3 Advantages of Pressure Filters

Are you trying to find the perfect water filter for your backyard pond? You know you need to keep your water, fish and plants healthy, but it can be difficult to decide between the many pond filter supplies available. Consider the advantages of pressure filters, ideal for small backyard ponds:

Sealed Units 

Pressure filters are sealed units made to be placed outside of the pond and fed water via a water pump in the pond. The filter unit is sealed, so it can be placed nearly anywhere, including below ground level or behind a water feature. If you’re looking for a filter that can be installed in a variety of places, a pressure filter gives you flexible options.

Re-routed Water Path

Water must leave the pond through a pump to enter the pressurized filter. This allows creative options for water’s re-entrance to your pond. Want to install a fountain or create a waterfall to enhance your yard? A pressure filter can route filtered water back into your pond through a water feature.

Eco-friendly Options

Pondliner.com offers eco-friendly pressurized pond filters. These filters are self-cleaning; all you have to do is switch the control valve to backwash and pull the cleaning handle. Magnetic pumps operate the filter, while a UC clarifier keeps water efficiently clean.

The pressurized filters at Pondliner.com are made of two kinds of filter foam: fine and coarse. The contrast of these textures creates an optimal environment for growing the bacteria that’s good for your filter supplies. Using this advantage of a pressure filter, you can grow the bacteria your pond needs without adding more chemicals that could be harmful to your fish and plants.

If you’re looking for a flexible, easy to manage filtering system for your small pond, a pressure filter can provide you with the supplies you need. Contact Pondliner.com to learn more about your filtering supply and service options today.

Making the Transition to Pond Filtering

You know you should have installed a pond filter long ago, but you just never got around to it. Now you’ve realized your pond life can’t stay healthy without one. So how should you go about installing a pond filter when you’ve been going without one? Here are some important steps you should take to safely install your filter.

Clean, Clean, Clean! 

Pond filters can be delicate, so it’s important to manually clean your pond before you start filtering. You might need to invest in some pond supplies to effectively clean your water feature. If your pond liner is too dirty to clean manually, consider draining your pond and purchasing a new filter. However, if you think you can clean your pond without making any replacements, you can treat the water with algaecide and chemicals that clean up bacteria. If there are fish living in your pond, be careful not to over-use these chemical treatments. Consider purchasing a non-toxic algaecide.

In addition to chemical treatments, you can also scrub your pond liner. Simply use a non-toxic cleaning chemical and scrub dirty areas with a hard-bristled brush. When you’ve finished with chemicals and are nearly ready to install your filter, skim the water surface with a net or skimmer to remove any excess plants.

Monitor Your Filter 

It’s always good to keep a close eye on your filter so you notice when it’s time to change it. This is especially important to do when you first install a filter. You will quickly learn what your pond filter looks like when it’s working properly so you can notice any future malfunctions. You will also be able to make sure your filter doesn’t experience overuse due to the extra cleaning it does at first. Your pond might look clean to you, but it could still have a lot of bacteria that the filter catches, so be sure to monitor it after installation.

As long as your pond isn’t too dirty, you should be able to transition to filtering without much trouble. Simply remember to keep your pond clean, even after your install your new filter.

If you’re looking for more pond filter suggestions or supplies, Pondliner.com can help you. Contact us today to take advantage of our expert solutions and quality products.

Summer Lovin’: Giving Your Pond Summer TLC

Backyard pond maintenance in the summer doesn’t take much work. It’s the time of year when you can sit back and enjoy your backyard. You can’t completely neglect your pond, though. Fish are more active and your plants are growing, so problems could quickly arise. Learn how to keep your pond clean so it stays healthy in the summer.

Keep the O₂ Coming

If you don’t have an aerator for your pond yet, summer is the time to get one. Warm water doesn’t retain oxygen as well as cooler water, so it’s important to keep your aerator on 24/7. Increased oxygen allows more ammonia and nitrate reduction. This needs to happen so you can allow algae to grow healthily and fish to digest their food efficiently. You can talk to an expert from Pondliner.com to decide what pond aerator is best for you.

Algae Is Good, But Avoid Algae Blooms

You want the algae in your pond to grow at a healthy pace, but it could get out of control in the summer months. Increased sunlight, plant growth, and fish activity can create an abundance of algae. Consider trimming back your plants and adding some water lilies that block the sun. If you decide to use algaecide, be sure to avoid overuse, or purchase non-toxic chemicals so you don’t harm your fish.

