Category: Learning Hub

What Is a Recreational Swim Pond And Why Are They So Popular?

Posted on by Atlantis Water Gardens Team

Want to give your outdoor living space a facelift? Consider adding a recreational swim pond to it. A well-designed and properly installed recreational swim pond can turn your outdoor living area into an oasis where you can relax and unwind with your friends or loved ones after a hectic day at work.

What is a Recreational Swim Pond?

As the name implies, a recreational pond is a natural pond that can be used for recreational purposes such as swimming, paddling, and floating. Recreational swim ponds are designed to resemble natural water bodies with uneven contours, cascades, and stones and boulders.

Kids playing in a backyard with a pond.

Typically, they’re split into two sections: one section is designated for recreational activities such as swimming and paddling, while the other area is reserved for vegetation. The area designated for vegetation is typically less than or equal to one foot deep. The depth of the swimming section, on the other hand, can easily reach 6-8 feet at the deepest point.

The water in a recreational swim pond is filtered through layers of gravel. The plants in the pond also help maintain water quality. Because the water is filtered naturally, you need not add chlorine or other harsh chemicals to a recreational swim pond to maintain water quality.

A recreational swim pond features a wetland filter and several aeration jets to prevent the water from stagnating. Additionally, an intake bay traps and removes surface debris before it can settle at the bottom of the pond.

Benefits

Recreational swim ponds are natural ponds and hence do not harm the environment. No wonder more and more homeowners are choosing them over traditional swimming pools. With a recreational swim pond, you can enjoy nature in your own backyard while reducing your carbon footprint.

Here are some compelling reasons to add a recreational swim pond to your outdoor living area.

Ease of Maintenance

Recreational ponds demand much less upkeep than traditional swimming pools. To maintain your recreational pond, simply prune the plants in it and regularly remove any leaves that fall into the water. That’s pretty much it! The planted water processing bed does most of the heavy lifting, ensuring the water remains clean throughout the year.

Should you choose not to use your pond during the colder months, close it before winter arrives. Add flag irises and water lilies to your pond. In addition to beautifying your pond, these plants can help regulate phosphate and nitrate levels in the water, so your pond remains algae free.

Conversely, maintaining a swimming pool can be a laborious, costly, and sometimes complex task. Traditional swimming pool maintenance involves adding chemicals to maintain pool water pH, filter cleaning, skimming leaves, raking, vacuuming, and scrubbing tiles at the water’s edge. These physically demanding tasks can leave you feeling exhausted.

Recreational Swim Ponds Cost Less to Maintain

While the initial cost of a recreational swim pond in Summit, NJ might be somewhat higher than that of a conventional swimming pool of the same size, you will save on maintenance in the long run. Unlike traditional pool liners that need to be replaced at frequent intervals, the liners of recreational ponds don’t require replacement. You need not add chemicals to your recreational swim pond or test its water quality regularly. Also, recreational swim ponds do not need a constant supply of electricity to run as they do not use skimmers, filters or heaters.

Recreational swimming pool maintenance is a less costly affair than traditional pool maintenance. Some estimates suggest that natural pond owners spend about $500 less annually on maintenance than those with swimming pools.

Fewer Mosquitoes and Other Insects

With a recreational swim pond, you will have fewer mosquitoes and other insects in your garden. Insects, especially mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Installing a recreational swim pond with circulating water in your garden is a great way to stop mosquitos from breeding in your backyard. Given that many fish eat mosquito and insect larvae, you can add different types of fish to your pond to control mosquito population.

Recreational Swim Ponds Positively Impact the Environment

Installing a recreational pond in your backyard is an excellent way to draw wildlife to your garden. Recreational swim ponds support local ecosystems. They provide water and shelter for pollinators including bees, birds, beetles, wasps, and butterflies. Because the water of a recreational swim pond isn’t treated with chemicals, it does not pollute nearby water bodies.

Also, recreation swim ponds use much less water than traditional swimming pools.

