The 5 Most Important Fish Aquarium Maintenance Routines

The 5 Most Important Fish Aquarium Maintenance Routines

By Clifford Woods

One of the most essential things you can do for your freshwater fish tank is to take care of it and keep it thoroughly clean. Needless to say, with our hectic day-to-day lives, what we need to know is exactly what is most crucial in keeping up with our freshwater fish tanks and how we can do it quickly.

Below is a list of the five most significant things you will need to do in order to keep your aquarium in good condition, according to the experts. These quick clean ups are not that difficult, particularly if you do them at the same time each month. If you cannot in any way do these basic things, then owning a fish tank may not be for you.


Task: Test Water
When: Monthly
Whenever your aquarium is initially established, make sure to test the pH of the tank water every couple of days. Get an examination kit from your local pet store. Following that, check the water every week for the first couple of months. 

Following those two months, you can examine the water once a month, unless of course your fish are displaying irregular behavior.  You can find out what the correct ph balance should be for your aquarium from your local fish shop.

Task: Change Water
When: Weekly
Swap out your fish tank water once a week if you can, however you may also do it every other week if you have to. You will just need to change about twenty percent of your tank's water. The easiest way to do this is to remove the water with a pipe. 

Find a hose or fish tank tubing, place one end of the pipe into your fish tank, and then suck on the opposite end of the hose, with the hose lower than the water level of the fish tank. Make sure to have a suitable container prepared, since the water will come flowing out. Allow the water from the tank to flow into the container until about twenty percent of the water is taken out of your aquarium. Then add new water. 

Task: Change Filter
When: Depends on Filter Model, Check Instructions
There are numerous fish tank filter systems available today. Therefore, the only guidance here is to take a look the guidelines and they will tell you when to switch your filter. Occasionally it can be every three or four weeks for non reusable filters. At times, it is every six months before they need to be replaced. There are types that you can clean yourself, so simply keep close track of them and thoroughly clean them as per the instructions that come with the filter.

Task: Vacuum
When: Weekly
Make use of a gravel vacuum machine to draw out the waste materials, harmful toxins and outdated food items in the bottom of your fish tank. Aquarium vacuums are generally great for removing waste substances and are available in all kinds, shapes and sizes based on the capacity of your fish tank. All of them work just a little bit differently, so be sure to check the directions that are included with them. All of them are quite simple to work with.

Task: Remove Algae
When: Monthly or as needed
Nothing appears more severe than algae creeping up the edges of your aquarium. On that subject, almost nothing looks better than a clear and clean fish tank that you can easily see through.

You can buy algae scraping tools as well as various other tools to get rid of the algae from the aquarium. They are generally simple to use. Simply pick one that you like and use it frequently. 
An all-natural solution can also be purchased to get rid of algae.

Look for one that offers both aerobic and anaerobic beneficial microorganisms as it is the best type of product for the job. 

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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology. 
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms and offer Natural Organic Solutions

Saltwater Fish Tanks: Setup and Maintenance

By Clifford Woods

Saltwater fish tanks are ideal for every individual, particularly fish novices, however there exists one common inclination; people new to salt water fish tanks have a tendency to make a few mistakes, which can cause the fish to die from incorrect salt concentration or lack of oxygen, or another problem. As a way to stay away from that, you need to first teach yourself about the basics of salt water fish care.

Saltwater Aquarium - Basic Installation
For lighting purposes, a fluorescent bulb is necessary. It is the closest thing to genuine sunshine. Corals require lighting, and so do fish needless to say, having said that, if you have only fish, you may be able to skip the lighting fixtures depending on the species you have. A heater may be necessary as the majority of tropical fish demand high temperatures. 

With regards to the area you reside in, you may want to consider a heating unit. Those two factors are the basic equipment needed to start out with. As you may see, it really is relatively simple, and the three basic elements, like the fish tank, will cost less than two hundred dollar, which is pretty inexpensive for such a hobby. 

Furthermore, it is far from difficult and any individual can learn how to handle it. Oceanic aquariums can offer a brilliant sight in any residence or company. There are numerous approaches that you could attempt in order to obtain the appropriate tank for your home or company. Setup and installation does not require a long period of your time. If you choose to hire professionals however, you'll most likely be pleased with the end result.

