The Best Way To Aerate Your Pond

Pond and Lake Aeration Tips:

Without the use of a pond aerator your pond will become stagnant and smell bad, not to mention the algae or aquatic weed buildup and the stress your fish will go through because of lower oxygen levels. You need to move the water around and the best way to do that is with a pond aerator. It mixes a high volume of water with a propeller that is attached to a motor, while giving you a beautiful decorative fountain display.

Also, oxygen enters the pond by diffusing into the water from the atmosphere. Submerged aquatic plants also produce oxygen during the day, but this is not enough, especially in the hot summer months when the water is warmer. Decomposing fish waste and algae along with the normal respiration of aquatic life, depletes the oxygen faster than it can diffuse back into the water.

Your Pond requires aeration 24 hour a day, especially during the hot summer months. The warmer the water is, the less oxygen it can hold and you could loose your fish overnight. Lake aerators are the solution.

For small ponds, waterfalls and fountains help supplement an air pump system, but should not be the sole source of pond aeration. We strongly suggest you use an Air Pump and Air Stones to achieve total pond aeration from the bottom to the top regardless of depth.

In parts of the country where there are harsh winters, use a floating fountain pond aerator in addition to floating Pond Deicer that keeps a small area from freezing. This open area allows the naturally occurring gasses to escape and adds oxygen to the water.  Dormant fish still need oxygen under the ice. These units can be left in the water during the winter while the pond freezes around it. Then in the spring when the pond thaws, it is ready to turn on again.

So, if your fish are at the surface of the water and look like they are gasping for air, they probably are. Add a floating pond lake aerator and keep your pond clean and healthy.

These decorative floating aerators provide the perfect solution for improving water quality in fish ponds and lakes. It adds oxygen at the bottom of your lake or pond important for algae control.

For algae and aquatic weed maintenance, additives like natural beneficial bacteria and pond dye starve the algae so that it retards the growth and is safe for fish and the environment. 

Discount Pumps Offers Pond Fountains and Aerators For Healthier Ponds

Discount Pumps is a pond supply retailer, specializing in floating fountains, aerators and pond management supplies.

Pond Fountains

Enjoy the serenity you feel from a backyard pond, the looks and sounds in your pond environment, beautiful and serene yes, but in order to keep that, ponds and lakes need to be maintained. Whether you have a residential or commercial pond, the condition deteriorates without proper aeration. The lower levels of the pond will run out of oxygen first, which can result in the death of many living things like snails, worms, and microorganisms. These living things  are vital in keeping the pond’s balance. Ponds deeper than 6 feet with no aeration are not capable of producing enough oxygen. A pond aerator or pond fountains can resolve this issue by providing the necessary oxygen to beneficial bacteria which promotes a healthy, vital aquatic environment.

 

Pond Aerator

To maximize your pond’s aeration, the pond aerator you select needs to be the correct size and have the proper features to do the job. We have helpful charts to aid our customer’s selection process in choosing the correct aerator for their ponds. Discount Pumps has a variety of pond aerators and decorative pond fountains styles and sizes to choose from, including display pond aerator systems, diffused aeration systems, high-oxygen surface aerators and floating pond fountains.

What is the difference between pond fountains and an pond aerator?

What is the difference between a pond fountains and an pond aerator?

Pond Fountains

Pond Fountains mainly have just one use, and that is aesthetics although it does aerate some because it moves and mixes the water around. These spray patterns have 2 or 3 tiers that are very tall and wide, so more decorative. On the other hand a decorative Pond Aerator has two purposes, they aerate a much larger volume of water but also have a decorative spray pattern that is thicker but is only the plume shape that you often see. That is because there is no nozzle. The water is pushed up and around a disk in unit.

Pond Aerator

Aeration is essential:

Proper aeration is essential for the health of your pond or lake.

• Aeration improves water balance and clarity
• Aeration is the main way to prevent fish kills
• Aeration helps support fish and micro organisms 
• Aeration helps to control the growth of weeds and algae
• Pond Fountains or pond aerator typically adds value to your property

Pond Fountains are a great form of aeration. Another option is the use of an sub surface aeration system. Although sub surface systems have lower electrical costs than pond fountains, they offer little aesthetic value because most of the aeration process takes place under the water.

Transform your property into a resort!!

Transform your property into a resort:

Fresh grass, flowers or other plants, rocks and decorative hardscapes are great way to increase your outdoor environment. For home owners that have ponds on their property, should maybe consider a pond fountains or pond aerator. Not only will it increase the property value but also create a healthier pond and outdoor environment.

