Wait, I’m Supposed to Stop Feeding My Fish during Winter?

This is a question I hear from many first-time pond owners because there is a lot of confusion around the topic of feeding fish in wintertime. With most pets, you feed them consistently regardless of the temperature or time of year. However, when you have fish that live outside, you have to take a different approach.

I’ve talked about this before, but it never hurts to reiterate, especially because so many questions seem to surround it. When temperatures get cold enough, you need to stop feeding your fish completely. Yes, that’s right. Your fish don’t need any food to survive when temperatures are really cold.

How is that possible? Well, as previous posts have discussed, fish require different kinds of nutrition at different times of the year. For example, when temperatures begin to consistently hover around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, you are supposed to start giving your fish cold weather fish food. Then, when temperatures hit about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you should stop feeding your fish completely.

At those temperatures, it is simply too difficult for your fish’s digestive systems to function. Their metabolisms are almost completely slowed down, and their bodies are in a semi-hibernation state. Any food you would give them at that point would do more harm than good because they would have difficulty processing it.

Now, if you hit one of those unseasonably warm stretches of weather that sometimes occur during winter, you can give your fish a little bit of cold weather fish food to tide them over during that time. However, temperatures will inevitably drop again, so you want to still feed sparingly during any periods of semi-warmness.

If you have other questions about cold weather fish food or general winter pond care, please contact one of our pond supplies professionals today.

*Image provided by yo Alex (away launching a new web site)

What Size of Pond Heater is Right for My Pond?

Finding the right pond heater for your pond is much easier than you may think. You have lots of options, but the most important things to pay attention to are climate and size.

Starting with size, all you need to do is determine how many gallons of water your pond holds. Not sure how to do this? Use our handy pond liner size calculator. Just enter the appropriate measurements of your backyard pond and our tool will determine the volume for you.

Once you have the volume of your pond, it’s time to think about your local climate. The average winter temperatures your pond is going to be battling directly influence what kind of pond heater you need to buy.

Use the map below to identify your zone. Then use the corresponding chart to match your temperature zone and your pond volume to determine how powerful your pond heater needs to be. (to view a larger image of the map, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page)

Does it even really matter how powerful my pond heater is? Absolutely. If it isn’t powerful enough, it won’t work effectively to keep a section of your pond from freezing over and your fish could suffer. However, if it’s too powerful, you’ll be losing lots of money in energy costs. Either way, it definitely pays off to choose a pond heater that accurately meets your pond’s specific needs.

Have more questions about pond heaters and other pond supplies? Contact a professional at Pondliner.com today.

*Image provided by Sparkling Backyard Garden Koi Ponds, LLC

What Blackwater Wheat Germ Cool Season Koi Food Can Do For Your Fish This Winter

Last month we gave you a breakdown of one of our most popular kinds of cold weather fish food: Microbe Lift Legacy. This month we’re going to give a similar synopsis of another great brand we carry: Blackwater Wheat Germ Cool Season Koi Food.

As we’ve discussed before, your fish’s dietary needs change based on the weather. Once the temperatures start falling, their metabolism slows down, meaning they need to be given food that is easy to digest.

How does Blackwater's brand of cold weather fish food meet this need?

Blackwater Wheat Germ food provides a low fat diet that is highly digestible. Its primary ingredient, as you may have guessed, is wheat germ. This ingredient is great to see in cold weather fish food, because it is designed to take the place of protein and give fish nutrients in a form their systems can handle.

Some of the other key ingredients include: premium grade fish meal, wheat, dried yeast culture, soy protein concentrate and wheat flour. All of these things are easy on your fish’s digestive systems, which makes this food a great choice during the cold winter months.

Something you might not know: this cold weather fish food can also be used in the spring to aid in spawning. Because it’s low in fat, it helps reduce the buildup of fat in your fish’s ovaries, which may reduce the incidence of “egg bound” females. Pretty neat!

The weather is turning colder quickly, so make sure you make the switch to cold weather fish food. Your fish – and their digestive systems – will thank you.

Learn more about cold weather fish food and how it can help your fish stay healthy all winter long.

