How to Repot Pond Plants

Spring is the ideal time to for the water garden pond keeper to repot pond plants into slightly larger pots or baskets, renewing the pond soil and giving the roots space to grow. The water at the edge of your pond will be warming up with the increased sun levels as the days get longer and your pond plants will be starting to come into growth.

Choose a slightly larger pond basket for your plant and make sure your planting shelf is deep enough for the new basket.
Pondh2o have a great range of baskets for every type of need.

Step One

Knock the plant out of the old basket. You may need to cut it out if the roots have worked through the mesh. It won’t harm the plant if you prune the roots free.

Step Two

Cut out dead or damaged material and remove weeds or duckweed from around the plant. Pull the roots out a bit if they are tightly packed into the the shape of the old basket.

Step Three

Use a hessian liner and fresh pond specific soil with the new pond basket.  Place the plant in the basket and firmly press the aquatic soil around the root till the pot is 75% full.
Using soil suitable for planting aquatic plants ideally should be a medium to heavy loam. Garden soil can be used if it is free from fertilizer and herbicides. Otherwise, a proprietary aquatic compost should be ideally used.

Step Four

Add a layer of pond gravel on the top to stop the soil leaching into your pond and the fish digging in the soil.

Thank you for taking the time to read our article on how to repot pond plants.  Be sure to check out our Information Center for other Pond Blogs.  As always, remember to follow us on social media via our Facebook page for coupons and news.

Rising Spring Pond Water Temperature, What To Know

Spring is around the corner, the sun will get stronger and the spring pond water temperature will rise.

What happens to your fish?

Feeding becomes more evident as the spring pond water temperature increases.  Carp and similar species have no stomach just a long intestine, when the water goes over 55 Degrees Fahrenheit, they begin to absorb more, eat more and finally come out of winter hibernation.  Increase your feeding and use a higher protein food as the fish can now utilize it.  The fishes respiration increases as the water becomes less dense and the temperature increases, so look at the oxygen levels, turn the fountain or waterfall back on to increase O2 levels.

Add an aerator, if needed, to increase saturated oxygen levels as warmer water will not hold as much oxygen, particularly when the temperature hits 85 degrees Fahrenheit pond fish generally need a minimum of 7 ppm (parts per million) of dissolved oxygen. An average pond will drop down to 8 ppm of dissolved oxygen at 77 degrees Fahrenheit. At 86 degrees Fahrenheit, the amount of oxygen can drop to below 5ppm of dissolved oxygen.

What happens to the plants?

Plants wake back up again as the temperatures climb. Always trim back dead winter leaves to start and look at repotting if needed to allow the plant to flourish.

Pond Tips for Rising Pond Water Temperature

• As the water temperature increases, add a spring bacteria to turbo boost the ecosystem
• Check for Winter damage to the liner and filtration systems
• Think about frogs and other amphibians who will want to use the pond, can they get out?
• Read our other Pond Article on Spring Cleaning your Backyard Koi Fish Pond on this link!

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How To Protect Your Pond Fish in Hot Weather

Keeping Fish Safe and Healthy in Warmer Months

Depending on where you are located, at some point in the calendar year you will experience high temperatures, sometimes for a few days or a few months or even all year.
Here at PondH2o we have developed helpful tips to help you protect your pond fish in hot weather combat hot weather and the heat directly effecting your pond.

The hot weather can also cause problems for pond owners due to a phenomenon known as summer fish kill.  During hot weather water is capable of holding less dissolved oxygen than at cooler temperatures, and if there are large numbers of fish, organic wastes or aquatic plants in the pond the oxygen levels can plummet to dangerous levels with mainly larger fish being affected.

