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How Deep Does a Fish Pond Need To Be?

7/30/2018

1 Comment

 
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There's a lot of information out there on the internet but you've ended up here. That's great! Unless you're from a different zone than we are here in Pennsylvania. The pond industry is all weather dependent so I'd like to start by reminding you that you should always get your pond information from local contractors, as they experience the same weather conditions (and planting parameters) as you do. Make sure you know what geological area your source is writing for! In other words, Florida doesn't get snow the way that Pennsylvania do, right?

Pond Installation

The chances are pretty high that you are installing a backyard pond so that you can house a lot of really awesome koi or goldfish as pets and you obviously don't want to have to replace them year after year. While some people choose to bring their fish inside for the winter, the bigger they get and the more they multiply the harder it is to do something of that nature successfully.

Freeze Zone

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One of the most important reasons that people talk about the DEPTH of a pond is because of safely overwintering the fish and because of water clarity issues if you make the pond too deep. The freeze zone is 18" and as you can imagine, we do get enough snow and freezing temperatures in Pennsylvania that ponds here do tend to freeze. For this reason, we always recommend to dig your pond at least two feet (2' or 24") deep so that the fish can live safely underneath that freezing area, keeping in mind there are still "life support" items needed to sustain fish life under ice.

Another reason depth is talked about is when it comes to proper filtration of the pond. When using an Aquascape Pond Skimmer, it will successfully skim the top layer of the pond but anything deeper than 2.5-3 feet will need to be stirred up in order to be able to pull that water into the skimmer box for filtration. Without stirring up that deep area, water quality issues are inevitable.

Aquatic Plants and Plant Shelves

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While talking about how deep you'll need to dig a pond in Pennsylvania, you need to consider the need for aquatic plants---because it absolutely is a need. There are many benefits from having aquatic plants in your backyard pond in Central Pennsylvania. From providing shade to naturally filtering the water, aquatic plants all have a very specific depth that they like to be planted in in order to survive. For this reason, while we recommend digging the pond to 2 feet deep for overwintering the fish, we also always recommend digging plant SHELVES around the outside of the pond so as to not drown the plants.

Your "marginal shelf" should be dug between 0"-8" deep and your "mid-zone lilies shelf" should be dug at 12"16" before your pond drops to the 24" depth for overwintering purposes.


Click here for more Aquatic Plant Care and Benefits.

So Now What???

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 | info@dreamscapeswatergardens.com

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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How Do You Build a Pond in your Backyard??

6/4/2018

2 Comments

 
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Building a backyard pond can be an amazing opportunity, that is not only fun to build but full of reward for years to come. But how do you make a pond ? Where do you start? Do you want to tackle this backyard pond project yourself or let a hired professional pond contractor take control? In order to answer this question, you have to understand just how much work is involved in building a pond, and whether or not you're ready to tackle such a project.

The bottom line is, in order to install your own water feature, you should be prepared with all the equipment, knowledge and for a great deal of physical labor. Building a pond usually involves digging a decent-sized hole, knowing how to level all areas correct to consider the sustainability of aquatic plant life and proper skimming levels and be able to place a few tons of rock and gravel. It can be easy if you have all the equipment and a lot of time...or it can be really hard and cause you a world of frustration with poor water quality and leaking issues!

Aquascape Inc. has a 20 step process that we follow here at Dreamscapes Watergardens for every single build that we do. When it comes to pond construction, if you have all the right tools (equipment and knowledge-wise) to get the job done, following 20 easy steps should get your pond in the ground pretty quickly.

Here's a quick synopsis of what should be going on during your pond project.

20 Step Process:

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1. Locate and mark out your basin area with orange marketing paint.
2. Place skimmer and biological filter into position
3. Lay Plumbing
4. Hook up and level biological filter
5. Excavate your pond basin
6. Install the underlayment and then the liner.
7. Install the skimmer
8. Hook up pump and plumbing
9. Rock in pond
10. Wash Stones
11. Fill pond.
12. Build the waterfall
13. Bring in topsoil
14. Build the retaining wall
15. Plug in and teak the waterfall
16. Trim the liner.
17. Mulch the berm.
18. Clean up
19. Add bacteria and refer to owner's manual for daily maintenance questions
20. Enjoy

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How to Make Backyard Pond:

Or maybe you're a visual person. That's okay, too! Without the meat and potatoes, a list of steps might not make all that much sense. Fortunately for you, Aquascape has put together a video of that same step-by-step process and you can view it below here!

