Aquatic Connections

Gift Basket Give Away Winners Announced!

2010-03-31T10:38:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Zeffi from Southampton, the Saturday Winner of our Gift Basket Give Away, and to Steve from Holland who won Sunday's Pond Care Gift Basket. Thanks to everyone who stopped in last weekend. Keep an eye out for our next Giveaway. You could be a winner, too!

"EARTH HOUR"

2010-03-26T13:05:00.002-04:00

Aquatic Connections is supporting "EARTH HOUR!"

Tomorrow night people around the world are participating in
"Earth Hour" sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund. At 8:30 pm,
March 27th, everyone is encouraged to turn off the lights in
their homes or businesses for one hour, showing their support
for Climate Change. A very simple thing can help in such a large
way! Click on the link below to read more about this effort. And
check out the site's videos and page for kids.

Click here for the "Earth Hour video"

Gift Basket Give Away from Aquatic Connections

2010-03-19T17:09:00.005-04:00

Everyone who shops at Aquatic Connections this Saturday or Sunday (March 20th & 21st) will automatically be entered to win a Pond Care Gift Basket, containing Spring Fish Food, Biofilter Booster Bacteria, Pond-Zyme with Barley, Pond Salt, Algaefix, EcoFix & a Floating Pond Thermometer. This is a $95 Retail Value!

We will randomly choose one lucky customer on Saturday and one on Sunday! Please make sure you provide the cashier with your name, address and phone number when you are shopping. Both Winners will be contacted on Monday 3/22/10. Good Luck!

There will be one gift basket for Saturday and one for Sunday. They will include all the Spring Pond Start-up products a pond owner would need. It includes the following products: Spring Fish Food, Floating Pond Thermometer, Pond Salt, Pond-Zyme w/ Barley, Biofilter Booster Bacteria, Algaefix & Ecofix. Everyone who shops at Aquatic Connections this weekend will automatically entered to win. A random winner will be chosen each day and the winners will be contacted on Monday. If you'd like to learn more about this event, please click here.

Below is an example of each!

Other interesting tidbits from Aquatic Connections!
-Add beneficial bacteria to you ponds now.
-Don't feed your fish yet. The water temps have to stay inthe mid 50's before you start.
-Test kits are important. Poor water quality is one of the causes for fish loss.
-Algae blooms can occur this time of year. You can treat it with Algaefix & Ecofix.
-Aquatic Plants are a great natural way to help prevent alage. The plants soak up the excess nutrients in the water, leaving less for algae to feed on.
-Hummingbird supplies are in. They Ruby-throated hummingbirds will be sending "scouts" up North to look for feeders. Here's a link to a Hummingbird migration map

It is National Wildlife Week

2010-03-17T16:31:00.002-04:00

We wanted to bring it to everyone's attention that this week is National Wildlife Week
March 15-21, 2010. The National Wildlife Foundation has a really great 'Get Outside' Campaign going on. You can also read more about their fantastic 'Why Be Out There' campaign by clicking here.

We have some exciting promotions coming up to promote the upcoming Spring fun. This Saturday & Sunday we are holding our first Gift Basket Giveaway! All customers who shop at Aquatic Connections on Saturday, March 20th or Sunday, March 21st will automatically be entered to win a Pond Care Gift Basket! The basket has a $95 Retail Value! One Lucky Winner will randomly be chosen on each day and notified on Monday 3/22/10. Click on the link here to go to our Events Page and see what's in the Gift Basket.

We have listed a few of our upcoming seminars on our website, including Spring Cleaning Your Pond and Creative Aquatic Planting. For your convenience, the seminars are being held on Wednesday evenings and either Saturdays or Sundays. Sign up by registering online at the link here.

As the warm weather approaches, we will be sending you some timely tips and info on new product arrivals.

Have a great week! Hope you stop in.

Aquatic Connections Plans Nature Explore Classroom

2010-02-22T18:07:00.000-05:00

Aquatic Connections is in the planning phase of a Nature Explore Classroom to be located at their water garden center in Trevose, Pa. The owners and staff of Aquatic Connections will be working with the Arbor Day Foundation, the Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, schools, teachers, students and parents throughout the planning process in order to incorporate fun, educational activities for children ages 4 to 8 years old. For more information, please send an email to: online@aquaticconnections.com.

What is a Nature Explore Classroom?
Nature Explore Classrooms are dynamic, nature-based play and learning spaces. These nature-rich outdoor spaces are being constructed at schools; nature centers; national forests, parks, and wildlife refuges; zoos; arboretums; and child care centers. Nature Explore Classrooms enhance the
physical environment and add natural beauty to the surrounding area.

The Nature Explore Classroom Certification Program is a national initiative that recognizes schools and other organizations that have made a commitment to providing outdoor classrooms and comprehensive programming to help children use the natural world as an integral part of learning. Grounded in over a decade of research and field-testing, this widespread initiative is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Foundation in collaboration with environmental, educational, design and health organizations.

Winter Pond Care Products From Aquatic Connections

2009-12-18T16:24:00.002-05:00

As the weather continues to drop and our minds all turn to the winter holidays, we'd like to remind you that we need to be mindful of taking care of the pond and pond fish.

Below are a few of our 'Winter Pond Care' items and a brief explanation of what each product can do for you.. Remember, we have special online pricing discounts for our internet customers! Each product will have a link you can follow to the product page on our site where you can purchase that item.

1250 Watt Floating Pond De-icer
•Thermostatically controlled
•turns on at 34 degrees
•1250 watts
•Fish and Plant Friendly
•10' power cord
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Heated Pond Saucer
•Help your pond fish and plants weather the winter with a heated pond saucer. This saucer keeps a vent hole open to allow harmful gases to leave the pond and is controlled by a thermostat to only operate when it is needed. Its low profile appearance and energy efficient operation mean you won't even notice that its there!
•Instructions:
Store indoors after winter use.
Inspect power cord before using.
Do not immerse.
Do not use with extension cords.
•Caution:
Must be grounded.
This unit gets very hot to the touch.
•Specifications:
The low profile appearance helps to minimize wind resistance
Has a 10' power cord
Uses 200 watts.
Works in any sized pond (field tested in 1,000 gallon poind in sub-zero weather)
•Size: Unit is 12" diameter x 1.75" high.
•Warranty: One year warranty against defects in material and workmanship.

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Pondmaster Floating Pond De-Icer
-Features of the PondMaster Floating De-Icer
• 120 Watts of Heating Power
• Extremely Energy Efficient
• Thermostatic Control to Reduce Heating Time & Save Electricity
• Internal Electronics Epoxy-Sealed for Extra Watertight Protection
• Double Watertight Seal
• 18’ Grounded Power Cord
• Weather-Resistant
• Made From Rugged, High Impact ABS Plastic
• 1-Year Limited Warranty
• Will Not Harm Flexible Liners or Pre-Formed Ponds
-The PondMaster floating pond de-icer is for use in those colder locations where typical winter temperatures result in significant or long-term icing of pond surfaces. A pond de-icer or pond heater as they are sometimes referred to will help maintain a small hole in the ice for the exchange of oxygen and harmful toxins in the pond water. In order to survive through the winter months when the pond water has frozen over, the fish need a source of oxygen.

