Generally speaking, you should plan to prepare your plants for the chillier days of autumn in late September. When the days are shorter and the temperatures begin to drop giving way to the morning frost, you can be sure it is time to take action. Fall aquatic plant care also helps when trying to secure pond nets during the fall shutdown process to the waterfeature. For more information on the fall/winter shutdown process, please read our blog!

Dreamscapes keeps in stock only HARDY AQUATIC plants. So if you bought your aquatic plants at Dreamscapes Watergardens, rest assured they should come back or you in the Spring of 2018 when you start opening your pond for the season. When these plants are turning yellow and brown, it is not only a signal to stop fertilizing them, but you may consider trimming the dying foliage to about 2 inches above the water level. Semi-evergreen varieties can be left for longer interest. And the best news? You may leave these plants where they are in your pond!

Even if we don’t carry them, we can’t forget the TROPICAL MARGINAL aquatic plants. Here in our Zone 4-5 climate, we treat these plants as annuals, by replacing them each season. Keeping tropical waterlilies indoors over the winter is difficult so we advise our customers to treat them as annuals and purchase a new plant each season and to certainly remember to remove the plant entirely in the Fall so that the foliage doesn’t contribute to sludge build up after it decomposes. An alternative is to treat these tropical plants as houseplants and bring them in for the winter. They may be potted in a sealed clay pot with no drainage holes, or an ordinary pot if you add water regularly. When kept moist, the plants do well in a sunny window or sunroom.

Taking the time to properly care for your aquatic plants will mean happier and healthier plants next spring, and (in turn) a cleaner, healthier, pond ecosystem for your fish. Dreamscapes carries a full line of pond supplies from water treatments and fish medications to pond pumps, heaters, fountains, plants and fish available at our Aquatic Retail Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania seasonally.  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 koi ponds and waterfalls in 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

The Golden Orfe’s beauty and fun personality is definitely an attractive reason to add them to your watergarden but their impact on insect control (water quality) is equally or more important. Yes, they eat fish food, BUT they also eat insects-- YUM!

Long and slender, the Golden Orfe is a deep bodied fish that can get 20” or so in length and can weigh up to 4 pounds. They are a very solid looking fish when mature. Their color is a golden orange mix, but can also appear yellowish and even pale pink.

In the right environment, a Golden Orfe can live 20 years or more in captivity. The Orfe is definitely better kept in larger ponds, ideally over 800 gallons and they do like a lot of oxygen so a pond or water garden with a waterfall and a supplemental air station would be well suited for keeping them.In larger ponds, they like to be in schools and are best displayed that way since they like to constantly swim just under the surface of the water. They move grouped together and rarely will break away solitary.

Koi, goldfish, Pond Sharks and Orfe all co-exist swimmingly and the Orfe is not an aggressive fish unless it’s mating season (March through June). Their courtship involves aggressive behavior which is normal; so if you see a lot of sudden chasing and splashing, that’s probably what’s going on. Fall/Winter care for the Golden Orfe is the same as koi and goldfish but stay up-to-date on our recommendations for "Life Supports" to make sure your fish are smiling at you come spring time.

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]


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

Dreamscapes Watergardens services koi ponds and waterfalls in 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

String Algae-- every pond owner's worst nightmare. If you have sun and you have water, inevitably you will get algae--right? Balancing pond water comes down to understanding your waterfeature and it's needs--from the magic number of fish and plants to correctly following weekly maintenance tips. Sometimes, though, when full sun is the reigning champion and Mother Nature can't help but gift you the repetitive string algae as a pond accessory, it's less frustrating and more efficient to let someone (or in this case, something) handle the string algae mess for you.4

For more information about string algae specifically, read our blog. For information about a device designed to take care of string algae on its own, read on...

The Aquascape Ion Gen System is an electronic water clarifier for ponds, pondless waterfalls, and decorative water features. Dreamscapes has been selling and installing the Ion Gen electronic water clarifier since 2009 with great results in string algae control, improved water clarity, and reduced maintenance. These machines work incredible in full sun applications where algae can be a battle. 