In case you have any concerns regarding how to maintain your fish tank, be sure to ask the experts before they leave. They are often a great source of information as they are usually very familiar with the proper care of the fish you have decided on. It is possible to seek the services of the installation company to do future management and upkeep of your fish. This may be one particular thing that you don't have enough time to do and you could quickly plan a cleaning to keep your aquarium in good condition. 

Saltwater Aquarium - Basic Maintenance
Aquarium upkeep is essential in maintaining the health of your fish. Providing a proper setting for the fish to thrive in is critical. Fish require proper care on a daily schedule exactly like dogs and cats do. The very first phase in appropriate aquarium servicing is always keeping the water thoroughly clean. Obtaining an appropriate water purification system is essential for you to keep the water clear. Switching out the water on a regular basis is also crucial. 

The regularity of this is determined by numerous factors including the type of filtration system in use, the dimensions of the aquarium tank, and amount of fish in the fish tank. Several fish keepers wrongly change out all the water in the tank, which is absolutely not healthy for the fish. No more than fifteen percent of the water should be changed out at any given time. 

Why?
Well, the remaining water contains important bacteria which are beneficial for the fish and important to their survival. Eliminating algae from the fish tank is another significant task that must be completed consistently. 

Aquariums that acquire sunlight directly for longer than several hours will have a much faster accumulation of algae as compared to fish tanks that do not receive direct light from the sun. It is advisable for tanks to be kept away from direct sunlight if at all possible. 

In order to do away with algae completely, a probiotic algaecide abundant with beneficial microorganisms would be a solution to look into purchasing as it benefits the health of your fish as well.
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology. We brew Beneficial Microorganisms and offer Natural Organic Solutions

How to Set Up a Freshwater Aquarium

Clifford Woods

Putting together a freshwater aquarium does not need to become a headache. You just have to acquire the proper materials and follow a few basic steps and in a short time you will have a fantastic looking aquarium that is appropriate for your fish.

There are a few things you should be aware of with a freshwater aquarium arrangement however; there are some responsibilities involved. To begin with, there is the price factor. You will have the one time expense of putting it together, and after that you will be purchasing various maintenance products as well as fish food.

You will also have to care for it regularly; at the very least, feeding the fish, and then just about every couple weeks or on a monthly basis you will be doing some sort of maintenance. It really is just like owning any other pet, the more affection you give them, the more gratifying it will be.

Below are some suggestions for setting up your freshwater aquarium:

1. The dimensions of tank which you select will be based on the amount and size of fish that you would like to maintain. You cannot have fish that are congested, or a tank which is too large. The easiest method would be to begin with a ten gallon aquarium and then stock it with little fish which do not grow too big. As you become a little more knowledgeable, you may test out various other types of fish along with a larger aquarium.
2. Search for a spot to keep the fish tank that is secure and protected. It should be out of the reach of children and other pets that may disturb it. If it is too close to a window that allows direct sunlight, this may boost the temperature of the water. An excessive amount of direct sunlight ensures that you will have to do more algae control.
3. Evaluate the equipment needed. Filtration systems are diverse and are all priced differently. A few fish also generate far more waste as compared to others and they're going to require unique types of filtration systems. When thinking about a heater, make sure you take the size of your tank into consideration. In addition, you will also need to give some thought to substrate, vegetation, along with any other accessories you will be placing into the aquarium.
4. Rinse the fish tank with warm water and rinse each of the parts which will go in there at the same time. Avoid using soap as this is not considered to be good for your fish. Install your filter as soon as your parts and aquarium are thoroughly clean.
5. Rinse the gravel in clean water along with the other accessory you have for your freshwater aquarium. The substrate must be flushed extensively and you can do this using an appropriate strainer.
6. After you have all of this setup, now you can put in the water. Water needs to be at room temperature and de-chlorinated.
7. Put in the heating unit and wait for about fifteen minutes for the temperature setting in the heating unit to adjust to the water temperature.
8. Now you wait. You must allow the tank to undergo a complete nitrogen cycle before adding fish. You will recognize when ready whenever you observe the water is becoming cloudy; usually after a couple of days.
9. Finally, put in your fish. You need to let the fish gradually adjust to the change before you put them in. Follow the instructions from the fish shop on how to go about doing this.

