http://www.custompondsandfountains.com
I created this site for all my loyal customers, their friends and anyone else whom it may benefit to be able to communicate, discuss, and gain knowledge about all types of water features, aquascapes and aquaculture.Feel free to post a question and if I cant answer it maybe someone else can. Have a blast and remember to share.

WELCOME

Here you will quickly find tips,tricks and other valuable information about small ponds,large fountains and large ponds and lakes that it took us many years to aquire and develop through all the trials and tribulations of starting and maintaining a successful water feature/aquascape buisness...Fred Johnson/Custom Ponds and Fountains



Getting Started



* The very most important rule of all-When you decide to put a hole full of water on your property,careful consideration should be given to design and equipment to ensure that your new water feature functions properly and does not become a green,stagnant,debris filled,mosquito breeding nightmare.Please consult someone with knowledge about proper design and equipment before you start (or just let us take care of your project for you) instead of waiting for TROUBLE.Beleive me when I say I have spent many days fixing what started out as beautiful,well intended projects.Now on to more pleasant things.
* The next thing to remember when building a pond, you are trying to establish a balanced ecosystem, plants,fish,frogs and all associated creatures are important.The closer you can imitate a natural pond the more success you will have.Fish fertilize and eat plants,plants filter water and absorb nutrients,frogs eat insects,etc.
* On the other hand when building a fountain you usually try to create a sterilized environment similar to a pool or spa.
* Then there is the pond/fountain combo which works really well when properly designd.
* Visit our portfolio page for some examples of all three.

SMALL POND MAINTENANCE AND TIPS

* Empty skimmer basket weekly to remove debris
* Rinse skimmer filter weekly or when you notice reduced water flow
* Maintain proper water level weekly if not automatic so you will not be adding so much fresh water at one time
* Add beneficial bacteria concentration per directions-this consumes the excess nutrients that algae needs to grow,and breaks down solids the skimmer might miss.
* check ph if you suspect a problem in water conditions-adjust if needed with ph up or ph down

* Do not put chemicals in your pond to kill algae,when you kill algae it sinks to the bottom,decomposes and creates nutrients for a new and bigger algae bloom

* Do not over feed fish-use floating ring made of small tubing,anchored with fishing line to regulate.This allows fish to come up under to eat and keeps food out of skimmer.Feed a little at a time.
* Put any free floating plants in similar ring so they do not wind up in skimmer
* Schedule yearly cleaning to get out built up waste which can create excess ammonia and nitrates that can cause fish kills on the hot days of summer,it will also remove excess nutrients that cause algae blooms.Best done between march 15 & may 15
* Use pumps with solids handling capability to prevent clogging
* Use skimmers with basket and filter handles above waterline for easy,no mess maintenance.Skimmers also house the pump eliminating unsightly plumbing in your pond
* Use biological filters that create a waterfall for aeration and only have to be cleaned once a year
* Add uv light only if you have a problem with green water-usually caused by not enough shade,or excess nutrients,which can be fixed naturaly by,following directions on beneficial bacteria and adding an arbor or other type of shade over your pond
* Add auto water control if you take frequent trips or to reduce general maintenance
* Remember plants,fish,frogs and all associated creatures are an important part of your ecosystem
* Locate your pond close to your porch or deck so you can enjoy it comfortably or build a pergola or arbor for a sitting area
* Line all horizontal surfaces with small stone or gravel and all vertical walls with larger stone to keep uv rays from damaging liner and to give the benificial bacteria more area to colonize
* For ponds deeper than 30" place a pump on the bottom with a aerator nozzle above or near the water level to bring up uncirculated water and add oxygen
* Build a cave for fish to hide from predators,and/or use some type of predator control such as a motion activated sprayer like the(scarecrow)
* Light your pond up for night time veiwing

LARGE FOUNTAIN MAINTENANCE AND TIPS

* Make sure to use proper equipment for a more enjoyable and maintenance free fountain,such as correct pumps,skimmer,over flow and refill,vaccum ports,circulation fittings and proper filtration
* Empty skimmer basket weekly,to remove debris
* Clean or backwash pump filters weekly to reduce stress on pump motors
* Maintain water level weekly if not automatic
* Check ph weekly-correct if necessary
* Maintain chlorine levels daily/weekly if not auto or use ECOsmarte chlorine free system-see or online store for more info
* Vaccum fountain weekly to remove scum and debris
* Add auto water control if you take frequent trips or to reduce general maintenance
* Do not spray water higher than half of fountain basin diameter,to reduce water loss
* Locate your fountain close to your porch or deck so you can enjoy it comfortably, or build an arbor or pergola for a sitting area
* Add underwater lighting for spectacular night time veiwing


LARGE POND AND LAKE MAINTENANCE AND TIPS

* When building make sure to put in proper overflow and drainage equipment so you can control water levels
* Good aeration is the first and most important step to preventing algae and most other unwanted water quality situations
* Do not put chemicals in your water to kill algae or weeds,when you kill algae/vegetation it sinks to the bottom,decomposes and feeds the next algae bloom
* Use bacteria concentrations (bio-augmentation) to remove excess nutrients and bottom sludge that algae needs to grow
* Stock 10-20 sterile grass carp per acre to control aquatic vegetation
* In shallow ponds non toxic dye can be used to help prevent uv light penetration that aquatic vegetation needs to grow
* Aerators/floating fountains(1) bring up otherwise uncirculated water from the bottom,which helps to control foul odors and mix beneficial bacteria populations and any other treatments thoroughly(2) provide the much needed disolved oxygen that fish,beneficial bacteria and all other aquatic life need to survive,especially during hot weather(3) help keep debris pushed out to to the edges for easy collection(4) provide a beautiful water and light show for you and your guests to enjoy
* Submersible aerators are available for those who do not want a visible display
* Build a sitting area with shade,picnic table and maybe a dock for fishing or boating so you can enjoy your pond/lake more readily
* Properly stock and fish your pond to keep a healthy balance
* Contact us for our simple 3 step pond/lake water quality management package

HANDY LINKS


www.hampsteadmulchandstone.com
www.microbelift.com
www.savio.cc
www.facebook/custompondsandfountains.com
www.fishdoc.net
www.koiface.com
www.aquacontrol.com
www.video.googlecp&f.com
www.garyspottery.com
www.flemingfishfarm.com
www.pondpeople.ning.com
www.pondarmor.com
www.nationalassociationofpondprofessionals.com
www.firestonepondgaurdliners.com
www.internationalprofessionalpondcontractorsassociation.com

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For examples of the above mentioned equipment and products,please visit our online store and gallery page
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Good luck,I hope I have been helpful and always feel free to contact us if you have a question or a problem



Custom Ponds & Fountains
p.o. box 12769
Wilmington, NC 28405
www.custompondsandfountains.com
Toll Free: (866) 557-8090
Mobile: (910) 471-4786
fredj@custompondsandfountains.com
custompondsandfountains@gmail.com
Don't forget to check out www.custompondsandfountains.com it's always being updated.