Aquascapeinc.com Articles (RSS 2.0 Feed)

AquaForce(R) Solids Handling Pump

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:02:47 +0000

AquaForce® Solids Handling PumpUnlike most pumps, the AquaForce® is a water garden pump that’s designed to be placed directly into the pond. The AquaForce® is housed in what’s called a ‘pre-filter cage’ that prevents leaves, algae and other debris from clogging the pump. This cage also makes the pump safe to use in ponds with fish.The AquaForce® comes with a convenient line of fittings, saving you time and frustration when trying to determine what plumbing is necessary for your particular pond’s set-up needs. The threaded collar on all fittings eliminates the need for tools during installation and removal. The pump’s rotational ball fitting makes it easy to adjust the discharge position for your water feature. The unique location of the plumbing discharge on the side of the AquaForce®, positions the hose in a perfect location to run along the bottom of the pond (see illustration at end of article). Simply submerge the AquaForce® into the pond and it’s ready to supply water to an external filter. Since the pump can be submersed directly into the pond, it can double as a winter deicer.  The AquaForce® is equipped with an asynchronous motor, which makes the pump more powerful and energy-efficient than traditional water garden pumps. The pump’s high performance is achieved by combining the electrical efficiency of a mag-drive pump with the flow rates of a conventional motor driven pump. The hybrid style motor of the AquaForce® saves you hundreds of dollars in annually, costing less to operate than a 100-watt light bulb.The pump’s rotor and internal housing are built of stainless steel to resist corrosion. The ceramic shaft and bearing provide exceptional durability and less rotating resistance compared to standard steel bearings, ensuring the rotor spins smoothly and efficiently. The AquaForce® includes a 3-year warranty and is designed to meet the rigorous demands of operating 24 hours per day, seven days a week.The combination of the pump’s high energy performance, high volume water flow, and ease of installation makes the AquaForce® a highly valued choice for discriminating pond owners.  Benefits of the AquaForce®Protective pump cage prevents large debris from clogging or damaging pump, thereby reducing maintenanceLarge cage openings allow for solids to be easily processed by pump, allowing debris to be passed and filtered, preventing the pump from being clogged or damagedSimple pump cage clips make it easy to open the protective pump cage to perform pump maintenance or remove debrisThe wide, flat shape of the pump cage makes it stable and easy to place in the pondThe rotational ball output allows the pump discharge position to be easily adjusted, making this pump ideal for all shapes and sizes of ponds. This also allows the pump output to be used as a winterizing pump, preventing the pond from freezing completely over in colder climatesThe simple and secure threaded disconnect allows for the pump to be easily removed from the pond for maintenance or winterization without removing hose clamps or plumbing assembliesAsynchronous motor technology makes this pump more powerful and more efficient than traditional mag-drive or magnetically driven pond pumpsFor information on other Aquascape pond products, please see our 2012 downloadable catalog at www.aquascapeinc.com/product-catalogs. For information on where to buy, log onto http://www.aquascapeinc.com/shop-online.

Creeping Jenny

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:54:10 +0000

Creeping JennyLysimachia nummulariaOften used as groundcover or as an accent plant in containers, Creeping Jenny fares excellently when used in water gardening applications. Its round, shiny Chartreuse leaves clasp to each side of its stem creating a wonderful chain that cascades over sides of tubs or trails along rocks in a pond.Creeping Jenny enjoys very moist soil or water up to one-inch deep, making it an excellent choice for use as a marginal plant in your water garden. Growing approximately two inches in height, Creeping Jenny is a great filler to soften edges of rocks, its cheerful, bright leaves creating a vivid contrast against the cool grays of wet stone. Tiny, delightful yellow flowers appear throughout the summer, providing added beauty and interest. Creeping Jenny is quite prolific and considered to be invasive in some areas, but it’s easily pulled and can be managed quite nicely. Nestled in between rocks at the pond’s edge, its trailing foliage floats into the water creating wonderful, lacy texture. Use this easy-to-grow charmer in a gentle stream, or let it tumble down the sides of a waterfall for visual interest. Besides visual appeal, Creeping Jenny offers medicinal care. In traditional Chinese medicine, Lysimachia is used to treat gall stones and urinary bladder stones. The plant contains a number of phenolic acids and is also used by herbalists for treating wounds. Some practitioners use the plant to battle gout symptoms. Also known as Moneywort due to its round, penny-sized leaves, Lysimachia nummalaria is a perennial, native to Europe and best grown in Zones 3-10. For optimal growing results, keep its feet wet and plant in part-sun to sun.