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Pond Care Stress Coat 16oz

•Instantly removes chlorine and breaks the chloramine bond.
•Contains Aloe Vera to help heal wounds and torn fins.
•Use whenever setting up a pond, adding fish, or changing pond water.
•16 oz bottle treats 1,920 gallons.

Stress Coat instantly removes chlorine and heavy metals such as copper and zinc from tap water. Stress Coat also removes chloramines by breaking the chlorine-ammonia bond. The effectiveness of Stress Coat with Aloe Vera has been proven by independent studies conducted at the University of Georgia, School of Veterinary Medicine.

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Protective Pond Netting 7'x10'

Benefits of Pond Netting
• Ideal for keeping fish in and predators out
• Reusable
• Keeps debris from entering the pond
• Quality woven poly resists tearing
• Includes stakes

Aquascape multi-purpose protective pond netting comes conveniently rolled, making it easier to install. Don’t be fooled by the small package - this is quality, full-sized pond netting! Aquascape multi-purpose protective pond netting comes complete with U-shaped stakes; keeping the net secure and in place. Black color blends in with the pond and landscape.

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Tetra Pond De-Icer 300 watt

Features:
•Uses only 300 watts
•Releases harmful pond gases
•Energy-efficient thermostat control saves energy costs by shutting off power when not needed
•Effective to -20°F (-18°C)
•15 foot electrical cord
•Three year limited warranty

Toxic gases caused by decaying matter and fish waste can become trapped under the ice when the surface of the pond freezes. The TetraPond® Simulated Rock De-Icer keeps an area of the pond ice-free.

Aquatic Connections Participates in Nature Forum

2009-12-02T11:12:00.003-05:00

Aquatic Connections has been invited to attend a Community Forum in Boston on December 5th. The Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation are holding a forum to raise awareness and interest in efforts to connect children with nature and to improve the quality of early childhood experiences and children's health.

Research shows that when children have regular contact with nature they learn and grow better...physically, developmentally and in a relationship with the natural world. Studies document the numerous benefits children gain from spending time outdoors. In October of 2006, participants from over 25 countries attended the first Working Forum on Nature Education for Young Children. That gathering of designers, landscape architects, early childhood educators and conservation professionals shared ideas for ways to expand outdoor learning and play opportunities for children. One of those ideas was to host regional community forums to bring key decision makers from diverse backgrounds together, at a local level, to address efective ways to reconnect young children with the natural world. The regional community forum model has generated transformational action in communities across the country.

Aquatic Connections has been invited as a member of a prestigious group of educators, conservationists, architects/designers and health care professionals who care about issues impacting young children. The vision is to increase the connections between children and nature in backyards, neighborhoods, public spaces and educational settings as a means of enhancing early childhood edaucation, public school education, family health and well-being, lifelong learning, community revitalization and environmental stewardship. The Arbor Day and Dimensions Foundation Outreach Director will discuss their initiative in creating demonstration sites for outdoor Nature Explore Classrooms. Aquatic Connections has recently announced that they are in the planning phase of creating a Nature Explore Classroom at their water garden center, located in Trevose, PA.

Aquatic Connections Plans Nature Explore Classroom

2009-11-18T17:13:00.000-05:00

Aquatic Connections & P. Allen Smith Discuss Pond Plants

2009-11-07T13:26:00.015-05:00

Aquatic Connections carries one of the largest selections of aquatic plants in the area. In season, there are hundreds of pond plants to choose from when planting your pond. In the Philadelphia region, hardy pond plants will survive the cold winter months, but the tropical pond plants that P. Allen Smith refers to in this video need to be removed from the pond. As soon as pond plants begin to turn yellow or decay due to cold weather, it is better to remove them before the leaves end up on the bottom of the pond. Decaying matter left in a pond over the winter months can cause problems for your fish.

Take a look at P. Allen Smith's floating water plant video, but remember that for some pond owners, floating plants such as water hyacinth and water lettuce are seasonal plants. If you have decaying leaves at the bottom of your pond, try scooping them out with a pond net, add a cold water bacteria such as Microbe-Lift Autumn Prep. and then cover the pond with pond netting.

When you get into water gardening you can discover a whole new dimension of enjoyment. Plants can add so much to even the smallest water feature. A pool or a fountain without plants, well it's like your patio or terrace without flowers. However, selecting the right plants for your pool or water feature is also important. At least five hours of direct sunlight is critical for most aquatic plants for optimum growth. You'll find that many nurseries now carry these plants to keep up with their growing popularity. There are so many interesting varieties to choose from. Now everything in this pool is actually growing in a container like this, they are anchored to the bottom. But there is a whole category of water plants that actually float on the surface. Probably the most familiar of the floating plants is the water hyacinth. It is supported by these balloons-like structures just behind the leaves and it produces a lavender flower. You will never have to worry about having an aching back from planting water hyacinths. All you do is dropped them in. Now one of my favorites is this water lettuce even though it's not the sort of thing I normally put in a salad. They are beautiful floating on top of the water. For a lush, velvety effect you might try the Parrot's Feather or something even more delicate is this azolla or sometimes called Fairy's Moss. All of these, because they cover the surface of the water, create a shady and comfortable environment for fish. And the fish in turn fertilize the plants with their waste making these floating water plants some of the easiest plants you can grow. From the garden, I'm Allen Smith. P. Allen Smith Gardens? Copyright 1998 - Hortus, Ltd.

Aquatic Connections Now Carries a New Line of Pond Water Treatments

2009-10-27T10:22:00.014-04:00

Aquatic Connections, a retail water garden center in Trevose, Pa. will now carry a new and improved line of pond water treatments, developed and manufactured by Aquascape, Inc. Initially, the pond water treatments will be available on Aquatic Connections website, but the product line will be launched in the retail pond store in the Spring of 2010.

The new line of pond water treatments come in a new "Push Pump" style bottle, making application to the pond water easy and convennient. The dosing amount is the same for every liquid water treatment. One "pump" treats one hundred gallons of pond water. The concentrated formulas and new dosing instructions make these pond water treatments economical and easy to understand. Aquascape has taken the guess work out of balancing a pond's ecosystem. Aquascape, Inc. combined science with simplicity within their complete line of new and improved water treatment products, making it easy to maintain a healthy, well-balanced water garden. The line-up of water treatments includes pond detoxifier, beneficial bacteria, sludge cleaner,barley extract and many more.

"Aquascape, Inc surveyed consumers on their pond treatment preferences and the overwhelming response was something that was easy to understand,” says Scott Rhodes, Director of Product Marketing for Aquascape, Inc. “Combining a simple, consistent dosing method with convenient packaging makes our new water treatment line easier for the consumer to use.”

Pump top liquid dispenser bottles and easy-to-use bubble tabs provide a simple dosing system, taking the guesswork out of pond treatment application. The water feature and fountain treatments of the new line boast refreshing aromatherapy scents, like lime and lavender, to help consumers relax after a long stressful day. Industry-leading CFU counts or bacteria concentrations were used in conjunction with other ingredients to optimize the entire pond ecosystem.

A new Spring Starter Kit and a Pond Maintenance Kit round out the Aquascape water treatment line and provide an easy means for customers to acquire the right product mix to maintain a clean, clear and healthy pond.

Family Fright Night Rescheduled Due To Weather

2009-10-16T17:28:00.003-04:00

Hello Pond Fans! We're sorry to say that we have had to reschedule our Family Fright Nights this weekend due to Frost Warnings for our area.