Health Benefits

Chlorine is added to traditional swimming pools to kill germs that can affect swimming pool water quality and chemistry rendering the water unfit for swimming. Chlorine can irritate the eyes, skin, teeth and hair. Excess chlorine can disturb the pH level of swimming pool water and irritate the respiratory system.

The bacteria and plants in a recreational swim pond naturally filter its water, eliminating the need to add chemicals. So swimming in a recreational swim pond is perfectly safe. Studies have shown that spending some time close to a water body is a great way to reduce stress and blood pressure.

Aesthetic Appeal

A recreational pond can be designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings so it does not stick out like a sore thumb. A well designed and properly installed pond can beautify your yard, turning your property into the jewel of the neighborhood.

The water treatment zones containing plants and banks covered with different types of natural stones can help create a natural appearance. While a swimming pool’s design can be tweaked to match the property’s architecture, it can’t replicate the authentic feel of a recreational pond.

Need help building the water garden of your dreams? Atlantis Water Gardens has you covered. Our professionals are located near Summit, New Jersey and have years of experience bringing customer visions to life. To make an appointment for a recreational swim pond, call 973-627-0515.

Take The Plunge!

Schedule a phone call and get to pick the brain of one of our experienced designers about your project Schedule My Call Now

Lovin’ It? Want more pics?

We got em. 🙂 Here’s some pretty photos you can look at to destress.

How to Make a Backyard Fish Pond

Posted on by Atlantis Water Gardens Team

A backyard fish pond is a worthy addition to any property. It helps create a relaxing backyard and may also increase the value of your property. A well-designed and properly constructed backyard fish pond can attract wildlife to your property, helping bring nature into your backyard.

Here is a step-by-step guide to building the backyard fish pond of your dreams.

Choose a Location

Begin by planning the location, size, and shape of your pond. Choose a location where you can easily observe and enjoy your pond. Make sure there is no risk of falling debris such as tree branches. Avoid areas that receive direct sunlight all day or the water in your pond can overheat, which can be harmful to fish.

The size and depth of the pond will depend on the types of fish you plan to keep. For example, koi require a larger and deeper pond than goldfish. As a general rule, plan for a pond that’s at least 2 feet deep for smaller fish and up to 3-4 feet for larger ones like koi.

Avoid placing your pond in an area where water runs off after heavy rainfall. Runoff water can infiltrate the space between the pond wall and its liner, causing the liner to rise upwards. This usually occurs if the liner wasn’t installed properly. When installing the liner, securely fasten it all around the pond’s edge, or you may have to empty the pond to mend it.

Time to Dig

Once you’ve chosen your pond’s location and design, mark the perimeter using a rope or spray paint. Start excavating within the marked boundaries. The walls should be slightly sloping rather than straight down. Leave a ledge around the edge of the pond for border decoration or plant shelves.

Ensure that the sides of the hole are level all around, as any unevenness will be visible when the pond is complete. The rim of the pond should be slightly elevated to prevent entry of rainwater runoff.
In the United States, it’s a legal obligation to contact Digline at 811 before initiating any digging work. This free service will provide information about any buried utility lines, cables, pipes, or other obstacles at your intended site.

Install a Pump

A pump can help keep your pond clean and maintain optimal oxygen levels by circulating the water at least twice every hour. For ponds up to 1,500 gallons (5,678.1 L), a 1 1/2” pump is recommended. If your pond holds more than 1,500 gallons of water, opt for a 2” pump.

For a pond larger than 2,500 gallons (9,463.5 L), consider a 3” or 4” pump. Look for a PVC pump as PVC pumps are usually more affordable than flex hoses and are simpler to install. Purchase and set up the pump before laying down your pond liner.

Pond pumps come in all shapes and sizes. If you have trouble choosing the right size of pond pump, consult a fish pond installer near you in Randolph.

Install the Bottom Drain

Make sure that the bottom drain is fitted with an anti-vortex cover. Without one, the fish risk being drawn into the grating. The drain should be securely sealed through the pond liner and underlayment to ensure no leakage. If the drain fails to provide a tight seal, the whole pond could potentially fail.