To keep your aquarium clean, you'll want to use an organic probiotic solution that completely gets rid of the main cause of bacteria. The probiotics in such a solution will also greatly enhance the life of your plants and fish. Chemicals are not recommended.
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and offer Natural Organic Solutions

Control and Eliminate Algae with UV Sterilizer

By Clifford Woods

If you have been putting up with algae, then it is likely that you do not own a UV sterilizer for your pond. Without a doubt, UV light is crucial for all ponds where metabolic action occurs. Pond algae are brought on by microscopic algae cells that feed on aerobic bacteria in the water. They are especially common during the summer seasons while there is a great deal of sunshine. A little quantity of green pond algae is helpful to marine pond life like Koi and other fish as they use it as a food supply as well as camouflage from predatory birds.

Algae additionally act as cover from the sun on hot summer time days. The fact is that pond algae multiplies at an extraordinary pace and if left without treatment it will ultimately wreck the look of your pond and can begin to hinder the pond pH balance as well as the amounts of oxygen within the pond. The simplest way to manage pond algae is by using a UV sterilizer, also referred to as a UV clarifier, UV illumination or simply just a UV. 


A number of people would rather use pond algaecide products which are only safe if it is completely organic and contains beneficial microorganisms.

The Struggle with Temperature
The strength of blue ultraviolet light which is created at a specific wavelength is a wonder for pond owners. UV light comes about by natural means in nature and is a primary reason we get sunburned when we are out in the sun. The performance of a UV sterilizer is affected by temperatures to a large extent. If the unit is positioned under the pond's surface then it will work at no matter what the water temperature happens to be.

The way in which companies bypass the drop in effectiveness is to use a quartz sleeve, which will protect the lamp from cold water temperature ranges, guaranteeing optimum effectiveness is taken care of. Ultraviolet light transfers effortlessly through quartz, but not glass. This is why quartz sleeves are utilized rather than glass in the production of UV sterilizers. 

Be mindful that not every producer makes use of a quartz sleeve; a few use plastic covers. Glance at the production standards and if it does not have a quartz sleeve, investigate another product.

The UV Sterilizer System
Pond water is streamed by way of a quartz tube, blocking chilly pond water from coming directly into contact with the ultraviolet source of light. Keep in mind that UV performance is affected by temperatures and functions suitably at one hundred degrees Fahrenheit. As the water moves through the sleeve, it is hit by UV rays, either directly or reflectively.

The ultra violet illumination eliminates the algae by wiping out the cell walls, leading to what is known as flocculation to occur. This mass that is too large to pass through the mechanized purification systems employed by your pond filter and is caught and taken from the pond water.

Organic filtration systems are made up of pond plants which are intentionally deprived of nutrition. The marine plants obtain their food supply from the nitrates within the pond water. They contend with algae for the nourishment and for that reason help in keeping the pond algae in check. They don't ensure algae-free garden ponds though.

The only real assured strategy for managing green pond algae is by using a UV sterilizer or a probiotic algaecide solution plentiful of beneficial microorganisms. Such an option will completely eradicate the algae from your garden pond as well as boost the overall health of the vegetation and fish within your pond.
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and offer Environmentally Friendly Products

Benefits of LED Lighting in Fish Tanks

Benefits of LED Lighting in Fish Tanks

By Clifford Woods


If you have or take care of a fish tank, you likely are aware of the pleasures of building an underwater environment and observing as well as enjoying the fish, plants, and overall ecosystem within the aquarium.

One of the most important aspects of owning an aquarium is keeping it clean, which you can easily do with an all-natural solution with beneficial microorganisms. Another important part of a good fish tank environment is appropriate lighting to both improve the mood created and to provide a vibrant atmosphere for the fish and vegetation in the tank. 

There are a variety of methods to present good lighting effects for fish tanks.
Below are a few of these possibilities and the benefits that come with them. 

