THE FROG BLOG

Bottom Aeration


Aeration is beneficial to lakes and ponds in a multitude of ways.  For example, many ponds have layers of muck built up on the bottom.  The muck is generally composed of organic matter that has fallen to the bottom and is slow to decompose due to the lack of oxygen.  The submerged air diffusers, such as the Vertex AirStation pictured right, increase oxygen to all layers of the water.  By oxygenating all of the water, the organic matter decomposes much more quickly reducing the muck and improving water clarity.  This is not an overnight process however.  The organic matter takes time to decompose, so AQUA DOC recommends running the submerged aerators year round.

Fall is a perfect time to install an aeration system in your water.  As the system continues to work through the winter, the organic matter will continue to decompose improving water clarity the following spring.  Furthermore, the aeration system will keep a small area of open water above the diffuser which promotes oxygen exchange.  This allows the gasses from decay and respiration to escape while new gasses from the atmosphere enter.  The added oxygen benefits the hibernating animals below while the open water benefits the wildlife above.

If you have a small pond or a large lake, there is a system for your water.  Our Aquatic Specialists will consult with you to answer your questions and size the proper system for your water's individual needs.  There is still plenty of time to have a system installed before winter, contact us today to schedule your consultation.






Here's to open waters!

 

~The Frogger Blogger

     

THE FROG BLOG

Water Lilies

Water lilies are small aquatic plants with flat glossy leaves and a flower that blooms in a variety of colors.  The water lily grows from a bulb, but the flower and foliage float on the surface of the water.  Water lilies are quite lovely and add to the aesthetic beauty of ponds, lakes and water gardens.  Water lilies are beneficial to the water as they provide shelter for fish and wildlife, as well as shade which inhibits algae growth.  However, the water lily is a hardy plant that reproduces rapidly and can quickly spread to cover the water.  When the water lilies spread to nuisance levels they can deter fishing and recreation and may be less aesthetically pleasing.

Water lilies, in small amounts, can be controlled with raking.  However, the plants will return since this method will not remove the bulb.  Eradication of water lilies is best achieved through the application of a systemic herbicide such as glyphosate.  Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Aqua Pro, is absorbed through the leaves of the plant and travels down to the bulb.  This method kills the plant preventing re-growth.  AQUA DOC recommends applying Aqua Pro in conjunction with Cide-Kick.  Cide-Kick is a surfactant that aids in the herbicide's adhesion to the leaves which maximizes results.  Use caution when treating water lilies, however.  It is important to treat only small areas at a time.  If the water lilies are killed all at once, the water will lose the shade they provide.  The temperature of the un-shaded water will rise rapidly and the excess sunlight may result in algae blooms.

AQUA DOC offers a treatment program for water lily eradication, the results of which are seen below.  AQUA DOC Aquatic Specialists are currently conducting free consultations.  Call us today to schedule an appointment. 





Before

After
 

    

 

~ The Frogger Blogger



Bluegill

The Bluegill is a common North American fish.  Ranging in size form 6-8 inches and weighing between 1/4 - 1/2 pound, the Bluegill is a member of the sunfish family and sometimes referred to as a bream, brim or copper nose.  The Bluegill is known as a popular game fish that is easy to catch.  The Bluegill will bite at brightly colored bait at dawn and dusk.  Perfect baits for this fish include live bait, flies, corn and spinners.  Bluegills often seek shelter in underwater vegetation of lakes and ponds. 

Fishing is a great family activity and Bluegill are included in many AQUA DOC Proline Fish Stocking Programs.  The cooler waters of fall make it a great time to stock your lake or pond.  If you're interested in stocking your water, call us for a free consultation with one of our Aquatic Specialists.  Our Specialist will evaluate your lake or pond and tailor the perfect Proline Stocking Program.  Happy Fishing! 

Keeping Your Fish Healthy

Tap water and well water both contain chemicals that maybe unsafe for watergardens.  Tap water contains high levels of chlorine and well water is often very hard and contains extra metals.  AQUA DOC recommends using UltraClear Dechlorinator to make tap and well water safer for fish, wildlife and plant life. 

UltraClear Dechlorinator is formulated to be beneficial to your watergarden's inhabitants in several ways.  Beneficial ingredients include:

• Sodium thiosulfate, a safe chemical which neutralizes chlorine 
• Polyvinylpyrrolidones, polymers that promote a healthy level of slime coat to protect fish gills  
• Organic chelating compounds to detoxify heavy metals
• Proprietary agents that reduce nitrogen levels

Safe for use in watergardens and aquariums, UltraClear Dechlorinator is applied at a rate of 8 ounces per 1,000 gallons of water.  This product is available for special order by calling AQUA DOC at (800) 689-5253.
    

Planktonic Algae

Planktonic algae are free-floating microscopic plants that suspend in the upper layers of the water.  The community is generally composed of green algae, blue-green algae, diatoms and euglenas and is green or brown in color.  An important part of the food-chain, planktonic algae are a food source for microscopic animals as well as freshly hatched fish fry.  However, some species can be toxic to animals.  The amount of planktonic algae present varies from season to season.  Being plants, planktonic algae need sunlight and nutrients to flourish, so levels are lowest in the winter.  As temperatures increase, spring blooms occur.  The plants will then be depleted by the animals that feed on it.  Planktonic algae levels will increase again in late spring but, generally, not to the levels of the spring bloom and will usually remain stable throughout the summer months.  Summer blooms can occur, however.  The levels will then decline in the fall as the water cools. 

Planktonic algae are always present and preventative measures are often sufficient to keep the levels stable.  A pond dye, such as AQUA DOC Blue will shade the water which limits photosynthesis and controls the growth.  Shading is particularly effective when applied in early spring to prevent initial growth.  However, extra nutrients in the water from sources such as lawn fertilizers and goose excrement feed the algae and blooms can occur.  Severe blooms are a concern for many reasons ranging from aesthetics to oxygen depletion and possible fish kills.  Copper sulfate and Cutrine Plus are common treatments for planktonic blooms, however several treatments are often necessary as re-blooms can occur.  Both products are available for order on our website.  Always read the product label before use.