Install a Pond Liner

Next, you’ll need to install a pond liner to prevent water from soaking into the ground. There are several types of liners, including PVC, EPDM, and butyl rubber. EPDM liners are quite popular due to their durability and flexibility.

To determine the size of liner you will require, follow these steps: start by dangling a string 18” from the edge of the pond where the water reaches its highest point. Let the string follow the widest part of the hole, contouring to the hole’s curves. Then, mark the string 18” away from the opposite edge. Measure the marked string. Repeat this process for the length of your pond.

Every pond liner will naturally descend and sink to the bottom of the pond as it gets filled with materials like gravel, rocks, plants, and silt. It’s crucial to procure an additional 1 foot (0.30 m), or better yet, 18-24 inches (46-61 cm) more than your initial measurements in both length and width for the liner. Should the liner retreat beneath the water’s edge, you will need to empty the pond and reinstall the liner.

Place a layer of underlayment or old carpet under the liner to protect it from sharp stones. Then lay the liner in the hole, press it into the corners, and let it follow the contours of the pond. Trim off any excess, leaving some overlap.

Install Eductor Jets and a Skimmer

Eductor jets create underwater currents, pushing pond water to prevent any zones of stillness from forming. The skimmer, designed to be safe for fish, is essentially a bucket that enables the system to automatically collect fallen leaves and other debris from the water’s surface.

It’s vital to inspect the filter and filtration system at least two to three times every week to prevent any potential damage to the pump or filtration system. Regular checks will help maintain cleanliness consistently.

At this point, you will also want to install a bead filter and UV water clarifier. A bead filter captures sand and debris and also provides a habitat for beneficial bacteria, crucial for maintaining the health of a pond and the aquatic life in it. A UV clarifier works to eliminate algae blooms, helping keep pond water clean.

Add Water and Fish

Add water to your pond. If you’re using tap water, treat it first to remove harmful chlorine before introducing fish. Add some aquatic plants, as they can help maintain water quality and provide cover for fish. Add fish gradually, over a few weeks. Start with hardy species as they will help establish the pond’s ecosystem.

Atlantis Water Gardens is a leading pond builder in Denville, NJ. Our water feature experts have years of experience transforming dull backyards into oases with stunning water features. To make an appointment, call 973-627-0515.

 

 

 

 

Take The Plunge!

Schedule a phone call and get to pick the brain of one of our experienced designers about your project Schedule My Call Now

Lovin’ It? Want more pics?

We got em. 🙂 Here’s some pretty photos you can look at to destress.

4 Mistakes to Avoid Making with Your Koi Pond

Posted on by Atlantis Water Gardens Team

Want to give your backyard a makeover? Consider adding a koi pond to it. A koi pond can improve the aesthetic appeal of your property and help create a relaxing backyard. Spending some time in a garden with a koi pond is a great way to control blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost mental health.

Avoid these koi pond building and maintenance mistakes to keep your koi pond looking great and koi healthy all year round.

Building Your Pond Too Shallow

Koi ponds should be no shallower than two feet. The temperature of a koi pond that is too shallow may fluctuate wildly in winter and summer. Temperature fluctuations could negatively impact fish health and promote algae growth in summer. Koi fish need 10 gallons of water every inch of their length. So, a 12-inch koi needs 120 gallons of water. If you have 5 12-inch koi, your pond should have at least 600 gallons of water.

In a shallow pond, koi may have difficulty regulating their body temperature. Because sunlight reaches the bottom of a shallow pond, algal blooms are more likely to occur in them. Not only is algae unsightly, but it can also affect pond water quality and compete with your koi for nutrients. Make sure your koi pond is at least 36” deep so your koi has ample space to hide when predators like raccoons and herons attack.

Failing to Ensure Your Koi Have Enough Oxygen

High temperatures can have a profound effect on koi health. Given that warm water holds less dissolved oxygen than cold water, dissolved oxygen concentration in your pond can drastically fall in summer, and your koi may have trouble breathing. Algal blooms can also cause dissolved oxygen levels in water to drop.

