Common Questions

How many fish can I have in my pond?

There are many different opinions on this subject. However; fewer fish is safer and easier than too many. We use the rule of thumb of 1 sq. ft. of pond surface area for every inch of fish. We recommend starting with 1/2 the maximum stocking to allow for fish growth and reproduction. A 10 x 10 pond would be 100 sq ft. of surface area with a guideline of no more than 50 “inches” of fish ie. 10- 5 inch fish.

I'm having an algae bloom. HELP!

Consult with us about your water and we will recommend some possible solutions. Algae growth which turns the water green or tan and can severely limit water clarity should not be a problem with pond kits that we sell. If you do experience some green or tan water, and can no longer see the fish, do not be alarmed. Tinted water is not bad for the fish, it simply means there are more pond nutrients from plant decay & fish waste than your plants can use. Green water will sometimes clear all by itself. The most common way to cure green water, is to shield the water from the sun with lily leaves and to use beneficial bacteria. Other causes of green water, include over-feeding of the fish, inadequate filtration- from not running your pump, or too many fish for the pond. Some healthy, thread-like algae will grow on the rocks, and create a natural appearance. Longer stranded algae may grow on the waterfall, and will benefit from an occasional trim, probably no more often that once every 3 to 4 weeks, during the peak of summer. You can simply reach into your waterfalls, and remove the algae with your hands.

My pond is in the shade. Are there any plants that would do well?

Here are plants that we stock that do well in part shade & shady conditions:

Hardy Waterlilies
Part Shade ( 4-6 hours of sun)

Charlene Strawn, Colorado, James Brydon, Arc en Ciel

Tropical Waterlilies
Part Shade

Albert Greenberg, Dauben, Panama Pacific, Texas Shell Pink, Wood's White Knight

Lotus
Part Shade

Hindu

Marginal/Bog Plants
Preference for Shade

Arrowhead, Blue Flag, Cardinal Flower, Chameleon Plant, Golden Club, Japanese Sweet flag, Lizard Tail, Louisiana Flag, Marsh Marigold, Variegated Water Celery, Water Iris, White Monkey Flower, Yellow Flag

Tropical Marginal/Bog Plants

Umbrella Grasses

Floaters & Oxygenators

Anacharis, Azolla, Cambomba, Duckweed, Foxtail, Floating Heart, Parrot's Feather, Sensitive Plant, Water Hyacinths, Water Lettuce