Top Seven Tips to Protect Your Pond Fish in Hot Weather:

1. Keep water oxygenated, the most important, higher water temperatures suck the oxygen out of the water, why often in hot weather you see fish on the surface, this is because the oxygen levels are the highest on the surface.
2. Don’t overfeed your fish, this adds stress to the pond fish and any uneaten food will rot down quickly causing water quality issues.
3. Watch water levels. Evaporation is higher of course and a smaller volume of water will rise in temperature quicker. Remember if adding water to also use a dechlorinator if city water, again chlorine can inflame the gills and add to the stress.
4. Provide shade, and a tarpaulin or large umbrella to help protect the pond from direct sunlight. Floating Planting Baskets work great.
5. Make sure your pond is at least 2 feet deep.  This will help the fish by allowing them to keep out of direct sunlight and stay in the cooler parts of the pond.  Also, the more gallons a pond has enables you to control the temperature of the water.
6. Use biological filters and skimmers, keep the water as clean and fish safe as possible, helps fish health and keeps stress down.
7. Control algae, sucks the life out of the pond and then the fish.

Pond H20 has all the Pond Supplies you need!

For all ponds, big and small Pond H2o has the supplies you need to make your dream water feature come to life! When we say we have all the supplies you need, we mean it, we are a one-stop shop for all that you need. From an all-in-one pond kits to maintenance care and accessories, we have you covered! If you have any questions call us at 856-985-9339 or email us at info@pondh2o.com.  Check out our Facebook page for latest news and information.

What Causes String Algae?

String Algae, Carpet Algae, Blanketweed, Pond Scum the many different manners of the dreaded green bloom. Filamentous Algae is its true name as defined by Clemson EDU, Cladophora Glomerata (String Algae) is a common one. These algae form as thread-like structures that can be floating or attached to submerged items such as the pond walls or aquatic plants.

What causes Spring Algae?

Many different factors come into play, but these algae’s need food and this is usually the driver.  Often it can be seen at the start of the season, mainly due to the algae is faster out of the block, while slower marginals and lilies wake up and start to use up the nutrients in the pond ie phosphates and nitrates , the algae is off, growing rapidly.  Warming water and increasing sun levels also help string algae flourish.

How do I stop It?

Uv Lights do not work well against these Filamentous Algae’s, as the cells are not going through the quartz sleeve like single cell algae would.

Here are our top 5 tips to combat string algae:

1. Easiest way is to break down the food chain by binding phosphates and other means to take away the food source. There are many different products on the pond market to do this.
2. Physically removing the algae using a string algae brush.
3. Plant more marginals and lilies to use up the excess nutrients; check out our plant baskets.
4. Cut back on the fish food and this adds nutrients to the ponds. Use a Pond Feeder.
5. Test the water for phosphates. Add Pond Treatments as needed.
6. Pond tinting the water can also help to stop sunlight getting to the algae.

Pond H2O has all the Pond Supplies you need!

For all ponds, big and small Pond H2o has the supplies you need to make your dream water feature come to life! When we say we have all the supplies you need, we mean it, we are a one-stop shop for all that you need. From an all-in-one pond kit to maintenance care and accessories, we have you covered! If you have any questions call us at 856-985-9339 or email us at info@pondh2o.com.

5 Reasons to Aerate Your Water Garden Pond

One of the more foundational elements of maintaining a clean pond is consistent aeration. Here are PondH2o’s 5 Reasons to Aerate Your Water Garden Pond.  

Some products out there work from the bottom up, while others utilize the inverse strategy. Either way, the overall goal to aerate your water garden pond is to increase the dissolved oxygen levels which equates to a healthy pond and fish habitat, especially during the winter time.

• Find the correct sized aerator for your water garden

Many water garden ponds tend to rely exclusively on a collection of waterfalls for aeration. While this can be a solid and effective method, this typically results in aerating only the surface of the pond while the bottom remains neglected. Ultimately, this can create what is known as an anaerobic environment which means one with extremely low oxygen levels in areas of the pond.

Ground to surface aeration by Everyday Aquarist via Youtube.

Therefore, make sure you are always choosing the correct pond aeration system to both aerate from the top and bottom of the pond.

• Higher oxygen stimulate the number of aerobic bacteria in the pond

In any pond habitat, there are billions of living bacteria at the bottom of the pond. Aerobic bacteria is bacteria that can only live and thrive in an oxygenated environment.  However, this bacteria also manifest important functions that involve the dissolution of organic debris and the breakdown of pond muck. It serves to note, too, that low bacteria levels can also result in an increase in organic build-up at the bottom of the pond, which you want to avoid at all costs. 

Bacteria molecules in pond water by Jasper Nance via Flikr.

