Monday, February 28, 2011

Treat your small pond with Weedtrine-D

Weedtrine-D is an 8.53% diquat dibromide herbicide that can be used in and around still lakes, ponds, and ditches.  It is specially formulated for bodies of water that are less than 0.5 surface acres.  It is a systemic, contact herbicide that can be used to treat cattails, duckweed, pondweed, milfoil, and naiads, as well as terrestrial grasses and broad-leaf weeds.  Weedtrine-D works by disrupting the plant’s cell membrane and altering the process of photosynthesis.  It can be applied from mid-April through October for best results. 

Naiads


Friday, February 25, 2011

AQUA DOC is on Tour!

    


Come visit AQUA DOC at our upcoming trade shows:
The Akron Home and Flower Show
John S. Knight Center, Akron

Friday, Feb. 25         11am-9pm
Saturday, Feb. 26    11am-9pm
Sunday, Feb. 27      11am-6pm


The Central Ohio Home and Garden Show
Ohio Expo Center
(Ohio State Fairgrounds)
717 E. 17th Ave.
Columbus, Ohio
Saturdays:           10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sundays:             10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Monday:               CLOSED
Tuesday - Friday: Noon - 8 p.m.


The Cincinnati Home and Garden Show
The Duke Energy Convention Center, Cincinnati


Saturday, February 26
10:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday, February 27
10:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Monday, February 28
Closed
Tuesday, March 1
Closed
Wednesday, March 2 thru Friday, March 4
Noon to 9:00 PM
Saturday, March 5
10:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday, March 6
10:30 AM to 6:00 PM


http://www.hartproductions.com/home-and-garden-show/visitor-information.html

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Problems with Duckweed and Watermeal

Duckweed and Watermeal are free floating aquatic plants that spread quickly and can be difficult to control.  If Duckweed and Watermeal forms a thick layer over the water, it can shade out light from the water column and will not allow other plants to grow.  This will reduce the environment for fish and other wildlife.  It can also deplete oxygen from the water which will stress the environment causing fish kills.  During the summer when the plants are photosynthesizing they may begin to cover the whole surface of the water.  In the fall they accumulate starch and sink to the bottom where they lay dormant for the winter.  Finally, in the spring they rise to the surface again.  This is why it may seem that they “go away” during the fall. 
Duckweed is small and bright green with 2-3 leafs per plant.  Watermeal resembles tiny green seeds and will look, and feel grainy. 
These aquatic plants are spread to lakes and ponds by wildlife such as on the feathers of waterfowl, the coats of mammals, and the shells of turtles.  It can reproduce by budding and a new plant will grow every 24 hours. 

Watermeal

Control of Duckweed and Watermeal is possible using Fluridone.  Fluridone is a liquid herbicide that should be applied at a rate of 1 quart per surface acre.  It is most effective when done in two treatments.  Use ½ quart for the first application, 10 – 14 days later, apply the second ½.  This should be done as soon as the plants rise in the spring.  Fluridone is not a contact herbicide and it can remain in the water for as many as 30 days, therefore, it is important that the lake or pond to have little outflow. 

Duckweed


Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Reward Herbicide: Eliminating Weeds Quickly

Reward herbicide is a fast acting, broad spectrum herbicide used to treat submersed aquatic weeds especially Eloidea, Eurasian Water Milfoil, Coontail, Curly Pondweed, Thin Leaf Pondweed, and Naiads.  It is absorbed within minutes by target plants and has no toxicity to fish or wildlife and no water use restrictions.  Reward functions by interfering with photosynthesis in the plant tissue.  
Reward should be applied at a rate of 1 to 2 gallons per surface acre.  Reward is a positively charged ion and can be neutralized by turbid water.  Because of this, do not stir up sediment from the bottom of the lake or pond during application.  Apply this herbicide during the summer when the top of the plant begins to reach the water’s surface for best results. 

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Eurasian Water Milfoil - An Invasive Species:

Eurasian Water Milfoil is a submersed aquatic plant native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa.  It is an invasive species meaning that it is a non-native nuisance species.  It is widely distributed and difficult to control.  The introduction of milfoil can drastically alter a lake or pond’s ecology.  Milfoil forms dense mats on the surface where it can interfere with light penetration and oxygen consumption.  It can also deter recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating. 
Milfoil begins its growth in the spring earlier than native aquatic plants.  This means that the milfoil will take up root space and shade out beneficial aquatic plants from growing in the ecosystem.  Eurasian Water Milfoil is difficult to control because it is able to reproduce through plant fragmentation.  This is why it should not be physically raked from the water as small stems left behind can form a new plant. 
There are control materials that can be used to kill the plant and roots and allow other plants to establish.  Some effective products are:  Reward, Navigate, and Sonar.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Filamentous Algae and Cutrine Plus: The Treatment of “Pond Scum”

What people commonly refer to as "pond scum" is likely Filamentous algae.  Filamentous algae is a single-celled algae that forms long visible chains, threads, or filaments.  These strands will clump together and form mats that resemble wool or hair.  Filamentous algae begins to grow at the bottom of lakes and ponds where the water is shallow, or will attach to rocks and other aquatic plants.  It may then detach and float to the surface where it forms large mats. 
Cutrine Plus is a non-restricted algaecide that can used in waterways and potable resevoirs.  It is available in liquid or granular and is an excellent choice when trying to control Filamentous algae.
Cutrine Plus granular should be applied at a rate of 10 pounds per 1/6 surface acre (7,260 sq ft).  Cutrine Plus liquid should be applied at a rate of 0.6 gal per 1 acre foot.   