As mentioned previously, appropriate lighting is vital in assisting with the improvement and protection of the aquarium's setting. The right color and wavelength have an important role in maintaining the health of marine life.

For several years, aquarium enthusiasts counted on different varieties of light settings. The first variations made use of incandescent light bulbs; however this failed to provide suitable benefits because of the type of lights used along with the colors and wavelengths they put out. The bulbs additionally were hot which influenced the temperature of the water in the fish tank.

A vital advancement in lightning techniques occurred with the creation of florescent lighting. This type of light works at a significantly cooler temperature and can be tweaked to produce various wavelengths and colors of light. It has been the standard for the majority of fish tanks and it has undoubtedly provided tolerable and satisfying benefits.

Nonetheless, latest improvements in LED (a type of light called light emitting diode); lighting technologies have created an entire new category in tank lighting. LED lighting has numerous advantages. To begin with, the lights last for a long time. With regular use, they should not require changing for a long time.

An additional major advantage of LED lighting is their particular performing temperature ranges. LED lighting will not increase the water temperature. This will make it simpler to manage the correct water temperature inside your fish tank. 

Although you may make use of a modern LED tank lighting bulb in addition to fluorescent lights, the products generally have a heat sensor and fan to lower any additional heat.

LED lights are additionally quite effective at changing electrical power into light. This reduces running costs and improves maintenance since the lights last considerably longer. Do not concern yourself with changing bulbs or additional typical expenditures. It also allows you the luxury of not having to change out expensive ballasts that would have been required for various other forms of lighting such as fluorescent. The lessened upkeep features are very appealing for LED lighting devices.

A few tips to be aware of when selecting LED tank lights.

1. Try to find devices that have dinning capability. Instead of needing to manage how much time the lights need to be on, it is significantly better to have the ability to change the strength of the light.
2. Look for models that are CE authorized. This electrical power standard is a lot stricter than UL authorization which is your guarantee that this LED lighting product is made to the highest level of quality, longevity, and protection.

LED tank lights are available in a variety of models and settings. There is certainly a unit out there that is well suited for your particular tank. So make sure you provide optimum lighting for your fish tank by means of these kinds of devices. Your local fish shop can usually help with any questions.

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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and
Organic Environmental Technology.
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that offer Natural Organic Solutions

Algae: The Leading Cause of Fish Deaths in Ponds

By Clifford Woods

Fish pond algae are really a general name which represents all of the various types of algae, normally present in ponds. A few varieties of algae can actually be beneficial to the overall health of the pond while others types can be viewed as a real annoyance.

You will need to prevent as many algae blooms as you can in order to keep your fish and visual appealing pond vegetation alive. 

The most prevalent type is the floating green algae, like chlorella, euglena, and chlamydomonas varieties. They grow and reproduce quickly through cell division or spores.

Filamentous algae, also known as string algae, appear to be lengthy green noodles and have a hair-like visual aspect to them. The looks are a result of a combination of cells joined up end to end. Horse hair algae and blanket weed types like spirogyra, oedogonium, and cladophora are quite prevalent.

The Factors That Lead to Pond Algae Growth: The main three variables that enables pond algae to produce consists of: hot temperatures, vitamin abundant pond water, and crystal clear pond water that permits sunshine to pass through. A rise in temperatures speeds up both blanket weed and suspended green algae advancement.

How Various Algae Varieties Affect the Overall Health of the Fish Pond: Floating plank-tonic algae distribute at a speedy pace and can only be managed by ultraviolet illumination from a UV sterilizer. The UV spectrum splits the cell surfaces, resulting in the algae to collect together which in turn allows filters to easily remove the algae from the pond. A substantial amount of floating green algae can produce what is known as algae blooms. They could be devastating to pond fish as the blooms will at some point deprive the pond of oxygen thus killing off all underwater plants and fish life.

Why Too Much Algae is Harmful for Garden Ponds: Algae does not just make the pond seem unpleasant and overgrown, but in more severe situations, can actually cause the pond to smell foul. The rotting process of algae eats up oxygen from the pond water. This is especially harmful to the oxidizing bacteria and pond fish population, which both need oxygen to thrive.