In other words, if you have a build-up of organic debris, this can lead to unwanted changes in your water garden, such as discolored green water. This can be easily curtailed by increasing the amount of aerobic bacteria to sustain the constant organic load trickling into the pond. 

• Aeration serves as a proxy for de-icing during the winter months

During the winter months, your filtration system and fish will be dormant. As this happens, the aforementioned organic debris will continue to decompose and release gas into the water. The gas then can become trapped in the ice which supplants the oxygen and in turn can be fatal to the fish.

Bird bath deicer by fishhawk via Flikr.

And while heaters and deicers can serve the useful purpose of providing ventilation, they can’t provide macro circulation for the gases throughout the pond. Thanks to aeration, this discourages ice formation and also helps distribute the toxic gases to the surface to be released and ensures your fish are safe during the winter months.

• It’s a money saver, too

Saving money by 401 (K) 2012 via Flikr.

As mentioned previously, you can aerate your water garden by using a waterfall pump in the winter. However, this can be a quite draining (no pun intended) expense. Conversely, if you opt to use a properly sized solar aerator, this can nullify the need to use the waterfall pump on a regular basis, and thereby saving hundreds of dollars a year in the process, too.

• Decrease overall pond maintenance 

By chronically running your solar aerator on a year-round basis, you can thereby drastically reduce both the maintenance you have to perform and the costs, too. In addition to the other benefits, an oxygen-rich water habitat enables a robust bacteria population which helps remove organic debris, nullify harmful gases and helps lower ammonia and nitrate levels, too. 

A koi pond near Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand by Siddarth Mallya via Wikimedia Commons.

Now that your pond is utilizing these aeration techniques, make sure to check out our Water Garden Koi Fish Pond Aeration Products from PondH2o to optimally oxygenate your water garden.

Be sure to check out our Information Center for other Pond Blogs.  As always, remember to check our Facebook page for coupons and news.

Top Tips for Taking Care of a Koi Fish Pond

Our latest article on the top tips for taking care of a koi fish pond.  A koi fish, is a fish that can live up to more than three decades, nishikigoi, commonly known as koi, colorful carp fish that are kept as ornamental decorative pets in a backyard pond. 

Indeed, their average lifespans—upwards of 25 years—are protracted in captivity, which makes it even more crucial to create a healthy habitat for them.  However, sustaining a thriving koi pond can be tricky, especially for novices who lack necessary experience in these matters. No worries – that’s why Pond H2o is here to help with our Top Tips for Taking care of a Koi Fish Pond.

Here are some of the more exigent points to help you create and subsequently maintain a healthy koi fish pond.

• Frequently change the water 

A koi fish pond in the Kranji countryside, Singapore by Eustaquio Santimano via Flikr.

After the installation of your koi pond, evaporation will gradually take place over time, especially in warmer climates. This leads to a decrease in the water, which in turn leaves behind minerals and other substances that could eventually hinder its quality. Due to this inevitability, you will lose at least 10 to 15 percent of water on a weekly basis and need to refill the pond to the required level—depending on the size of your pond. Also, it is never recommended to do a full water change in your pond, as this will shock your fish and their habitat.

• Monitor and control the algae

Algae-covered pond in Township, Michigan by Dwight Burdette via Wikimedia Commons.

During the filtration process—which we will delve into later—ammonia in the pond is transformed into nitrate—a harmless substance. However, nitrate allows algae to grow and thrive throughout, which can be detrimental to the koi. A superfluous amount of algae can deprive the koi of oxygen. To prevent this, use algaecides and carefully read the instructions, as the frequency of use will depend on the product in question. Perform regular tests on your pond water quality.

• Make sure to clean your filter

Fish pond with a barrel used for the filter by cskk via Flikr.

Typically, most biological pond filters should be cleaned and maintained every two weeks. However, this largely depends on the ratio of fish to water, and the surrounding conditions, too.   You will also need to determine how often the filter needs to be backwashed. This can be done by checking the pressure gauge—if it is reading much higher than usual, then you’ll need to backwash it.

• Seasonality

Koi pond meditation garden by Wonderlane via Flikr.