To maintain normal dissolved oxygen levels, add a waterfall to your pond. A waterfall moves pond water to increase the number of oxygen particles dissolved in it. Alternatively, install a pond air pump. As the name suggests, pond air pumps pump air into pond water to increase dissolved oxygen levels.

If you are having difficulty choosing the right air pump or waterfall for your pond, contact a koi pond company near you in Randolph for help.

Adding Chlorinated Water to Your Pond Without Neutralizing It

Chlorine can damage the gills and skin of your koi fish. When refilling your koi pond, remember to add a chlorine/chloramine neutralizer. Use a water shut-off valve to ensure your tap does not run too long.

Rarely Changing Pond Water

Contaminated water can affect fish growth and health. Fish release pheromones to communicate with each other. These chemicals can build up in your pond and negatively affect koi health. To prevent these problems, change 10-20 percent of pond water every week.

Atlantis Water Gardens is a renowned pond builder in Randolph. Our professionals have years of hands-on experience building different types of ponds. To learn more, call 973-627-0515.

 

 

 

Take The Plunge!

Schedule a phone call and get to pick the brain of one of our experienced designers about your project Schedule My Call Now

Lovin’ It? Want more pics?

We got em. 🙂 Here’s some pretty photos you can look at to destress.

4 Do’s and Don’ts of Outdoor Ponds

Posted on by Atlantis Water Gardens Team

The benefits of outdoor ponds go beyond aesthetics. An outdoor pond can turn your outdoor space into an oasis. You can spend time by your pond after work every day to unwind and relax. A backyard pond provides food and shelter to local wildlife and supports local plants.

Like other water features, ponds require ongoing maintenance. Regular maintenance keeps your pond in tip-top shape by addressing current problems and preventing future issues.

It is not uncommon for pond owners to make mistakes when maintaining their ponds. Unfortunately, a seemingly innocuous pond maintenance mistake can affect water quality and disturb the balance of its ecosystem. 

Here are some do’s and don’ts of maintaining your outdoor pond.

Add Stones to Your Pond

Do: Add stones of different shapes and sizes to your pond to give it a natural look. Use one type of stone to build your pond’s perimeter. Make sure the stones are neither too big nor too small. A couple of rock types worth consideration are granite and sandstone. Smaller stones placed beside the perimeter offer contrast to larger stones. If you want to keep fish in your pond, place smooth or rounded stones at the bottom.

Don’t: Do not use stones with sharp edges as they can injure your fish. Garden pond builders near you in Randolph recommend against using limestone as it can alter the pH of water. When arranging rocks, consider scale and proportion, or you may create low spots that can cause leaks.

Keep Your Pond Naturally Balanced

Do: To maintain a healthy pond ecosystem naturally, add plants to your pond. Some plants to consider include water hyacinth, water lilies, and water lettuce. Add good bacteria to your pond from time to time.

Don’t: Do not turn to chemical-based products to control algae.

Prepare Your Pond for Winter

Do: Before winter arrives, clean your pond. Using a long-handled pond net, remove plant leaves, pine needles, plant branches, and other debris from the bottom of your pond before they start decomposing. Clean the skimmer basket and trim dead or dying foliage. Stop feeding your fish when the water temperature falls below 60 degrees.

Don’t: Do not move your fish inside your home. Ensure your pond is deep enough for your fish to hibernate safely.

Visually Inspect and Maintain Your Pond Liner

Do: Visually inspect your pond liner regularly for leaks. To fix minor leaks in a small area, apply a patch. If, however, you are dealing with extensive damage, consider replacing your liner. When maintaining your pond, be careful not to drag heavy items across your pond liner. Avoid walking on it whenever possible.

Don’t: Do not clean your liner. Because beneficial bacteria grow on pond liners, cleaning them can affect beneficial bacterial populations.

Atlantis Water Gardens is a reputable garden pond builder near you in Randolph. Our pond builders have years of experience managing small-scale as well as complex, large-scale projects. To request an estimate, call 973-627-0515.