Caring for Your Pond during Winter

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:48:52 +0000

Caring for Your Pond during WinterCaring for your pond during the winter months can mean different things, depending on where you live. If you’re fortunate enough to reside in a mild climate, simply removing your pond’s excess debris and adding Aquascape Activated Pond Carbon should set you up for the winter. If you live in the north, you may begin to see ice formation instead. This is what most of us in North America will see, and we’ll spend the next few months longingly viewing our ponds from indoors. During these frosty months, you can either keep your pond running for the winter, or shut it down. To shut your pond down, first unplug the pump, pull it out of the pond, and store it in a frost-free location, submerged in a bucket of water to keep the seals from drying out. Pond Shutdown for the FishIf you have fish and live in a climate cold enough to cause your pond to freeze over, you’ll need to be concerned with two things. First, is oxygenating the water. To do this, place a small pump on the second shelf of your pond so it bubbles right at the surface of the water. This will replace the oxygenation that your waterfalls were taking care of during the pond season. In all but extremely low temperatures, the bubbling of the pump will also keep a hole open in the ice to allow for gas exchange. This is the second thing that you need to do for your fish. A hole in the ice allows the escape of harmful gasses created by decay of organic matter that would otherwise build up under the ice.If your geographic area experiences long periods of exceptionally cold weather, the pump won’t be enough to keep a hole open in the ice, and you’ll want to consider adding a floating Aquascape Pond De-icer. Controlled by a thermostat, the unit only runs when the water temperature is at or below freezing, heating only the surrounding water to just above freezing, and then shutting off again. The best thing you can do if you live in extremely cold climates is to incorporate a combination of the pump and floating deicer. Be sure to position them so the two units are not near each other, otherwise the Aquascape Pond De-icer will run continuously in order to heat the that water that’s constantly being circulated by the pump. Beautiful Ice SculpturesLeaving your pond up and running is an option many people prefer. Not only does the waterfall and/or stream provide the beautiful sound of running water, but also the freezing water creates outstanding ice sculptures along the stream and waterfall area. The water movement created by running the pond during the winter also eliminates the need for additional oxygenation of the water.There are many benefits to operating your pond and waterfall year-round, but there are also a couple things you need to watch out for. As the water in the falls or stream freezes, the possibility of water loss due to ice damming is increased. When the ice freezes, a dam that pushes the flowing water over the edge of the liner can be created. This isn’t always a problem, but it is something that you need to be aware of and watch out for. You’ll probably be surprised to learn, that even during the winter, running water is still exposed to evaporation. Although water loss in your pond is considerably less than during warm months, you will still need to add water to make up for this loss. Simply keep an eye on your pond’s water level during the winter months and top off as needed.Whether you choose to shut down your pond or leave it running during the winter months, a bit of minor maintenance is all that’s needed to ensure that your pond will perform optimally when warmer breezes begin to blow.For more tips on winter care, watch our short video on winter pond maintenance:For information on where to purchase pond products, visit http://www.aquascapeinc.com/shop-online.

Red Leaved Canna

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:56:52 +0000

Red Leaved CannaCanna australisThe leaves of any colored-foliage canna can’t be beat, but Red Leaved Canna (Canna australis) beats them all, and yes, it loves water! Dark, deep-chocolate, reddish leaves seem to radiate in the sun and are so thin they allow the light to shine through. The plant produces an abundance of red flowers and, at 3 to 5 feet in height, not only does it make a great backdrop plant, it makes a big statement when used in a container water garden, too! They enjoy full sun and grow at a medium rate. Butterflies and hummingbirds love this plant, which you can place in the water garden or bog, or even use in flower beds provided you keep their feet wet.If you use tender cannas in your pond or container water garden, you’ll need to find an indoor spot to protect them from the winter in Zones colder than 6 or 7. 