Pond Fountains at a Resort

Your backyard area should reflect your lifestyle. It’s not just some place to store the outdoor grill and bicycles. It is a place to go to relax with the family and friends. Choose backyard projects that will change  your outdoor space into your family’s fun hangout spot.

• Add natural accents. Use natural materials to add to your space. Wooden swings and stone pathways can set a whimsical tone for the rest of your design ideas. Opt for naturally pest- and rot-resistant local wood varieties.
• Add bird friendly items. Birds are a great way to interact with nature, and they can help control pests in your garden. Start by landscaping with the native nut-, fruit- and seed-bearing plants preferred by your local birds. Install birdhouses on poles. They protect birds better than tree-mounted boxes. Incorporate a birdbath or garden pond into your design. Add decals or screens to back windows to protect birds from injuries. Be sure to provide seed in cold weather, when birds’ natural food sources may be low.
• Create a butterfly garden. Butterfly-friendly gardens will help pollinate your flowers and reduce the need for pesticides. Add plants that butterflies are attracted to. Also, incorporate plants that provide a larvae habitat.

If you desire peace and quiet. Your backyard resort might include a gazebo shading a couple of luxurious lounge chairs. Hang bird feeders nearby so you can listen to their calming chirps as you indulge in your favorite summer reads. Ad flowering plants and shrubs. Pick up some prepared summer salads and fresh fruit at the supermarket so you don’t have to worry about cooking. Sip on refreshing iced tea or chilled fruit-infused water. Close your eyes and imagine you are being pampered at your dream spa. 

Pond Fountains at a Golf Course

Once you’ve transformed your backyard into your resort destination, the most important thing to remember is to mentally “go on vacation” each time you open your back door. Take care of the chores and projects ahead of time. Then spend time outside and make some lasting memories with family and friends.

For more tips on transforming your pond area, check out our blog page at Discount Pumps

Evaporation in Ponds, Streams, Waterfalls and Fountains

Evaporation in Ponds and Lakes from Floating Fountains

A general rule to follow is that most water features will lose about 1 inch per week from evaporation.

Any time you splash water in the air there will be some type of evaporation. How much depends on many factors including:

·         Difference between air and water temperature

·         Wind

·         Sun vs clouds

·         Fall (height of pattern)

·         Droplet size and more…..

All decorative pond aerators or pond fountains that splash at the surface will have the most evaporation. Surface aerators that just bubble and circulate will give the lowest percentage of evaporation per (gallons per minute)

Aeration with the least amount of evaporation

HOWEVER, when there is a water feature with a lower pond and a stream or waterfall above it, there are many variables involved besides just looking at the lower pond and measuring the loss. Here is an example: An upper pond 6´ x 8´, a stream that is 15´ long and about 1´ wide of flowing water, and a lower pond that is about 10´ x 10´. If the calculation is actually one inch of evaporation it would work out to be:

Lower Pond Area: 10´ x 10´ = 100 sq. ft., x 1/12 ft. deep = 8.33 cu. ft. x 7.4805 gal./cu. ft. = 62.3 gallons.

Flowing Stream: 15´ x 1´ = 15 sq. ft., x 1/12 ft. deep = 1.25 cu. ft. x 7.4805 gal./cu. ft. = 9.35 gallons.

Upper Pond Area: 6´ x 8´ = 48 sq. ft., x 1/12 ft. deep = 4 cu. ft. x 7.4805 gal./cu. ft. = 29.2 gallons.

So now there is a total evaporation of 100.85 gallons. But this only affects the level in the lower pond, since the pump is replenishing the upper pond and streambed full of water. Therefore, 100.85 gallons divided by 7.4805 = 13.37 cu. ft. divided by 100 sq. ft. = .13 x 12 in./ft. = 1.6 inches of actual drop in the lower pond for each 1 inch of actual evaporation in the entire pond, stream and waterfall area.

Surface Aerator with very little evaporation

Now we have to add some real variable into the equation, this is the “splash factor” in the streambed and also the waterfall. If it is a very hot summer day and the water is splashing small droplets onto a hot rocks, it will immediately evaporate rather than run back into the stream. Some, naturally, may actually splash completely out of the stream bed. And, do not forget the occasional deer or other animal drinking at night, or neighborhood kids playing, or the large dog taking a swim and taking water out with him.

Also, a hot day with low humidity will obviously have a different evaporation rate compared with a cold and damp day. All of these variables play a role in the evaporation rate. For more helpful pond tips visit Discount Pumps.