We are planning on holding the Family Fright Night on Friday, October 23, 2009 from 5 to 8pm. If you have made reservations for the event this weekend, your reservation will be honored for next weekend. We apologize for any inconvenience, but we are looking forward to seeing you all out there!

If you haven't registered to attend Family Fright Night yet, this is a perfect chance to go ahead and do so online by clicking on the button below.

Click here to register online for the Family Fright Night on October 23, 2009.

Also, we would like to remind you to use the water temperature of your pond and not the air temperature when considering whether or not to feed your pond fish this weekend. If you have any questions regarding your pond, feel free to Call 1-866-AQUATIC or Email online@aquaticconnections.com

Family Fright Night at Aquatic Connections!

2009-10-12T19:17:00.004-04:00

Looking to get an early start on the Halloween festivities? Aquatic Connections is hosting a Family Fright Night on Friday October 16, 2009 and Saturday October 17, 2009.

Bring the kids to Family Fright Night from 5pm to 7pm on Friday or Saturday. The kids can make their own Halloween Candy bag and then go Trick or Treating around our ponds! Dress them up in their Halloween Costumes so they can enter the costume contest! Snacks, drinks & all activities are FREE! The event will be geared towards children under 10 yrs, but all are welcome. All parents will receive a discount coupon good for any purchase made during Family Fright Night! Please register your children, by clicking on the link below, so we can plan appropriately. Thanks.

To register for Friday October 16th, 2009, click here.

To register for Saturday October 17th, 2009, please click here.

Or you can call us at 1-866-AQUATIC.

Spots are filling up fast! We hope to see you there!

Happy Haunting,

Pond Winterizing Tips from Pond Care & Aquatic Connections

2009-10-10T11:46:00.005-04:00

The Pond Care Brand of pond supplies, by Mars Fishcare Inc, includes winterizing products and Fall fish food. Aquatic Connections carries Pond Care pond products in its water garden center and on its website. The following article about pond winterizing tips can be found in its entirety on Pond Care's website www.pondcare.com.

Why can't I just let nature take care of my pond?

All summer long, you've enjoyed the tranquility of the water garden-beautiful foliage, sounds of trickling water and colorful fish eagerly awaiting a handful of food. The water garden didn't get that way by itself. You added the right kinds of plants and fish to create a balanced ecosystem. The water gardens we create look beautiful and sustain life because we follow nature's rules. It's the same during the winter months. Despite all outward appearances, the pond is active even when the water is cold or even frozen. Dead leaves, algae, insects and solid fish waste that have accumulated over the summer slowly break down during the winter months. This natural decomposition uses oxygen and produces small amounts of hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas that normally never reaches a harmful level. Few water gardeners realize that the pond must be balanced in winter too. Fish, frogs and other aquatic life are especially sensitive to poor water quality in winter. A build-up of leaves and other organic matter can cause an imbalance, reducing oxygen to dangerously low levels and releasing poisonous hydrogen sulfide. One autumn I decided to see how well nature would take care of my two ponds. I let the lily leaves die back naturally, falling into the pond. Leaves and sludge covered the bottom of the pond. What could go wrong? It looked natural. Come next spring when the ice melted, I was shoveling out black, stinky ooze garnished with dead snails, frogs and my prized fish. I learned my lesson well. Now I use a coarse net to remove dead leaves. I also use a fine weave aquarium net to remove sludge. You can reduce sludge build-up with bacterial "cleaning" products for water gardens. These products contain bacteria that digest dead algae, plants and sludge that accumulate in filters and at the bottom of the pond. Bacterial products are completely safe and help keep water gardens clean. While your stirring things up, why not change some of the water? Algae promoting nutrients, dissolved organic matter and natural acids build up in all water gardens. These substances can stress pond life and lower oxygen and pH levels. Partial water changes flush out these substances and improve water quality. I change 50 % of the water in my ponds in autumn. If a pond has a lot of suspended matter or the water is tinted yellow from dissolved organics, I'll make two water changes a day apart. While I'm pumping out the water, I stir up the sludge. Pump out the sludge and old water at the same time! Remember to add Stress Coat to the pond before refilling it with tap water. Stress Coat will condition the water and add a protective slime coat for the fish.

Too much of a good thing
This may seem contradictory, but you want to leave a little bit of debris in the pond when preparing it for winter. Some water gardeners net out the fish, completely drain the water and scrub out the pond, refilling it with fresh water. Frogs, tadpoles, snails and microscopic pond life need to burrow down into mud and leaves to survive the winter. Fish also hibernate on the bottom, settling in around a bed of leaves and mud. I remove about 90% of the leaves and silt that have accumulated over the summer. Leave the rest as "bedding material." You'll be amazed at the diversity of pond life that emerges in spring. Keep in mind that tree leaves will continually blow into the pond as long as the water isn't frozen. I recommend covering the pond with bird netting. This black plastic netting is almost invisible and prevents tree leaves and debris from getting into the pond.

Note: The Pond Care brand is manufactured by Mars Fishcare, an industry leading manufacturer and international supplier of a complete line of aquarium and pond products. Mars Fishcare manufactures and sells hundreds of products across many different product categories, including Aquarium and Pond Treatments, Aquarium Equipment, Aquariums and Fish Nutrition. They produce just about everything to meet the needs of aquarium owners and pond keepers.

Which Perennials should I divide in the Fall?

2009-09-30T11:54:00.003-04:00

September and October are the best months to spruce up your perennial garden by dividing and transplanting some of your perennials. During these months the temperatures are cooler and rain is more likely. This gives the transplanted perennials time to take root and do well in their new surroundings. You should try to divide and transplant perennials about six weeks before the first hard frost in your area.

Some Perennials to Divide in Fall would include:
Astilbe
Asiatic Lily
Oriental Lily
Lily-of-the-Valley
Bleeding Heart
Siberian Iris
Japanese Iris
Veronica
Peony

Generally, bloom time determines when you should divide and transplant perennials. Spring and early summer flowering perennials can be transplanted in fall. Late summer and fall bloomers are better suited for moving in the spring.

For tips on dividing and transplanting perennials, click here, to visit P Allen Smith's Website.

Aquatic Connections Water Garden Center carries a beautiful assortment of perennials, ornamental grasses and shrubs through the Spring, Summer & Fall months. Perennials planted around ponds and water features help soften the landscape and blend the aquatic plants and pond edges with the garden. Click here, for directions to Aquatic Connections showroom and display ponds.

Why use a Pond Aerator in your pond?

2009-09-17T09:20:00.004-04:00

Pond aeration is vital in the winter months as pond water begins to freeze. In order for fish to survive, a hole needs to exist in the ice for the exchange of oxygen and the release of harmful toxins that can build up. A pond aerator is an inexpensive way to keep the water circulating near the surface of the pond and preventing a small area from freezing over. Pond aeration can be used year round to raise the oxygen levels in the pond water providing a healtier environment for fish and plants.

The Aquascape Pond Aerator 2 is a small, inexpensive pond aeration system that can easily be added to any pond. Click here, for more information on pond aerators. Visit www.aquaticconnections.com for upcoming pond winterizing seminars.

