Spring 1996
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GreenhouseIPMCompostingReviewsHorticulture LinksUSDA ZonesWeather ReportsFAQsRegisterMeConsulting ServiceAdvertisingEmploymentVisitorsJohn's JournalContact Uscleaning out the pond's bottom of fallen matter (sticks, acorns, leaves etc) with a skimmer net, the Smart Pond Manager allows the algae to grow and continue the conversion. Within a week, all the algae has consumed the nitrates, dies and magically, the pond becomes very clear. By siphoning off the dead algae from the bottom through the pick-up pump and depositing it into the Bio-Filter's lava rock, the water Hyacinths floating there become lush, multiply and bloom. A chemical cleansing of the pond has just taken place in part, thanks to your observations and willingness to allow a natural process to take place.
There is no magic or smoke-and-mirrors to balancing a pond; it's simply trial- and-error, as any honest water gardener can tell you. Plants, fish and sunlight all contribute to both macro- and micro-algae build-up in any pond, and simple fine tuning is constantly required. Fish must have bacteria to live, and with bacteria comes the inevitable algae.
Currently, all kinds of Ultra-Violet Sterilizers are being marketed; don't buy- into this scam; all they do is kill bacteria, which fish need to live, and do absolutely nothing to prevent algae formation. It's a hoax.
Yet there are certain elements, givens, that tend to greatly reduce both types of algae and help keep the pond clearer, but never perfectly clear. (A perfectly clear pond means you've used lots of Clorox and have no living matter in there.)
Such elements are:
A Bio-Filter with multiple water dispersion nozzles and lava rock. Coupled to a Top Hat Filter Bucket with dual sponge pads and cotton-filter element to house the pick-up pump. Minimum 40% of water surface covered with plant material. Minimal feeding of fish to reduce fish droppings (which raise ammonia levels and nitrogen) which feeds and breeds algae. Use of Koi (Japanese catfish to consume algae) and not just goldfish which require constant feeding. Requisite numbers of algae-converting plants (water hyacinths) living in the Bio-Filter. Your daily and weekly observations as Pond Manager as to which major elements need adjustment, and the willingness to do it promptly.
Whatever the case, call us and we'll help you become a better Pond Manager through our Water Garden Workshops or individual consultation, all free.
Page1:
First Garden Center & Nursery on The World Wide Web!
Page2:Getting The Garden Ready
Early Season Bloomers
Page3:Alpine Trough Gardens
Little Gems.
Page4:Wildflowers - Do It Now
Garden Center Is Available For Meetings & Tours
Healthy Ponds.
Page5:Healthy Ponds..continued
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Page7:CATV The Weather Channel - Smart Viewing
1996 Workshops & Seminars Schedule
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Page9:1996 Workshops & Seminars Schedule...continued
Page10:Water Gardens - New Products Update
Clear Ponds.
Page11:Clear Ponds...continued
Page12:Fertilizing Evergreens & Conifers
Fertilizing Gardens
Year 'Round Container Herb Gardens
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