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Pond Versus Lawn

8/6/2018

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Backyard ponds have become an exciting landscaping trend! Most homeowners want a pond to add ambiance to their yard with the benefit of the sights and sounds of tranquil moving water. Man-made ponds and disappearing pondless waterfalls create a relaxing place to retreat from the chaos and stress of life while enjoying the entertainment of pond fish and other wildlife attracted to your back yard. Yet few realize the full extent of the benefits to installing an ecosystem pond or water feature.

Maintenances of Lawns versus Water Features

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Maintaining a lush lawn obviously requires regular watering if there’s a dry-spell. Evaporation on a pond, however, is the same as on a swimming pool: 1” per day during the height of summer. A pond will have an auto-fill device that only adds water when it’s needed, whereas an automatic lawn-sprinkler goes off by timer whether or not the lawn actually needs the water, thereby wasting unnecessary water and money.

But there’s a LOT more that goes into maintaining a nice-looking lawn. You have to fertilize it and spend many hours a week mowing/edging the grass and moving around your non-permanent outdoor entertainment items like trampolines, baby pools, chimneas etc. to ensure grass doesn’t die underneath of them. Aside from the time involved, about 54 million Americans mow their lawns each weekend, using 800 million gallons of gas per year, AND producing tons of air pollutants, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ​Ponds, however, reduce the need for more lawn pesticides, fertilizers and gas mowers. They require about 10 minutes of maintenance per week. As an added benefit, the debris and sludge collected by your pond filter during maintenance can be used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer for your lawn, garden, and trees. The aquatic plants and water source becomes home or food to many of nature’s critters from frogs and snails to the butterflies, birds and bees that fly above.

Additional Benefits of Water Features:

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Educational Benefit:
In today’s technologically advanced world, picture this: your kids and grandkids WANTING to spend time outside, interacting with Mother Nature and not in front more screen-time. One of our top comments from new pond-owners is that they can’t believe how popular their water features are with their kids or grandkids. From feeding fish and trying to catch frogs to learning to help take care of the ecosystem, the educational aspect of backyard fish ponds are priceless.

We often find our very own son spending some time everyday just to dip his feet in to think. His favorite place to eat meals during the summer? Outside by the pond.

Home Value Benefit:
Did you know?: A well-constructed water feature can also INCREASE your home value! That's right- a tastefully done water feature is considered a luxury item--especially a matured water feature with established plant life.

So Now What?

If you’re looking for a low water-use, energy-efficient, low maintenance, super enjoyable and entertaining landscape option, you might want to consider an ecosystem pond or water feature. This a water feature might be the way to go? Contact us today to find out what options exist for your backyard paradise!

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 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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Is it Time to Start Thinking About Renovating Your Pond?

7/23/2018

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It is fairly common for us to be contacted by new homeowners who inherited a pond and they have no idea what to do or where to turn. How do I maintain this water feature? Why doesn’t the water feature that came with my home purchase work? We also have homeowners who have decided it is time to think about a pond renovation to enhance or expand their existing pond or even to add a waterfall or bog filter.  Sometimes you just want to add some new flare to an existing water feature—that’s a great reason, too!

Aquascape always says: "Most pond owners in their lifetime own an average of three ponds or water features.  The first pond is the “starter pond”, the second is the pond that they thought they wanted, and the third pond is what they ultimately wanted all along." 

Whether the style of your first water feature was initially due to space or financial limitations, the great thing is that you are never stuck with what you have!


When Should I Renovate My Water Feature?

Pond Restoration can be done at almost any time of the year, weather permitting. By combining the homeowner’s interests and the pond professionals’ creativity, the sky’s the limit on possibilities to restore or upgrade your pond.  Some pond owner’s may think that they are limited by space but don’t let that deter you.  Ponds and pondless waterfalls can be adapted to almost any area by turning obstacles into opportunities! Dreamscapes renovates/restores koi ponds man-made waterfalls all year long if the ground is not frozen.