Ion Gen system consists of 2 basic components:  the control panel and a replaceable copper probe. The control panel needs to be protected from the elements during the season and removed in the Fall once the plants start dying back. We recommend a faux rock cover for the control panel.  The copper probe can be installed in-line in the plumbing or dangling in the skimmer box, if present.

You do not operate the system UNLESS string algae is present in Spring/Summer. Once the unit is plugged in, the Ion Gen control panel sends a signal to the replaceable copper probe which then releases a controlled amount of copper ions into the path of flowing water. The “controlled amount of copper ions” is determined by you on the control panel and based upon the severity of the string algae growth currently present in the waterfeature.  The copper ions released by the probe dramatically reduce string algae, improve water clarity, reduce maintenance, and reduce the need for algaecides.

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 koi ponds and waterfalls in 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

Spring Season has many reminders of the beauty of mother nature: The birds are chirping, flowers are starting to bloom, you see your pond fish are looking pretty friendly and pretty hungry and wildlife is starting to visit you again. Like ducks. Ponds and ducks, they are perfect together. Or are they?
Most man-made backyard ponds are designed and built with the intention of keeping fish and plants, not ducks. Even their filtration systems are not designed to keep up with ducks in the long run (or should I say short run) of a few weeks. So what do we do when a pair of local ducks decides to make our pond their home? I wholeheartedly say to enjoy it for a short time, show them to the neighborhood kids, take lots of photos for the memories and then discourage the ducks from staying.

Ducks do not know that this backyard paradise exists for your pure enjoyment of peace, tranquility and the aesthetics that come along with it. Ducks are there to survive off of your offerings and some of the negative impacts of ducks are as follows:

• Ducks tend to enjoy aquatic plants as not only a food source, but also for bored entertainment and can very quickly destroy the water garden that we have invested so much time and money on. Lilies will quickly get shredded , submerged plants uprooted, marginal plants trampled.
  
• Smaller fish and invertebrates can become sources of protein for the backyard duck. What a snack!
• Ducks spend a lot of time out of the water too and will impact the surrounding area and landscape. From trampling on and tearing up your favorite garden flower to pooping on your deck and patio, ducks get into everything.
  
• Ducklings--One or two ducks can quickly become 12 ducks!
• Water Quality--where there are wildlife, waste contribution is too! Is your filtration system up to par?

The primary reason they are at your pond is to call your pond home, too---somewhere safe to establish a nest. Ducks often get a bit territorial when nesting and they may even exhibit aggression when they feel threatened by people coming by the pond at that point.

First you start with two ducks and you blink and find a dozen ducks before you know it! Imagine the repercussions that many ducks could have on your waterfeature when considering the above issues.

But for the fish pond that most of us install, a duck or more can have a more dramatic impact on our pond than just the aggressive side shown to your favorite dog or 3 year old.



How? You ask?

Ducks poop, too!

One of the biggest impacts we at Dreamscapes noticed with our pet ducks is the waste droppings that quickly become a big time mess. Our backyard koi pond or water garden filter systems were not designed with this type of waste production in mind and your pond water can become very foul between the color of the water and the smell. You remember that magic number of fish that you filtration system is capable of handling? Duck waste exceeds number a million times over. You will find that a whole lot of extra time for maintenance will become a necessity as well, which means increased costs for water treatments, and filter materials.

Excess waste nutrients not only fertilize algae growth but it also leads to spiked levels in your pond, such as ammonia--which is absolutely toxic for fish. Our water here at Dreamscapes went crystal clear to more of a muddy color within a week and was next to impossible to keep up with without dumping extra water treatments in on a daily basis.

With planning and intent you can absolutely build a pond that will support ducks and still be fairly low maintenance, beautiful, and enjoyable. But that can wait for that in another blog.

For more information on your backyard watergarden's maintenance, 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,

Why is it important to really consider the type of pump you're operating your waterfeature with? Well I'll tell you why--it's because your pump is designed to not only circulate your water for that beautiful tranquil noise that mimics mother nature, but because that circulation of the water also adds oxygen necessary for your fish and helps to filter your water if you have a skimmer box or pressure filter set up, as well. Some pumps clog more than others because it's being used in the wrong type of waterfeature set-up. If you have fish, you no doubt have fish that are pooping in your water. Birds, squirrels, frogs, ducks (EVERYTHING THAT VISITS) inevitably poops in your water and if that waste isn't being properly filtered out of your water, it can become toxic for your fish, fertilizes algae growth and creates displeasing looking water.