Your koi fish pond maintenance strategy will also be dependent on the season. During colder months, it is imperative to cut or trim all dying leaves from the aquatic plants.  Also the surface of your pond may freeze during the winter (depending where you live), so it’s important to purchase a floating pond aerator to put in one of the sections of the water to prevent freezing. 

For the spring and summer months, the time for pond cleaning becomes much easier, and more apparent—thanks to debris carried over from the winter. For this, transfer the koi to holding tanks to make for a more streamlined, expeditious cleaning process, since there will likely be a lot of debris to clean out and will ensure lower stress levels for the koi fish. 

• Address and remedy any leaks

A koi pond by brewbooks via Wikimedia Commons. 

As mentioned, water levels decrease naturally due to evaporation. If the leakage is increasing, it’s probably safe to assume there is a leak. Overall, it is normal for a koi pond to lose about ½ inches of water per day. However, any loss greater than that rate is likely an indication there is a leakage. To stabilize the pond’s conditions, repair any leak(s) as soon as possible. 

For more of our products, specifically one that helps transfer your koi fish during a spring or summer cleaning, check out our heavy duty waterproof koi fish transport sock.

7 Tricks to Keep Your Pond Fresh and Clean

Whether you are a homeowner or environmental caretaker, keeping your pond clean with ease becomes a paramount issue for your koi fish pond or water garden. Follow our simple 7 tricks to keep you pond fresh and clean.

To that end, most vigilant water garden pond owners will know that clean water will factor into a salubrious pond. On the flip side, if you don’t know how to keep a pristine pond, this can be a challenge to say the least. And the telltale signs could be more subtle than you may think.

For example, your typical backyard koi fish pond or water garden water might look crystal clear, but if your fish are exhibiting unusual behavior, this could mean your pond needs to be cleaned.

With our 7 Tricks to Keep Your Pond Fresh and Clean, this process will be much easier for your precious water garden habitat.

1.) Curate and maintain a healthy fish population

Fisher in Oliver’s Pond by Clayton Sieg via Flikr.

One of the ways to determine whether your pond is sufficient to host a vibrant fish population is to assess the total fish to your gallon levels. For example, if you have a pond of 100 gallons or more, then you should have no more than 10” of fish. Otherwise, your aquatic paradise is likely over-populated, which can lead to a disproportionate level of fish waste.

If this is the case with you, then you may want to contact a pond retailer or third party contractor to buy your fish. This is generally an easy process and can be streamlined, too.

2.) Make sure to properly feed your fish

An artificial feeding pond for fishes by Avinashmambully via Wikimedia Commons.

This next tip should go without saying, but you would be surprised to find that many pond owners do not treat their fish well; and this can lead to some potentially intractable consequences. If you overfeed your fish, not only can this lead to likely potential health problems, but it can lead to detrimental issues for your pond, too.

For starters, the surplus amount of uneaten food will decay in the water. To prevent this, try to feed your fish no more than once per day and make sure to use quality fish food— preferably that floats. Always remove uneaten food.

3.) Sustain a healthy balance of plants

Fauna in a pond by FarfOuille via Pixabay.

During the peak times of the season, you should typically have anywhere from 40% to 60% of the surface area of your pond either covered in or shaded by flora. However, a surfeit amount of anything is typically not an efficacious scenario.

With too much flora, there comes an excess of oxygen which in turn stymies the photosynthetic process—which is crucial for plants to give off carbon dioxide. In other words, your fish need an ample amount of oxygen to survive. So a superfluous amount of plants could be detrimental to their survival.

4.) Choose the correct size pump for your pond

A solar-powered water fountain in a pond by Squigfried via Wikimedia Commons.

While this may seem like a trivial step, it’s crucial for the health and even safety for both the fish and the pond. Typically, you should be circulating the entirety of your pond’s water at a minimum rate of once per hour. Additionally, you should check the backfill of your pump to see if there is any internal obstruction.

As always, you want to make sure your upkeep products for your pond are up to date with exceptional quality. To better equip your aquatic masterpiece, check out our pond, which includes different filters (which we’ll cover later), pumps and other accessories.

5.) Invest in Quality Pond Tools

Girl using a fishing net by USFWS via Pixnio.