So Now What???

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 | info@dreamscapeswatergardens.com

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
2 Comments

How Much Does it Cost to Put in a Small Pond??

5/28/2018

0 Comments

 

Did you know...

  • Natural landscapes have a healing effect on the human body and can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, according tot he Sustainable Sites Initiative, Standards and Guidelines Preliminary Report.
  • Ecosystem ponds include a balance  Healthy Elements; Aeration, filtration, plants, fish, rock and gravel
  • Ecosystem ponds are designed to be low maintenance, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy your beautiful water feature with friends and family.
  • Water features attract birds and butterflies, and come in a variety of types and styles, perfect for any budget or landscape.
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Imagine stepping outside your home into your very own backyard oasis, complete with a beautiful water feature. Sit back and listen to the soothing sounds of running water as you enjoy the enchanting sights of nature. Feel the cares of the world slip from your shoulders as you experience your personal vacation spot!
  • Spend more quality time with family outdoors.
  • Enjoy the delight of your children or grandchildren as they explore nature, up close and personal.
  • Gather and entertain friends and family outside near your beautiful water feature.

You'll wonder what took you so long to discover and enjoy the water feature lifestyle!

Small Aquascape  8'x11' Ecosystem Pond

Dreamscapes Watergardens installs koi fish ponds as small as 8'x11' and as large as you can imagine. The smaller the waterfeature, the harder it is to maintain because of the fluctuating temperatures of the water but as long as you stick to your 5 minute maintenance weekly, you'll be alright!

The price quotes below are for complete pond installations by Dreamscapes Watergardens in 2018:
Small Aquascape Ecosystem Pond 8'x11': Starting at $6,999 Installed
Medium Aquascape Ecosystem Pond 11'x16': Starting at $12,499 Installed
Large Aquascape Ecosystem Pond 21'x26': Starting at $24,999 Installed
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So Now What???

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 | info@dreamscapeswatergardens.com

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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Pond Enlargement for BIG FISH in Lebanon, PA

4/9/2018

0 Comments

 
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10 years is a long time for fish to grow and eventually for them to OUTGROW their home. This couple in Lebanon, Pennsylvania LOVE their fish---they're massively HUGE!

If you know anything about pond ecosystems, you should know that the general rule for thumb for the amount of fish in a pond is 1" of fish for every 10 gallons of water... which means a whole lotta water for this family who have accumulated hundreds of inches of fish over the years.


So that's JUST what this couple decided to do for their fish-- expand their pond so that they have enough room!

Project Specifications:

Using a 18'x25' liner in one week, we turned this narrow 7'x20' backyard pond with waterfall into a beautiful 14'x21' pond with a showstopping waterfall. Increasing the size of the pond to this size required a few changes to the pump and plumbing to accommodate the water volume. First, a larger pump is needed to be able to properly filter this pond's water volume, so we equipped this pond with a stainless steel Tsurumi 5PL made by Aquascape Inc on their pro-line side. The increased volume of water coming down the waterfall also meant the need for a check valve assembly to keep water from washing back down during an electrical outage. So we added one of those, too.

We broke up the repetitive original rock work by adding some larger chunky boulders, which also created a little more natural look/feel to the aesthetics of the watergarden.

Enhancements:

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Underwater pond lights take a water feature to a whole new level of enjoyment because of the capability of night time viewing. That's why we hooked this water feature up with seven 3-watt lights and three 1-watt lights made by Aquascape Inc.

Aquascape Inc. lights are top of the line under water lights that are fully encased to prevent water leaking into the fixtures. Because it is fully encased, they are backed with a 5 year warranty. If you haven't considered pond lights in the past--- what are you waiting for!

Dreamscapes sells Aquascape Pond and Waterfall lights in our Aquatic Retail Store from April-November!

Having finished this pond in late-October of 2017, we can't wait to see what it looks like once the plants mature and add one of the most beautiful aspects of back yard water gardens.

So Now What??

After 10 years, this homeowner's pride and joy fish finally have a pond that's worthy of these beauties.

Dreamscapes installs and renovates ponds and waterfalls all over the Central Pennsylvania area. We also have a full service maintenance program that travels all over the Lebanon, Lancaster and Dauphin County areas for different spring, summer and fall maintenance packages. We also carry 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 | info@dreamscapeswatergardens.com

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
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Courtyard Pond at ECC Stone Ridge Popular Run in Myerstown, PA

11/13/2017

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PicturePhoto Credit to the Stone Ridge ECC website!
We're going through some photos and found some really great ones from the Stone Ridge Poplar Run project of 2014. Located in Myerstown, Pennsylvania, this retirement living community envisioned an elaborate courtyard where residents could spend evenings talking to friends with relaxation at their fingertips complete with an outdoor kitchen, fire pits, beautiful flower pots and top notch landscaping.