Take The Plunge!

Schedule a phone call and get to pick the brain of one of our experienced designers about your project Schedule My Call Now

Lovin’ It? Want more pics?

We got em. 🙂 Here’s some pretty photos you can look at to destress.

Issues to Look Into Before the Installation of a Fountain

Posted on by Weston Zimmerman

If you want to give your outdoor space a makeover, consider installing a fountain. The benefits of an outdoor fountain go beyond aesthetics. It can attract wildlife to your garden and help create a relaxation area where you can chill out with friends and family. As your fountain circulates water, negative ions are produced. They remove particulate matter, helping improve indoor air quality.

Before you start your fountain installation project, be sure to address these problems.

Poor Accessibility

When determining the best route to bring the fountain to the installation area, consider its size and weight. If you want to install a bulky fountain, make sure the area is accessible, or your contractor’s crew may face difficulty moving through it.

Keep the path clear and remove any objects that can cause an obstruction, or your contractor can trip over it and get hurt, or they may drop an important fountain part, such as the pool or wall basin, on the ground, accidentally damaging it. If the diameter of your fountain’s basin is more than 70”, make sure there is enough space for the delivery truck to back up.

Clearing the Installation Area

Before installing your fountain, clean the installation area. If any existing landscaping can pose an obstruction or additional materials are needed, inform your fountain installer in Morristown in advance so they can plan accordingly. If the area is boggy, add contractor’s sand to the soil to improve drainage. Contractor’s soil can also help build a stable and strong foundation for your fountain.

If the fountain is to be installed on a deck or a wall, or you want to hide unsightly wires and cords, your contractor will need power tools to drill into concrete. Sharing your requirements with your contractor a few days before the installation day is a great way to ensure they arrive well-prepared on the installation day.

Inadequate/No Power Supply

If the area does not have access to electricity, have an electrician install a ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI/GFI, or a standard outdoor electrical box in an easy-to-reach area near the fountain before the installation day. After installing your fountain, your water feature contractor will want to fill it with water and operate it to check if it works properly. If the area is far from the water source, your contractor will need a hose to direct water from the source to your fountain.

Choosing a Fountain Location

Install your fountain in an area where it will be visible. Ensure there are no overgrown plants in the area and it receives ample natural light. Select an area that is close to a water source. If the fountain you are considering has a larger pump, install it in an area where it won’t drown out your conversations.

Atlantis Water Gardens is a leading water feature contractor in Morristown. Our unparalleled ability to bring our customers’ vision to life sets us apart from other Morristown water feature contractors. To schedule an installation, call 973-627-0515.

Take The Plunge!

Schedule a phone call and get to pick the brain of one of our experienced designers about your project Schedule My Call Now

Lovin’ It? Want more pics?

We got em. 🙂 Here’s some pretty photos you can look at to destress.

How to Remove Algae from Your Pond Without Harming Fish

Posted on by Weston Zimmerman

Most pond owners will encounter an algae problem at least once during the lifespan of their pond. While it’s normal for ponds to have algae to some extent, thick layers of algae can indicate a problem.

Murky green algal blooms are not just an eyesore, but they can also compete with your plants and fish for sunlight and deprive them of the nutrients they need to grow. Excessive algae growth in a recreational swim pond in Short Hills can lead to oxygen depletion, causing fish kills.

Algal blooms are usually caused by large amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen in the water. There are several methods and products for removing algae from a pond, but not all are safe for fish. A regular algaecide, for example, can kill fish if used incorrectly.

Fortunately, there are ways to remove algae from ponds without harming the fish. We have compiled a list of some such ways. Take a look.

Rake Out the Algae

This is the simplest way to remove string or matted algae safely. Using a rake or a swimming tool, manually remove as much algae as you can from the surface of the water. To clean a pond with a rubber pond liner, use a plastic rake instead of a metal rake, as it can damage the liner. Be careful to avoid injuring your fish. This is a short-term solution and won’t prevent algae from growing back.