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Aqua Pro and Cide-Kick can work wonders on your pond!

Aqua Pro and Cide-Kick are specially formulated for aquatic use.  Aqua Pro is a systemic herbicide meaning that it will be absorbed and translocated throughout the root system of the plant.  Because of this, it can be used to control annual and perennial plants as it will be absorbed into bulbs and tubers. 
Cide-Kick is a surfactant that aids the Aqua Pro in adhering to the plant so that it will not drip off.  We mix 8oz of Aqua Pro with 4oz of Cide-Kick and 2 gallons of water for every 50’x50’ area.  This mixture should be applied directly on target plants.
Use these aquatic herbicides to maintain a healthy balance of vegetation.  Small patches of plants can be beneficial to the ecosystem by preventing erosion and providing food and shelter for wildlife.
These products can be used to control the growth of: Bulrush, Cattails, Phragmites, Sedges, Smartweed, Spike Rush, Torpedograss, Water Hyacinth, Spatterdock, and Water Lilies. 



Wednesday, February 16, 2011

The Facts about Aquatic Herbicide Use:



Many people feel strongly against the use of herbicides in the environment.  However, if an herbicide is targeted to a specific plant or algae, minimal effects will be seen in the ecosystem.  Aquatic herbicides are specially formulated for use in water to control aquatic plants.  When the label directions are properly followed, the product is compatible with the aquatic environment.  There are several different kinds of aquatic herbicides:
Systemic Herbicides-Will be taken into the plants roots which will prevent the re-growth of the plant.  Used for cattails and water lilies.
Contact Herbicides-Will reduce the plant/algae where it comes in contact with it.  Used for milfoil, submersed weeds, and algae.
Non-Selective Herbicides-Will eliminate all aquatic plants.  This is undesirable because fish and other organisms will no longer have their habitat.  Also, too much decay will cause sludge to accumulate in the pond.
Selective Herbicides-Will eliminate targeted plants so that the whole environment will not be effected. 
The use of terrestrial herbicides in water is not recommended because it is not formulated for aquatic use.  These herbicides may not disperse in the water and can cause adverse, long term effects on the environment. 

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

AQUA DOC Blue - Professional Strength Pond Colorant


AQUA DOC BLUE – Professional Strength Pond Colorant
AQUA DOC Blue is a great way to keep your pond aesthetically pleasing.  It gives the water a pleasant blue color, while inhibiting aquatic plant growth.  It can be used in natural and manmade lakes and ponds, ornamental, and fish farming bodies of water with little or no overflow.
This product prevents the sun’s UV light from penetrating submerged weed and algae growth, which breaks the cycle of photosynthesis.  It should be applied at a rate of 1 to 2 quarts per surface acre (43,560 sq ft).  For best results, apply AQUA DOC Blue to your water in the early Spring before the plants have time to establish (February – April), and throughout the season to prevent regrowth.  There are no restrictions on swimming, fishing, irrigation, or stock watering with this product.
AQUA DOC Blue can purchased online or over the phone for the value price of $24.95 per quart!
Call today!
Toll Free:  (800)689-LAKE

Monday, February 14, 2011

AQUA DOC is on the Road!

AQUA DOC continues to exhibit at the best trade shows in Ohio!  This week you can find us at the Ohio Cemetery Association Show from Feb. 17-19.  See you there!

Embassy Suites Columbus
2700 Corporate Exchange Drive
Columbus, Ohio  43231

Friday, February 11, 2011

WINTER POND AERATION!

An aerator can benefit your pond in many ways!  As it produces thousands of tiny bubbles that move to the surface, it breaks up the thermocline and allows for mixing of the different layers of water.  At the bottom of your pond, the water is cold and stagnant which favors the growth of oxygen-depleating bacteria.  An aerator will homogenize the water so that this bottom layer does not form. 
In the winter, an aerator will cause a small hole to be kept in the ice.  This will aid in oxygen exchange so that the gases from decay and respiration will be able to escape the pond, and new gases from the atmosphere can enter.  Pond life uses oxygen while it is hibernating so it is important to allow them enough oxygen to survive through the winter.
For these, and other useful tips on how to keep your pond healthy and beautiful, visit us at one of our upcoming shows:

AKRON HOME & FLOWER SHOW - BOOTH #426

CENTRAL OHIO HOME & GARDEN SHOW - BOOTH #2120

CINCINNATI HOME & GARDEN SHOW - BOOTH #408
http://www.hartproductions.com/home-and-garden-show/

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

GREAT BIG HOME & GARDEN SHOW - IX CENTER, Cleveland OH

Come see AQUA DOC at the the Great Big Home & Garden Show at the IX Center (Cleveland, OH).  The show runs from Feb. 5-13.  AQUA DOC is not only an exhibitor, but has a featured watergarden at the CMJ Idea Home.

Thank you for all of the visitors who have come by to see the beautiful waterfeature we built - we have had so much excellent feedback from everyone.  Come speak to one of our specialists at Booth 257 to discuss building your own pond.  We offer free consultations!

Visit our website for discount coupons:  http://www.aquadocinc.com/

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Welcome Everyone to AQUA DOC Blog!

AQUA DOC continues to grow and improve!  We have introduced this new blog to our website to keep our customers informed of updates and upcoming events at AQUA DOC.  You also will be able to read articles related to lake management and watch informative videos.  We invite you to join and participate!