Prepare your pond for winter

2009-09-15T12:40:00.005-04:00

Even if the leaves aren't falling in you pond yet, there is one thing you could do now, in September, to help get your pond ready for winter. The first step is adding a cold weather bacteria, such as Microbe Lift Autumn Prep. Microbe Lift Autumn Prep is specially formulated for pond winterization. Autumn Prep helps accelerate the decomposition of leaves, sediment and sludge that can accumulate in ponds during the Fall and Winter months. Four monthly doses are recommended, so that's why Aquatic Connections suggests starting the first application of Microbe Lift Autumn Prep in September. When used according to the manufacturer's directions, Microbe Lift products are safe for fish and aquatic plants. Click here, for more information on Microbe Lift Autumn Prep cold weather bacteria for ponds. Visit www.aquaticconnections.com for upcoming pond winterizing seminars.

What's the Most Unusual Wildlife you've seen in your pond?

2009-07-12T13:34:00.005-04:00

My son called me to the kitchen window because he saw a hawk sitting on the top of our patio swing. He wanted me to get my camera and take a picture of it. I told him we needed to go to the dining room window for a closer shot. What we saw when we got there was unbelievable! The red-tailed hawk was still sitting on the swing, but THREE of his friends or family members were taking a bath in the stream of our pond! It was amazing! They hopped in the shallow area, got their feathers wet and then perched on a rock to shake the water off. One at a time they flew to the top of the swing to dry off. I just had to go outside and get closer. Three of the red-tailed hawks were perched on the swing and one was taking a longer more luxurios bath. I snapped some great shots before they flew away. We have seen frogs in our pond, a flock of robins take a bath in our pond and now Four Red-tailed hawks stop by. What is the most unusual wildlife you have seen in your pond?

More wildlife pictures are posted on our website www.aquaticconnections.com.

Learn how you can certify your yard as a backyard habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

How Do You Protect Your Koi?

2009-06-09T15:02:00.008-04:00

Protecting your koi from predators can sometimes be a challenge. Pond owners have tried various ways to keep their koi safe from herons and raccoons. I decided to try a new item called Islandscapes by Freedom. In three easy steps, I filled, planted and launched my Islandscape. It gives the koi and goldfish in my pond a place to hide from predators. From above it looks like part of the landscape. It provides shade for the koi and goldfish and they love to hang out under it. Islandscapes come in five sizes, so they can add a splash of color and beauty to any size pond. The picture of my Islandscape was taken after it had been planted for 4 weeks, and everything is filling in beautifully. We're going to plant a larger one for the koi pond at Aquatic Connections. We may do it as a seminar. What do you think? How do you protect your koi? Post your comments and let everyone know. It may help someone out.

Aquatic Connections and Sara's Superb Herbs Raise Money for Easter Seals Camp Hemlocks

2009-05-12T18:24:00.007-04:00

Aquatic Connections Now Carries Sara’s Superb Herbs as a Part of their Gardening Gives Back Program! It is easy to Grow Your Own Herbs & Cook at Home!

In the summer of 2000 Pride’s Corner Farm had a dream of creating a quality plant, while giving something back to the community. The result was a line of beautiful gallon size plants known as “Sara’s Superb Herbs.” Now, fifty cents from every plant purchased at Aquatic Connections goes directly to Easter Seals Camp Hemlocks in Hebron, CT.

Since 2000, Sara’s Superb Herbs have raised over $200,000 for the programs and services of Easter Seals Connecticut-Rhode Island. Easter Seals Camp Hemlocks is a 160 acre modern, barrier free camp for children and adults with disabilities and special needs. Here they are able to conquer their fears, realize their dreams and strive to reach their highest potential in an environment which encourages independence and self reliance.

For more information about Sara‘s Superb herbs, planting tips and recipes visit www.superbherbs.net. For more information about Easter Seals Camp Hemlocks please visit http://www.eastersealscamphemlocks.org/

Aquatic Connections Gardening Gives Back Program includes: Sara’s Superb Herbs,
Pink Ribbon Plants, which donates to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation & American Beauties (Native Plants), which donates to The National Wildlife Federation

For the 2009 list of herbs and tomato plants available at Aquatic Connections visit the Pond News Page at www.aquaticconnections.com.

If you use fresh herbs when cooking, feel free to tell us your secret recipes. Or if you dry herbs and use them in decorations, let us know which ones work best.

American Beauties at Aquatic Connections

2009-05-01T18:07:00.003-04:00

Aquatic Connections now sells American Beauties and donates to the National Wildlife Federation. American Beauties are native plants which can be found along the East Coast States. The plants in the program are chosen specifically by the National Wildlife Federation. Native plants are environmentally friendly and provide food and shelter for wildlife. American Beauties attract birds and butterflies. They are chosen because they are low maintenance plants with few disease problems. American Beauties proudly supports the National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Habitat program. Join thousands of other gardeners who have been recognized for creating backyard habitats. Click here to learn more about American Beauties Native Plants.

Aquatic Connections has 5 beautifully landscaped pond displays and is certified as a Backyard Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. Tell us if your yard is certified and what interesting water features and wildlife habitats you have created.
Visit www.aquaticconnections.com for inspirational ideas!

An Email from Chipper, the Black-capped Chickadee

2009-04-20T17:38:00.011-04:00

I'm passing along an email I received at Aquatic Connections from the National Wildlife Federation. It was sent from a Black-capped Chickadee, named Chipper.

Dear Aquatic Connections:

My friends and I are all a “twitter”!

A couple of weeks ago, I asked caring folks like you to create backyard sanctuaries for birds and other wildlife through National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat™ program. I’ve gotten firsthand reports from “my peeps” across the
country of yards that are not only beautiful but are providing the things that animals need most -- food, water, shelter and places to raise their young.

I can’t thank you enough for making us feel so welcome and safe. So, “two wings up!” to everyone who has already certified their backyards and can now enjoy the many benefits of certification.

And, if you haven’t had a chance to certify yet, it’s not too late!
My friends and I are looking for “summer homes” where we can nest and raise our families out of harm’s way. You see, because of development, climate change and invasive species, nearly one-third of us birds are endangered, threatened or in decline. So, we certainly would appreciate your help!

Plus, when you certify your backyard, your $15 application
fee allows NWF to continue its important conservation and
education work on behalf of birds like me and other wildlife
across the country.

Thank you again for helping me and my friends.

Your friend,
“Chipper”

P.S. When you certify today, you'll be eligible to purchase the “wildly” popular Certified Wildlife Habitat™ yard sign that makes it easy for me and my friends (as well as yours) to identify your yard as wildlife-friendly. Claim yours today!

Aquatic Connections is certified as a Backyard Habitat and our pond displays help support many forms of wildlife. This year we will be carrying Native Plants called American Beauties and for every purchase a donation is made to the National Wildlife Federation. I'll let you know when the plants arrive. Sign up for Aquatic Connections Newsletter to stay informed about ponds and backyard wildlife! Click here to read about Aquatic Connections commitment to education.

Did the Mallard Ducks Eat My Koi & Goldfish?

2009-04-14T17:32:00.006-04:00

A customer from Aquatic Connections emailed me the following question when she discovered that the fish in her pond were missing: We had quite a few fish in our pond, however, I was leaving for work one morning and noticed we had ducks on our pool cover. Do you believe the ducks probably noticed the pond and went fishing? If so they ate many of our gold fish and koi.