Advancements:

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As pond technology evolves, upgrading your system may seem more appealing that ever.  For example, what might have been a large unsightly external filtration system that resembled pool equipment years ago, can now have a much more appealing aesthetic as a contained system with the combination of mechanical and biological filtration.  The newer system is also EASIER and more efficient at maintaining backyard ponds. Pond Restoration does not mean the complete pond needs to be uprooted; sometimes just a specific area needs attention, like adding or enhancing a waterfall or adding that upgrading filtration system to the side and top of the feature.  The addition of a waterfall certainly adds a WOW factor to any pond, even a small one.  Similarly, adding boulders to your pond can add an architectural element that mirrors a more natural glow for your paradise.

So Now What???

There are unlimited ways to utilize a pond renovation.  Be sure to consider naturalization and creativity when planning your pond restoration and it will add beauty and tranquility to your outdoor living space for years to come.  Lastly, if you are planning a pond renovation, see if you are able to visit properties with ponds by the contractor you’re interested in. Seeing what other pond owners have done to enhance the pond lifestyle can be one of the best ways to obtain knowledge and true inspiration!

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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What is a Certified Aquascape Contractor (CAC)?

7/16/2018

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If you’re looking for a skilled contractor to create or remodel your pond, do yourself a favor and find a Certified Aquascape Contractor. These professionals are the leaders in the water feature installation, renovation and maintenance world.

What is a Certified Aquascape Contractor?

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In 2001, the “CAC” program was created by Aquascape, North America’s leading manufacturer of equipment for ponds, waterfalls, and fountains. The company motto is “Your Paradise, Our Passion”, the CAC motto is,"Pond's Done Right. Customer's Served Right." and Aquascape wants to make sure that all customers who use their products get to experience a "hassle-free" backyard paradise with top level service. They pre-qualify their contractors and ensure every contractor stays up-to-date with newest technology and styles. A CAC business is experienced and expertly trained by Aquascape Inc, in designing and building beautiful ponds, waterfalls, and fountains. The "CAC" designation signifies a professional who has undergone training and is dedicated to ongoing education. It’s the longest-running certification program in the industry.

Training and Expertise:

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Certified Aquascape Contractors receive a variety of training. They have to attend and participate in many hands-on networking and leadership events multiple times a year, such as Pondemonium, and have reached a particular threshold of skill-level through exams in their training course in order to obtain that certification.  Before becoming official, a Certified Aquascape Contractor is tested and approved to properly install and maintain many different water features.

By following a successful repetitive process, a contractor can eliminate a lot of the guess work from a build. This helps them install a beautiful, low-maintenance water feature that is sure to last. Since Aquascape trains and supports its contractors, quality workmanship and accountability are built into every project.

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 Pondless Waterfall?

7/9/2018

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A pondless waterfall is a great way to bring the sights and sounds of running water to your yard because you get the benefits and natural beauty of an ecosystem pond without the maintenance of fish and extra filtration components. These amazing “pondless water fall” water features can be adapted for almost any space whether you’re desiring something big or small, gentle or dramatic, you can create a pondless waterfall that’s perfect for you and your yard.

At Dreamscapes Watergardens, we design and install pondless waterfalls (also known as disappearing waterfalls) for families all over the Central Pennsylvania area. But in this blog, we’re going to tackle the DIY question and answer of "How do you Build a Backyard waterfall?" Building your own pondless waterfall is absolutely possible if you have the right tools, determination and passion.

What is a Pondless Waterfall?

A pondless waterfall is a recirculating waterfall without a pond at the bottom. A waterfall works by pumping water from a large, hidden in-ground reservoir up and through what is called the  “waterfall spillway”. This allows the water to flow back down into the basin. These recirculating systems are easy to install and require very little maintenance. They are perfect for folks who aren’t home as often to care for fish or water balance. If you travel often or work a lot, a pondless waterfall can be unplugged at any point for a week or so at time without compromising the ecosystem.
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How to Build a Waterfall:

For beginners, we definitely recommend the Aquascape Pondless Waterfall Kits, as these kits come in different sizes and include all of the components you need (except for the rock/gravel) for a beautiful pondless waterfall. From the liner, all the way to the plumbing and pump and instructions, Aquascape kits are the best bang for your buck. But before you select a kit, make sure to get yourself acquainted with the mechanics of a pondless waterfall, the space you have to work with and real desires you have for the “end product”.