Decorative Pond Aerator

Decorative Pond Fountains

ECO Series Stainless Steel Pond Fountain

Our new ECO Series 1/2 HP Pond Fountain

The Eco Series 1/2 HP Floating Fountain was developed for the price conscious consumer that expects professional looks along with our high quality design at a reasonable price.

These Floating Pond Fountains are not only to be beautiful, but made with the very reliable industrial grade stainless steel pump, motor and impeller with built in thermal protection, this pump is difficult to stop. The "workhorse" delivers 4000 gallons per hour!! Energy efficient pump assembly helps to keep operating costs at a minimum. Available in 115 volt and 230 volt models. (7 Amps for 115v) (3 Amps for 230v). This is one of our best selling floating pond fountains.

We offer this fountain at a special price and compared to our other stainless steel pond fountains, it is a great price starting at $595.00.

This pond fountain is easy to install, no tools required. Also several lighting options are available with this fountain, but lights can be added later if wanted. The fountain kit includes a float, 4 nozzles, stainless steel motor, cable, mooring line and a 2 year warranty!! 

Why spend more!! At Discount Pumps - Quality pond fountains at an affordable price!

Advanced RGB LED lights for pond fountains

Discount Pumps now offers our Advanced RGB LED lights featuring stainless steel housings, mounting brackets and hardware.

Each LED fixture is a brilliant 18 watt Color-Changing LED light, so each light kit will fully illuminate the fountain spray. Included in the kit is a color control box, power supply, RF remote control and photocell/timer. This allows the user to control the lighting from shore or 150’ away from the power source. The color controller and power supply comes in a waterproof enclosure. The power supply plugs into a photocell/timer that plugs into a normal 110 volt (60hz) outlet and is rated for outdoor use. LED Lamps are rated for 50,000 hours of life. This light kit is submersible.

Lights, cables and controllers have a quick connect plug. Super large LED Color Changing Light Kit color controller comes with a sim card that has custom color modes that include (8 solid colors including white, red, blue, green, cyan, yellow, orange, purple, plus 23 custom holiday and sports color changing patterns) including Patriotic and Christmas patterns. Control speed of the changing colors and the brightness.

These two, three or four light sets are easy to install on your new fountain. Or for existing fountains and pond aerators, all light kits have universal fittings. So whether you have a Kasco, Scott, Otterbine or Aqua Master fountain, our universal lighting brackets can attach to any float. Long-lasting, energy-efficient and fun to use. These high quality LED lights will create a stunning and serene evening view or give any occasion a festive vibe.

Of course the best feature of all our LED Lighting for floating pond fountains is the amazing price. Our lights are priced so all can enjoy!!

How to choose the right size fountain and aerator for your pond

Tips for choosing the right size pond fountains:

Discount Pumps has a Floating Fountain for every pond size....... Often customers have no idea what is the proper size fountains for their pond. So we have made an easy to use chart that takes the guess work out of choosing the right size fountains. Of course you can always go with a larger size if you want to really make a statement.

Ponds (up to)	Fountain Horse Power
60 x 60	1/3 Horse Power
1/4 acre	1/2 Horse Power - 3/4 Horse Power
1/2 acre	3/4 Horse Power - 1 Horse Power
1 acre	1 Horse Power - 1.5 Horse Power
2 acre	1.5 Horse Power - 3 Horse Power

1/3 HP in a 60' x 60' Pond

1/2 HP in a 1/3 acre Pond

How to get rid of muck in a pond

How do you get rid of muck in a pond?

What causes Muck at the bottom of the pond or lake is decaying organic waste like fish food that is not eaten and waste from fish, geese and ducks. Also dead and decaying aquatic weeds and leaves add to the buildup up of pond muck. When left untreated the buildup can be quite thick. This muck is also a food source for unwanted algae and weeds. As the algae and aquatic weeds die off, it adds to the muck. The more muck, the more algae, the more algae, the more muck, and the cycle goes on and on.

WHY DOES IT SMELL BAD?
Of course Ponds that have a lot of muck build up tend to have a bad smell to it, similar to that rotten eggs. That is because of the release of hydrogen sulfide. If you notice this smell that is a clear indication that the pond is suffering from oxygen depletion and muck build up. Ponds or lakes that are not aerated, cause the extreme temperature differences between the deeper levels of water and the upper levels of water. This creates an unbalanced environment perfect for the overgrowth of bad bacteria.

