar and important because it remove leaves, pollen, seeds, grass clippings, insect larvae, floating algae and most notably- POOP. While these materials are completely natural, they can turn great water into unhealthy, smelly and grossly colored water if not removed. The easiest way we have found to keep your water-quality in check and free of the above items is with the Aquascape Inc. Skimmer box that (when properly spec'd) can filter your entire pond 2-3 times an hour.

Dirty Pond Filter Mat
Clean Pond Filter Mat

How Does a Skimmer Work?

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A pond skimmer is essentially a place where your pump lives so that it can draw your pond water to it without clogging. The front of the skimmer has an opening cut into it with a small “floating door” called a weir attached. The skimmer “skims” the top layer where all the materials fall and float before water logging and sinking to the bottom of your pond to sit and decay. Instead, the skimmer pulls those materials into your skimmer and gathers them in a mesh net or a plastic basket. Many skimmers also allow for a sponge filter pad (the white piece in this picture) to be used to catch smaller/finer particles.
The pond skimmer does more than clear the surface of the pond. Pond skimmers increase oxygen levels in ponds helping to further purify the water, and of course provide rich oxygen for your koi and pond fish. Pond skimmers can do as much or more than any sort of submerged aerator, and they do not disturb the surface of the pond, allowing for nice visibility and reflections to be enjoyed from the surface of your pond.

So Now What???

If you are not skimming your pond, or you are doing it the old fashioned way of passing the net through the water, then you need to consider a pond skimmer-box addition to make your pond’s filtration system a more complete system. Pond skimmers greatly reduce the amount of pond maintenance you otherwise would need to do to keep your pond clean. The pond skimmer is easily one of, if not THE best piece of pond filtration that a pond owner should own!

Located in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Dreamscapes Watergardens installs koi fish ponds and pondless waterfalls (disappearing waterfalls) all over the Central Pennsylvania area. For more information on koi ponds and waterfeature installations, please contact us directly!

Dreamscapes also carries a full line of pond supplies from water treatments and fish medications to pond pumps, heaters, fountains, plants and fish! Tadpoles and snails are also available at our Aquatic Retail Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania seasonally while supplies last from May-August.  If you think you need it, we have it!

Retail Hours:  April 5th-October 27th 2018:
                           Monday-Wednesday: By Appt
                           Thursday-Friday: 10am-5pm
                           Saturday: 9am-12pm
                     October 28th-April 2019: HOURS BY APPT


Contact Us
2155 State Route 343, Lebanon Pa | 717-272-6555 | [email protected]

Dreamscapes Watergardens services the city of Lebanon, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Cleona, Cornwall, Fredericksburg, Indiantown Gap, Jonestown, Kleinfeltersville, Mount Gretna, Myerstown, Newmanstown Palmyra, Quentin, Reistville, Richland, Schaefferstown of Pennsylvania, PA
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2018 Cost of a Pond Cleaning in Central PA

3/12/2018

3 Comments

 
How much does a Spring Maintenance ( Pond Cleaning ) cost by Dreamscapes Watergardens?

The cost of a Koi Pond clean out can vary like any other service offering out there. Variables, like length of time between clean outs, type of filtration system, size of pond, and amount of fish stocked can alter the pricing of this service. Not only can duration between cleanouts increase the service cost, but it can also promote poor water quality and become fatal for your pond fish by causing ammonia spikes. For information on the benefits of having a pond cleanout performed annually, click here. 
Listed below are some starting prices to have a Koi Pond cleaned out. 

Cost of Spring Cleanouts for the 2018 Pond Season:

  • 8 x 11   pond clean out cost – $ 675.00
  • 11 x 16  pond clean out cost – $ 895.00
  • 16 x 21 pond clean out cost – $1100.00
  • Pondless Waterfeature (up to 15’) -- $525

Factors that Increase Pond Cleanout Price:

As discussed before many factors impact the price of the pond cleanout due to the extra labor it will take to perform a thorough system-wide clean out. More koi and more time  between cleanings, means more waste build up on the bottom of the pond. Type of filtration system, or lack of filtration system, also suggests a larger amount of waste build up because of it not being removed properly during season. Have you netted your pond during the fall season? Leaves and organic debris are a nuisance because they are labor intensive as they must be removed manually by hand and this can take a lot of time. 

If any of the above factors sound like something you have going on with your pond, you could expect the price of your pond cleaning to be a higher than the quotes listed above.

So Now What???

