Category: Ponds

A garden fountain is a great addition to a garden. A garden fountain will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property, which can lead to increased property value. Whether you are building a new garden from scratch or are in the process of reinventing an existing one, consider adding a garden fountain to your landscape.

Here are some benefits of garden fountains.

Fountains Cool Surrounding Air

Summer heat and humidity can take a toll on your garden. Installing a garden water fountain is a great way to keep your garden cool. A garden water fountain near you will absorb some of the heat, helping lower the temperature in your garden by a few degrees.

A garden fountain can help plants survive when nature turns up the heat. A strategically placed outdoor fountain (directly in the designated area’s airflow) will disperse cooled air throughout the area, helping plants regulate their temperatures.

Garden Fountains Attract Wildlife

Many people find the twittering of birds and chirping of insects relaxing and calming. Many health experts consider wildlife watching the best form of meditating.

Wildlife brings one closer to nature. Bird sounds are therapeutic and can help relieve stress. Birds, butterflies, and bees will not just add colors to your yard, they can also contribute to a healthy garden.

Birds and beneficial insects are naturally drawn to flowering plants. Installing a garden fountain will make your garden especially enticing to these creatures. Pollinators such as birds and bees are naturally attracted to flowing water. Spending time in a garden teeming with wildlife is a great way to relieve stress.

Outdoor Fountains Provide a Relaxing Backdrop

Garden fountains can help create a relaxing environment and peaceful ambience. If you host garden parties, a water garden will be a worthy addition to your garden.

An outdoor fountain can provide the perfect backdrop to keep the conversation flowing. Depending on the weather, your garden fountain can bring liveliness to your garden.

Water sounds can help create a soothing environment. A garden fountain can transform an ordinary garden into an extraordinary oasis of relaxation. Your family and friends will feel their stress being washed away by the tranquility that fills their ears.

Keep Plants Hydrated

Many people use water sprinklers to water their plants. The sprays of traditional water sprinklers can damage plants and flowers. Misting plants is an effective but time-consuming process. Installing a garden fountain is a more viable option.

A garden fountain with multiple jet streams can help maintain ideal humidity levels in your garden. Your fountain pump will continuously recirculate the water and your plants will be perpetually misted with fresh water.

Atlantis Water Gardens is your go-to team for water feature installation, maintenance, and renovation. We are committed to helping homeowners get the most out of their water features. To discuss your project with our team, call 973-627-0515.

Adding a pond to your backyard is a surefire way to create a more relaxing backyard. In addition to adding value to your property, a pond will support local wildlife. A pond reduces total lawn space, which means you’ll have less area to fertilize. When you fertilize less and use less weed killers, fewer pollutants get into the groundwater.

Here is a step-by-step guide to building a pond.

You’ll Need

A craft knife, spirit level, wooden pegs, a spade, a plank (should be long enough to span your pond), a hose, liner, canes, paving, soft building sand, and pond insulation liner.

The pond liner is one of the most important components of a pond. It holds the water in the pond. Look for a low-density polythene pond liner as low-density polythene is tightly woven and laminated on both sides.

If your budget allows, invest in a Butyl pond liner. Butyl provides comprehensive protection against sharp objects. As a result, Butyl pond liners are extremely tough and puncture-resistant.

If you are working with a tight budget, use a PVC pond liner. When laying a PVC pond liner, take its elasticity into account.

Plan Your Project

Before you start your project, take some time to study your garden’s design and layout. Walk around your garden. Study the design features.

This is the right time to ask yourself important questions such as what type of plants do you want to grow and where do you want to place them? How big do you want your pond to be? Do you plan to use electricity? If yes, should you hire a professional?

Get Started

Step 1: First and foremost, mark out the perimeter of the pond. Alternatively, mark out the boundary using sand.

Step 2: Remove the turf. You can use it later to create a rim around your pond.

Step 3: Dig out the center of your pond. Decide if you want to add shelves.

Step 4: Spread the soil you have dug out across other parts of your garden or use it in one area.

Step 5: Give one side of your pond a gentle slope. This will allow wild animals that fall in to escape.

Step 6: Remove sharp stones from the hole. Create a layer of soft builder’s sand. You can use some old carpet to create an insulating layer. Spread liner over the layer.

Step 7: Fill your pond with water. Pull the edges of the line as you fill your pond.

Step 8: After filling your pond, trim the liner. Leave a 30 cm overlap at the edge. Cover the edge with slabs. Make sure the liner is completely covered.

Atlantis Water Gardens is a top-rated garden pond builder near you. Whether you want to build a new garden from scratch or are planning to revamp an existing yard, our team has got you covered. We will bring your creative ideas to life.