As a general rule, you want to make sure you’re
circulating the entire Pond’s volume
a minimum of 2-3 times every hour.

The best way to choose the right pump for your pond is to check instructions on the pump’s box or in the owner’s manual. Most manufacturers list information to include a pump chart on the outside of the box to make it easy for you to choose the right pump for the size of your pond and waterfalls. The pump size is completely dependent on not only the type of pond and the size of the pond, but the size/height of the waterfall, if one exists.

Dreamscapes Watergardens installs and retails the Aquascape line of pumps that come complete with a 3 year warranty from the time of purchase. Aquascape Inc. has a different style pump for every type of pond, waterfall or fountain and it is important to note that a pond with mechanical filtration (skimmer/biofalls) requires a different pump than a pre-form pond would need.

An asynchronous, solids-handling waterfall and filter pumps designed to be submerged directly into the pond water. The AquaForce has a protective pre-filter cage that reduces clogging and is able to pump solids up to one quarter of an inch, making it ideal ponds without skimmers and can be used with external pressure filters.

Available Models from 1000-5200 GPH

An asynchronous skimmer, waterfall and filter pump that is ideal for use in skimmer boxes and falls filter systems as well as Pondless Waterfall filter vaults.

Available Models 2000-5000 GPH.

This fountain and filter pump is the complete solution for small preform ponds because it not only provides a stunning water fountain with the choice of three included fountain heads but it also has an integrated diverter valve to support a small waterfall, external filters or spitting ornaments.

We have a handful of customers that use this pump to maintain a hole in the ice during the Winter months as well.

Available Models from 600-2000 GPH

Intended for use in small ponds, fountains and waterfalls and is ideal for supplying water to run fountains, external filters and spitting ornaments. This kit includes a three-way diverter valve and multi-size hose connection making it adaptable to almost any hose or tubing size.

Available Models from 400-2000 GPH

Statuary pumps are magnetically driven ideal for supplying water to run fountains, water features, external filters, spitting ornaments and indoor or outdoor water fountains.

Available Models: 70-320 GPH

You want to make sure you’re circulating the entire Pond’s volume a minimum of 2-3 times every hour. This means that if you are operating a 200 gallon system, you should be operating a 600 GPH to properly filter your water. Likewise, if your pond is 2000 gallons, you should be using a 6000 GPH pump minimally!

Naturally, proper filtration also goes hand in hand with great plants. If you haven't had time to read our plant blog, go ahead--read it!

If your water quality just never seems to be where you want it to be, check out your pump! Correct pump type/size for properly filtered water is a HUGE factor is maintaining that crystal clear water that allows you to see your fishy friends better. For more information on finding a pump that fits your pond or waterfall, contact Dreamscapes Watergardens directly!

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]

Good quality water plays such an important role in a pond habitat---from fish and plant health, to the color of the water and even the things (like algae) growing in it. If you're new to ponding, however, not knowing how to get or keep ideal water quality can be challenging and discouraging right out of the gate.  If your pond fish are not acting like you’re used to seeing but your pond water seems to be clear-- something might be a little off in your pond’s water! Testing water is a great REACTIVE measure to your fish being a little wacky-- but what about the PROACTIVE measures?

1. Maintain a healthy fish population
If you read our blog about fish population, then you're up to speed. The general rule for thumb is to know your pond's magic fish number (i.e. 10" of fish for every 100 gallons of water). If you have more than 10” of fish for every 100 gallons of water, your pond is likely over-populated. Obviously the more fish you have, the more fish poop will exist in your pond.  Excessive fish waste can cause an imbalance in pond water. Consider finding some of your fish a new home. 
 
2. Don’t over-feed your fish
Fish will eat way past the point that they are hungry and afterall, the more you feed, the more they poop! Be careful not to feed your fish more than once per day, and no more than they can eat in 2 to 3 minutes because when you feed fish more than they can eat, the uneaten food is left to decay in the pond. Uneaten fish food sinks to the bottom of your pond or it gets caught in your skimmer box--ultimately becoming a mess and fertilizing algae growth.   Remove all excess, leftover food by use of a net!
 
