Do you have any tips for adding plants to my pond?

thepondguy.com

A: Water lilies and lotus … blue flag iris … hyacinth … so many aquatic plants, so little time. A pond full of these colorful beauties – along with the hardworking, submerged oxygenators – adds splendor and life to your waterscape. Not only that, but birds will visit, bugs will buzz throug...

Do I need to put enzymes in my pond if I put bacteria in there?

thepondguy.com

A: Bacteria and enzymes may both be microscopic heavyweights when it comes to breaking down decomposing organics in your pond, but they play distinctly different roles. Here's what you need to know about them – and how they complement each other. Natural Bacteria: The Leading Role Aerobic and anae...

I know bass are good predator fish to put in a pond, but does it matter if they are largemouth or smallmouth bass?

thepondguy.com

A: Bass – both largemouth and smallmouth – make excellent predator fish. These strong, scrappy guys keep your bluegill population in check. They chase frogs, eat crustaceans and snails, and even catch unsuspecting birds and rodents like small muskrats. They're a definite asset in your pond or la...

How do I divide my pond plants?

thepondguy.com

A:  It's that time of year, isn't it? After a long winter's nap, your aquatic plants are a great place to start flexing that green thumb of yours. Potted water lilies and bog plants will need to be divided, but how you do so will depend on the type of plants you have. In general, bog plants will ne...

What's the best way to get debris off the rocks when I clean out my pond this spring?

thepondguy.com

A:  There's nothing like spring cleaning – especially when it gives you a chance to remove some of that icky, slimy scum and debris that's been growing on your waterfall, rocks and gravel all year-long. With the water drained from your pond (after your fish are safe in a temporary tub), you have ...

How can I create a good environment for my fish to spawn?

thepondguy.com

A: A little candlelight, some smooth jazz playing in the background, a private spot beneath the lilies … sounds romantic, doesn't it? Well, when you're creating an ideal spawning environment for your game fish, they really need little more than the right set up. The key is knowing what that set up...

We had lots of tadpoles in our pond last year. Will they still be tadpoles this year or can we expect more frogs?

thepondguy.com

A: What would a summer evening on your pond or lake be without bullfrogs? Let's discuss how to distinguish bullfrog and toad tadpoles and understand how they develop into adults. What Came First: the Egg or Frog Both bullfrogs and toads reproduce by laying eggs in the water. Female bullfrogs deposit...

Is it time to start feeding the fish? They look hungry.

thepondguy.com

A: Talk about feeling hungry! If your fish are actively (or anxiously!) swimming around your water garden, nibbling and tasting your budding plants, and gazing at you forlornly as you eat your peanut butter sandwich pondside, it sounds like your finned pals are ready for some grub after their long w...

When is the best time to install underwater pond lighting?

thepondguy.com

A: Whether it's illuminating a patio, a landscape or a water garden, outdoor lighting can have a dramatic impact on the area's space. It creates a special mood and spotlights stunning features while adding ambient light to the environment. Underwater lighting is best installed when your pond is empt...

Is there anything special I need to do to stock my pond this spring?

thepondguy.com

A: Fish are fun to catch and entertaining to watch, they also help maintain a balanced backyard ecosystem. There's nothing quite like fishing for bass, perch or bluegill from your own pond or lake. Whether you're stocking a new pond, replenishing an existing pond or adding to an already-established....

If I can't do a big spring cleanout on my pond, what is the best way to get the debris out of the pond?

thepondguy.com

A: An annual spring cleanout is an important chore when you own a backyard pond. It's when you remove all the decaying organics that collected over the winter, trim back dead foliage, kick on your filtration and aeration systems, and generally spruce things up around your water garden wonderland. Bu...

When I start my aeration system up do I need to turn it on for only a few hours a day like when it was installed?

thepondguy.com

A: Yes, gradually starting up your system for the season will avoid any quick turnover in your pond. Ideally, your aeration system should run all year long. By running it all year long, this will prevent possible winter fish kills. But if you shut your aeration system down in the winter for recreati...

We had a couple of warm days. Is there anything I should be working on for the spring?

thepondguy.com

A: We may have another month or two of winter ahead of us, but that doesn't mean you can't head out to the pond on sunny days and get a jump-start on your spring cleaning and maintenance chores. Here are a few ideas: Tidy Things Up Rain, snow, wind and winter precipitation do a number on landscaping...

My mom wants a water feature but needs something easy to maintain. Any suggestions?

thepondguy.com

A:  Sounds like mom has been bitten by the water gardening bug! Thanks to all the options available to budding pond hobbyists, she doesn't need to install a maintenance-heavy feature. She can find a simple-to-use one that's ideal for a small yard, patio or tabletop. It's easy to help her choose the...

I occasionally have power outages during the snowfall. Will it cause a problem for my aeration system?

thepondguy.com

A: Power outages during heavy snowfall or ice storms aren't uncommon – and when they happen, your aeration system will need some attention. Here's what we recommend to prevent problems from occurring: Relieve Air Pressure: Built-up air pressure in the air compressor could potentially stop the aera...

My UV bulb was still working when I pulled it out for the winter. Do I still need to replace it?

thepondguy.com

A:  A UV bulb is one of your best weapons in the battle against discolored water. When those ultra-fine particles are exposed to the bulb's ultraviolet rays the tiny particles clump together, and those clumps are then removed by your mechanical filtration system. What's left behind is clean, clear ...

I have a de-icer but my pond totally froze over. Help! What do I do?

thepondguy.com

A: When frigid weather persists for days on end – like those way-below-zero temperatures – a pond can completely freeze over, even if a higher-watt de-icer and aerator are used. The ice-melting combination works great in most scenarios, but it just can't keep up in extreme conditions. Do keep in...

People ice fish on lakes, but can you ice fish on a small pond, too?

thepondguy.com

A: Absolutely! Ice fishing on a small pond can be just as rewarding as ice fishing on a lake – particularly if it's stocked with bass, bluegill and perch. Here are five tips for making this wintertime sport safe and enjoyable. Partner Up: Whether you're ice fishing on a huge lake or a small pond, ...

When should I start using the Seasonal Defense® in my DefensePAC®?

thepondguy.com

A: Seasonal Defense® , contains aerobic bacteria that's specially designed for cooler water. In the spring, it replenishes bacteria lost over the winter, jump starts the growth of the waste-gobbling microorganisms and breaks down accumulated waste. It's a great way to kick off pond season! Add It A...

There are dead cattails and phragmites everywhere. Do I need to rake them out once the ice melts?

thepondguy.com

A: What an eyesore. As the snow and ice melt, those brown, dried-up cattails and phragmites do little to enhance a landscape. They can, in fact, cause water quality and weed management problems, especially as spring approaches and those green shoots emerge from the dead growth. You need to do someth...

Should I use just one type of filter media or are multiple types better?

thepondguy.com

A:  Filter media—or the stuff in your filter that holds beneficial bacteria—come in a range of shapes, sizes and densities. Some are plastic balls; some are fibrous mats and blocks; some are plastic spiral-shaped things that more resemble fusilli than pond products. With all the different types...