Located in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Dreamscapes Watergardens installs and maintains waterfeatures all over the Central Pennsylvania area. For more information on koi ponds and waterfeature installations, please contact us directly! For information on how to get your pond or waterfall on the 2018 schedule for a professional cleaning, fill out this form!

Dreamscapes also carries a full line of pond supplies from water treatments and fish medications to pond pumps, heaters, fountains, plants and fish! Tadpoles and snails are also available at our Aquatic Retail Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania seasonally while supplies last from May-August.  If you think you need it, we have it!

Retail Hours:  April 5th-October 27th 2018:
                           Monday-Wednesday: By Appt
                           Thursday-Friday: 10am-5pm
                           Saturday: 9am-12pm
                     October 28th-April 2019: HOURS BY APPT


Contact Us
2155 State Route 343, Lebanon Pa | 717-272-6555 | [email protected]

Dreamscapes Watergardens services the city of Lebanon, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Cleona, Cornwall, Fredericksburg, Indiantown Gap, Jonestown, Kleinfeltersville, Mount Gretna, Myerstown, Newmanstown Palmyra, Quentin, Reistville, Richland, Schaefferstown of Pennsylvania, P
3 Comments

Parrotfeather Aquatic Pond Plant

3/5/2018

1 Comment

 
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Parrotfeather!

Parrotfeather is a semi-emergent OXYGENATING aquatic weed that is easy to care for and really helps to filter your pond’s water by sucking up nutrients from the pond while also helping to remove floating particles.

Oxygen?! Yes---much like an "anacharis" plant, parrot feather releases tiny bits of oxygen into the water. Not enough that would take the place of an air station or even enough to match what your recirculating system contributes as far as oxygen goes, but enough that your fish will be hap-hap-happy that it's in there! It may even appear like your fish are eating it!

Preferred Planting Depth:

Parrotfeather is indeed a nice looking plant choice for your water garden pond and will grow well at various depths within the pond. Did you know parrot feather plants can thrive with water up to 10” above its crown? YEP! But it also can grow in very shallow water, too. This makes the plant very versatile and popular. The depth and the size of the plant should be considered when deciding where to put the plant in the pond. For more information on planting, read our 7 Tips for Planting your Pennsylvania Koi Pond blog.

Taking Care of a Parrotfeather Plant:

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Parrotfeather is a nice green color (though there is a dwarf variety that has a red stem) and it is a soft looking plant, as well as, soft to the touch. This aquatic plant is sold at Dreamscapes Watergardens as a hardy plant, meaning it will over winter in areas that receive freezing weather and snow cover and STILL bounce back beautifully year after year.

The leaves of Parrotfeather grow along the surface of the water and can extend out 6+ feet from the plant container at maturity. This is very different from other popular aquatic plants, like Iris, that stand straight up out of the water.

To prune Parrotfeather, just pinch off the overgrowth. If you want more parrotfeather in your pond take the clippings and tuck them into some rockwork and gravel and let them grow. Fall/Winter care for this plant extends as far as cutting it back an inch or so above the water level. Not only does this help to make sure the plant is prepared to start dying back but it also ensures that it doesn't decompose into the water. Want more information on seasonal plant care in zones 5 and 6? Read our Fall Plant Care blog.

So Now What???

With proper management and care this is a top pick water garden plant that helps filter water through its uptake of nutrients and a great area for fish fry to hide and grow.

Located in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Dreamscapes Watergardens installs koi fish ponds and pondless waterfalls (disappearing waterfalls) all over the Central Pennsylvania area. For more information on koi ponds and waterfeature installations, please contact us directly!

Dreamscapes also carries a full line of pond supplies from water treatments and fish medications to pond pumps, heaters, fountains, plants and fish! Tadpoles and snails are also available at our Aquatic Retail Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania seasonally while supplies last from May-August.  If you think you need it, we have it!

Retail Hours:  April 5th-October 27th 2018:
                           Monday-Wednesday: By Appt
                           Thursday-Friday: 10am-5pm
                           Saturday: 9am-12pm
                     October 28th-April 2019: HOURS BY APPT


Contact Us
2155 State Route 343, Lebanon Pa | 717-272-6555 | [email protected]

Dreamscapes Watergardens services the city of Lebanon, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Cleona, Cornwall, Fredericksburg, Indiantown Gap, Jonestown, Kleinfeltersville, Mount Gretna, Myerstown, Newmanstown Palmyra, Quentin, Reistville, Richland, Schaefferstown of Pennsylvania,
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