Have you noticed the levels of water in your fish pond going lower than it should? In most cases, a dip in water levels could be due to the onset of summer and a direct result of evaporation. The dropping water levels could also be due to a hole in the pond liner that may call for you to search online for “fish pond repair near me.” If you are losing several inches of water every week, you must not delay fish pond repair. With the right steps, you can ensure your pond is in good shape again and your fish remain healthy.

Step 1: Locate the Leak: The first thing you must do when it comes to fish pond repair is to look for the source of the water leak. In many cases, homeowners overlook an obvious slipped liner or blockage in the pump, and assume that they are dealing with a major problem. It is therefore prudent that you first investigate the root cause. Pay close attention to the water levels and try to diagnose where the leak is. Once the water levels stop dipping, it simply means that the water level is below the leak. This will make it easier for you to find the crack or hole and repair it.

Step 2: Remove Your Fish: Once you have located the leak, the next step is to repair it. However, before you start fish pond repair, be sure to remove your fish. It is important that you are careful while removing your fish so that the stress levels of your fish are as low as possible. A simple tip you could use is to take water from your pond in their new temporary location. This will help your fish adapt to their new abode right away.

Step 3: Perform Fish Pond Repair: Once your fish are in their temporary setup, drain the rest of the water from the pond. You can then complete the repair using patches such as plastic or EPDM to fix the liner. Also, be sure that you look for additional holes, cracks and any weak areas that might need a quick patch.

Step 4: Inspect the Quality of the Repair: Once you have patched the holes and given it sufficient time to cure, you must ensure that your repair work will last. To do so, fill up the pond with water, but keep the pumps off. Once the water has reached a desired level, keep an eye on the water levels to see if it remains constant and does not begin to dip. Once you have made sure the cracks and holes have been repaired, you can return all your fish to their newly restored home.

If you think fish pond repair is not your cup of tea, or you are too busy to take on a new project, look for a reliable fish pond repair company near you. Atlantis Water Gardens is a trustworthy and experienced fish repair service provider that you can rely on for top-quality repair work. Call us today at 973-627-0515.

Adding a water feature to your garden is one of the most effective ways to revamp it. In addition to increasing the curb appeal of your property, a water feature will help create a relaxing and calming environment.

Outdoor water features take a lot of punishment on a daily basis and are exposed to the outer elements. Wear and tear and extreme weather conditions could damage your water feature. Procrastinating water feature repairs could prove a costly mistake, as things may get from bad to worse, and you may need to replace your water feature.

Here are some common issues that could arise with water features.

Leaks

Leaks in a water feature are usually caused by a hole or tear in the pond liner. If you see a hole in your liner, you must either repair or replace it (if the damage is irreversible). But first, you need to be sure that there is a leak. If your water levels have decreased, do not automatically assume that there is a leak in your water feature. Sometimes, evaporation can cause water levels to decline.

It may be difficult to tell whether your water feature has a leak or the water level has declined due to evaporation, especially in warmer months when the water level in your water feature can go down by 1-2 inches per week due to evaporation.

Fill up your pond. Measure water level after 24 hours. If your pond loses two inches or more of water overnight, it means there is a leak in your water feature. Once you are sure there is a leak, reach out to a water feature repair expert near you for help.

Dirty Filters

If your pond water is turning brown, you notice a weird odor, or your fish seem sick; it implies that your pond filter could be clogged with debris and mechanical media. To prevent this problem, periodically clean your filter. If your pond filter becomes clogged frequently, you might need a larger filter.

Too Low Pond Edges

Low pond edges are one of the most common causes of leaks. Over time, pond edges start to settle. Lower edges resulting from settling allow water to leak.

Check your waterfall or stream regularly. Wet mulch, small puddles, or muddy areas could mean that water is escaping. To fix a low edge, lift up the liner at the spot and pile some soil under it.

Atlantis Water Gardens is your go-to team for water feature repair, installation, maintenance, and replacement. We live to transform ordinary backyards into oases. To consult one of our water feature experts, call 973-627-0515.

Installing a backyard pond is a great way to boost your home’s curb appeal and add value to it. A backyard pond will help create a calming, relaxing oasis where you can unwind and de-stress every day.

Pond installation is best left to experts. Trusting an amateur for pond installation could prove to be a costly mistake. If your installer makes an installation mistake, your pond might not fit correctly into your landscape or could develop a leak, and they may have to go back to the drawing table.

An experienced pond installation contractor in Randolph or elsewhere knows everything there is to know about backyard ponds. They plan every project down to the last detail. Your installer will foresee problems and plan in advance to circumnavigate project roadblocks and tackle challenges.

Here are some benefits of hiring a pond installation contractor.

They Get It Right the First Time

If you take the DIY route, you may have to try various techniques to find the one that works. Experienced contractors know how to manage the complexities of diverse projects. Once your installation expert gains an in-depth understanding of the factors at play, they will develop a customized solution.

The professional will take various steps to steer clear of installation mistakes. Look for a professional with a proven track record of delivering projects on-time and on-budget.

