Happy Thanksgiving

THE FROG BLOG

The AQUA DOC offices will be closed from 2:00pm Wednesday, November 27, through Monday, December 2 at 8:00am.

Warmest wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at AQUA DOC Lake and Pond Management.

~The Frogger Blogger

Caring for Koi in Winter

THE FROG BLOG

Caring for Koi in Winter


Koi are a symbol of love in many cultures.

Koi are an ornamental variety of the common carp that many watergarden owners enjoy keeping.  These beautiful fish are most active in water temperatures ranging from 59-77 degrees.  However, Koi can easily be kept in the colder Midwest temperatures with proper care.  When water temperatures drop to forty degrees, Koi will hibernate.  When Koi go into this state of hibernation, it is not necessary to feed the fish and they will generally stop coming to the surface to be fed.  As long as the surface of the water does not ice over for more than a day or two, the Koi will survive the winter in this state with little or no care.  However, if the surface of the water ices over for longer periods of time, the fish can be deprived of oxygen resulting in a fish kill.  It is important to maintain a small hole in the ice to allow for the exchange of gasses.  Without this exchange of gasses, the decomposing matter and other animals can remove the oxygen from the water causing the Koi to suffocate.  There are different methods of keeping the water open.  Small aerator bubblers, such as the PondAir(tm) or KoiAir(tm), and deicers are both effective.  The bubblers come in a variety of sizes and AQUA DOC's Aquatic Specialists will assist in choosing the correct unit for any size watergarden.  Koi are a lovely addition to a watergarden and with proper care, will enhance enjoyment for years to come.

If you have any questions or would like further information, contact us any time.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Here's to open waters.

~The Frogger Blogger
      

AQUA DOC Makes the Fast Track 50!

THE FROG BLOG

AQUA DOC Makes the Fast Track 50!

AQUA DOC is proud to announce being named one of the 50 fastest growing companies in Lake and Geauga Counties for 2013.  AQUA DOC was founded in 1983 and since then has grown from a small local company to managing ponds and lakes all over Ohio as well as parts of Kentucky, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Georgia.  AQUA DOC remains headquartered in Chardon, but now has branch offices in Columbus, Cincinnati and Atlanta.  AQUA DOC is pleased to serve retail customers all across the county as well.  We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to our many loyal customers, and to welcome the new!  We appreciate your trust in AQUA DOC and look forward managing your waters for years to come! 

Follow the link below to read more about the Fast Track 50:
http://www.news-herald.com/general-news/20131106/2013-fast-track-50-established-companies

Here's to Open Waters!

~The Frogger Blogger

Winter Fish Kills

THE FROG BLOG

Winter Fish Kills

The predictions for the coming winter call for harsh conditions and bitter cold.  In mild winters, in which ponds do not freeze over, the likelihood of a fish kill is lower than in cold winters.  When extended periods of bitter cold cause ponds to ice over, and especially if the pond becomes snow covered, sunlight penetration of the water will be greatly reduced, if not entirely eliminated.  The lack of sunlight reduces the oxygen produced which can result in a fish kill. 

Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the risk, such as controlling the growth of aquatic weeds and vegetation in your pond.  As vegetation dies, the dead matter falls to the bottom and begins to decompose.  The decaying organic matter removes oxygen from the water.  The more decomposing organic matter, the more oxygen will be removed.  Adding an aeration system is another highly effective, preventative measure.  The bottom bubbler aeration systems, such as the Vertex Pondlyfe system, add oxygen directly to the water and keep an area of open water in the ice.  The open water will allow for light penetration as well as the exchange of gasses.     

Winter fish kills can happen in any lake or pond, however, shallow ponds are most susceptible.  Fortunately, it is the optimum time to install an aeration system before the onset of winter to help protect your fish.  AQUA DOC offers free on-site consultations with our Aquatic Specialists to configure the right system for your unique pond and answer all of your questions.  Contact us to schedule your consultation today.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Here's to open waters!

~The Frogger Blogger