Keep in mind that ammonia must be changed into nitrites by the oxidizing microorganisms. The oxidation procedure calls for vast volumes of oxygen to be able to take place. The rise in ammonia, which is additionally created by decaying algae matter, puts even more stress on the pond filtration system that houses the nitrifying bacteria.

How to Control Algae in Your Fish Pond: By far the most effective way of handling suspended plank-tonic algae is to make use of a UV clarifier or UV sterilizer. The ultraviolet spectrum eliminates the single-celled algae, resulting in it expiring and sticking to other deceased algal cells. Make an effort to cover a minimum of one third the surface area of the fish pond with plants, since they contend with algae cells for the accessible vitamins in the pond water.

Conduct regular cleaning by getting rid of string algae and blanket weed by using a garden rake. Not all algae are bad for a fish pond however. In fact, algae can be quite helpful to the pond because it supplies a way to obtain food for fish, presents shade from the sizzling sun, and offers as a shelter from king fishers, heron, along with various other birds.

It really is alright to have a bit of algae on pond surfaces, filtration systems, as well as other pond maintenance gear. The key is to keep it in check with a probiotics solution such as an organic algaecide created with beneficial microorganisms. 
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and offer Natural Organic Solutions

5 Key Factors for Green Pond Water

5 Key Factors for Green Pond Water

By Clifford Woods

Algae overgrowth can have disastrous consequences on the well-being of our ponds. Below are five factors that contribute the algae development and how it can be stopped.





#1: Excessive Fish
If this sounds like your situation, then immediately limit the volume of fish or add to the size of your organic filtration system. Keep in mind that fish grow in size and in quantity, therefore the scale your organic purification system which you believed might be the right size in the beginning, may not be the proper size for your pond now.

#2: Seasonal Changes
It is the start of the spring time or the later part of the fall when the pond encounters its largest change in the temperature of the water and biological bacteria development. If this is the situation, try to be calm and give your pond a few additional weeks. 

Every single pond takes around four to six weeks in the beginning of the season to discover its new environmental equilibrium. When this occurs, the pond water will likely be green in appearance. In fact, you can count on it. At any time you increase the water level of your pond during the year, your pond is likely to turn green as well. 

Simply add the most appropriate beneficial microorganism’s solution to provide your pond with good aeration and stay patient. Bear in mind, it will require several weeks, not just a couple of days. Never persistently drain and refill your pond because you will be consistently altering its ecological stability that it's striving to achieve – so give it a hand, be patient.

#3: Accumulation of Organic Matter
For those ponds that have more organic substances, like dead leaves, fish wastes, muck, sludge, and so forth, in them than the amount of beneficial microorganisms in your filtration system where beneficial microorganisms reside and flourish, you may either have to add to the size of your organic filter or increase the total quantity of beneficial microorganisms in your pond.
You can do this by one of two ways; basically increase the size of your filter of add more beneficial microorganism to your pond. You need to be incorporating beneficial microorganisms on a regular basis into your pond in any case.

#4: Too Much Water
Remain calm with your pond as it sets up its new environmental equilibrium. This often completes in about four to six weeks following the previous time you have added extra water. Whenever you add more water, you cause a difference in the pond which causes new algae to prosper and green water to occur. Simply have patience and increase the amount of beneficial microorganisms you add to your pond.

#5: Other Factors That Could Be Causing Algae and Killing the Beneficial Microorganisms in Your Pond
If you are introducing fresh water into your pond on a regular basis; quit doing so now. Allow the pond to find its new environmental stability. In the case that you are including beneficial microorganisms to it, but not disabling your UV clarifier or UV sterilizer, then make sure to turn it off no less than three to four days just prior to when you added the bacteria to ensure that the microorganisms have had an opportunity to attach themselves to the surface area within your pond or organic filter.