Once you know EXACTLY what you want, we recommend beginning your digging and excavating process so that you can measure your area for liner purposes correctly. We often find people coming back for bigger pieces of liner and upgrade components because what they THOUGHT they wanted and what they ended up doing changed during the first step of the installation process.

Check out the video below for a very specific step-by-step set of instructions on building a waterfall.

So Now What??

Pondless waterfalls can roam expansively across your yard. Or, they can tuck in right by your front entrance and greet visitors. From 4’ to 40’, the sky is the limit when it comes to design elements of a pondless waterfall—they fit everywhere! They’re adaptable, too – you can always add a pond later. If you have questions, we’re here to help. If you read this blog and decided you’re interested in a pondless waterfall but don’t want to do the work yourself anymore, we can help you out there, too. Call Dreamscapes Watergardens, Inc. at 717-272-6555 or connect online. We’ll help make your dreams of a pondless waterfall a reality.

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 Install a Pond Liner?

7/2/2018

1 Comment

 
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Pond liner is one of the most important pieces of your backyard pond because it prevents the water from being absorbed by the Earth. You also don't want to have to replace a pond liner entirely because that involves the removal of every single stone in order to take out the liner underneath to replace it.

At Dreamscapes Watergardens, Inc. we've been renovating and fixing ponds and waterfalls for almost 20 years and have seen everything used for pond liners (even repurposed roofing liner, which is not designed to be submerged and has toxic chemicals on it). After everything we've seen, we always choose to use 45 mil EDPM pond liner made by Aquascape, Inc for every job we install by Dreamscapes Watergardens, Inc.

45 mil EDPM Pond Liner and Underlayment

Backed by an industry leading 20-year guarantee, Aquascape 45 mil EDPM pond liner is our "go-to". It has :
  • Exceptional resistance to solar UV, ozone and oxidation - won't crack like concrete
  • Rugged and flexible - Cover with rocks and gravel to expand the life expectancy indefinitely

We recommend using an equal size layer of underlayment under your liner to prevent friction between the liner and any debris or rocks within the dirt. Friction could cause tears or holes in the liner to form which leads to leaks.

How to Install a Pond Liner:

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Now that you know WHAT kind of pond liner we recommend and why, you'll also want to know how much pond liner and underlayment to use for your size water feature. It's important to note, we use the same liner for ponds that we do for waterfalls and fountain projects, too!

As a amateur pond installer, we recommend you begin your process ALWAYS by excavating your water feature first before you purchase your pond liner so that you don't come up short. Often we find people at our retail store buying extra liner because they dug deeper than they planned and only realized it once they tried to install the pond liner. At this point, trying to seam together multiple pieces of liner can be hard for a new-comer, as any small discrepancy will cause a HUGE problem. We also always recommend to measure TWICE and cutting once.

We sell our liner in specific WIDTHS, as they come in 5', 10', 15', 20' and 25' widths. So if your measurement came to 18'x28' like on the picture to the left, we would recommend a 20' wide liner, cut 29' long for 6" of overlap on each side.  You may want to consider overlap,  because your rocks will settle a little bit the first year which tugs the liner down.

Below are the most common DIY pond sizes with their respective liner sizes.
8'x11' pond= 12'x15'
11'x16' pond= 15'x20'
21'26' pond= 25'x30'


Once you know what size pond liner you need, buy it and the same size underlayment. To install it, start with the underlayment, ensuring that you have complete coverage for all exposed areas. Secondly, stretch the liner according to length and width of pond and lay in the pond hole, making sure to smooth out as many wrinkles as possible and to minimize folds and creases. Double check that you have appropriate overlap around the perimeter of the pond so that as you lay your rock, the liner doesn't sink.

Length + Depth + Depth              Width + Depth + Depth

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
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Do you Need to Feed Fish in a Backyard Pond?

6/25/2018

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Wanting fish is one of the top reasons why people get a backyard pond to begin with--so they can house and then interact with their beloved fish pets. Fish feeding naturally comes with the territory of owning pond fish. When to feed pond fish and how much to feed pond fish and should you feed at all certainly is always the topic of conversation for newer pond owners. In this blog, we're going to answer the last question.