They Use the Right Tools for the Job

If you take the DIY route, you will have to make several trips to your local hardware or pond store to get tools. Many specialized landscaping tools are not available in the market.

Landscape contractors use specialized tools designed to help them accomplish landscaping tasks efficiently and swiftly. Your contractor will have the right tools for your project before they even break ground.

Achieve a Natural Look

Look for an experienced contractor who has perfected the art and science of incorporating water features into landscapes. An aesthetic landscape design incorporates five key elements: line, form, color, texture, and scale.

Your contractor will come up with a plan to balance these design features and bring harmony to your space.

The Pro Will Use Accessories to Enhance the Aesthetics of Your Backyard

Your contractor will help you choose the right plants, rocks, and other accessories for your pond. Once you have chosen the accessories for your pond, your contractor will develop an installation plan.

Whether you want to repair or renovate an existing pond or plan to install a new pond, Atlantis Water Gardens can help. We are a renowned pond builder in Randolph. To make an appointment, call 973-627-0515.

Winter can be a challenging time for water features. Water features in areas such as Denville that experience snowfall can freeze over in winter. Freezing temperatures can damage the seal and pump of your water feature.

Follow these tips to protect your outdoor water feature during winter.

Drain Your Water Feature

When water freezes, it expands and can crack and damage your water feature. If this happens, you may end up spending a ton of money on expensive repairs or may have to replace them. To prevent damage to your water feature, drain it. Clean it with a bleach solution (one tsp. bleach and one-gallon water).

If you face difficulty draining your water feature, cover it with a plastic sheet to trap heat. Use bricks or large rocks to secure the borders of the sheet. It will keep the sheet stable in windy conditions.

Remove, Clean, and Store Your Pump

Remove any pumps connected to your water feature. Fill up a bucket with warm water and immerse the pump in it. This will prevent it from drying out.

Debris and algae can clog your pump. To prevent this from happening, clean it thoroughly. To clean your pump, soak it in a mixture of water and vinegar and pump clean water through it.

Once your pump dries, store it in a garage or storage shed.

Turn Off Outdoor Waterfalls

When temperatures decrease, and your waterfall freezes over, ice dams can form. Ice dams can divert water away from the recirculation system. This will trigger a chain reaction, which in turn will encourage more freezing. To prevent ice dams, turn off any outdoor waterfalls.

Care for Plants and Fish

Winter can be a challenging time for the fishes and plants. Cold weather can damage plants. If you have fishes, remember that their metabolism slows as temperatures decrease. If you continue feeding your fish regularly, the excess (uneaten) food will decompose, promoting mold and fungal growth. Excess fish food can also cause a rise in nitrate and phosphate levels in the water.

To maintain good water quality, feed your fish less often. Consider switching to a fish food with low protein. To protect aquatic plants, trim them and move them to the deepest part of the pond.

Looking for a garden water fountain expert near you? Look no further than Atlantis Water Gardens. We will help you choose the right water feature for your garden. Our team will transform your backyard into an oasis of relaxation. To make an appointment, call 973.240.5833.

Installing a water feature in your backyard is one of the most effective ways to spruce it up. In addition to enhancing the curb appeal of your home, a water feature will help create a relaxing and calming environment, transforming your backyard into an oasis.

Here are some famous water features worth your consideration.

Fountains

If you want to add water to your garden but are short on space, consider garden fountains. You can either opt for a self-contained fountain or add one to your pool or pond. There are several styles from which you can choose a model that best suits your needs and budget.

Ponds

There are several environmental and health benefits of ponds. Ponds support local wildlife and can help conserve water. A pond can increase the overall value of your property and reduce toxic chemicals in groundwater.

Ponds are incredibly relaxing. Studies show that water’s mere sight and sound can induce burst firing of feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters that promote mental and physical wellness.

Local wildlife such as newts, insects, toads, frogs, and birds get naturally attracted to ponds. Once your pond is ready, you will get numerous opportunities to enjoy wildlife antics.

You can also add fish to your pond to make your experience even more enjoyable. Many pond owners add rockeries and fountains to make their ponds look more attractive and functional.

If you have pets or kids, install a pond safety guard designed to prevent children from falling in the water.

Pondless Waterfalls

Pondless waterfalls are a perfect solution for people with smaller properties. These are constructed from rocks and pebbles.

A pondless waterfall is a recirculating waterfall. As the name suggests, it does not include a pond. A pondless waterfall works by circulating water contained in a reservoir up and through the spillway.

Because a pondless waterfall does not have a pond, there is no risk of a child or pet drowning. You will need different types of rocks and a heavy-duty pump capable for pumping water to the top of the waterfall.

Streams

If you have an extensive garden, consider building a stream. You can use rocks and plants to make your stream look natural.