A few chemical compounds put into the pond can also be the reason for precisely what is wiping out your beneficial microorganisms. If that's the case, invest in an organic algaecide that contains beneficial microorganisms. You'll be killing two birds with one stone with such a solution as you will be eliminating algae as well as replenishing your pond with bacteria that will improve the pond's overall health.
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology.
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins in the environment and offer Natural Organic Solutions.
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Sources
"Pond Magician"; Effective Environmental Services
"Pond Maintenance 101"; Awesome Library
"Pond Care"; Planet Natural
"Ponding 101"; 123Ponds
"Seasonal Pond Maintenance Checklist"; Doctors Foster and Smith

Algae Management in Freshwater Aquariums

Algae Management in Freshwater Aquariums

By Clifford Woods




An aquarium tank can be quite the exceptional addition to a home or workplace. There isn't anything more relaxing than viewing fish swimming in harmony through the clear, dazzling tropical water. On the other hand, there is practically nothing more unpleasant than an aquarium tank abundant with algae.

Below are a handful of concerns and tips to assist with algae management.

Just about all fish displays contain algae. A small bit of it is not necessarily harmful, however if it isn't controlled algae can multiply quickly and take control of your freshwater tank which is extremely troublesome to clean, not to mention unhealthy for the fish.

Green algae are normal for most freshwater tank owners. The two main varieties, green dot and hair, can be time intensive in addition to difficult to eliminate from the aquarium. These algae grow quickly in fish tanks that get an excess of sunshine.
The darker types of algae, such as black brush, generally grow soon after the initial set-up of the tank.

The algae development in fish tanks that have already been set up for a longer period of time may be related to problems with the level of phosphate or nitrate in the water. 

The growth of these algae may also linked to excessive amounts of light. In order to eliminate it from the fish tank, in most cases you have to clean the entire tank extensively, decrease light exposure, and also make certain that the water condition is at a suitable temperature.

Blue-green algae and red brush are two additional varieties of algae that may develop in a fish tank. The red brush variety generally has a tendency to form in fish tanks having higher pH levels.


Blue-green algae are a slimier type which can be dangerous to both vegetation and fish in the tank.

One of the better processes to inhibit the development of numerous algae would be to manage lighting. For algae management, never place fish tanks close to windows and be sure to reduce the lighting to eight hours on a daily basis. Employing a lighting timer is a fantastic way to supply your fish tank with suitable quantities of light.


Much like your fish, algae have to consume to live. Algae develop best through taking in phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen. You have the capability to significantly enhance algae management in freshwater fish tanks by making certain that your tank is not overwhelmed by fish waste products, excessive food, or rotting vegetation. Additionally, perform water adjustments regularly and use a properly measured filtration system. Incorporating algae consuming agents to your aquarium would be a good option. Snails and algae-eating species of fish are able to assist in the management of algae within the tank.

You should be aware that snails can populate remarkably quickly, however with proper control including a snail and an algae-consuming species to a fish tank could very well be an excellent idea. Take note that when all of the algae are consumed, you are going to have to feed these fish with store-bought food.

It is not unusual for algae to start to re-populate within a clean fish tank during a time span of just three weeks. For regular algae regulation, be mindful with regards to overfeeding your fish, promptly remove any dead fish from the tank, be aware of the amount of light that the aquarium receives, and also use some type of filtering method. Additionally, remove any obvious algae with a scrubber designed for this sort of cleanup.

A really simple way to eradicate algae from a freshwater fish tank would be to apply a probiotic algaecide. This type of solution is perfectly safe for your fish and actually benefits the water in numerous ways due to the beneficial microorganisms contained with the product.

Sources
"How to Care for Aquarium Fish"; Animal Planet
"Aquarium Water Care"; PetSmart
"Pond Magician"; Effective Environmental Services
"Pond Maintenance 101"; Awesome Library
"Pond Care"; Planet Natural
"Ponding 101"; 123Ponds
"Seasonal Pond Maintenance Checklist"; Doctors Foster and Smith
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology.We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins in the environment and offer Natural Organic Solutions.

PLANTS IN PONDS

By Clifford Woods

Plants in ponds will reduce the amount of algae that is able to grow, but also use the waste from the fish to give a natural water filtration system.

Plants below the water:These plants are the major contributors to water quality. They will oxygenate the water during the day and provide oxygen for the fish as well supplying excellent shade. Submerged plants compete with algae for use of nitrogen produced from fish waste and decaying plant material.
If you pot these plants it will allow for easy removal for thinning or when winter comes.