*Image provided by Cindy Funk on Flickr

Why Pond Pumps and Pond Heaters Cannot be Friends

Your pond pump and your pond heater. Both essential parts of your backyard water garden. Both incredibly important to you. Both necessary for your pond life’s health and happiness.

So why can’t they just get along?

Well, as it turns out, it’s not that pond heaters and pond pumps don’t want to be friends. It’s just that they are not designed to work together.

Pond heaters are thermostatically controlled. They pump out heat to keep an area of your ponds’ surface free of ice. This allows critical gas exchanges to occur, without which your pond life would suffer and possibly die.

So how does your pond pump get in the way? It’s by no fault of its own, but pond pumps are designed to keep water constantly moving in your pond, and this causes problems for pond heaters.

Think about it. If your pond pump is consistently moving cold water around, your pond heater is going to go crazy trying to heat that water. It will pump out tons and tons of electricity/energy, but there will always be more cold water coming at it. It will be a never-ending cycle, and you will not get the results you are really looking for.

Basically, you need to choose one or the other. If you live in an area that doesn’t get incredibly cold during winter, you can probably get away with leaving your pond pump running year-round, which will keep your pond water moving and eliminate the need for a heater. However, if you consistently get ice forming on the surface of your pond, using a pond heater during the coldest months is your best bet for keeping your pond life healthy.

Have questions about pond pumps and pond heaters? Wondering which one your pond needs more this winter? Contact one of our pond supplies representatives today.

Placing Your Floating Pond Heater: It's Easier Than You Think

Last month we talked a lot about why you need pond heaters for your water garden. The role they play in keeping your fish healthy throughout winter is second to none. Today we're going to talk in a little more detail about how to place your fish’s favorite cold weather device.

Placing a Floating Pond Heater in Your Water Garden:

1. Don't jump the gun. You don’t need a pond heater until your pond has frozen over, or at least started forming ice on its surface. Once you notice this happening, it’s time to take action.

2. Decide on a location. Your pond heater should be placed within easy reach of the edge of your pond. If there are any maintenance needs or functionality problems, you want to be able to access the heater immediately.

3. Insert the pond heater into your pond. It’s that simple. Once the location is chosen, you simply set your pond heater into the water. If it runs on electricity, it will obviously need to be plugged in. And if it runs on gas or oil, you’ll need to make sure this fuel source stays full all season long. *There are also some solar pond heaters that don’t require wiring and are very energy efficient. However, you need to live in an area that gets enough sun to keep them functioning properly.

4. Drill when necessary. Ideally, you want to insert the pond heater as soon as you notice ice beginning to form on the surface of the water. However, if your pond is already frozen over and the ice is more than two inches thick, you’ll need to carefully drill a hole where you want to place the heating device. Don’t just crack the ice, because this can cause shock waves that will harm your fish and other pond life.

Placing a floating pond heater in your water garden is easy, but it makes a huge difference to your fish and other pond life. Have any questions? Contact one of our pond supplies representatives today.

Featured Cold Weather Fish Food: Microbe Lift Legacy

In a past post I talked about the power of cold weather fish food and how important it is to your pond life's health. Today I’m going to talk in greater detail about one of the specific kinds of food we at Pondliner recommend you buy: Microbe-Lift Legacy Cold Weather Fish Food.

This type of fish food comes from a brand that our pond supplies professionals really trust. Microbe-Lift makes great products, and we think this fish food does wonderful things for your pond life during the cold winter months.

Why is it so great? Well, this particular cold weather fish food is made with lesser amounts of protein and wheat germ, and instead contains a higher level of fats. This makes it much easier for your fish to digest as their systems begin slowing down and processing food less effectively. In addition, it contains probiotics that produce enzymes used specifically to break down carbohydrates, protein and fat.

So not only does this cold weather fish food contain ingredients that are easy to digest, it also contains elements that help with the digestive process itself. Pretty cool.

The Microbe-Lift Legacy brand provides a balanced feeding system that will keep your fish healthy and happy even as their systems begin steadily shutting down for winter. It meets their unique nutritional needs = and helps to keep them strong even during the coldest months of the year.

Remember, feeding your fish the proper kind of food during winter is essential for keeping them healthy and happy. Take a step in the right direction by purchasing the Microbe-Lift Legacy brand this season.