Add Barley Straw to Your Pond

Barley straw removes algae and also prevents new growth. Submerge a bundle of barley straw in your pond and let it float around close to the center. Soon the straw will start to break down, releasing organic compounds that kill algae into the pond. Wondering how much barley you should add to your pond? Around 8 ounces or 230 g of barley can treat 1,000 gallons of water. So, if you have a 5,000-gallon pond, add 1,150 g of barley to it. Because barley straw is organic, this is a perfectly safe approach to removing algae from a pond.

Use Beneficial Bacteria Tablets

Beneficial bacteria tablets are available at pet stores. They are perfectly safe for fish. Place a tablet in your pond. Beneficial bacteria break down organic waste and help keep bad bacterial populations in check. For maximum effectiveness, add a tablet to every 1,000 gallons of water.

Use a UV Sterilizer

A UV sterilizer only emits enough UV light to kill free-floating algae, and is harmless to fish. Do not become alarmed if your water turns gray or brown after you install a UV sterilizer. This is a sign that the algae in your pond are dying. Before installing a UV sterilizer, remove as much algae from your pond as possible using other methods. Avoid using a water clarifier to remove the dead algae during UV treatment, as it can clump your fish’s gills together

Atlantis Water Gardens is a renowned water feature contractor in Short Hills. Our water feature experts have years of experience installing, servicing, and renovating different water features. To learn more, call 973-627-0515.

Take The Plunge!

Schedule a phone call and get to pick the brain of one of our experienced designers about your project Schedule My Call Now

Lovin’ It? Want more pics?

We got em. 🙂 Here’s some pretty photos you can look at to destress.

How To Clean Koi Ponds So They Look Amazing Again

Posted on by Weston Zimmerman

In addition to boosting the curb appeal of your property, a koi pond can help create a tranquil environment. Like all other types of water features, koi ponds get dirty over time. To keep your koi pond looking its best, clean it regularly. Periodic pond cleaning in Millburn, New Jersey, can help improve pond water quality, keeping your fish healthy and happy.

Pond Cleaning Millburn

Follow these steps to clean your koi pond.

  • Using a high-flow pond pump or siphon hose, drain your koi pond down to six inches
  • Use a net to gently catch your koi and carefully move them to a container filled with the original pond water. Keep the tub in a shady spot
  • Drain the remainder of your pond and vacuum out debris. Power wash the sides and bottom of your pond to get rid of any remaining dirt
  • Clean filters, skimmers, pumps, and any lights, biofall, and lava rocks. Replace any fuse light bulbs and cut back plants
  • Refill your pond and treat it if required
  • Slowly reintroduce your fish back to their home

Maintaining Clean Pond Water

Pond cleaning is a laborious task. If your koi pond gets dirty quickly, you will spend more time cleaning it and less time enjoying it. The longer your pond remains clean, the more time you can wait to deep clean it. Follow these tips to keep your pond clean for a longer time.

Install a Skimmer

If you do not use a skimmer, now is the right time to install one in your pond. A pond skimmer can prevent debris such as leaves, pollen, and rocks from entering your pond. Clean the collection cup of your skimmer twice every week. In the absence of a skimmer, debris can make its way into your pond. Before you realize the gravity of the situation, debris can start decomposing, affecting pond water quality.

Be Mindful of Koi Population

When you have too many koi in your pond, they compete with each other for oxygen. This could lead to fish kills. Given the fact that koi produce a lot of waste, you will struggle to keep your pond clean. So how many koi can you have in your pond? A good rule of thumb is to have one koi for every 1,000 liters of water. Say if you have a 5,000 liter koi pond, do not keep more than 5 koi in it.

Do not Overfeed Your Koi.

During winter, fish metabolism decreases drastically. If you feed your fish frequently in winter, they will produce more waste, affecting pond water quality. Any uneaten fish food can cause unwanted changes in water chemistry. To prevent these problems and keep your pond healthy in winter, stop feeding your koi once water temperatures fall below 50 degrees F.