Check Your Pond Supplies

With all of that pond life activity, it’s important to monitor your pond filters and pumps. Pond supplies might be more likely to break in the summer because of all the use they get. Stay on top of maintenance issues by checking to see if your pond pumps and filters are in working order. If not, you might need to buy some new products or get them fixed.

You pond can be healthier in the summer if you simply keep it oxygenated, beware of algae blooms, and monitor your pond supplies. Pondliner.com is here to help you with all of your summer pond maintenance needs. Contact us today.

How to Clean Up After a Storm

There is nothing worse than a dirty koi pond. And if there is rain in your forecast, all you can do is cross your fingers and hope Mother Nature decides to be kind.

But, what do you do if the storms come anyway? How can you quickly and effectively clean your pond after the storms have passed?

If you notice that your pond is constantly looking dirty, there are a variety of common reasons this could be happening:

1. Your plants are dying and you are not properly cleaning out the debris
2. Mother Nature took her chance to wreak havoc on your pond surface
3. Crevices in your pond liner are hiding dirt and sludge
4. Your rocks are hiding bacteria and muck

So, is it hopeless? No! The answer to a dirty pond is easier than you think. The number one way to help your pond stay healthy, clean and beautiful is by investing in a quality pond filter. If you are experiencing issues with the cleanliness of your pond, it’s time to re-evaluate the effectiveness of your current pond filter.

The better your pond pump works, the cleaner your pond will be. A pond filter is designed to clean out all the sludge and debris that occurs from storms, dead plants and other issues.

It’s really that simple! Make sure you only buy the very best pond filters for your pond so you can spend more time enjoying your backyard water garden and less time watching the forecast. 

*Photo courtesy of Slawek Puklo via Flickr.

Acclimate Your Fish in Just 3 Simple Steps

When purchasing new fish for your backyard pond or water garden, it’s important for you to understand how to properly acclimate your fish to their new surroundings. While this may sound complicated, you can easily and effectively put fish in your pond by following these three simple steps:

1. Perform a clean sweep of your fish pond – By deeply cleaning your rocks, waterfall, pond filters, pumps and other equipment, you can speed up the process when it comes time to add fish.

2. Start Your Pond Filters – Once you have thoroughly cleaned and filled your pond, replace your filter to ensure it is properly working when you add your fish. It may be helpful to install new filter pads and add chemicals to clean bacteria. Once everything is in order you can begin running your pond pump.

3. Test your water – It’s important that you have your pond water balanced before putting in your fish. Use a test kit to check the levels of pH, nitrate and ammonia in the water.

That’s it! Now it’s time to add your new fish. Once you have your water perfectly filtered and tested, it is safe to add your favorite aquatic fish. Be sure to choose fish that are low-maintenance and that suit the size pond you have.

*Photo courtesy of Martin Pettitt via Flickr.

What Your Pond Filter Media Can Do for You

As I discussed in my previous post, pond filters are an essential piece of any healthy and functioning backyard water garden. Your pond filter is responsible for filtering out the harmful waste, chemicals and toxins that would otherwise make it difficult for your pond life to survive.

Your pond filter operates through three different kinds of filtration: mechanical, chemical and biological.

The kind of filtration I’m going to focus on today is biological. This filtration is unique, because instead of simply getting rid of harmful agents in the water, it helps your pond grow a natural defense against them.

Biological filtration works primarily through the use of pond filter media.

What is pond filter media?

Pond filter media is the biological material you place within your pond filter to help it work more effectively.

How do pond filter media work?

These natural agents can actually work in one of three ways. They can:

1. Form a screen to block dirt and debris from entering the clean water.
2. Trap toxic chemicals.
3. Provide a surface for beneficial bacteria to grow.

It is this third capability that makes pond filter media so unique. As it provides a safe place for beneficial bacteria to grow, your pond slowly grows its own defenses against dirt, debris, fish waste and other substances that can cloud its water. Once your pond’s bacteria is built up, it can start consuming many of the waste products your pond life is producing.

After consuming these waste products, the filter media converts them into less harmful products that can then be utilized by your pond life. This neat little cycle keeps your pond water clear and your pond life healthy. Pretty awesome considering it all starts with some filter media you can purchase from your local pond supplies distributor.

If you have any questions about using pond filter media in your pond, please contact one of our knowledgeable pond supplies experts today.

Purchasing a Pond Filter: Why It's a Must-Have Item

Whether you are building a brand new pond or have had one for years, you’ll need to make sure your pond filter is ready for the challenge that lies ahead. Springtime means that pond life will come back to life, which means that your filter is going to get quite a workout.

If you’re building your first pond, you’re going to need to get a filter. If you’ve had your pond for years, you need to make sure your filter is still working properly. If not, a new model will need to be purchased.