Prevent Your Pond from Icing Over with Pond Heaters

Now that we've discussed the difference (or lack thereof) between pond deicers and pond heaters, it's time to talk about how to use them effectively. One of the biggest concerns pond owners face each winter is how to keep their fish alive when the temperatures plummet, and pond heaters/deicers are an essential part of doing so.

The process for keeping your fish comfortable in cold weather is two-fold:

1. Have a section of the pond at least 18 inches deep
2. Keep the surface of the pond from completely freezing over

Allow me to explain why both steps are important. First of all, your priority needs to be keeping your fish from freezing to death. By having a section of the pond at least 18 inches deep, you ensure that your fish can get deep enough to avoid the risk of freezing. When temperatures are their coldest, your fish will head to the deepest part of your pond to hibernate.

As for keeping your pond surface from freezing over, this is necessary to allow a healthy exchange of gases to occur. As your fish’s digestive systems work, they release ammonia into the water. If that ammonia is trapped beneath a layer of ice and can’t escape into the air, you run the risk of poisoning your fish. Likewise, oxygen from outside the pond needs a way to get into the water.

Remember that you don’t have to worry about keeping the entire surface of your pond free of ice. That would be a very big job! Instead, you can use pond heaters or a pond deicer to keep a small section of the water’s surface from freezing. Just a small hole is enough to allow the necessary gases to exchange to keep your fish happy and healthy all winter long.

Have questions or want more information about buying winter pond supplies? Contact a Pondliner professional today.

Pond Heaters, Pond Deicers - What's the Difference?

When it comes to winter pond supplies, one of the most important pieces you can buy is a pond heater. Or is it a pond deicer? Wait a minute…

Some pond owners get confused when it comes to buying one of these products, but we’re here to help.

The first thing to note is that pond heaters and pond deicers are the same thing.

That’s right. Two different names, but it’s the same product and it achieves the same outcomes. So either one you buy, you will be getting a product that is designed to keep your pond from completely freezing over in frigid temperatures. The choice you have to make it whether to purchase one that is submerged or floating:

• Floating pond heater/deicer: located on the surface of your pond, these floating pond supplies are used to keep an area of your pond’s surface open during the winter. In addition, they are temperature programmed, so they only run when the water temperatures hit a certain point. Floating pond heaters/deicers won’t keep your entire pond surface free from ice, but they will create a big enough hole for the exchange of gases to occur.
  
  
• Submerged pond heater/deicer: placed in the bottom of your pond, these pond supplies are used to heat the water at your pond's lowest point. These are most beneficial in ponds less than 18 inches deep, because they will give your fish enough warmth to prevent them from freezing to death. You’ll want to monitor your pond’s surface closely, though, because a submerged heater can’t guarantee that it will generate enough heat to keep the surface of the pond from freezing over. If you notice that it isn’t doing enough on its own, you may need to purchase a floating version as well.

So there you have it. Pond heaters and pond deicers are one in the same. You can buy versions that live at the bottom of your pond, or those that float across the top. Either way, your ultimate goal during winter needs to be to keep a small section of your pond from freezing over. Do this, and you shouldn’t have to worry about your pond life making it happily to springtime.

*Image provided by debs-eye on Flickr.

Get Great Deals on Pond Supplies at the Bargain Basement

In case you weren’t aware, Pondliner.com has a Bargain Basement that features all kind of great pond supplies at discounted prices. What’s better than getting a brand new pond pump? Getting a brand new pond pump at a great price!

Just like the best time to buy a winter jacket is at the beginning of spring, we think the best time to buy pond supplies can be when they’re out of season. If you think it may be time to replace an essential part of your backyard water garden, consider doing it while the weather is cold. That way, you can get a great deal on the part you need, and you’ll be ready to start replacing, rebuilding, expanding or enhancing as soon as the weather starts turning warmer.

Just a few of the products you can find in our Bargain Basement include:

• Pond pumps
• Pond heaters / pond deicers
• Pond lights
• Pond filters
• UV sterilizers/clarifiers
• Pond liners / pond underlay
• Pond skimmers
• Pond vacuums

You get the idea. Pretty much any type of pond supplies or accessories you need can be found on clearance in this expansive section. Browse through the available products today, and treat yourself to a high-quality piece of pond equipment at a great price.