3. Create a proper balance of plants
There is a fine line between not having enough pond plants and having too many pond plants-- who knew? Pond plants remove toxins from water and they also compete for the exact same nutrients that algae does so it is important to make sure you have enough plants for your size pond. At season’s peak, however, you should have no more than 40% to 60% of the surface area of your pond either covered or shaded by plants because too many plants can cause oxygen deficiencies at night due to the photosynthetic process, when the plants take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide.

Pond Size     Gallons of Water      Marginal Plants     Lillies
4x6                        300                             7                  1
6x8                        400                             9                  1
8x11                      500                            11                  2
11x11                    700                            12                  2
11x16                  1000                            14                 2-3
16x16                  1500                            16                  3
16x21                  2000                            17                  4
 
4. Choose the right size pump for your pond
You should be circulating the entire pond’s water volume a minimum of 2-3 every hour. Make sure your pump’s flow isn’t restricted by debris and be careful not to pump water higher than it was intended. Every pump has its flow limitations. Refer to the chart on the outside of the pump’s box to make sure you’re making the right choice for your pond.
 
5. Clean debris from pond before it has a chance to decay
Decaying debris, combined with fish waste and leftover fish food, can cause ammonia levels to spike in your pond. Clean out your pond and add beneficial microbes such as Aquascape’s Beneficial Bacteria to help keep it healthy and clean. Beneficial Bacteria colonizes on your biomedia and on the rocks and gravel in your pond and it breaks down the dead organic matter in your pond.
 
6. Choose proper filtration for your pond
Your filter should match the size of your pond. Remember, most manufacturers rate their filters based on ideal circumstances, and if you exceed those, your filter becomes less effective. Always up-size your filter so that it can handle more than the capacity of your pond. Also remember to clean your filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
 
7. Keep your pond cool during the dog days of summer
When pond water exceeds 75º Fahrenheit, it has a more difficult time retaining acceptable levels of dissolved oxygen. This is why it’s important to have your pond shade from aquatic plants and landscape plants. An aerator or bubbler can also help with reducing the temperature.

For more specific information on your pond water balance, please contact us directly!

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 koi ponds and waterfalls in 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

Every Winter Dreamscapes gets quite a few calls about the best practices for Winterization of ponds and waterfalls in the Lebanon County, Lebanon Pennsylvania area. If you're looking for the answer to how to keep your fish safe over Winter, you should read our "Life Supports" blog. One of the most frequent questions we've gotten this 2016 season is:

Should I keep my Lebanon, County PA waterfeature running over Winter?

First we will look at the cons to running your waterfeature over the Winter:

1) Accompanied with Winter weather in Pennsylvania, we inevitably go through periods of freezing and periods of thawing of water. During the periods of freezing water, if you are running your waterfall, ice formations on the waterfall could divert the water outside of the pond; ultimately draining your water level. While your pump does not turn off automatically, it will continually try to pump water that is not in the skimmer box and could burn out--costing you the price of a new pump.
Worse yet: If your pump sits submerged in the pond, it will keep pumping your water until there is no water left in your pond--leaving your fish without the most vital part of their survival: water to swim in.

2) If you lose electric and/or your GFI trips, shutting off your pump--it is likely that the water in the plumbing could freeze in the interval between the electric tripping and you fixing it. This freeze of water in the pipes could crack them and cause a major leak issue the next time you get the pump running again. In order to fix cracked pipes you have to replace the entire section that is damaged which is no fun at all.

One of the very coolest parts of owning a pond is being able to see the seasons take shape on it i.e. a Summer pond is a completely different world from a Winter pond. Without all the lush plants and activity going on, what is left to enjoy when Winter hits?

One word: ICE.

Ice formations can be one of the coolest natural occurrences to happen to your waterfeature because they happen all on their own and are never the same from freeze to freeze! Watching water freeze as it trickles is also a pretty fascinating activity as well. The ice sleeks and shines as water trickles over it and is definitely a pretty sight to be seen. But is it worth the hassle that goes into maintaining your water levels, plumbing pipes and pump health?

