Three-Square:

Three-Square is a member of the Bulrush family.  It is a perennial plant that can grow up to 4ft tall.  This plant will form large colonies of rhizomes underground, which enables it to reproduce quickly.  The flowers look like small brown spikes at the end of the stem and there are only a few leaves around the base of the plant.  Three-Square may grow in water up to 12” deep where it provides a habitat for many micro and macro invertebrates.  Though this plant may be important in the aquatic ecosystem, it may take over the shoreline very quickly and eliminate other natural plants. 

      

Argulus-Fish Lice:

Argulus, or fish lice, can cause morbidity and mortality in many different fish species.  Fish lice are crustacean parasites that are related to prawns, shrimp, and water fleas.  They have a direct life cycle which means that they use only the fish as a host.  Argulus are visible with the naked eye and are approximately 5mm to 10mm in length.  When they are attached to a fish they may simple look like black spots, until you notice them moving.  The lice attach themselves using curved hooks and suckers and are usually located behind the fins and head.  The best way to get rid of the lice is to treat the water using an organophosphate.  This should be applied to the water three times, ten days apart. 

   

Biological Control:

The biological control of invasive species is an up and coming method for the control of invasive species, however, it does come with risks.  This method can be used to control insects, weeds, and plant diseases by introducing the “natural enemy” of the species.  This will be done by predation, parasitism, and herbivory.  The goal it so eliminate competition between native species that are needed to keep the ecosystem in balance and the invasive species that may take over the environment.   A concern is that the control species that is introduced to eliminate the invasive species may become invasive itself. 

An example is the use of leaf-eating beetles to control the invasive species, purple loosestrife.  These beetles are said to exclusively eat the purple loosestrife plant.  A concern is that the beetles may begin to consume other, native plants in the area and the beetle will then be invasive itself. 

           

Yellow Flag Iris:

The yellow flag iris inhabits temperate climates.  It can live in water up to 2.5’ and it reproduces by underground rhizomes or seeds.  This iris is used for decoration in watergardens, as an erosion control method, and in sewage treatment facilities because of its ability to remove metals from the water.  The yellow flag iris has flat, erect leaves that are arched at the top.  The flowers are 3-4’ tall on erect stems. 

The planting of the yellow flag iris is prohibited in some states due to its invasive properties.  This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and salinity levels and it easily establishes itself in waterways.  It can form dense thickets similar to cattails and phragmites and can be difficult to control. 

Chara:

Chara is a form of algae that grows attached to the bottom of a pond.  It can cover large areas and be several inches thick.  The stems are hollow and are a yellow-green color.  Leaf-like projections occur in whirls around the stem.  When the stems are crushed they may feel gritty due to mineral deposits and will release a distinctive musky odor.  It is important that this algae not be confused with higher plants (aquatic weeds).  Chara has been successfully treated using copper based products and alkylamine salts of endothall. 

Winter Ecology:

The winter ecology of a pond varies by region, but for us in Ohio, winters can be harsh and animals must be able to properly adapt to the environment.   For aquatic plants and animals, the ice acts as a lid on the aquatic ecosystem which limits the amount of nutrients, energy, and oxygen that may enter this world of extremely stable temperatures.

Ectothermic animals (body temperature stays in equilibrium with surroundings) slow their metabolism, become sluggish, conserve oxygen and energy in semihibernation or undergo biochemical changes to tolerate the cold.

Semiaquatic animals must compensate for the heat loss by constant grooming with oily secretions (muskrats), heat shunting mechanisms by reducing the amount of blood flow to tails and feet (beavers), or by huddling in nests.

Poikilotherms are organisms that allow their internal body temperature to vary with the external temperature in their environment.  This includes certain types of fish, reptiles, and amphibians.  This practice allows the animal to reduce or increase their metabolism accordingly.   

PondAir Aeration Systems:

Help keep your waterfeature aerated this winter using the PondAir Aeration System.  The PondAir system has a high efficiency duel output compressor with flow dial, heavy duty seals and elevated rear air intake, 2 or 4 blue airstones, rolls of 30’ high-grade airline, check valves, and an outdoor power cord.  The PondAir 2 can be used in ponds up to 1,000 gallons while the PondAir 4 is appropriate for 2,000 gallon ponds.  The compressor for this aeration system must be protected from the elements.  The Faux Rock Cover can serve as a good way to hide and protect the aeration kit.  This rock cover has a built in vent and will protect the compressor from harsh weather conditions. 

PondAir 2 Aerator: $59.99

PondAir 4 Aerator: $79.99

Faux Rock Cover: $89.99