The Other Pond Fish

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:50:26 +0000

The Other Pond FishWho doesn’t love koi in their pond? They’re beautiful and friendly, providing glimmers of color as they weave their way beneath the lily pads. Certainly they deserve their rightful place in a tranquil water garden. But what about other options? An array of pond fish is just waiting to call your pond their home.GoldfishGoldfish are perfect for your pond … resilient and able to handle all different kinds of water. For the newbie pond owner, goldfish are a great choice for getting started with fish-keeping. Several varieties of goldfish are available, from comets (plain orange and white) to the exotics like ranchus and bubble-eyes.Exotic GoldfishIncluded in this showy category are lionheads, telescopes, black moors, orandas, ranchus, and ryukins. The single most distinguishing characteristic of this group as a whole, are their round, bulbous abdomens. With this exotic group, extra caution should be taken if they are going to be placed outdoors, especially over the winter. Because they’re not as hardy as some of the other goldfish, they may become ill if left outdoors in the winter. This is especially true of the adults of these varieties.The reason for this overwintering weakness is thought to be related to the compacted, contorted abdomen of these fish. Their abdomens serve as a delicate balancing act of downward ballast, intestine, and fat versus the buoyant structure of the airbladder. The hardship of winter almost always degrades this equilibrium, resulting in the fish flipping over and eventually dying. This is easy to overcome by bringing these finned friends indoors to join you just in time for the holidays!ShubunkinsThe shubunkins is a type of single-tailed, long-bodied goldfish that originated in China. There are two different types of shubunkins. One has a long tail fin, with broad tail fin lobes that are rounded on the end. The other one looks more like a common goldfish, with a short tail fin. Bred mainly for their coloring, shubunkins often have a red, black, and sky blue coloring … sort of like a calico.The most valuable of the shubunkins are mostly blue with strong accents of white and red, and the overall pattern sparingly flecked with black. In fact, when blessed with a white, black, and orange pattern, some may resemble baby koi but are far from it. They are different in size and markings. Most notably, they lack barbells (whiskers of sorts) that are found on koi. Shubunkins are hardy fish that can survive sweltering summers and severe winters, and can grow up to 14 inches in a minimum 180-gallon pond.SarassasSarassas are very similar to shubunkins in that they both have a similar body shape, however, they do not quite reach the same size as their larger shubunkins counterparts. The sarassa features a white base color and brilliant red highlights. It is believed that they came from a cross between the red cap oranda and the comet goldfish, and are sometimes referred to as the poor man’s koi. Amazingly, the brilliant red of the true sarassa is a lifelong proposition and the fish are very enjoyable. Uncontrolled breeding of the sarassa will yield more and more brown fish until the pond population has returned to unselected comet and brown goldfish ancestry.OrfesThere are also some fish, which you may have never heard of, that would make great pond fish. Orfes, for example, call many a backyard pond home. In its native habitat, the Danube River, the golden orfe is a dark silvery color, but received its golden color when bred in Europe. The bright orange color is very attractive, especially since they characteristically swim near the surface of most ponds with the rest of their group. This is helpful because their presence near the top of the pond can also encourage koi and other goldfish to visit the surface of the water as well.One thing to keep in mind is that golden orfe grow extremely fast. A 2 to 3-inch golden orfe can quickly reach sizes of 2 to 2 ½ feet! While golden orfe feed mostly on insect larvae, worms, and fallen insects, they are derived from the predatory side (in its original silver color) and could pose a risk to the rest of the aquatic life, although it is unlikely. Orfe are highly sensitive to fish medications of most kinds, and extreme care must be taken.CatfishCatfish are another popular fish seen in the water garden. They are commonly sold as scavengers to help clean up the pond, but they really don’t do that much of it. Caution should be taken with these fish because they can become quite large in a short period of time. When they become large, they can cause trouble because they may start eating whatever they can fit in their mouth … including other fish!Learning about FishGetting to know the background of the pond fish you plan to keep as pets is vital to their survival and your sanity. By knowing their defining characteristics, you will have a thorough understanding of how the fish will interact in your pond with other fish, plants, and aquatic life.Other Fish to Consider:BluegillPerchSunfishCarpRuddTenchMinnowSturgeon

Dwarf Variegated Sweetflag

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:49:22 +0000

Dwarf Variegated SweetflagAcorus gramineus ‘Ogon’  Also known as golden Japanese sweetflag, this plant is ideal for container water gardens and water gardens alike. It’s extremely flexible, as it can be grown with its toes in the water or partially submerged. The beautiful foliage is light green and highlighted with bright yellow stripes, remaining beautiful all season and sometimes through the winter. To maintain a neat appearance, be sure to remove old foliage before new leaves emerge. You’ll find you might need to divide the clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring.Since it tolerates some shade, you can use Dwarf Variegated Sweetflag to brighten shady areas of your water garden, while adding texture and color to the borders and edges of your pond. You can even use this versatile plant in soil-type containers, provided you keep it well-watered. Great companion plants for Dwarf Variegated Sweetflag include Iris, Heath, Sedge, Sweetspire, and even Ajuga. Its golden leaves provide a stunning contrast to plants with purple foliage and/or flowers.Does well in Zones 6 to 11, tolerates some shade, and grows 8 to 12 inches tall. An all-around great plant that adds a bright, cheerful spot to any water feature!