What's outdoor relaxation without the tranquil sound created by moving water? Dreamscapes Watergardens was honored to bring this type of ultimate peace in the form of a watergarden to all those who enjoy it at Stone Ridge since opening spring of 2015.

Starting with a clean slate, the dirt covered courtyard was transformed because of the Aquascape Inc. components that include an incredible filtration system. It's amazing what you can do with some liner, underlayment, rocks and water if you have passion for the project.

Did you know that *most* aquatic plants in zones 5 and 6 like to sit somewhere within 0-6" of water?
The digging part of the project is one of the most intricate parts because of the ability to sustain aquatic plant life. Too deep and plants drown...too shallow and fish freeze solid during winter. Aquatic plants are your waterfeature's natural filterers, so it's important to pay close attention to this level! Dreamscapes digs in what we call "plant shelves" into the waterfeature in order to accommodate not only the ability to sustain aquatic plants but the ability to then have a deeper section in the center to safely over winter fish.

Rockwork

The creativity that is the rock-work serves multiple purposes:
--Rocks and gravel as filtration-- All the gravel in the pond serves as more and more and more places for beneficial bacteria to colonize.
--Predator Safety through Koi Caves-- Koi caves give fish to hide when necessary while not being obvious.
--Crashing Sound of Water in Falls-- The way the rocks are laid in the waterfall contribute to the way the water rushes over them which, in turn, affects the sound the water makes! The further the drop, the louder the sound.
--Natural Looking Feel--As if Mother Nature just happened to exist on it's own!

Aquascape LED Pond Lights

Boasting an impressive 35 foot by 25 foot wide pond and a massive 20 foot long stream with about 15 feet of elevation, this beautiful waterfeature creates tranquil noises like no other all day and night long. The watergarden at stone ridge also is supported by an Iongen System to minimize maintenance by helping with string algae control.
PicturePhoto Credit to the Stone Ridge ECC website!
As the sun starts to set over the buildings at Stone Ridge Popular Run in Myerstown, PA...the Aquascape pond lights turn on and create a whole different atmosphere as the lights illuminate the beauty that is the waterfeature. With almost 2 dozen LED pond lights, the residents of Stone Ridge are able to have dinner served to them in the courtyard and still enjoy the waterfeature lit up when the sun starts to set.

So Now What???

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 | info@dreamscapeswatergardens.com

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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Fish Pond Installation in Pottstown, Pennsylvania; PA

7/17/2017

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A pile of rocks and a pile of dirt. The beginning stages of building a waterfeature often look like a mess of a tetris puzzle.

But no worries for this family in Pottstown, PA because this 2017 waterfeature installation was all wrapped up in just a few days.

Fish Pond Specifications:

This backyard started with raised beds for gardening and a small leaking "frog pond" that not only measured less than a 8'x8' area and lacked filtration but also happened to sit over 40' from where the family generally spends their time relaxing on the deck. The homeowner wanted to upgrade and upgrade he did.
Two streams/waterfalls spill into this pond. Having upgraded the original "frog pond" to hold water and look more natural with rocks, one beautiful cascading waterfall runs 35 feet long and is designed to connect the original "frog pond" to the new larger pond installation nestled at the bottom of the hill next to the deck. This waterfall also had a flagstone bridge across the center of it.  The the second waterfall is 6 feet long with awesome boulder work and is the filtration for the pond, complete with bio-media for bacteria colonization and an  Aquascape, Inc. IonGen System that controls string algae.

The fish pond portion of the waterfeature measures 20'x25' by 2.5' deep and approximately 3500 gallons operating with a Tsrumi 9PL pump that pushes about 7000 gallons of water per hour. Imagine the beautiful sound produced by a pump that size!  When talking fish, this backyard pond can sustain a total of 350 inches of fish which is really cool because the Dreamscapes team installed two flatter boulders in the pond for the family to sit on and stick their feet in the water.
Our favorite part about this waterfeature installation project is the before and after photo! Seeing a backyard go from raised beds to a beautiful ecosystem because of dreams we helped come true always amazes us.

So what now?