This could be the simple fix your pond desperately needs. With a pond brush and other quality products, you’ll be able to remove unwanted algae—a common occurrence—or other floating debris that can abjectly affect the environment your fish need to thrive. These are typically inexpensive items, so you won’t necessarily have to take a cut from your pond budget to make purchases.

The processes are simple, too, as you’ll only have to spend about 10 minutes per day removing leaves, twigs and other debris from your pond. At the same time, you may want to invest in a skimmer net. Routine pond maintenance is a key to a healthy and clean pond.

6.) Choose the correct filtration system

Traditional coping on an NSP pool with adjoined side pond by Enricoslasheric via Wikimedia Commons.

As with your pump, your pond’s filter should also be comparable to the size of your pond. As with any other filter, remember to clean it regularly according to the instructions. For the size, you want it to be outfitted as close to the dimensions of your pond as possible, too.

For filters, there are generally types you should be aware of as a pond owner. There are Biological and Mechanical pond filter systems. They can be further broken down into Gravity filters and box style filters, which utilize both biological and mechanical filtration techniques to optimize beneficial bacteria.

7.) Maintain beneficial bacteria

Cyanobacteria in a freshwater pond by Christian Fischer via Wikimedia Commons.

Speaking of bacteria, adding this to your pond is actually instrumental to a continual healthy life cycle. By specifically infusing biodegradable bacteria packs once per month, for instance, you’ll be ensuring a clean pond.

When adding any pond water treatment, you’ll need to know the total gallons of your pond.  In order to properly add the appropriate amount of the aforementioned water treatment. Always remember to scrupulously read the instructions, and follow product guidelines.

For more information on how to clean your pond and help ensure you are using the correct products for clarity, health and appearance, make sure to check out our selection of pond filter media and follow these simple 7 Tricks to Keep Your Pond Fresh and Clean.

Water Garden Pond Kits

Why is it Essential to Buy Water Garden Pond Kits?

A water garden koi fish pond is a place where you can rest and enjoy good times with friends and family. When you sit in your backyard and enjoy the pretty view, it gives immense happiness and pleasure to everyone. There are many benefits of investing in backyard water garden pond kits that you can experience every day. PondH2o has designed a full range of Complete Pond Kits for all aspects of your pond.  Each kit is comprised of professional high quality water garden pond products.  We have taken all of the guess work out of the core components necessary for a wonderful water garden pond.  Here are some of the advantages of backyard garden pond kits for your home:

• A pond in a backyard adds value to your property. It has small features that appeal to many people, especially those who enjoy taking “staycations” or entertaining friends or family in their backyards. It increases the value of your home when you install a backyard garden pond.
• A garden pond plant basket kit attracts helpful insects to your yard, if you carry a flower or plant water garden, you will need pollinators to bring harvest in your garden. Many times, these insects displace or even eliminate the bugs you don’t want in your garden. Look for pond plant basket kits that have a variety of baskets, and maybe planting accessories.
• There are many people who experience stress, anxiety and other feelings due to one or another reason. When you peacefully gaze at garden pond, it helps to improve your mood. When you listen to the bubbling sound of the water and enjoy colorful and verdant garden surrounding, it helps in lowering your stress level. It gives you a chance to start every day relaxing or meditating at your own garden pond.
• A backyard waterfall or water feature kit allows you to run your pump 24/7 or only when you are outside enjoying it. A backyard waterfall kit allows you to create a waterfall that is pond-free. You don’t need to spend money for extra plumbing or equipment. A backyard waterfall kit comes with everything you need to create beautiful waterfall or water feature.
• There are backyard Pond Pump & Filter Combo Kits available that will save you money on necessary filter, pump and hose products. With the patented filter technologies, you don’t have to worry about spending time and money unclogging pumps from debris or removing excessive algae. You will have fresh, clean, healthy water that will attract the right kind of wildlife to your yard.

When your backyard is a beautiful place, you are more likely to invite friends, family and neighbors for a barbecue or brunch. You will feel more proud of your home. When you install a water garden pond in your yard, it will add beauty and value to your property. Pond H2o’s water garden pond kits make the installation process easy and you have access to everything you need for a successful project.