But why is a pond filter so crucial to the health of my pond life?

It’s very simple. Your pond filter is responsible for keeping your pond water clean and healthy. If you don’t have healthy water, it’s very unlikely that your pond life will live very long. Just like we require clean air to breathe, your pond life needs clean water to survive.

So how exactly does my pond filter do its job?

Pond filters perform three different types of filtration:

• Mechanical: This process removes large debris from your pond’s water. Fish waste, decomposing leaves, uneaten food and other items are strained out of the water before it is circulated back through your pond.

• Biological: This process takes place when your pond’s natural bacteria (aided by pond filter media) allows beneficial bacteria to colonize. These bacteria then act naturally to consume harmful waste produced by your pond life and turn it into less harmful waste that your pond life can thrive on.

• Chemical: This process removes chemical toxins from the water that your biological bacteria weren’t able to process.

As you can see, a pond filter is one of the most essential pond supplies you can purchase for your pond. There are lots of options out there, so make sure you do your research before making a decision. Pondliner carries pond filters from many of today’s top brands, including Laguna, Atlantic Water Gardens, Little Giant, Pondmaster and more.

If you have any questions about what kind of pond filter is right for your pond, contact one of our knowledgeable pond supplies experts today.

The Top Six Reasons to Purchase a Little Giant Pond Filter

The key to reducing pond maintenance and creating a cleaner environment for your pond life is to purchase the correct pond filter.

A pond filter is the equivalent of a live-in maid for your pond. Its job is to clean out debris and biological waste that would otherwise build up and negatively impact the quality of your pond water. There are a variety of different systems on the market, and they all come with varying levels of mechanical and/or biological filtration.

Pondliner.com carries quality pond filters from a variety of big name pond supplies distributors, and one of the names we trust most is Little Giant. Their products have many redeeming qualities, and below I've compiled a list of the top six reasons to purchase one of their pond filters.

Little Giant pond filters:

1. Use patented BioVort technology to evenly disperses debris within the pond filter and settle solid bio-loads
2. Supply superior pond filtration
3. Require minimal pond filter maintenance
4. Have plumbing that is entirely hidden
5. Offer low-profile filtration that can be easily disguised by pond plants, foliage, etc.
6. Provide both mechanical and biological filtration

In addition to the features listed above, Little Giant products are also known for their durability and exceptional performance. They generally come with at least a one-year warranty, but customers rarely experience any problems with them.

We carry a variety of Little Giant models that fit the needs of all different kinds of ponds. As an added bonus, we have an entire section of Little Giant pond filter accessories that will help keep your filter running effectively for years to come.

Learn more about Little Giant pond filters. A clean pond is synonymous with a happy pond, so find the filter that best meets your pond life’s needs today.



*Image provided by ConspiracyofHappiness on Flickr.

Like Us, Follow Us and Watch our Videos for All the Pond Supplies Information You Need

You already know Pondliner.com is your best source for seasonal pond supplies, but did you also realize we're active in social media and video portals?

That's right - we work hard to provide you with the high quality pond vacuum cleaners, pond filters, pond skimmers, and other pond essentials you need, but we've also developed a Facebook page, a Twitter account and numerous YouTube videos to keep you up-to-date on all the latest pond supplies information.

If you search for our videos on YouTube you'll find an abundance of information regarding pond liner installation, pond filter cleaning, water fountain assembly and aeration and much more.

Our Facebook page and Twitter account keep you updated on all our latest deals and promotions, as well as providing direct links to our informational blog posts. In addition, if you have questions, you can post them to our wall and they'll be promptly answered by one of our pond supplies experts. Feel free to retweet any of our helpful Twitter updates if you think your followers could benefit from a little extra pond knowledge.

Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to get the information you need to build a beautiful backyard pond. We also provide frequent discounts to ensure that your pond remains an affordable part of your landscape.

Let Pondliner.com be your complete source for pond supplies information, discounts, instructional videos and more. Start accessing our social media profiles and video portals today!

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Watch us on YouTube

Image provided by webtreats on Flickr

Spring Ahead with Entry-Level Pond Kits

Do you want to enhance your yard this spring with a beautiful backyard pond, but wish there was an easy way to ensure that you had all the pond supplies you needed?

Are you overwhelmed at the thought of building a fish pond from scratch?


Don't sweat it – building a pond doesn't have to be stressful. You will need to put in the physical labor, but by purchasing an entry-level pond kit, you can guarantee that you have all the pond supplies you need to get the job done right.