*Image provided by www.vectorportal.com

The Power of Cold Weather Fish Food

As humans, we often eat different kinds of food – and different amounts of it – depending on the weather. For many of us, summer is a time to eat lighter foods like salads, grilled fish, chicken, and fruit. We also tend to eat less food when we’re hot. On the other hand, fall and winter is a time to load up on comfort foods like hearty stews and soups, mashed potatoes and pot roast.

Fish in your backyard water garden are pretty much the opposite, because they need more food in the warmer months of the year and less food during winter. That’s because fish go into a form of hibernation when it gets cold. Their metabolism slows down steadily until it is almost nonexistent, and they spend the majority of their time hovering at the bottom of your pond to avoid freezing to death.

Because of this lack of metabolism, their digestive systems can’t process large amounts of food, or food that has high levels of protein. And during the coldest weather, they actually don’t need to eat at all.

So how should you handle the changing metabolism levels and food needs of your fish?

Feed them the type of food that is appropriate for the weather conditions they are experiencing.

For the winter months, that means giving them cold weather fish food. It's made with lesser amounts of protein and is instead comprised mostly of wheat germ, an ingredient that is easily digested and contains a higher level of fats. Switching to this kind of food is extremely important, because if you continue to feed your fish food they can’t process, they will produce excess amounts of ammonia that can actually poison the water they are living in.

Another benefit of cold weather fish food is that it has important probiotics that help produce enzymes that break down carbohydrates, protein and fat. So the food you’re feeding your fish is essentially helping their digestive systems to process it. Pretty neat system, huh?

Most pond supplies experts recommend switching to cold weather fish food any time nighttime temperatures can go below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, or when the water temperature drops to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Once your fish stop coming to the surface for food, or the water falls below 42 degrees Fahrenheit, you can stop feeding them altogether until the temperature starts rising again.

Have questions about cold weather fish food, or how to properly care for your fish during winter? The pond supplies experts at Pondliner can help. Just give us a call today!

*Image provided by Eustaquio Santimano on Flickr

How to Keep Your Pond Pump from Clogging this Fall

Your pond pump is an essential part of what keeps your favorite ecosystem functioning. During the fall, it has to work extra hard to try to combat all the leaves, sticks and other falling debris bombarding your pond on a daily basis.

Because of all the falling debris, your pump would probably need to be cleaned out daily just to keep the water flowing. Not only is that a time-consuming process, but it can really disturb the ecosystem you’ve worked so hard to create.

Since your pond pump takes care of your fish and pond plants, what can you do to take care of it during this strenuous season?

You can change the size of your filter screen, but if you have a significant amount of debris coming off the trees around your pond, it’s unlikely that this will make much of a difference. A better idea is to get in there and give your pump an extra hand. Instead of waiting for it to filter everything, you can manually clear out the leaves and other material a couple times a week.

Using a pond skimmer can get things on the surface, but you can even go a step further and remove matter from the pond floor using a swimming pool leaf-raking net, or some other similar device. This will cloud the water temporarily, so you may want to follow it by exchanging out some of the pond water.

If you find that this isn’t enough to combat all the crazy debris falling off the trees and plants in your backyard, you may even want to consider redirecting your pond pump system outside of your pond to an external basin. Sink your basin of choice into the ground a few feet away from your pond. You can connect it to your pond either with an underground pipe, or an aboveground PVC pipe. By placing your pond pump inside this basin, the water will be drawn into it, and the accompanying debris will be trapped.

Take care of your pond pump this fall, and it will take care of you. For more tips on how to stay on top of pond maintenance for this busy season, contact a pond supplies professional today.

*Image provided by Wonderlane on Flickr.

Seasonal Pond Pump Maintenance

Taking care of your pump is not a one-time endeavor. It’s important to do seasonal pond pump maintenance to make sure that it your machine is properly prepared for the conditions that come with changing temperatures.

Fall

During fall you’ll need to be extra vigilant about removing leaves and other falling debris from the surface of your pond. If this detritus is allowed to pile up, it has the potential to clog your pond pump's filter, which can result in all kinds of nasty problems.