Choosing the Right Pond Net

Choosing the right pond net can be quite bewildering.  Searching for the right pond net, all different sizes, shapes, pricing and often a not so perfect purchase takes place.  Pond H2o has the most comprehensive range of water garden koi fish pond nets in the USA! So, you are at a good place to choose exactly the proper pond net and stop a misinformed purchase.

First decision to be made is what do you want to use the net for? Large to medium sized ponds and small ponds will require different pond nets. To help make the decision of what type net to use, here is a guide to use:

• Catch fish
• Clean the pond
• Retrieve leaves & debris
• Clean pond bottom
• Expensive koi nets

Water Garden Koi Fish Pond nets can really be broken into 4 categories

Pond Nets Use

General pond net or multi-purpose pond nets are used to catch fish, retrieve items and general use, these have a slightly open mesh and can vary in length head size or pricing. Our multi-purpose pond nets are ideal for removing fish or debris from the pond.  Soft netting that wont damage the pond or the fish. Our multi-purpose pond nets are ideal for removing fish or debris from the pond and are easy to keep clean.

Koi Pan Nets Use

Koi Pan nets are very shallow nets hence the word pan is used. These are not intended to catch fish outright but to guide them into a bowl or koi transport sock to be retrieved. Usually used in koi ponds and are a specialist net for mainly expensive koi and not intended for general use.

Sludge Nets Use 

Sludge nets have very fine mesh and made strong to allow for heavy sludge or pond muck, to be retrieved from the bottom of the pond. Pond h2o sludge nets also have a front protector to help stop the front of the net on the bottom of the pond getting damaged. Used while doing general maintenance on your water garden pond.

Skimmer Nets Use

Skimmer nets usually have very fine netting and are typically quite shallow in depth to allow easy use.  They are designed for skimming or removing leaves, pine needles and other debris from water garden ponds and other water features.  Here at Pondh2o, we’ve developed this Light N Easy Skimmer Net with Telescopic 70 Inch Pole, pond skimming net with ergonomically friendly golf club design.  The net head is on an angle making for ease when skimming across the surface of the pond water.  Carefully retrieving unwanted water garden pond debris that may cloud your water. Pond Skimming net is usually light and allows for removal of debris, significantly cutting down on pond maintenance.

Specialist Use Nets

Specialist use nets cover items like koi transport socks and floating net baskets that will quarantine or isolate fish.

Choosing the right pond net does not have to be overwhelming.  You just need to take some things into consideration and make the decision based on the task needed.  Pond H2o is here to help!

Green Water & String Algae Issues

Green Water & String Algae Issues are a subject that is one of the most sought after answers in pond keeping,  to why my pond goes green or is choked in string algae?

Always nearly caused by a imbalance in nutrients in the pond caused by many factors which we will go through and explain each.

If you look at a natural pond or lake it may be crystal clear even without any filtration. The reason is a balanced pond which translates into that all the parameters of nitrite, nitrate and phosphate are inline so not causing an algae bloom, on the other end of the spectrum is a unbalanced pond.

Causes of a Unbalanced Pond, Green Water & String Algae Issues

• High phosphates in the water, resulting in algae having a rich food source in which to thrive.
• Overfeeding, if the fish have not eaten the food within 5 minutes you are overfeeding.
• Too much sunlight, algae need sunlight which is why this problem is worst in the Spring as the water warms up and taps into the nutrients available.
• Too high Fish Load, having too many fish in the pond causes water quality issues of Nitrite turning into Nitrate linked to food and fish waste.
• Not Enough Plants, pond plants compete to use up the nutrients just like the single cell algae or string algae so add plants, especially one that will add shade like a floating planter.

How To Fix a Green Pond

Break down the food chain is the best option, get rid of the source to get rid of the problem.   Phosphates and Nitrates are at the end of the nitrogen cycle and are why the algae is thriving. Products are available to break the phosphates down, Pondh2o Green Water Goblins been our best seller, totally harmless to all wildlife including frogs and toads.

How To Fix String Algae Issues

String Algae or Filament Algae is basically the same as single cell algae (greenwater). Best to try and get as much out as possible first using a string algae brush.

Then work on the reason why the string algae or blanketweed got going in the first place. Many different products on the market we recommend our Blanketweed Bio’s totally natural and will break down the food chain of the filament algae.