Entry-level pond kits are a great way for first-time pond owners to learn the ins and outs of their pond. They are also excellent for the do-it-yourself pond enthusiast who really wants to understand the process behind these beautiful backyard habitats. In addition, when you use a pond kit, you can rest assured that all the necessary pieces and parts are at your fingertips. There will be no last-minute trips to the store or moments of frustrated confusion when you realize that an essential part of your pond is missing.

Entry-level pond kits are equipped with all the pond supplies you need to successfully build that backyard pond you've always wanted. Most quality pond kits should come with:

• A pond pump
• A pond filter
• Pond liner and underlay
• A pond Skimmer
• Spiral tubing
• Pond bacteria and water conditioner
• A check Valve Discharge Kit with fittings and hose clamps
• Waterfall foam and filter
• Easy-to-follow installation instructions

Entry-level pond kits are not made for contractors, so they are simple to understand and their installation is easy, even for someone who has no experience with backyard ponds. Better yet, these kits are easily customizable, allowing you to create an individualized pond that meets your specific needs. Whether you want to build a small, medium, or large backyard pond, it is easy to find a high-quality entry-level pond kit that can help you get the job done.

In addition, purchasing a pond kit is a great way to set a budget for your first pond, because you can limit yourself to a one-time start-up cost. The pond kit you choose will be designed to handle a certain volume of water, so it will be easy to figure out how much excavation is required, and this will help you avoid unnecessary costs associated with excessive digging and possible damage to your backyard.

Spring is the perfect time to build your first fish pond. New life is blossoming all around you – why not create a beautiful habitat in your own backyard? You don’t have to be a professional pond contractor to achieve a beautiful, easy-to-maintain pond that you and your family can appreciate. Check out Pondliner’s great selection of Happy Koi entry-level pond kits, and start building your dream pond today!

*Photo provided by Nikon Nut on Flickr

Getting Your Pond Ready for Spring

It's that time of year again – the ice and snow are starting to melt, the sun is coming out every once in a while, and people are able to see that warmer days are on the way. It's great news for those of you who have been hibernating in your homes for the past few months, and it's even better news for your backyard ponds.

Although your garden and lawn may require fairly aggressive makeovers once spring arrives, your backyard pond requires a gentler and more subtle approach to get it in shape for warmer weather. Arm yourself with the proper pond supplies and head outside – your pond and its inhabitants are anxiously waiting!

Spring into Action: Get Your Pond Ready for Warm Weather

As you have probably realized by now, taking care of your fish pond requires a great deal of tender loving care. Fish are delicate creatures, and they are especially weak after a long winter, so you have to be careful not to make any sudden changes that will upset their immune systems. That being said, we encourage you to follow these steps to safely get your pond spring-savvy in a snap:

1. Examine your pond for damage. It’s possible that your pond may have suffered some damage during the long winter. Check especially for tears in the lining, get rid of any accumulated debris, and inspect all hoses for punctures or leaks.


2. Remove winter equipment. If you installed a pond de-icer, now is the time to remove, dry and properly store it.


3. Give your pond a fresh start – clean out the dirty water. During winter a good deal of sludge has probably build up in your pond from fallen leaves, a mixture of melting snow and mud, and your fish's biological processes. Remove the fish gently using a pond skimmer and place them in a bucket filled with the original pond water. Remove the dirty water with buckets; rinse any gravel or rocks you have on the bottom; and scrub major dirt and muck off of your pond liner. *Note: don't scrub all the algae off of your pond liner – it is beneficial to the seasoning of the pond.
   
   
   • Be sure to save a portion of the original pond water to add to the new water. Doing so keeps some of the beneficial bacteria that aids in the biological processes the pond needs to properly function.


4. Fill the pond with fresh, treated water. If you use hose / tap water to refill your pond, be sure to treat it with chlorine removal solution so you don’t inadvertently poison your fish.


5. Clean your pond filter to get rid of any build-up and get it running (if it wasn't already.) Be sure to clean your pond filter parts in pond water, not hose / tap water, because the latter contains chlorine that will kill beneficial bacteria. Run the filter in shallow water at first to make sure that it is still functioning properly.


6. Reintegrate your fish into the new, clean pond water. Simply dumping your fish into the new pond water will shock their systems and could result in death. Therefore, let the bucket with your fish in it float in the new water for about an hour so the temperatures can neutralize. Then slowly and gently empty the bucket into the pond.

As you can see, spring cleaning is just as important in your backyard pond as it is inside your own home. There are many steps necessary to ensure that your pond and its inhabitants make the transition between winter dormancy and spring activity successfully, and Pondliner is committed to helping you each step of the way.

*Photo provided by LollyKnit on Flickr.