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?
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?
"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.
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.
How Does a Skimmer Work?
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.
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 | 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
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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