A few examples

Jungle Val - Hornwort - Cabomba

Floating and Surface Plants
Pick plant species that grow flowers and leaves on the surface of the water. The difference between floating and surface plants is that floating plants float freely on the water’s surface without attached roots, while surface plants have roots that extend down and anchor into the pond’s soil. Remember to remove plants if coverage exceeds two-thirds of the pond's surface area.

A few examples

Floating Plants:Duckweed - water lettuce

A few examples

Surface Plants: Hawthorne - Four Leaf Water Clover- Water Lotus

Side or Marginal Plants
Plants that grow well in moist or soggy soil or that grow well in standing water. Plant them along the side or edge of your pond. They will root in the soil and their foliage will spread out over the water. Careful to not choose plants that grow rapidly or that will spread to much and too far.

A few examples

Western Blue Flag Iris - Sweet Flag - Dwarf Bamboo

Advice: cleaning your pond and using only organic pond cleaners, makes for healthy ponds, happy fish and thriving plants and it also contributes towards a safer environment for any adults, children or pets spending time in the yard.

Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services

and Organic Environmental Technology.

We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and offer Environmentally Friendly products.

How Does Phosphate Get Into A Pond

By Clifford Woods

Ponds under attack from green water, poor coral growth, algae and cyanobacteria and are the things that are responsible for your dying fish. These are factors that generally leave aquarists frustrated, and most of them, are brought about by the presence of phosphates in water.


What Are Phosphates? Phosphates are naturally occurring compounds, which commonly form in water bodies. This is largely due to a number of sources, the major one being water sources. Soil and salt mixes that are swept into the water as a result of rain or wind are a major contributor for how does phosphate get into in a pond and these are usually harder to control than aquarium water.

It’s important to note that phosphates are the active ingredients in fertilizers. That being said, salt mixes that could be found in rocks surrounding the pond may be the reason why your water is choking.

How Can You Identify High Phosphate Levels? Identifying the signs of high phosphate levels can be obvious (if you know what to look for), or they might be a bit more subtle and hard to recognize but here are a few:

• The water color
• Predominant presence of nuisance algae
• Poor coral growth

Your water could indicate the presence of phosphates and if your pond is pea green, you need to think about phosphate testing. Nuisance algae predominance is also a good sign that your water is thriving with phosphates, since like already mentioned; it is the active ingredient in fertilizers and therefore, encourages growth of plants. And Algae of course is a plant. 

Types of algae to look out for are black hair algae and slime algae as well. You can also identify signs of poor marine, such as unhealthy corals and poor survival rates of invertebrates, such as shrimp and snails. There is several phosphate testing kits you can use to identify phosphate presence in your water.

How to Remove Phosphate Eliminating phosphates can be quite tricky and before you can conduct any elimination process, you need to first identify the cause. If you throw frozen foods into your ponds, this may the reason why there are high levels of the compound. You may want to consider rinsing foods before feeding your fish or simply avoiding frozen foods. The water that frozen foods are frozen in sometimes has high phosphate concentrations.

Are there golf courses, farms or even fertilized gardens and lawns around your pond? If yes, run off from the rain are washing these phosphates into your pond. Once you've identified (and hopefully eliminated) where the phosphate is coming from, you can start getting rid of what you already have.

Water changes with phosphate-free water can help cut down on your levels but can take time before you see a noticeable difference.

In salt-water aquariums, protein skimmers can help remove wastes and decrease the phosphate levels, and refugiums can be used in freshwater and salt-water tanks. There are various products in the market that can help you get rid of phosphates. These mediums act to absorb the compound or trap it for removal. When a phosphate remover is applied into the water, it basically traps the phosphates and immobilizes them, making them insoluble nutrients.

Phosphates in ponds are harder to eliminate, since you cannot control what products people use in their lawns and farms. That said, you can control the levels by always ensuring that your pond is clean and using a phosphate remover often. With persistent testing and removal, your pond can have a good water quality for your fish and other marine species to thrive better.

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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology Find out more about our Organic Pond Cleaner - Pond Magician We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and sell Environmentally Friendly Products.

What is Phosphate?