This was my reply. Every March & April we have a pair of mallard ducks show up in our backyard. If there is water on our pool cover, they like to hang out there. I usually send the dog out to scare them away. The cover is messy enough with all the leaves and debris, I don't need the ducks adding to the muck.

Sometimes they decide to swim in our pond. It's always a male and a female mallard and I often wondered if they would ever nest in yard. Anyway, they just swim around and bask in the sun until I send out our dog. Over the last five years they have visited our pond, I have never seen them eat any of our koi or goldfish.

So I did a little research on the food preferences of mallards and this is what I found out (courtesy of CentralPets.com):

Not overly disturbed by human activity, Mallard Ducks are often seen in canals, lakes, ponds, and urban parks. They seem to be able to adapt well to nearly anywhere with a body of freshwater and an appropriate climate. Mallard Ducks are migratory, spending winters in more southern regions and summering in northerly parts of their range. In warmer areas of the world, some Mallard Ducks may not migrate. In the fall and winter, they pair into mated couples. Although females quack, males do not; rather, they communicate with whistling or grunting noises. Mallard Ducks spend most of their time foraging for food. They eat a number of items including insects, fish eggs, small fish, tadpoles, wild rice, berries, leaves, green plant shoots, and grain. Most of this food is acquired from foraging in muddy areas in or near the water and embankment of the Mallard Duck's home. The Mallard Duck uses its bill to filter food from the mud.

I think most koi and goldfish would be too large for the ducks to eat. Something else may have eaten this customer's fish. My guess would be a heron. If you have had a similar experience with ducks or herons or disappearing fish, please post your comment for us to read. Thanks.

Click Here to register for Seminars at Aquatic Connections.

When Can Koi & Goldfish Be Moved From an Aquarium Back to the Pond?

2009-04-09T14:27:00.006-04:00

A customer recently emailed this question to Aquatic Connections. "My son bought some koi and shubunkins for our pond at christmas time and has kept them indoor in an aquarium. When and how do we adapt the fish to our pond. Our water temp is 52 degrees right now."

Aquatic Connections Response: Ideally, koi and goldfish only like a water temperature change of about 2-5 degrees. We aren't selling koi or goldfish at Aquatic Connections right now (March-Early April)because there is too much of a difference from our tanks to most people's ponds. I would wait longer. I would get your pond water tested and make sure the water quality is good right before you are ready to transfer the fish. You'll want to add pond salt and stress coat to the pond. What you'll do is put some aquarium water in a plastic bag and put the koi and shubunkins in that (or several bags). Tie the bags and float them in the pond for 15-20 minutes to let the fish get used to the temperature. Then you'll open the bags and use a net to scoop them out. You don't want to dump the aquarium water in the pond because it could change your water quality. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.

If you have any tips, comments or suggestions on moving koi and goldfish from aquariums to an outdoor pond, please post your comment here.

Click Here to visit Aquatic Connections Website.

THE BIRTH OF A HUMMINGBIRD

2009-04-09T14:05:00.005-04:00

A customer forwarded this email to Aquatic Connections and we wanted to share it with everyone. This is truly amazing. A lady found a hummingbird nest and got pictures all the way from the egg to leaving the nest. Took 24 days from birth to flight. Because you'll probably never in your lifetime see this again, enjoy; and please share. Be sure to click on NEXT PAGE at the bottom of each page; there are 5 pages in all. If you want to see pictures of a hummingbird nest, egss & hummingbird babies please Click here.

Also, if you haven't read the two comments left on the Hummingbird Posting from 3/31/09, you missed a link to a 2009 Hummingbird Migration Map. For a link to the Map, Click Here.

ALEX'S LEMONADE POND TOUR...A POND TOUR FOR THE CURE

2009-04-05T15:07:00.006-04:00

Aquatic Connections has teamed up with several other Water Garden Companies to host a joint pond tour to be held on Saturday, August 1, 2009. There will be a tour in Pennsylvania and a tour in New Jersey. The cost of the tour will be $15 for adults and children over twelve, and the proceeds will be donated to Alex's Lemonade Stand. You will be able to purchase your tickets at Aquatic Connections and will receive a complimentary Alex's Lemonade Stand pin, which we ask that you wear on the day of the tour. This special pin is your admission ticket to the tour and shows your support for Alex's Lemonade Stand and the fight against childhood cancer. Directional booklets will be handed out when you make your donation and receive your pin. Further details will be provided as the date of the Tour approaches. You can find more information on Alex's Lemonade Stand and the Pond Tour for the Cure by Clicking Here.

Don't Turn on your UV Sterilizer Just Yet!

2009-03-31T10:10:00.005-04:00

I wanted to pass along a pond tip for those of you who use UV sterilizers in your pond. At Aquatic Connections, we would suggest waiting a few more weeks before you turn on your UV light. UV lights can not distinguish between the "Good Bacteria" in your pond that you want to grow right now and the algae you want to get rid of. Coming out of the winter season, all of your Good Bacteria has died off in the cold water. In order to help your pond's ecosystem re-establish itself for the Spring, you want to add bacteria, like Microbe-lift, and let it colonize in your filter system. Running your UV will make that process more difficult and possibly delay the process.

Also, did you know that you should replace your UV bulb EVERY year?

If you would like to read more about Spring Opening Pond Tips, you can visit our website, Aquaticconnections.com and click on the Pond News Tab for Seminar Notes or Click Here.

Here Come the Hummingbirds

2009-03-31T09:15:00.004-04:00

On Sunday March 29th, I got together with a few customers at our store, Aquatic Connections, and we talked about attracting Hummingbirds to our backyards. I was honest with them and said that I had not actually tried this yet, and this was going to be my first season to put up hummingbird feeders. I had done a lot of research and looked at many different types of feeders at a wild bird trade show in February. One thing I learned was that male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will migrate back to Pennsylvania, earlier than the females and younger birds, scouting for food sources and breeding grounds. It was suggested to me that the feeders should be put out by the end of March or beginning of April so these scouts would find them and hopefully the rest of the flock would follow. So, we all agreed we would put our Hummingbird feeders out that afternoon and stay in touch and let each other know when the Hummers show up. I put out two feeders and spilled nectar all over the place because I didn't screw the lids on properly! I finally got it right and I can't wait to start adding plants to my garden that will hopefully bring these tiny little birds to my yard. So, I'll let you know when they show up. If you have any tips for me or other readers, please feel free to comment. If you would like a copy of the Hummingbird Seminar notes, they're posted on Aquaticconnections.com under the Pond News Tab or Click Here.

Aquatic Connections 6th Annual Pond Tour

2008-06-13T15:27:00.002-04:00

Aquatic Connections is hosting its 6th Annual Pond Tour. This self-guided tour takes visitors to approximately 10 Bucks and Montgomery County homes, where the homeowners are avid pond hobbyists. The ponds on the tour are various sizes and each has its own unique flare. Come be inspired and learn how to transform your backyard into a peaceful retreat. Ponds and pondless waterfalls are fast becoming the number one way to bring Nature to you. Attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and songbirds of all varieties by adding a water feature.

The directions for the pond tour will be available at Aquatic Connections on the morning of the tour. The cost is $10 and everyone who purchases a ticket will receive a $10 gift certificate to Aquatic Connections.

For more info go to www.aquaticconnections.com and register online so we know to expect you on June 21st. See you there!