HOW A PONDS ECO SYSTEM EVOLVES
A new pond starts out with clean water free of weeds and debris. This stage can last for a few years. But over time the organic matter starts to build up become nutrients like fertilizer for unwanted aquatic plants and algae. Chemicals used to control this growth are just a temporary fix. The best plan is to re-balance the ponds eco system. Aerating with a pond aerator, beneficial bacteria and Muck Digester can be used to reduce the muck at the bottom and prevent further build up. 

HOW TO ELIMINATE MUCK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POND

Thick slimy muck at the bottom of the pond is made up of fish waste and decomposing organic materials from plants and leaves that build up on the bottom of your pond and over a period of time this can build up to several inches. However you can get rid of this muck with aeration and beneficial bacteria and enzymes.

BENEFICIAL BACTERIA AND ENZYMES
Your pond is filled with billions of beneficial bacteria, but if your pond is out of balance and have too much muck, the beneficial bacteria cannot keep up. If you add good bacteria and enzymes with BactiMax and Muck Digester you can increase their numbers, get down and consume the muck. It will improve the ponds clarity and get rid of the sludge!! When used regularly, with a pond aerator, BactiMax and Muck Digester can eliminate 1 to 2 inches of sludge each month.

AERATION
Installing a lake or pond aerator in your pond will also decrease the muck at the bottom. Not only does oxygen keep your fish healthy, but it also helps keep the beneficial bacteria alive in the pond. Beneficial bacteria and enzymes are alive and need oxygen as well. Using a decorative aerator prevents thermocline which is when the pond stagnates and creates layers. The lower layers are warmer and the upper layers are colder. The lower layers lack oxygen, and since that is where the beneficial bacteria is located, it is not a good environment to survive. A floating aerating fountain will add oxygen back into the pond or lake and will help the beneficial bacteria live and consume all that muck!! Even if you want something more decorative like a floating pond fountain, this is also beneficial to the pond as it will still aerate.

MANUAL REMOVAL
It is not easy to manually remove muck, but you can remove a good amount of it with the Lake Rake and a wheelbarrow. This will improve the effectiveness of BactiMax and Mack Digester. By removing large debris form the pond bottom. That way the beneficial bacteria and enzymes can really get down to the bottom.

Water Lilies - Pests and Diseases!!

Water Lilies - Pests and Diseases!!

Avoid using chemical sprays whenever possible!!

If you have a light infestation you can spray off with a hose into the pond every day, and fish will eat them. Keep repeating this until it is under control.

Ladybugs are one of the best known beneficial insects for controlling aphids! 

A fun and cost effective treatment, simply release them in areas of pest activity and allow them to do the work.

It is great to involve the kids too! It is a fun project

for them and teaches them about nature and respecting the balance!

The key to healthy water lilies is to catch the problem early before it has a chance to get out of control!!

Waterlilies are a hearty aquatic plant, so pests and

disease don’t occur often.

Other environmentally safe insect control is Diatomaceous Earth, a microscopic abrasive that kills aphids and other insects. It can be dusted on the leaves or mixed with water and sprayed. ALWAYS use food grade Diatomaceous Earth. Nonfood grade is an irritant to the lungs.

MIDGES - Leaf-mining midges make wavy marks in 

the lily pads. These very small larvae can be

handpicked, the leaves can be removed, or the 

water can be treated with Mosquito Dunks.

China Mark Moth - The tiny brown moth is the waterlily’s biggest pest. It is nocturnal and lays eggs underneath the large floating leaves. After the eggs hatch, the larva slices leaf pieces to make protective sandwiches. These larva will burrow into any floating leaves or debris. Their cycle runs about 2 weeks, so keep a close check for them throughout the growing season.

The mechanical control method, better known as squishing, works well to control an initial outbreak — fish just love the worms! Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacteria, can be used as a spray. Once ingested by the larva, it kills it but won’t hurt people, pets or fish. If there is a severe infestation, the best remedy is to remove all affected foliage close to the crown of the plant and destroy it.

Diseases

Several years ago, many varieties of hardy lilies were susceptible to crown rot, a fungis disease. The leaves on affected plants would turn yellow and curl up, and buds would rot below the surface. The plant would die soon since the rhizome had rotten away, leaving a stinky mess. Treatment was to completely soak the tuber in a fungicide. Since the disease is highly contagious, the best option was to completely remove the plant and destroy it. However luckily, this incidence and other fungal diseases has decreased as less susceptible hybrids have been developed.

In addition to these natural treatments, it is always best to keep the body of water moving with a pond aerator or pond fountains. This will reduce that growth of algae and keep pests at a minimum.