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 | info@dreamscapeswatergardens.com

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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Frogs in my Pennsylvania Koi Pond

6/21/2017

0 Comments

 
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Here at Dreamscapes Watergardens, we get asked the same question about frogs: "how do I get my frog to stay in my backyard pond?"

Whether you're introducing frogs or tadpoles into your backyard pond on your own or if they're finding you by chance, frogs definitely add a new dimension to the pond lifestyle through sights, sounds and splishy splashy. All frogs start their lifecycle as an egg in the water but frog habitats go well beyond the pond. They're found above and below ground, above and below water, in trees, grasses, jungles, cities, numerous other combinations of habitats, and they're even invading our homes.They always stay near water, though.

Frog as Predators and Frog Predators

Adult frogs will hunt and eat insects, worms, snails, dragonflies, mosquitoes, and grasshoppers. Larger frogs will also go after small animals like mice, snakes, birds, other frogs, small turtles, and even small sick/weak fish from our ponds if they can fit in their mouths. Healthy backyard pond fish like koi, goldfish, and orfe shouldn't be worried about.

Herons, raccoons, snakes, turtles, fox, big fish and possum (on the other hand) all want to eat frogs, while dogs and cats often play too rough with them.

Frog Breeding Season

Antisocial creatures, frogs are only generally seen with other frogs during breeding season. Fish love to eat the eggs which look like round, clear jelly-like clusters while toad eggs are laid in long strands. It is not unusual to find the inside of a skimmer box or lily pads covered with eggs during breeding season. As a pond owner, you don't have to do anything to help them survive--- just let Mother Nature run it's course.

Frog Habitats

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To help make your frogs want to stay you need to create the right home for them.  Add aquatic plants, like grasses in the pond to hide in and lily pads (classic thought) but even rocks around the perimeter allowing the frogs to bask in the sun. Frogs are amphibious and can easily transition from skillful swimmers submerged below water to fully adept land rovers navigating around. If you have a fully shaded pond, you may have a harder time finding frogs that want to stay. Landscaping plants around the pond are ideal for when they want to hop out and explore---they make the waterfeature feel more natural for a frog. If you have a loud gushing pond with a waterfall, consider providing areas with slow water flow because frogs like quiet water, too! If you don't have koi caves already in your pond, consider how to provide some shelter within the pond with a simple clay pot. Lastly, frogs do not like the pond “too clean” because they can't blend in as well for protection. Algae here and there is OK! Frogs may get curious about what else is "out there" and hop away to check it out.

Fall/Winter Care for Frogs in Pennsylvania

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Be sure to check pond netting for the occasional frog stuck on top of the net who is trying to make his way inside. If he can't get into the pond, he has to find a home elsewhere! It is even recommended to add a 6″ deep tray of compacted soil covered with gravel mulch as a place to dig in for the winter months. If you keep your pump running over the winter, resident frogs are known to climb into pond skimmers to enjoy the warmer pocket of air inside the skimmer box. So keep your eye on the water flow because sometimes frogs get stuck and end up  clogging the pump!!

For most homeowners, Dreamscapes recommends to pull the pump over the winter and do a full pond shutdown. More information on that service can be found by checking out our waterfeature maintenance page.

So Now What?

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 | info@dreamscapeswatergardens.com

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,
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Wellspan Sechlar Family Cancer Center Pond Installation | Lebanon, Pennsylvania

12/22/2016

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One of Dreamscapes' highest honors to date, has been the opportunity to contribute to the therapeutic offering that patients receive when at the Sechlar Family Cancer Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.  Built in 2015 and opened in January 2016, this new cancer center was designed with the comfort level of the patient in mind, going above and beyond in even the smallest of details. Specifically, the addition for an elaborate waterfeature was desired for not only aesthetics reasons, but for therapeutic reasons as well, as the soothing sound of running water has been known to be great for relaxation and to reduce stress. The tranquil sound of water moving can also improve concentration.

Where could be a watefeature be more appropriately placed?

Project Vision:

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The architect's master vision for this property was to create a peaceful setting from the moment you arrive to the Cancer Center, to the waiting area and even for the patients inside the intake bays--encouraging peace, tranquility and relaxation with a waterfeature that wraps around the side of the building and meets the patient's room window. The patient's room window has a different optimal viewing point than the next.
 
Que Team Dreamscapes!

Project Specifications

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Mother Nature does not follow a cookie-cutter pattern and neither should man-made waterfeature. With two separate 20' long waterfalls spilling into a 20 foot by 60 foot pond, the Sechlar Family Cancer Center waterfeature has a variety of elements that contribute to an overall tranquil feel that is difficult to replicate. But first, the ground work.