Namely, if you are a homeowner who works extra long shifts, go away for long weekends or are not home to be around your pond to double check it's levels, running your pond year round could be a huge problem for you! Needing to babysit the waterfeature and constantly top it off with water could be more of a worry and hassle than it's worth for you if you are not home enough to enjoy it. There is nothing more sad than coming into the backyard to greet your pets and finding out that the water has diverted elsewhere.

So we recommend to disconnect the pump, store it in a bucket of water somewhere where it won't freeze (like a garage or basement) and make sure to disconnect the check valve if one is present! Follow the steps in this blog about fall shutdown for more information to shutdown your waterfeature!

Especially in the Lebanon, Pennsylvania area, Dreamscapes recommends to shut ponds down for the Winter by pulling the pump (store it in a bucket of water in a place that doesn't freeze), bleed the pipes (especially if there is a checkvalve in place) and plop in a deicer and/or air station (especially fish that are 8" or larger). For more information on the complete steps to take to shut down your pond or waterfall contact Dreamscapes Watergardens directly at 717-272-6555.

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]

String algae, scientifically known as "claudophora spirogyra", is a very common filamentous type of algae that also goes by the name of hair algae or blanket algae/mat algae. It resembles long hair and often floats and covers the top of the pond like a blanket would. String algae can be found growing on surfaces such as rocks, liner, aquatic plants, and just about anywhere it can latch onto in koi ponds, water gardens, waterfalls, streams, water features, and fountains. The texture, color, and length of string algae can vary and can even appear black and slimy.

String algae are a major pest, all season long--often requiring extensive pond maintenance to control, kill and prevent it. Many different elements in the pond can encourage the growth of string algae, such as: sunlight, a heavy fish load, and lack of pond plants.

Thankfully, taking the proper measures can drastically reduce the occurrence of algae. It is important, however, to remember that algae are a part of nature, and an important part of the pond ecosystem. A pond is an ecosystem that supports fish, plants, frogs, tadpoles, birds, dragonflies, and other wildlife. The main goal in keeping clean water is not to attempt to completely rid your pond of algae, but to keep it in balance with nature!

If you have read our facebook note on pond ecosystems, then you should be caught up to speed. The prevention of algae is made much simpler by reducing the amount of nutrients available for the algae to feed on. These five elements are absolutely vital to have in your pond in order to reduce the amount of nutrients, and in turn, keep your pond algae free. Removing any one of these items will make it much more difficult to keep a pond with clean, clear water.

Plants: Plants have a variety of benefits in and around the pond. In addition to beautifying the pond, did you know that plants help control algae. But how? They do this by consuming the nutrients out of the water that algae would normally consume. Thereby, the more mature/established your plants get, the more nutrients they are able to pull from the water before algae has room to grow. Also, there are many oxygenating plants, such as Anacharis and Parrots Feather, that add oxygen to the pond, helping maintain a healthy ecosystem. Some plants, such as water lilies, will shade the pond, thus reducing the amount of sunlight available for algae growth.

Fish: Large pond fish, especially koi, will eat a tremendous amount of algae. Not enough for them to be the end-all-be-all...but they definitely pull their weight! Fish constantly forage for food among the rocks and gravel in the pond, picking them clean of any algae they might come across. Koi that are over nine inches in length are a definite asset to have in the pond, as they love to eat string algae. Click here to read more information about pond fish like koi and goldfish!

Rocks and Gravel: When rocks and gravel are added to a pond, bacteria will actually colonize in the gaps and crevices between the rocks. The rocks and gravel provide huge amounts of surface area for the bacteria to colonize and multiply. Once the bacteria colonize the rocks, it’s just like having an additional biological filter in your pond. Remember-- bacteria are the "good" guys in the pond. So the more room you give it to grow and to colonize, the more effective it is!

Mechanical Filtration: A pond skimmer acts as a mechanical filter by removing leaves and other debris from the surface of the pond before they can sink to the bottom. This way the debris does not have a chance to decompose in the pond and thus provide nutrients for another algae bloom.