Ponds for Kids Class is a Huge Success

2008-03-12T16:37:00.002-04:00

I have finished both of the Ponds for Kids classes I was teaching. They were both a huge success! The kids learned alot about building ponds during their six week class. The third and fourth grade students actually built a complete backyard habitat in their classroom. The project included a pond and a pondless waterfall. It was landscaped with rubber mulch to look like a real garden. A bird feeder and butterfly hibernation box were added for a realistic touch. The kids had fun and discovered that Nature could be pretty cool. Before, during and after pictures can be seen in the children events section of photo library on Aquatic Connections website.

Great Backyard Bird Count

2008-03-12T16:18:00.002-04:00

Over President's Day weekend we participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count. It was simple. All we had to do was look out our dining room window and count the different types of birds we saw. We recorded our results and posted them online. We saw 2 cardinals (one male and one female), 15 Dark-eyed Juncos, 8 Mourning Doves, 3 Black-capped Chickadees(that surprised me-we used to see more in our backyard), 1 Blue Jay and 1 Red-Bellied Woodpecker. I used a new bird seed called "No Squirrels-Just Birds" in my ranch feeder and it really worked. If anyone else counted the birds that weekend and would like to share their results, please feel free to post them. Any other comments or stories about backyard bird feeding is welcome. Last years results can be found on the Audubon Website.

February is National Bird Feeding Month

2008-02-11T12:54:00.000-05:00

You and your family can participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count! Count For Fun, Count For the Future! This February 15-18th bird watchers all across North America will be participating in the 11th annual Great Backyard Bird Count- what about you? This popular hobby and can be done from your yard, a city park, nature center, even your fire escape. Best of all, your actions truly make a difference as your count is included with thousands of others, helping science and conservation spotlight changes in bird populations and distribution from year to year. Aquatic Connections is participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count by educating elementary school children about the most popular birds they might see in their Pennsylvania backyards. An interactive presentation for 6 and 7 yr olds features the stuffed animal Birds from the Audubon Society. Realistic in appearance, these stuffed animals also play the call of each bird, so the children can hear the various songs birds can make. Examples of bird feeders and types of bird seed are shown to the kids to help them learn how to attract cwertain birds to their backyard. The children particpating in Aquatic Connections Ponds for Kids classes will be counting the birds in their yard and sharing their results after the Great Backyard Bird Count. For more information visit the events page of Aquatic Connections website.

Squirrels Crawl Under My Pool Cover

2008-01-27T16:09:00.000-05:00

I couldn't believe what I saw out my kitchen window yesterday. As I looked out across my backyard, I saw a squirrel disappear under the pool cover of my inground pool. It walked right up to the edge, near the ladder in the deep end. Much to my surprise it crawled through the slit in the cover where the rails come out of the pool. I stood there, almost holding my breath, and waited. I sure hoped he was going to climb back out. I really didn't feel like going out there and rescuing a drowning squirrel from the frigid pool water. Luckily he did come back out a minute later. Why did he do that, I thought. I took a look at my pond-frozen! I took a look at my heated birdbath-empty! He needed a drink. Fresh water is so important this time of year. It can be very difficult for animals to find it sometimes. My heated bidbath works great-when I keep water in it. And yes, I have seen squirrels drink from it. They take turns with the birds. They all need water. My heated birdbath helps more than just the birds! Call Aquatic Connections and see how you can get one for the wildlife in your backyard. Visit Aquatic Connections website to learn more about our committment to backyard habitats.

Are Pond Hobbyists Creating a Sustainable Environment?

2008-01-25T16:36:00.000-05:00

Who benefits from having a pond? I guess to many, the immediate answer that comes to mind is the homeowner. Ponds certainly are relaxing, inspiring, and a conversation piece. After a hectic day at work, most pond owners can find some peace and tranquility sitting around their pond, enjoying its beauty.

But, the pond is more than that. It's a living environment, a well balanced ecosystem that is home to many plants and various creatures. Hardy pond plants return each year, filtering the water with their roots, providing shelter for your fish, naturally providing oxygen as they grow and thrive in your pond. Plants and shrubs that are used to landscape around the pond provide a source of food and shelter for many forms of wildlife. Bees pollenate the flowers, birds are provided shelter by the surrounding foliage. Various forms of wildlife inhabit your pond, too. A pond's year round inhabitants may include your fish, but also, frogs and snails. Visitors may include birds, butterflies and dragonflies. Each species needs your pond for a reason. Squirrels can be seen drinking from the edge of the pond. Birds drink, eat insects or perhaps fruit that may have fallen in from a nearby tree. They take baths along the edges of the pond or waterfall, as do butterflies and dragonflies which are attracted to the calm shallow water.

Sustainability is a huge buzzword right now. There are many agencies and organizations trying to deveolp theories and guidelines to make sure landscapes provide a sustainable environment. The goal is to make sure that landscapes benefit humankind and other organisms by providing valuable ecosystem services, which improve environmental quality. I think pond owners are on the right track, don't you? Visit Aquatic Connections and take a tour of the water garden center. You'll be inspired. For a preview of the ponds that can be created, go to Aquatic Connections website. A pond can bring your backyard to life!

Elementary School Students Build a Pond - Ponds for Kids 2008 K-1

2008-01-25T15:37:00.000-05:00

Aquatic Connections is involved with the Ponds for Kids Program for the 4th year in a row at a local elementary school. Twelve kindergarten and first grade students signed up for a six week, after school enrichment class. During the class, the kids will actually construct an indoor pond. They learn to work together as a team, using various math and science skills, measuring the gallons of water, weighing the rock that they use, and taking the water temperature. Their pond will be a complete ecosystem with plants, fish and proper filtration. The class sparks their curiousity and their imagination. It's a great way to learn about ponds and nature. To see photos of their pond as they build it, visit the projects & photos page on Aquatic Connections website.

Garden Centers Closely Watch the Fashion Industry for Color Trends

2008-01-25T14:05:00.000-05:00

Did you know that the gardening industry closely follows the fashions trends for the upcoming year? They take a close look at the hottest new colors that clothing designers are using. The newest color trends for clothing spill over into many other industries, outdoor living for example, and yes, even gardening. Pottery and Flowers that have interesting color names are more appealing to consumers. Like Pink Mist,Daiquiri Green and Snorkel Blue to name a few. Pantone's Fashion Color Report lists their top ten picks and you can find them list on Aquatic Connections Website under "2008 Trends" in the FAQ section. Click here for a direct link, so you can be in style this spring.

Important Pond Winterizing Tip

2007-12-20T09:13:00.000-05:00

When you turn off the pump in your skimmer, you have to release the check valve (if there is one). Look inside the skimmer to see if there is either a rubber elbow with clamps or a curved PVC piece with a union fitting attached to the return line. In either case, they must be loosened so the water remaining in the line from the waterfall box will drain out. The line must be open and free of water. The pump can remain in the skimmer for the winter. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Please make sure you complete this step, so your tubing/fittings don't crack. Click here for more advice on winterizing your pond from Aquatic Connections.

Aquatic Connections New Children's Mascot

2007-12-19T12:01:00.000-05:00

Freddie the Frog has joined the Aquatic Connections Team. Freddie will be helping out with children's seminars and classes. He will be introduced to school children in January 2008, when two Ponds For Kids classes begin at a local elementary school. Freddie will be going on many adventures and will make appearances at Aquatic Connections Retail Water Garden Center. Keep you eye out for Freddie the Frog. You never know where he's going to show up. You can see more of Freddie's photos and adventures on his photo page at aquaticconnections.com.