With almost 500 labor hours and 60 tons of boulders, this massive waterfeature features a wetland filtration system to promote crystal clear water by use of filtering the water through the roots of plants. The wetland filtration system is generally used to filter larger ponds, as larger ponds tend to see a lot more sediment and an excess in nutrient build up around the water column. (If you don't know: excess nutrient build up can and will promote the growth of algae!)

Because this waterfeature is viewed from multiple different angles, Dreamscapes incorporated at least a dozen absolutely beautiful driftwood enhancement pieces at various viewing locations. This gives the waterfeature new unique life for viewers from every angle of involvement: the parking lot, the entrance, the waiting room, each individual intake room. We believe this gives the waterfeature an edge for interest, as it seems to be a has so much detail to discover.

Rock Work

One of the most differentiating characteristics between pond installers is the amount and style for which they lay their rock. Dreamscapes installs in a style to mimic Mother Nature with her natural artistic appeal that is anything but symmetrical or cookie-cutter. With 60 ton of boulders, 3 tons of cobble stones, 15 tons of river gravel, and dozens of driftwood pieces of stumps and logs, natural artistic style flows during the installation process for a beautiful breath-taking result.
Due to the sheer size, length, shape and detail of this waterfeature, no pictures could ever do it justice. Cancer Center staff members, patients and even passerbys have stopped out, called and even emailed Dreamscapes Watergardens to comment on the impact the waterfeature has made in their lives and the impact they have noticed it make in others. For that reality, we are forever fulfilled.

Visit this waterfeature on your own accord by stopping by the Sechlar Family Cancer Center at
844 Tuck Street in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
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So What Now?

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 | info@dreamscapeswatergardens.com

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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Lebanon Pennsylvania Pristine Pond Installation

12/8/2016

0 Comments

 
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What do you do when you possess all of the pond installing passion in the world, design ponds for a career and own a pond installation business? You build your absolute dream pond in your own backyard because where else are you able to enjoy a beautiful serene paradise the best?
That's right -- this is Dustin and Tara Stohler's pond!

Literally speaking, this pond is 25’x35’x3’ with a 20’ long and 10' wide waterfall.  The pond boasts crystal clear water, some really nice imported koi, and a pathway of floating steps. 

This pond is five years old and has been on the Dreamscapes Pond Tour multiple times... so you just might recognize it. But have you ever thought about what went into building it? 

Filtration

Make no mistake, when you have owned a waterfeature before but are moving, installing a waterfeature at the new home will be high up on your priority list after you move in. Having installed hundreds of waterfeatures, it is safe to say that the Stohler's have learned a thing or two about the different components they wanted to focus on when it comes to installing the next dream pond of their own. That is why this project includes a wetland filter.
Wetland filters are designed for larger ponds, as larger ponds are subject to a lot more sediment and an excess in nutrient build up around the water column. To work, this type of set up filters through the roots of bog and wetland plants in order to promote PRISTINE water quality on a level that is much higher than any other filtration system.
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Steppers

Steppers in ponds are great for a multitude of reasons from aesthetics to exploring opportunity...you absolutely can't go wrong with having steppers across your pond. Not only does it give you access to the other side (which comes in handing when the pond is large) but it also allows anyone who enjoys the pond a different type of up close experience to the ecosystem in that water. Dustin and Tara's son, Chase, loves to come out and sit on different parts of the steps to stick his feet in the water. Sometimes he even lays right down on his belly and sticks his face in the water, too.
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For more information on koi pond installation for the Lebanon, Pennsylvania area, 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 | info@dreamscapeswatergardens.com

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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Pond Installation Project in Manheim, Pennsylvania

11/25/2016

1 Comment

 
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.

Filtration System

Let us begin with the most important part of any pond, the filtration system. This homeowner decided that a Wetland filter, also known as 'Bog Filtration', would be the best option for the koi pond they wanted installed at their Manheim, Pennsylvania home. Wetland filters are designed for larger ponds, as larger ponds see a lot more sediment and an excess in nutrient build up around the water column. (If you don't know: excess nutrient build up can and will promote the growth of algae!)
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.
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String Algae

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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.

Project Specifications:

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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.

Like what you see? Contact Us!

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 | info@dreamscapeswatergardens.com

Contact Us
2155 State Route 343, Lebanon Pa | 717-272-6555 | info@dreamscapeswatergardens.com

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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