Biological Filtration: Having the proper size of biological filter is essential if you want clean, clear water. Without a biological filter, you are facing a losing battle against green water. Aquascape’s BioFalls® Filter provides a huge area for bacteria and enzymes to colonize. These bacteria and enzymes consume nutrients and help break down organic debris and fish wastes that would otherwise contribute to water quality problems.Having a sufficient number of plants in the pond will help remove nutrients from the water. By having plenty of plants in the pond, you can, in effect, starve out string algae.

Beneficial bacteria will often help control algae. Bacteria feed on the same nutrients that algae does, and adding "good" bacteria will help win the war against green water. Beneficial bacteria converts harmful fish wastes into nitrite, and eventually into nitrates, which plants use as nutrition/fertilizer. The bacteria colonize on the filter mats and bio-balls (some people use lava rock) in the biological filter, as well as on the rocks and gravel in the pond.

Dreamscapes Watergardens carries the Aquascape, Inc. "String Algae Buster" product that is designed to kill algae. In order to be effective, algaecide must deplete the oxygen levels in the pond to essentially starve the algae. It is imperative that your pump is in a great working condition, so as to not harm your fish.

Any algaecide product is most effective when used hand in hand with a Beneficial Bacteria product, as algaecides KILL algae and Beneficial Bacteria helps to break down the algae once it is dead. Dead algae eventually helps to fertilize more algae if it is not broken down.

Lucky for you, Dreamscapes sells both Beneficial Bacteria AND algaecides at our Aquatic Retail Center. For more information on different types of water treatments we have on hand at all times, read our facebook note, here.

The Ion Gen system consists of 2 basic components:  the control panel and a replaceable copper probe.  Once the unit is plugged in,  the Ion Gen control panel sends a signal to the replaceable copper probe, releasing a controlled amount of copper ions into the path of flowing water.  The copper ions released by the probe binds the copper to the algae, which then kills the algae and prohibits the algae from growing any further. This computer controlled ionizer system dramatically reduces string algae, improves water clarity, reduces maintenance, and reduces the need for algaecides.

For more specific information on algae and your pond, please contact us directly!

Located in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Dreamscapes Watergardens installs and renovates 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

Ponds and waterfalls are an exciting way to turn any regular grassy area into an incredible backyard paradise. Think about it: with a little bit of water in the right place, you can bring a whole world of color, sound and LIFE to an area. Waterfeature dreaming possibilities are endless when the space available is as great as it is at this home in Manheim, Pennyslvania.

This homeowner found out about Dreamscapes by simply driving past the business location-- how lucky! After owning a pond at a previous house,  this couple knew they could NOT go without all the tranquility that comes with having the soothing sound of water right at their fingertips.

Because wetland filters operate a lot slower than regular pumps, this Manheim, Pa waterfeature also has the option of using what we call a "party-pump" to enhance the flow on the main waterfall. The use of a "party pump" is only done so at the desire of the homeowner, since the Wetland filter takes care of the actual filtration of the pond. When guests are over however, or they are enjoying their koi pond, plugging in the "party-pump" creates more of a "WOW" effect as water simply gushes down the falls and flows with a more prominent sound.

Inevitably when you have sun and water together, you will get algae growth. For absolute crystal clear water, the Dreamscapes team went as far to couple the Wetland filter with an Iongen System by Aquascape Inc. If you have never heard of an Iongen System -- you need to! Iongens are designed to control every pond owner's worst nightmare: STRING ALGAE. Although String Algae is generally the sign of a healthy balanced ecosystem, String Algae is one of the most unbearable types of algae that exist, as it not only floats inside the pond, but it often bubbles up and creates a rather displeasing looking layer on the top of the water.

Finally, the artistic side of why homeowners in Central Pennsylvania choose Dreamscapes Watergardens to install their waterfeatures: the project specifications. This incredible waterfeature has some really awesome unique aspects, as it not only has steps that lead INTO the pond, but it also meets right up against the deck of the home. With a 21'x32'x' pond body and a 20' Enhanced Waterfall, this waterfeature also incorporates some really awesome Aquabowls and different size "Stacked Slate Urns" installed where the Wetland Filter is. 