P. Allen Smith's Advice on Poinsettia Care

2007-12-19T11:36:00.000-05:00

Temperature plays a very important part in the care of poinsettias. According to Smith, you should protect the poisettia plants from temperatures below 50 degrees when you are transporting them from the store to your home. To prolong their color, keep your plants in rooms where the nighttime temperature is around 60 degrees and the daytime temperature is around 72 degrees. Smith goes on to say that poinsettias prefer high humidity. For more information on P. Allen Smith's tips on how to increase the humidity around the plant and whether you should fertilize poinsettias, click here to go to his full article. At Aquatic Connections, we try to pass along helpful tips about plants, gardening, and of course, ponds. Poinsettias can be arranged in beautiful urns, like the one in the picture, featuring Proven Winners Diamond Frost. If you have any of your own poisettia care tips, feel free to share them.

My Koi Died Because There Were Too Many Leaves

2007-12-04T08:21:00.000-05:00

I put my pond heater in yesterday since it seems like temperatures are going to be staying down near the freezing mark. My net is still on the pond because the leaves on the tree directly above it haven't all fallen yet. (We built our two-tier pond around an existing tree because I thought it would look really cool-this time of year my husband wishes I never came up with the idea!) Anyway, right now there are tons of leaves on the lower pond and the net is no longer stretched tightly above the water. This is exactly what happened two years ago when all of our koi died. The surface water of the pond was frozen and we never cleared away all the leaves on top of the pond. Leaves were packed around the edges of the pond and prevented the exchange of oxygen and the toxins in the water. The ice on the pond will freeze and thaw slightly providing a small opening around the edge of the pond for this exchange. We lost ever koi we had. We always tell our customers at Aquatic Connections to put a pond heater in the pond, just to keep an opening in the ice. That year, not only did we not follow our own advise; we didn't remove the leaves and it caused a very lethal problem. So my advice is to blow the leaves off the pond net or scoop them out of the water now before they get stuck in the ice.

I Forgot To Put My Pond Heater In

2007-12-02T13:06:00.000-05:00

I just realized that I haven't put my pond heater in the pond yet and there is already a thin layer of ice forming on top. We had our first minor snowfall early this morning; luckily it didn't amount to much. The net is still on the pond, so tomorrow morning when the temperatures are supposed to be in the forties I will have to remove part of it to install my pond heater. I'm going to leave the net on a while longer because the leaves haven't all fallen from the trees yet. The pond heater will turn on when the water is cold enough because it has an internal thermostat.

My suggestion is get your pond heater or de-icer in now as well as you aerator or bubbler, if you are going to use one. It's not a good idea to smash through the ice once it forms on top of the pond. You can order a pond heater online at www.aquaticconnections.com. Aquatic Connections has several varieties of pond de-icers in stock. I personally use the "rock" heater from Tetra. For more pond winterizing tips you can read the full article in the FAQ & Tips section of our website.

A Bird Was Stuck Under My Pond Net

2007-12-01T22:02:00.000-05:00

I went outside this afternoon to fill my bird feeders up with seed, so the birds would have something to eat during tomorrow's snow/ice/rain storm. As I walked by my pond, which is covered to keep out the leaves, I was startled by a flapping noise and frantic motion under the net. It scared the daylights out of me and I actually jumped! Here, a mourning dove had found his way under the net but couldn't seem to find his way out. I don't know if he was actually ready to get out, but I'm sure I scared him as much as he scared me and he wanted to make a quick get away. Problem was he couldn't figure out where the exit was. So I carefully started to pull back some of the pond netting to make an escape route for him. I had to untie several of those fuzzy pipe cleaners that were holding two pieces of netting together(they work great, by the way, if you have to attach several nets together) I was on my fourth one, and he decided he couldn't wait any longer. He just burst through a small opening of net which was attached to a brick wall and flew away.

The lesson here: Keep an eye on your pond every so often to make sure there aren't any stranded creatures underneath. You may need to rescue them.

What was he doing under there, you ask? He needed a drink, of course! Water is very important to birds, squirrels and other wildlife, and it is sometimes difficult to find in the winter. I have seen many varieties of birds under my pond net, including morning doves, wrens and the dark-eyed junco. This was not the first time that I have had to rescue a bird from under my pond net. I wish they would use my heated birdbath instead!

Aquatic Connections is certified as a Backyard Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. At Aquatic Connections we recommend using birdbath heaters, which will help provide a source of water for birds (and squirrels) all winter long. They are available on our website www.aquaticconnections.com.

Extend the Life of Your Tropical Water Lilies

2007-11-01T08:45:00.000-04:00

A brand new product is on the market that will extend the growing season for your tropical water lilies. The Thermoplanter is an innovative new tool for anyone who wishes to grow and enjoy tropical waterlilies. Whether you have a water garden in your back yard or a container on a patio, the Thermoplanter will make growing these wonderful plants easy. The Thermoplanter will allow you to place your lily outside 4-6 weeks earlier in the year than normally possible. In more southern climates the Thermoplanter will insure winter survivability only possible in the deep south. In the north the tropicals can be wintered in the Thermoplanter by simply bringing it indoors and plugging it back in, no difficult storage methods or techniques.
The Thermoplanter is available at Aquatic Connections Water Garden Center. It will be available for purchase online at www.aquaticconnections.com shortly.

Berry Producing Plants aren't Producing Berries!

2007-11-01T08:31:00.000-04:00

According to P. Allen Smith, there a several reasons why a plant may not produce an abundance of berries or any at all. Some plants need a male and a female plant to produce berries. Maybe you have the female plant but not the male. Many hollies need a male plant within 300 feet of the female plant to produce berries. The male plant is the pollen producing plant. Another reason for lack of berries may have to do with the decrease in bees. Bees pollinate the flowers and if there aren't many bees there won't be many berries. This is a big issue in the news right now and it is affecting the farming community. Apparently, honey bees are disappearing and bee keepers are finding hives diseased and empty. And finally, sometimes plants just need a break. They need to rest and therefore produce less berries one year than they did in the past. P. Allen Smith reccommends using a slow release all purpose fertilizer AFTER the LAST freeze date in your area.

Winter Tips for Aquatic Plants

2007-11-01T08:25:00.000-04:00

As cold weather approaches there are a few tips for trimming your aquatic plants. You can cut back hardy marginals to within 2-3 inches of the crown of the plant. Make sure the crown of the plant sits below the surface of the water. Remove any dead or decaying leaves. Take water hyacinths and water lettuce out of the pond so they don't rot and sink to the bottom. (Unless you live in an area of the country that does not experience cold winter temperatures) Remove dead leaves and stems from water lilies. Tropical plants need to be brought inside. If anyone has some success stories about overwintering tropical plants indoors, please post them here for others to read. Thanks.

Pond Winterizing Tip

2007-10-26T12:31:00.000-04:00

It is time to put the second dose of Microbelift Autumn/Winter Prep bacteria in your pond. This specially formulated bacteria can withstand cold water temperatures and helps keep a balanced ecosystem as we approach the Fall and Winter months. If you missed the first dose in September, start now. Don't forget the enzyme packs. Please follow the directions for your size pond.

How many fish is too many fish?