Atlantis Water Garden is a renowned water feature contractor serving Milburn, NJ. Our water feature experts have the knowledge and experience required to bring customer vision to life. To make an appointment, call 973-627-0515.

Take The Plunge!

Schedule a phone call and get to pick the brain of one of our experienced designers about your project Schedule My Call Now

Lovin’ It? Want more pics?

We got em. 🙂 Here’s some pretty photos you can look at to destress.

5 Tips to Winterize Your Pond

Posted on by Weston Zimmerman

Winter can take a toll on your pond. As water temperatures drop, a thick layer of ice can form on the surface of your pond. As a result, toxic gases can get trapped in the water, increasing the risk of a fish kill. Cold temperatures can also harm your plants, and even kill them.

Winterizing your pond is a great way to protect the plants and fish in it. Here are some tips to prepare your pond for cold weather.

Treat Your Pond Water

Cold water bacteria help maintain water quality by decomposing organic debris like fish waste. Consider adding cold water beneficial bacteria to your pond. A good cold-water bacteria treatment makes pond maintenance a breeze. As a result, you spend less time maintaining your pond and more time enjoying it. Top-of-the-line treatments are designed to work in water temperatures as low as 32 degrees.

Install Pond Netting

Why wait for leaves and other debris to end up in your pond and then remove them, when you can prevent them from making their way into your pond by putting a net over it in the first place? Remove the leaves and other debris in your pond net at regular intervals.

Remove Leaves and Debris

If you haven’t installed pond netting, use a long-handled skimmer net to scoop out debris from the surface and bottom of your pond. If you fail to do so, the debris at the bottom of your pond can decay over time, affecting pond water quality. Therefore, even with pond netting, you will want to clean your pond periodically.

Trim Back Dead Foliage

Trimming dead foliage in your pond is a great way to remove excess organic debris that would otherwise decompose in the water. Trim back any hardy marginal plants and leave them in the water. Remove any tropical plants from your pond and move them inside your home.

Feed Your Fish Less Frequently

Fish slow down their heart rate and metabolism in winter. As a result, they tend to be less active and need very little to no food to survive. If you overfeed your fish in winter, they may excrete more. Fish excreta is a source of ammonia. Ammonia is also produced when uneaten fish feed completely breaks down or metabolizes.

If allowed to accumulate, ammonia can affect pond water quality. To prevent water quality problems, stop feeding your fish once the water temperature goes below 50 degrees F.  

Whether you want to add a pond or any other water feature to your backyard, Atlantis Water Gardens has got you covered. Our experience enables us to bring our customers’ vision to life. To schedule a fish pond repair near you in Randolph, call 973-627-0515.

Take The Plunge!

Schedule a phone call and get to pick the brain of one of our experienced designers about your project Schedule My Call Now

Lovin’ It? Want more pics?

We got em. 🙂 Here’s some pretty photos you can look at to destress.

4 Ways to Remove Sludge From Your Koi Pond

Posted on by Weston Zimmerman

A koi pond is a worthy addition to any property. However, like all other types of ponds, koi ponds also need to be cleaned regularly. Failure to properly maintain a koi pond can accumulate organic debris or sludge at the bottom.

Pond sludge can affect pond water quality. As a result, your pond can quickly become an eyesore. A sludge buildup can cause oxygen levels in your pond to drop rapidly. Extremely low levels of dissolved oxygen can lead to fish kills. In addition, pond sludge can promote the growth of anaerobic bacteria that produce hydrogen sulfide, a colorless gas that gives water a distinctive rotten egg smell.

Here are some ways to remove sludge from your pond.

Use Muck Reducer Tablets

Muck reducer tablets contain beneficial bacteria that break down organic waste without harming koi fish. In addition to eating away at the sludge at the bottom of a pond, beneficial bacteria eliminate any floating organic matter in it.

Use a Pond Vacuum

A pond vacuum is designed to suck out the sludge sitting at the bottom of a pond. Pond vacuums are usually used for small ponds. For a larger pond, use a large portable muck dredge or submersible pump.