From the optimal viewing point at the deck, there is so much detail to enjoy everywhere you look.

Located in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Dreamscapes Watergardens installs and renovates 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]

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.

It is true: Summer 2016 is behind us. The great "Pond Shutdown" -so to say. The temperatures both inside and outside the pond continues to drop and the tree leaves have fallen as the aquatic plants have died back. Our pond fish in Central Pennsylvania are beginning to go into their own states of torpor and are not eating anymore.

At this time of year, Dreamscapes always gets a increase in calls inquiring about proper actions to be taken during Winter for ponds and the fish that live in them in Central Pennsylvania.


Some of the top questions/statements we hear are as follows:
Do I need a Deicer/Heater in my Lebanon County, Pennsylvania pond?
What can happen if I don’t have a pond deicer?
I never used a Pond Deicer and my fish were always fine.
My neighbor does not use a Pond Deicer and their fish always survive.

A pond deicer, also referred to as a pond heater, is a piece of equipment that is designed to maintain a hole in the water during the Winter months, when water typically freezes. But why? Simply put, even though your pond is dormant in the winter, there is still biological activity occurring. Specifically, fish are obviously still breathing, using up oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. This natural occurrence means that the metabolic processes continue to occur, meaning that your fish still poop! The process to break down fish poop and other dead organic matter contributes to the toxic gasses being released under the ice in your pond. If you are not familiar with the how a pond's nitrogen cycle works, please read this article!

If these gasses remained trapped under the ice and are not released to the atmosphere, the supply of dissolved oxygen in your pond will continue to decrease and carbon dioxide will increase, creating a toxic environment. Fish and other inhabitants (frogs and turtles) will not be able to survive in the toxic conditions such as this because they will essentially be suffocating underneath of the ice.

By maintaining an open hole in your ice, you not only allow these gasses to escape, but you also allow more dissolved oxygen to be held by the pond, allowing your fish to breathe.

Thus, the bigger your fish get, the more oxygen they need, the more they poop and the more they contribute to the toxic gases that will need released from underneath that ice. Believe it or not, the bigger the fish gets, the more care they need to ensure they are smiling at you come Spring. If your fish were fine last year, but they grew, they might not have the same outcome this year.

It has always been true that no two ponds are alike. Let me repeat that: No two ponds are alike. Therefore you can not rely on friends and neighbors for what worked for their pond when determining what will work for yours. There are so many factors that contribute to the balance of an ecosystem -- what type of filtration you use, how many fish you have, how much/often you feed your fish, when your last pond cleaning was, how many plants you have, how routinely you add beneficial bacteria to your pond, if at all, etc. It all matters!

Many misconceptions about Deicers/Heaters is that the deicer is designed to HEAT THE POND.

This is untrue. The purpose of a de-icer is ONLY to keep a hole open in the ice on your pond, not to heat the entire pond. As long as you can see water around (and under) your deicer, it is functioning properly.

It is important to note that the pond heaters that Dreamscapes Watergardens carries are THERMOSTATICALLY controlled. This means that the pond deicers only turn on when the water temperature hits 32 degrees or below. This saves costs of operating the pond deicer and lengthens the life span of the deicer as well. It does take some awareness on the pond owner's part to check that your deicer/heater is working when the time comes. Please do not just set it and forget it.

In the event that your pond does freeze completely over, you NEVER want to try to manually break the ice a part. Whenever you smash the ice, it sends out pressure waves through the water that could absolutely cause harm to your fish. Fish are very sensitive and get more sensitive the bigger they get.

If you find your pond has frozen all across the top, you can consider sprinkling “Pond Salt” on the place where your deicer is currently trapped underneath, or where you intend to put your Deicer. Pond Salt acts in the same way road salt does during the Winter, while maintaining a safe approach to protecting your fish.

To purchase a pond deicer/heater at Dreamscapes Watergardens, please stop out during our regular operating hours.

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 is located at 2155 State Route 343 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Please note that your GPS is ending you at the correct address, as some GPS devices do NOT recognize State 343 as an address. Some GPS recognize this street as South Pinegrove Road and others recognize it as North 7th Street.