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...

Why is my pond cloudy in the summer and clear in the winter?

thepondguy.com

A: Frustrating, isn't it? During the summer when it's warm and inviting outside by the pond, the water looks cloudy; when it's too cold to enjoy the outdoor scenery, the water appears crystal clear. What's the deal? Let's look below the water's surface to see what happens during the two seasons. Mur...

I would like to build a backyard pond. What do I need to know?

thepondguy.com

A: Are you dreaming of summertime landscaping projects? Yep, we are too. With the cold season upon us, there's nothing like some backyard pond planning to warm up those chilly days and get excited about diving in to your favorite hobby. Whether you plan to build a half-acre pond with a recirculating...

I have an aeration system but the pond is frozen over, am I still getting aeration?

thepondguy.com

A: Even if you've been running your aeration system diligently throughout the winter to protect your fish, it is still possible for your pond freeze over. It is not uncommon for the cold weather to close up the holes created by your aeration system during a streak of particularly frigid winter days....

Running a pond heater is expensive. Do I have any other options?

thepondguy.com

A: Yes, those pond heaters are expensive to run! But guess what? You don't need one in the first place! Heaters are more frequently used in aquariums, particularly those that house warm-water fish like tetras or angelfish. In your pond, the fish will overwinter just fine without a heater—even if t...

How can you tell if your pond is safe to walk on?

thepondguy.com

A: Ice is fun—but it can be dangerous business. Winter brings cold weather and snow to your pond or lake, as well as a perfect layer of ice for skating, ice fishing, snowmobiling and more. You may want to get out there and play, but it's important to know whether your ice is safe and strong or a p...

How can I keep my dock from getting destroyed by ice?

thepondguy.com

A: Ice can certainly do some damage to a dock. As water freezes, it expands. As it melts, it contracts. And all that freezing and melting business can wreak havoc on the wood and materials used to make the mooring. So what can you do to protect your investment? If you have a floating or removable do...

We've been keeping our fish indoors for the winter and have filtration. Do we need to use any chemicals?

thepondguy.com

A: No doubt your finned friends are enjoying the cozy indoors during the chilly winter season. With your tank's filtration system turned on, you're mechanically cleaning the fishes' aquatic abode – which is a great first step – but there are a few more things you can do to make their stay inside...

How are algae able to grow in the winter when everything else is dormant?

thepondguy.com

A: Algae can be tough little buggers. An estimated 72,500 algal species exist worldwide, and some of them can thrive in inhospitable conditions, including areas with ice and snow. With a handful of nutrients and a little bit of light, they're able to grow – even in the 39 degree water under the ic...