2007-10-26T11:52:00.001-04:00

One formula for determining how many fish you can have in your pond is: 1 inch of fish for every square foot of water surface. That gives you some different options. You can have a lot of little fish or a few big fish. For example, a 6ft by 8ft pond has 48 square feet of water surface. You could have 24 2 inch fish in that pond according to the formula. You could also have 8 6 inch fish or 4 12 inch fish. We all no thereis one problem with this formula and maxing it out oo early. Fish Grow. You should allow for the growth of your fish when deciding how many to put in your pond. Keep in mind there are many other factors that have to be considered when following this formula. Your pond needs sufficient filtration and/or aquatic plants to handle the number of fish. You don't want to overfeed them since that will produce more fish waste and could cause water quality problems. If you put in too many fish and they outgrow the size of your pond, what will you do with them. These all bring up topics that pond hobbyists deal with everyday. Please post questions, comments and solutions that may help a fellow pond owner.

Can too many fish cause algae problems?

2007-10-26T11:37:00.001-04:00

Many pond owners experience two problems with their pond at some point in time. They have green water algae or string alage and they have too many fish. Are these two problems related? The answer is sometimes. The more fish you have in your pond, the more food you feed them, the more waste they produce. This can lead to poor water quality issues including algae. A simple rule of thumb for determining how many fish you should have in your pond is No more than 1 inch of fish per square foot of water surface. So if you have an 8ft by 10 ft pond, that is 80 square feet. So based on the formula you should have no more than 80 inches of fish. That could be 8 fish that are 10 inches long or 10 fish that are 8 inches long, for example. Some pond owners who have a lot of fish do not experience alage problems. Those pond owners most likely have sufficient filtration to handle the fish waste. We recommend a bottom drain to people who know they will have a lot of fish. It really helps clean the pond more effectively. They may have a UV light to kill the algae. They may also have large numbers of aquatic plants. These products can help keep the pond in balance despite a heavy fish load. If you want a lot of fish in your pond, you need the right equipment and plant material to properly filter the pond to prevent algae problems, poor fish health and poor water quality. Please feel free to post any comments regarding your algae problems or solutions.

My Pond Water's Green- How can plants help?

2007-10-25T09:06:00.000-04:00

What can you do if your pond water's green and it really should be crystal clear? There are many reasons why a pond's ecosystem can be out of balance and water can turn green. Maybe one or several factors can be contributing to your problem. Let's start with plants. Alage, being a plant itself, will thrive in conditions where there is plenty of sunlight, lots of nutrients in the water and very little other plant life. Aquatic plants are an important part of a pond and will actually help control algae. The roots of the plants will absorb the nutrients in the water and if you have enough aquatic plants, will effectivley starve out the algae. How do you know if you have enough aquatic plants? Well, the pond industry generally recommends that at least 50% of your pond surface be covered with plants. That can be a lot of plants. Water hyacinth, parrots feather, creeping buttercup, forget-me-nots are a few "spreading" type plants that can help provide coverage. Plant bogs are very effective in keeping the water clear because the pond water is forced through the peagravel areas and the roots of the plants. Further discussion of plant bogs or types of plants that work well for controlling algae would be helpful. Please post any comments that will help out your fellow pond hobbyists.

How do I keep my fish population under control?

2007-10-11T09:09:00.000-04:00

You started out with a few koi and a few goldfish and three years later you need a bigger pond. Not because the original fish have outgrown it but because they are breeding like crazy! What can you do? We have had requests at Aquatic Connections, for catfish because it has been discussed that they will help control the population. (by doing what? consuming the eggs or eating the existing fish?)You can scoop out the jelly-like masses of eggs when they are laid in the pond. Look for them in the areas where there are plants. You should notice some change in behavior of your fish before the eggs are laid. They seem a little more aggressive, swimming around a lot more with other fish chasing them. There should also be some change in appearance of the females when they are carrying a sac full of eggs, just as all pregnant women can attest to. Please help out your fellow pond owners with any tips you may have on controlling the fish population by posting them here.

If you need a new long-handled pond skimmer net to reach the eggs to scoop them out you will find them at www.aquaticconnections.com.

Help! I have too many fish in my pond!

2007-10-11T08:55:00.000-04:00

So many customers have called, emailed or come in our water garden center, Aquatic Connections, over the years saying they have too many fish in their ponds and don't know what to do. We have often thought about setting up extra tanks and taking in customers fish. Taking care of tanks requires a lot of time and maintenance. The fish would have to be quarantined for a longer period of time because they would be coming from different environments, but it seems like there is a real need for this service. Tell us what you think. Should we set up tanks for these fish who need a new home? Should the customers who bring in fish be compensated for them? Should we resell them at a lower price because they are not direct from a breeder?

To join our email list visit our website www.aquaticconnections.com.

Backyard Ponds Are Easy To Install

2007-09-24T08:54:00.001-04:00

Most homeowners can install a backyard pond in one weekend. Pond kits come complete with everything the homeowner will need but the rocks and the water. Get the same filtration systems used by the professionals. Pond kits can be found in sizes as small as 4' x 6' with the most popular sizes being 8' x 11' and 11' x 16'. Pond kits come with written installation instructions and many times include a VHS or DVD version of step by step instructions. Design and installation tips can be found at www.aquaticconnections.com. Homeowners who have installed their own pond are welcome to post their own installation tips.

Technorati Profile

Fish Survey Results

2007-09-18T17:29:00.001-04:00

Thank you to those of you who took the time to respond to the fish survey. Here are some of the most interesting results:

60% of people surveyed - have shopped at Aquatic Connections so often they've lost count.

30% of people surveyed - have a pond under 500 gallons
30% of people surveyed - have a pond 501 to 1500 gallons
17% of people surveyed - have a pond 1501 to 3000 gallons
19% of people surveyed - have a pond over 3000 gallons
4% of people surveyed - did not have a pond

58% of people surveyed - have over 10 fish in their pond

60% of people surveyed - have Domestic koi (comets were a close 2nd with 59%)

My observation would be that many of these pond owners have too many fish for the size of their pond. So let's open this up for discussion on filtration. Today's pond technology makes it easy and affordable for homeowners to have biological filtration(usually in the form of a waterfall box) and mechanical filtration (most commonly in the form of a skimmer). Today's pond kits are sold complete with both units and everything else you need. What type of filtration are you using? Does it work or do you need some help balancing your ecosystem? Please feel free to comment and help out your fellow pond hobbyists.

A Great Tip for Pond Netting

2007-09-14T08:20:00.000-04:00

When you place your pond net over the pond this fall, try to keep it stretched above the water. It is much easier to blow off leaves when they are dry than when they are wet. If the pond is large, consider laying stakes or PVC tubing across the pond and then set the net on top. If you have any other tips on keeping leaves out of your pond, please fell free to post your comments.

What's The Best Way to Keep Your Pond Clean This Fall

2007-09-13T13:17:00.000-04:00

One of the most successful ways to keep your pond clean in the fall is to maintain a healthy level of beneficial bacteria and keep it free of decaying debris. I have found that Microbelift Autumn/Winter prep is a bacteria that can withstand the colder water temperatures and helps maintain a balanced ecosystem.
Sludge Away by Microbelift is another product that will help break down decomposing leaves and debris. Pease feel free to comment with any Fall Tips you might have come up with that will help other pond owners.