The benefits of Barley Straw

  What is Barley Straw Pellets!!

UltraClear Barley Pellets offer a safe, effective, natural way to clarify pond water and can be safely used with all other UltraClear products. Barley Straw has been used for over a hundred years to clarify ponds.

ULTRACLEAR BARLEY PELLETS

The pellets are so easy to use. Cleaner and easier than the bales (and requires a lot less space than the unsightly bales). UltraClear Barley Pellets are 100% safe for fish, birds and plants.

UltraClear Barley Pellets are fortified with humic acid prior to the pelletizing process. Humic acid enhances water quality, water softening and balances out the effects of phosphate in the pond water.

The slow decay of the barley pellets produce essential, beneficial bacteriaand enzymes  that helps maintain clarity in the pond. The optimized pellet size offers maximum surface area for controlled decay. It is not a chemical. UltraClear Barley Pellets can be used during spring, summer and fall. So get a head start on controlling your pond environment!!

Apply 8 to 16 ounces per 100 gallons every 4-6 weeks or as needed. Doesn't get easier than that. No mess, no fuss!!

UltraClear Barley Pellets can be applied directly in the pond by hand and your pond aerator will disperse it throughout the lake.

Water Lily….friend or foe??

Water Lilies

Yellow Water Lily ( Mexican Water Lily)

American White Water Lily

Physical Characteristics of the water lily: 

A large oval shaped fleshy leaf, that is green on the top of the leaf and reddish purple on the bottom of the leaf. The leaves are very large, up to 10” in size. The water lily is an emergent aquatic flowering plant, known as a decorative aquatic plant. It floats on top of the water but has a stem that is rooted at the bottom of the pond or lake. The flowers are big and can be white, yellow and pink.

Elegant Water Lily

Where Does it Grow?

Water lily can be found in ponds, lakes, calm streams in undisturbed waters.

Water Lily….friend or foe??

Well deer, beaver, muskrats and other rodents like the water lily. They will consume the leaves. Pond gardeners purchase water lilies for their small outdoor ponds, and is much easier to manage in a small pond. Water lilies are very pretty and as long as it is kept under control, shouldn’t be a problem.

But water lilies are invasive once they get established. The can be cut down or pulled out but can regrow for the seeds and rhizomes left behind.

.

Natural Management Options:

Using the Beachroller Weed Eliminator will remove the plant at the roots. It cuts and pulls the stems out of the pond bottom.

The Weed Razer is another great and also inexpensive tool for cutting plants at the roots. Then use the Weed Rake to remove it.

Keep that water moving…..a pond fountain or pond aerator is the best way to keep this aquatic plant under control.

How to identify and control Filamentous Algae

What does Filamentous Algae look like?

What is Filamentous Algae?

Individual algae cells that connect to make together to make long visible strings and can become matted.

Where does it grow?

Filamentous algae starts to grow at the bottom in the shallow part of ponds and can grow on rocks in the shallow waters also. Filamentous algae can float to the surface and collect together forming mats. There are several species of this algae and many can be living in the pond at one time.

Pros and Cons of Filamentous Algae:

Parts of submersed aquatic plants are beneficial because it provides habitat for bugs and worms and in turn this is food for fish and wildlife like reptiles and birds. Although Filamentous algae has no direct food value for wildlife, as it dies off, the bacteria and fungi from decomposition provides food for aquatic bugs.

Management Options for Filamentous Algae:

There are many types of weed removal products on the market that can cut down and remove the weeds, and it certainly makes the job so much easier. It is important to remove as much as possible because many of these plants can regrow from fragments left in the pond.

For Filamentous algae you can use a lake rake or weed raker with net and a long pole to remove from the pond.

Non-toxic pond dye can prevent or reduce the growth of aquatic plants by blocking sunlight , however this can also suppress the natural food chain in the pond.

Ultra Clear Liquid Concentrate

Farm Blue Dry Packs

We offer two choices of all natural pond dye in liquid and dry packs. Both types are very concentrated as you can see with this small amount added to the pond.

Finally, to keep the algae growth down and to push whatever does grow towards the shore for easier removal, a floating aerating fountain would be ideal for larger ponds and lakes, and great for aeration is a lake aerator. For smaller ponds, a decorative pond fountain will aerate as well but make a beautiful display while keeping the algae at bay!! For larger lakes that need aeration but want a larger water display, a floating lake fountain would be more appropriate.

To take a look at all of our pond and lake products and also see more blogs and videos, please go to https://discount-pumps.biz