Winter

Unless you live in a very temperate climate (in which case you probably aren’t interested in an article about seasonal pond pump maintenance), winter is a time for shutting down your pump and storing it. If your pond has the potential to freeze, you don’t want your pump anywhere near it. Frozen water can cause internal pump pieces to freeze and break.

Spring

Your pond pump has been in storage for a while, so examine it closely for signs of damage or wear. Look at the power cord and cables, filter, pump housing and the complete exterior. Then give the pump a thorough cleaning from the inside out. Get rid of any accumulated dirt or grime, especially inside the pump where the impeller is housed.

Summer

The only maintenance that must be done during summer is cleaning. The frequency with which you should clean your pump will vary based on the size of your pond and its location in your yard. Be proactive about cleaning to keep your pump in optimal working condition.

Have questions about your pond pump or other important pond supplies? Contact us today.

Quick Fixes for Your Pond Pump

If your pond pump starts malfunctioning, this doesn’t necessarily mean you need to purchase a replacement. Some of the problems that occur have a quick fix, and you may be able to take care of them on your own.

What to do when your pond pump starts acting up:

• The first thing you want to do is clean it. If algae, dirt or debris has built up, it may be blocking the pump or otherwise preventing it from functioning properly. My last post was all about cleaning your pond pump, so refer to that for additional instructions.
  
  
• The next thing you want to look at is water level. If it’s not at the right level, it may be preventing your pump from functioning properly. Water levels that are too low can cause your pump to make weird noises, while those that are too high can cause overflowing. You want your pump to be submerged, but your pond does not need to be filled to the brim.
  
  
• Are you hearing a weird vibrating noise? If your pump is hitting up against the water basin, that could be the cause. Place a small rubber kitchen mat beneath your pump to take care of this minor problem.
  
  
• Finally, you always want to examine the tubing. If it is too small, place the connecting end in boiling water for a few minutes. Immediately after removing it, place it over the pond pump tube outlet. As it shrinks it will form a watertight seal. If it’s too small, purchase a corkscrew clamp to hold it in place. If neither of these solutions work, you can always buy new tubing. Although this is a slightly more expensive option, it is still more affordable than completely replacing the pump.

As you can see, many pond pump issues can be fixed without requiring you to invest much time or money. The biggest factor in keeping your pond fully functioning is to monitor its performance. As soon as you notice a problem, take the proper steps to identify it. If it’s a quick fix, follow our suggestions above. If you need assistance, contact one of our pond supplies experts for more information.

Cleaning Your Pond Pumps: Why, How and When

The month of August is going to be all about pond pumps. We’re going to talk about how to clean them, how to care for them and how to make sure they work effectively in your pond for years to come.

Let’s start with cleaning. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in all my years of being a pond enthusiast, it’s that cleaning your pond supplies is the key to keeping them working effectively.

This is definitely true when it comes to pond pumps. They are the heart of any successful water garden, because they aerate the water and circulate it through a filtration system to keep it clean.

Follow the tips below to make sure you keep your pond pump sparkling clean and in great working condition:

1. Unplug your pump from its power supply to prevent the possibility of electrocution.
   
   
2. Gently remove the pump from the water (do not yank or pull aggressively)
   
   
3. Dismantle all parts of the pump and lay them out individually.
   
   
4. Clean each piece separately using only water. It’s best to use existing pond water as opposed to tap water so you don’t disrupt the ecosystem. DO NOT use any chemicals or cleaning agents. IMPORTANT NOTE: when cleaning your pond pump filter, rinse only about one-fourth of the media with water. Some of the bacteria that grows in your filter is beneficial to your pond, so you don't want to eliminate all of it.
   
   
5. Check the hose to see if there are any blockages, and clean them out if necessary.
   
   
6. Make sure all cables and wiring running from the pump are well connected and don't show any signs of damage. Repair or replace if needed.
   
   
7. Reassemble the pump and return it to its proper place in your water garden.

How often you clean your pond pump depends on how large your pond is,where it is located in your yard, and how many fish you have. The more debris your pond accumulates, the more often you'll want to clean the pump. The more fish you have, the more waste that gets produced, and the more frequently your pump will need to be cleaned. You get the idea.