Scoop Out the Sludge

To scoop out pond sludge, run a fine pond net along the bottom of your pond. This method may not remove sludge completely, but it may help reduce it.

Drain and Clean Your Pond

If the above pond cleaning methods don’t work, first drain your pond and clean it thoroughly. Be very careful when transferring your koi fish to a container, or they can get stressed. Once your pond is empty, use a pond vacuum or any other pond-cleaning tool to remove pond sludge. Be sure to dispose of it responsibly.

Tips to Prevent Pond Sludge

They say prevention is better than cure. So, why wait for pond sludge to accumulate at the bottom of your pond and then get rid of it, when you can prevent it in the first place?

Here are some ways to prevent sludge buildup:

➢ Remove dead leaves before they sink to the bottom of your pond.

➢ Plant beneficial plants around your pond to create a barrier that prevents debris such as leaves, grass clippings, and dirt from making their way into your pond.

➢ A stagnant pond is a breeding ground for germs. Consider adding a water feature to your koi pond to aerate it.

➢ Add beneficial bacteria to your pond at regular intervals.

➢ Make sure your pond isn’t overcrowded.

Atlantis Water Gardens is a leading water feature builder serving Milburn, New Jersey and beyond. Our experts have years of experience transforming regular backyards into oases with stunning water features. We also help our customers keep their water features in top condition all year round. To schedule pond cleaning in Millburn, call 973-627-0515.

Take The Plunge!

Schedule a phone call and get to pick the brain of one of our experienced designers about your project Schedule My Call Now

Lovin’ It? Want more pics?

We got em. 🙂 Here’s some pretty photos you can look at to destress.

Fish Pond Installation

Posted on by Weston Zimmerman

What is better than a pond? A fish pond, of course! A fish pond is a worthy addition to any property. It can add character to a property and help create designated space for relaxation. Watching the fish in your fish pond play with each other is a great way to unwind and relax after a long and hectic workday.

Fish pond installation can be a complex project. One mistake and all your hard work and money can go down the drain. Instead of trying to build your fish pond yourself or placing your trust in an amateur, reach out to a professional for help. An experienced pond builder can manage your project from start to finish.

Atlantis Water Gardens is committed to helping homeowners navigate complex fish pond installation projects. We are one of the most trusted fish pond installers in Summit, NJ. Atlantis Water Gardens is not your average fish pond installer in Livingston. Our ability to accurately understand and turn client vision into reality sets us apart.

A fish pond installer in Millburn is only as good as their team. We have assembled an A-team of expert pond installers. Our technicians bring decades of combined experience and specialized skills to the table. They know the ins and outs of the fish pond installation process and plan everything down to the last detail in order to prevent costly mistakes and unpleasant surprises.

We used advanced fish pond installation tools and technologies that allow our technicians to be more efficient with their tasks. Our comprehensive fish pond installation checklists help ensure everything goes according to plan and nothing important is forgotten during execution.

Every pond needs a pond liner to prevent water from leaking through the pond base. There are different types of pond liners. With so many options available, it is easy for prospective pond owners to feel overwhelmed when choosing the right pond liner for their fish pond.

We help our customers weigh the pros and cons of the different types of pond liners they’re considering so they can arrive at an informed decision.

We go to great lengths to protect our customers’ investment. Our technicians hide pond liners for a more natural look and to reduce their exposure to the elements so they last longer.

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of the right fish pond location. Fish pond location determines whether your pond gets adequate sunlight. When choosing a pond location, we look for spots where the balance of shade and sunlight is perfect. Our team checks to make sure there are no utility lines underground. We choose a location that is easily visible from the house and outdoor areas.

To request a free, no-obligation pond installation quote, call our office at 973-627-0515.

Take The Plunge!

Schedule a phone call and get to pick the brain of one of our experienced designers about your project Schedule My Call Now

Lovin’ It? Want more pics?

We got em. 🙂 Here’s some pretty photos you can look at to destress.