Need help with choosing the best backyard fountain near you? Look no further than Atlantis Water Gardens. Nothing excites us more than transforming ordinary backyards into relaxing outdoor oases. To discuss your project with our team, call 973-627-0515.

Adding a pond to your backyard is one of the most effective ways to enhance the value of your property. In addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your property, a pond will help create your personal sanctum.

The sound of flowing water soothes the brain and the soul. You can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of wildlife in your garden to escape the mundane and experience life.

You cannot create a pond and forget it. Ponds, like everything else, require regular cleaning and maintenance. A dirty pond is unsightly and can become an eyesore. Dissolved oxygen concentrations are low in dirty ponds which is detrimental to aquatic life.

You do not have to be a rocket scientist to figure out ways to keep your pond clean and healthy. Just follow these simple tips to keep pond water clean.

Use the Right Pump for Your Pond

Your water feature’s pump plays a critical role in maintaining your pond. A pump circulates the water, helping introduce additional oxygen into the pond. Oxygen in your pond is vital to sustain plants and fish in it.

Proper pump sizing is critical to the health of your water feature. Your pump should circulate the water at least once every hour. If your pond contains 1,000 gallons of water, your pump should be capable of pushing a minimum of 1,000 gallons per hour.

Other important factors to consider when choosing a pump are the height of your waterfall and the length of the pipe that runs from the pump to the water feature.

Remove Debris from Your Pond Before It Decays

If you allow decaying leaves, fish waste, and leftover fish food to accumulate in your pond, ammonia levels in your pond will go up. Elevated ammonia levels in your pond is a recipe for disaster and can stress your fish.

To prevent this from happening, remove debris such as drying leaves and plants and uneaten fish food from your water regularly. Prune the plants near your pond. During the fall season, install a protective pond netting over your pond to prevent leaves from falling into the water. Add beneficial bacteria to keep your pond healthy.

Maintain the Right Balance of Plants

Plants in your pond play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem. They absorb excess nutrients and help filter the water.

Many plants, such as water lilies, help maintain ideal seasonal temperatures by shading the water. Do not use too many plants as they can cause oxygen deficiencies at night (when they take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide). Use marginal plants, floating plants, and oxygenators.

Maintain a Healthy Fish Population

A good rule of thumb is to have no more than 10” of fish per 100 gallons of water in a pond. If you have more fish in your pond than it can hold, you will have to deal with excessive fish waste.

Are you looking for a pond builder specializing in installing garden fountains near you? Look no further than Atlantis Water Gardens. Over the years, we have helped several homeowners turn their backyard into an oasis. To get more information about our services, call 973-627-0515.

Nature is peaceful in many ways. It helps us calm our minds in chaos. Often, adding little things to our home can make it more peaceful. Many people like to have koi ponds in their houses to maintain positivity around them.

You can search for “koi pond construction near me” to get the pond of your dreams designed and built in your home’s yard. It’s imperative to take essential care of your koi pond during winter. Since winter is just around the corner, you’ll need a survival guide to winterize your koi pond.

What is a Koi Pond?

A koi pond is a small water garden that can be built inside the house or in the backyard. The pond is created to preserve the health of koi fish in the pond. Nishiki koi or Japanese ornamental carp are mostly the reason why koi ponds are built.

In Japan, koi fish are unique because they are a form of carp that is very colorful and has a particular lineage. Just like dog breeds, people in Japan take the breeding of koi fish very seriously. Hence, koi fish are to be kept safe and healthy in a protective pond.

The Importance of Water Temperature in the Winter

Koi can be overwintered in the pond successfully by following a few simple rules:

• Stop feeding koi once the water temperature drops below 50 degrees. Water thermometers are relatively inexpensive and are a valuable tool for your koi pond.

• Koi can’t properly digest food in cold water and it can rot in their stomach, leading to sickness/disease. Using a Cold Water Koi Food in the Fall will help prepare koi for overwintering.

• It’s important to keep a hole open in any ice that will form on the surface of the pond for proper gas exchange. Using an aerator, placed approximately 1’ down from the surface, will keep a hole open in the ice and provide aeration to the pond as well. A pond de-icer can be used in conjunction with an aerator to keep a hole open also.

• Keep the pond free of debris and clean going into the winter months. Using a net to cover the pond in the fall will help prevent leaves from collecting in the bottom.

To learn more about preparing your koi pond for the winter, click on this link to watch our Winter Pond Preparation Video. Atlantis Water Gardens also has a popular YouTube Channel that has lots of great information about Koi Ponds, Water Gardens, Backyard Fountains and Waterfalls at Atlantis Water Gardens.

At Atlantis Water Gardens, we offer services of koi fish ponds and other water gardens. You can contact us at 973-627-0515 to get advice on maintaining a koi pond, and get the preparatory services before winter to make them healthy. We also provide other water garden services that you may want to check out.