Helping Your Fish Survive the Winter

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:39:33 +0000

Helping Your Fish Survive the WinterGoldfish and koi hate wintertime more than we do. Neither species of fish are indigenous to North America, so in our colder climates, they merely “survive” winter. They don't flourish in it.In the southern part of our country, the winters are pretty balmy and very little ice appears on the ponds. However, winter's effects on the fish seem to be the same whether the pond is merely icy, or completely iced over. Some important wintertime facts will help you guide your fish through winter and into a safe and healthy springtime. Wintertime “Factoids”There are certain things you should realize about winter so you can properly interpret certain events and conditions come spring. Important Factoid #1During the winter, the fish’s immune system is in a predominantly non-functional condition. In other words, their immune system is in hibernation.Important Factoid #2Temperature swings within the pond of 20° F or more are very stressful for the fish and moving water through a thin phase aids it in the gain or loss of heat. This is a simple statement with a lot of meaning. When you pour a cup of hot soup back and forth from one cup to another, you can rapidly cool it. In the same way, a waterfall can dissipate or pick up heat from the pond’s water. In certain climates, such as in the Sierra Nevadas and other desert areas, air temperatures can be very warm by day and ice cold at night. This matters because if your waterfall runs around the clock, you could be warming the water by day, and super cooling it by night. Again, this is a geographical phenomenon, and may not apply to you but a simple pond thermometer could tell you for sure. The stress caused by fluctuating water temperatures makes the fish more vulnerable to infection. To avoid this problem, some people run their waterfalls during the day to pick up valuable free heat, and turn the falls off (making sure to have some other form of submerged pond circulation for aeration) at night to spare that free energy and avoid super-cooling. Important Factoid #3Turning off your waterfall may spare heat loss at night, but it can also deprive fish of oxygen and circulation. It is important, especially if water temperatures are climbing, to always have some circulation in the pond to maintain sufficient aeration or oxygen exchange for the fish. Important Factoid #4Fish cannot freeze into a block of ice and survive. This is a wintertime factoid that should be destroyed once and for all. Many people see their fish in small ponds, “frozen” under a solid layer of ice. The fish are utterly motionless due to the cold. They perceive that the fish are frozen in the ice and so they say, “My fish were frozen solid and lived!” but this is not the case. Important Factoid #5Another common myth in this hobby is that fish are safer from parasites and pathogens, like bacterial infections, in the dead of winter because these “bugs” slow down, or even stop, in icy water. However, the opposite is true. Parasites do not necessarily slow down in ice-cold water. In fact, certain species of flukes are actually more active in the icy water of winter, and species of ich, trichodina, and costia are also busy at work in icy water. It’s an important fact that the fish can be more heavily infected with parasites in winter than any other time of the year. Becoming familiar with these facts will give you the understanding to help your fish have a restful winter and a healthy and active spring next year!

Feeding Fish in the Fall

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 22:01:51 +0000

Feeding Fish in the FallYou’ve enjoyed watching and feeding your fish all summer, and now it’s time to help them prepare for their winter’s nap. You want to make sure your fish are strong and healthy as Old Man Winter makes his way to your pond. A well-balanced diet is critical to the health of your fish.When pond temperatures fall below 60-degrees, your fishes’ metabolism and digestive system begins to slow down. Investing in a pond thermometer will help you determine when to change the eating regimen of your beloved finned friends.Aquascape Premium Cold Water Fish Food has been scientifically formulated to provide quality nutrition to all pond fish, including goldfish and koi. The inclusion of spirulina and wheat germ helps make the food easier to digest at colder water temperatures. Feeding your fish the proper food will help ensure your fish survive their winter slumber. When spring rolls around and you’re anxiously waiting to see your playful koi once again, you’ll be glad you took consideration in the fall to properly care for them. And remember, you can feed them Aquascape Premium Cold Water Fish Food up until the pond water rises above 60-degrees!Click here to watch a video on feeding fish.Click here for information on where to buy Aquascape Fish Foods.