If you have any questions about how to clean your pump, or if you want to learn more about the different kinds of pond pumps we have to offer, contact one of our pond supplies experts today.

What Makes Backyard Ponds So Beautiful

A backyard can oftentimes be an overlooked part of your property. However, if you take the time to turn this area into the paradise you’ve always dreamed of, you’ll never have to go far for a vacation from your everyday.

So how do you begin to transform your backyard into an area you truly enjoy? Add a backyard pond!

Backyard ponds allow you to transform your property into your own personal oasis. And since you can customize your pond to suit your specific yard, you can rest easy knowing your backyard paradise is unlike any other in the world.

What makes a backyard pond so beautiful is that it’s something you made to fit your exact specifications. Want a cascading waterfall? Done. Want trickling streams with beautiful stones? You can do that too. Here at Pondliner, we are the experts in pond development, and we offer all the pond supplies you need to create a backyard pond to suit your vision.

Some of the features that can be added to our backyard ponds include:

• Fountains and Aerators
• Pond lights
• Water garden accessories
• Aquatic plants
• Goldfish and koi
• Misting systems

The best way to create a backyard pond that will complement the look of your yard is to take your existing yard into consideration. Think about the elements that already exist and develop a plan that works with them. For example, trees and shrubs can integrate into your design and provide your backyard pond with much needed shade. And if you need help along the way, our experts are happy to offer a helping hand.

Now is the perfect time to create the backyard you’ve always wanted. Contact one of our pond experts or browse our site to get started today.

*Image provided by osseous on Flickr.

How to Use Pond Pumps to Create Stand-Out Water Features

Ready to take your backyard pond to the next level? The most important tool you’ll need is a pond pump. Pond pumps power all sorts of water features like:

• Streams
• Waterfalls
• Fountains
• Spitters

But with dozens of pumps to choose from, how can you know which is best for your feature? While our pond supplies experts can help you find the right pump for your pond, you can get a good idea of what range you’ll be looking at by taking the following steps.

• Run a standard garden hose through your feature. The average 5/8” garden hose pumps between 850 and 900 gallons per hour (GPH). Running the hose through your feature will give you a good baseline to determine how much more or less power your pump will need to provide.

• Factor in head height. When browsing water pumps, you’ll notice GPH listings for different head heights. Head height refers to the number of feet of pipe the pump has to push water through. In head height, every vertical foot equals one foot, while every 10 horizontal feet equals one foot. So a pump that is located 20 feet from the feature and needs to push water four feet to the surface has a head height of six feet.

• Understand the feature. Most manufactured features like fountains and spitters list GPH recommendations. If you’re running water over a ledge to create a waterfall, however, the power depends on your taste. Most experts recommend pumping 100 GPH over every four inches of ledge for a trickle, two inches of ledge for medium flow and one inch of ledge for a dramatic effect.

Thinking about using a pump to liven up your pond this summer? Call one of our pond experts at (866) 766-3548 to narrow down your options.

How Koi Pond Kits Make Your Life Easier

Thinking about finally putting in that koi pond you’ve been talking about for the last ten years? A koi pond kit can be that one purchase that finally gets you moving on your dream.

With written instructions and all the supplies needed for a clear, healthy pond, these kits take the guesswork out of building and cleaning your koi pond. Don’t stress out about your new koi pond – invest in a kit with the following pond supplies:

• Instructions – While online articles and videos help many people build a koi pond, buying a kit with an instruction book allows you to keep step-by-step instructions on hand while you’re working in the yard.
• Pond liner and underlay – A pond liner that can withstand harsh weather and changing water conditions is the foundation of your koi pond. These liners are strong enough for commercial applications, but light enough to carry around in the yard. Through a koi pond kit, you'll get just the right size liner for your pond.
  
• Magnetic drive pump and check valve discharge kit – Perhaps the most important tool in the fight to keep a koi pond clean is a good pump and filtration system. These pumps can not only create interesting waterfalls and streams, but also aerate the pond and circulate water through the filter.
• Cleaning supplies – Supplies like a pond skimmer, water conditioner and bacteria kit take the stress out of keeping your fish healthy and your pond clear. All supplies come with instructions to make sure you know exactly what you need to do every season to keep your pond looking its best.