Koi and Goldfish

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Koi pond fish are really awesome fish not only because of their unique patterns and colorations but because they are vivacious algae eaters. While goldfish don't love algae as much as koi, they will eat other micro-organisms in your pond, when they're hungry. In fact, when you think about it logistically in Mother Nature, fish fend for themselves all day, every day when it comes to their food sources.

So with that logic, you could quit feeding all together and let your fish eat up the algae and other nutrients in the pond as they would in nature. If you get your fish accustomed to looking to you for food, however, it may be hard to switch them to only what they find inside their ecosystem.

Pond Fish Personality

The more consistent you are with your fish feeding (i.e. feeding your fish at the same time from the same spot every day) the more personable they will become-- seemingly coming to greet you as soon as you come outside to the pond. We also have been able to HAND-FEED fish and even pet them! Imagine the interaction your kids and grandkids will have with fish who literally are happy to see you.

If you neglect feeding your fish, they wont look to you as friends and may consider you a threat if they don't understand what role you play in their lives. You may notice fish bolt really fast when they see a shadow or sense quick movements and they may even go as far as hiding from you!

So Now What??

It's important to remember the more YOU feed your fish, your fish will look to you as their source of nutrition and will become more personable and friendly.

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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What are Aquablox?

6/18/2018

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Aquablox are made by Aquascape Inc. for the purpose of optimizing space for the reservoir for pondless waterfall, disappearing waterfalls and fountain. We often relate them to four-side milk crates because of their physical appearance. Aquascape Inc describes their Aquablox product like this: "A lightweight structure that provides area or void space for various water storage projects and water features".

Benefits of Using Aquablox over Gravel

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  • Over 3 times more water storage capacity than grave because Aquablox hold approximately 7.4 gallons of water per cubic foot, as compared to gravel, which holds approximately 2.2 gallons of water per cubic foot
  • Extra water storage capacity means less time topping off reservoir due to evaporation
  • Easier to clean and less prone to clogging than traditional gravel basins
  • The ability to hold more water per cubic foot allows for smaller reservoir footprint
  • Less labor required to excavate and move gravel for basin
  • Uses less liner and geotextile underlayment than reservoirs constructed with gravel

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
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What is a Biofalls Box?

6/11/2018

0 Comments

 
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We're taking it back to the basics again on this blog to explain another one of the components of a proper filtration system: a biofalls box.

A Biofalls box serves the purpose of a biological filtration system for a backyard pond and is where your waterfall 'starts". The biofalls box works as the 2nd part of the filtration system; the first part being the skimmer box. After the water is "skimmed" from the pond into the skimmer box (where the pump lives), it is then pushed up to the "biofalls box" at the top of the waterfall where it then spills over into the stream portion that flows down into the pond.
But then what happens and why?


Purpose of a Biofalls Box

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Inside a biofalls box is where 2 more of your filter pads and all of your biomedia are housed. Biomedia, whether it be bioballs or lava rock, is where all of your beneficial bacteria colonies grow (as well as in the rocks and gravel on the bottom of your pond). The purpose of your biofalls box is that as the water passes through the biofall boxes' biomedia, the beneficial bacteria can essentially break down the invisible particles of dead organic matter in your pond that contribute to poor water quality if not taken care of. It then spills over to your waterfall where it makes it's way down into the pond, completing the recirculating system.

If set up properly, your pond should have no stagnant areas and you should be recirculating your pond's total water volume 2-3 times an hour.

Is a Biofalls Box Necessary?

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YES a biofalls box is necessary!

LESS work for you means more time to enjoy your water feature free of hassle if you set up the right elements so your pond works FOR you instead of against you. Always remember, there are 5 elements to keeping your pond water clear and if one of them is missing, you have a harder time maintaining that crystal clear water that you strive for. Preventing a maintenance nightmare is much easier than fixing one!


 1) Filtration: Removes harmful debris and provides an area for additional bacteria colonization
 2) Rocks and Gravel: Provides surface area for bacteria to colonize
 3) Recirculating System: Keeps water flowing and oxygenated
 4) Pond Fish: Helps keep algae in check and fertilizes the plants with their waste.
 5) Aquatic Plants: Cleans pond by using nutrients and growing vigorously.

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,
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How Do You Build a Pond in your Backyard??

6/4/2018

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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
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