With a koi pond kit from Pondliner, you no longer have an excuse for that barren stretch of grass in your yard where a pond should be. Save money and time by investing in a koi pond kit, and get going on a project you’ll enjoy for years to come. If you have any questions after browsing our selection of koi pond kits, contact one of our experts today.

Image provided by blondieb38 on MorgueFile.

Keeping Your Pond Clean Just Became More Affordable

Whether you are a pond enthusiast or are in the process of building your first backyard water garden, you understand the importance of keeping your pond water clean, clear and healthy.

If you have koi or goldfish in your pond, they are continually eating and producing waste that can quickly build up and cause problems. In addition, debris from the air and surrounding trees and plants can accumulate and really clog up your ecosystem.

Thankfully, by purchasing the right pond supplies and performing regular maintenance, you have the resources you need to keep these problems under control. Pondliner is currently running promotions on three of our products that are specifically designed to keep your pond water clean.

Promotions on Pond Cleaning Supplies

From now until July 6, we are offering discounts on the following pond supplies:

• Microbe-Lift PL: 15% off
• Alpine Surge Pumps: 10% off
• ProEco Vacuums: 10% off

In case you aren't sure what any of these products can do, here's a brief explanation:

Microbe-Lift PL: this formula creates a cleaner environment in your pond by reducing ammonia nitrogen levels, dissolving sludge, maintaining biological pond filters, reducing buildup of debris, breaking down algae, clearing up cloudy water and more. At 15% off its already low price, it's a great deal for your backyard water garden.

Alpine Surge Pumps: with a GPH of either 400, 1000 or 1340, these pond pumps help to manage flow control and increase the efficiency of your pond's filtration system. And because they promote energy-efficient operation, you'll be saving money while keeping your pond clean and clear.

ProEco Vacuum: this versatile product can be used either wet or dry to make pond cleanup as easy as possible. It features a single chamber that fills and empties automatically on a preset timer to remove sludge and debris in no time at all.

Remember, these deals are only good until July 6, so be sure to take advantage of them. Keep your pond clear and healthy so you can fully enjoy it and your ecosystem can flourish year after year.

Are You Taking Full Advantage of Your Backyard Pond?

Summer is the perfect time to get the most out of your pond. Whether it’s a traditional water garden, a koi pond or a disappearing waterfall, warm weather practically begs you to sit outside and enjoy your creation.

Some people make the mistake of building their pond and then basically forgetting about it. They never alter its design and rarely gather around it. In fact, they pretty much ignore it unless the water needs to be cleaned or a rock has come loose.

Avoid this all-too-common mistake by adopting some of our great ideas for how to make the most out of your backyard pond this summer:

• Have a barbecue. Everyone enjoys grilling out, so have your friends over for a backyard BBQ. That way you’ll spend time in the yard and people can enjoy the beautiful pond you’ve created.

• Host a bonfire. Nighttime can be a great time to admire your pond. Have a bonfire in your backyard so people can sit around long after the sun goes down. This can be a great opportunity to use those new pond lights you purchased, too.

• Set up a seating area around your pond. When setting up your backyard, you want to create seating areas just like you do inside your home. Make sure one of these areas is near your pond to encourage family and friends to sit by it and enjoy its soothing sounds, beautiful colors and lively ecosystem.

• Switch things up. One of the best ways to keep yourself interested in your pond is by changing it up once a season. And these changes don’t have to be drastic. By simply adding a few new plants, rearranging some rocks or changing the type of fish you have, you can keep things interesting season after season.

• Purchase new pond supplies. It can be as simple as a new accent piece, or as complex as an entirely new water feature. No matter how extravagant or simple you decide to go, purchasing new pond supplies is a great way to get yourself excited about your water garden.

This list is only the beginning. Use it to spark your imagination as you come up with new and exciting ways to take advantage of your backyard water garden. And don’t forget to submit pictures of your creations! Our pond gallery is bursting with pictures from customers who have created some truly fantastic ponds. Add yours to the collection today.