By Clifford Woods

Phosphates, which contain phosphorus, are essential nutrients that contribute to the growth and metabolic reactions of all animals and plants. The quantity of phosphorus can either increase or limit growth. Since it is essential to the growth of plants and animals, an imbalance in the amount of the natural growth of phosphorus can produce harmful changes to the environment. This is when it becomes a job for a phosphate remover to handle.

Contributing Factors In Phosphates Overgrowth
The internal contributor in the growth of the presence of phosphates in your fish pond is from the mineralization of dead matter, such as plants, uneaten food, feces, fish slime, bacteria, etc. The rotting food particles or dead plant materials settle either within the filter or on the substrate.  Vacuuming the gravel or rinsing filter materials every time you change the water in your pond or tank will substantially decrease the potential accumulation of phosphate deposits. The probable external sources, on the other hand, are additives such as frozen fish food, carbon or pH stabilizers.  

Effects Of Phosphates In Fish Ponds
For people who raise fish on ponds, the elevated presence of phosphates means algae invasion and that is a big threat to the lives of your fish. Using a phosphate remover is ideal in this kind of pond situation. Partially, changing the water in your fish pond more frequently can also help. Once the growth of water weeds and algae in your pond becomes uncontrollable, they will dominate the use of oxygen until the water in your pond will not be able to support the life of your fish any more  leaving them to die. So, use phosphate removers as soon as the presence of phosphorus becomes threatening.

Addressing The Issue With Phosphate Removers
The ideal amount of the presence of phosphates in your fish pond should be below 0.005 ppm. A phosphate remover will control the level of phosphates in your pond by reducing the amount of algae that grows in it.  

When phosphate removers are applied into the water, it basically traps the phosphates and immobilizes them, making them insoluble nutrients. 
Phosphates in ponds are harder to eliminate, since you cannot control what products people use in their lawns and farms. 

That said, you can control the levels by always ensuring that your pond is clean and using a phosphate remover often. With persistent testing and removal, your pond can have a good water quality for your fish and other marine species to thrive better.

For salt-water aquariums, it will maximize the coral growth in it. When buying them, make sure that you thoroughly check the brand specifications. Most often, it comes as phosphate mesh media bags or reactors.  

Those that come in reactors need to be installed, while those that come in mesh media bags are packed with phosphate removal media and employed inside the sump or canister filter.  

If you want to be rid of a persistent phosphate problem, be vigilant in eliminating the causes of its overgrowth in the first place instead of always relying on a phosphate remover to do the job for you. Avoid over-feeding your fish to reduce or eliminate the presence of uneaten foods. Choose a brand of fish food with the lowest levels of phosphates. Perform tank maintenance regularly by vacuuming the bottom of your ponds or tanks to remove plant decay, fish waste, and uneaten food. A filter’s job is to skim all dirt, so make sure you always remember to clean it, too.

Keep all these important maintenance steps in mind for your fish to have smooth-sailing lives.

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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology
Find out more about our Organic Pond Cleaner - Pond Magician
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and sell Environmentally Friendly Products.

Keeping Ponds Clean With Organic Pond Cleaners

by Clifford Woods

A large number of pond owners are misconceived when it comes to the presence of algae in aquatic structures. The problem occurs where the algae is growing prolifically often distorting the color and the texture of the water.

A poor quality of water can actually stress and stunt the growth of fish and therefore understanding ways of keeping your pond clean and fresh can create a balanced ecosystem.
Where the water quality is not maintained, ammonia levels will be on the rise impacting on the health of fish. In a large number of cases, it will result in poor gill function and an inability for the Koi to breathe. Apart from the devastating impact on fish, the presence of large amounts of algae can create an unattractive looking feature.

It is important to implement organic pond cleaners which contain beneficial or effective microorganisms that will keep the correct balance of both algae and bacteria so that a healthy ecosystem is maintained.




Where matter and waste are allowed to collect in the bottom of the pond, the oxygen content eventually decreases, which means that beneficial bacteria or microorganisms are unable to control for high levels of ammonia and nitrites. Even the application of a pump or filter to aerate the water will prove ineffective.

Increased exposure to sunlight during the warmer months creates the ideal conditions for algae growth. The key is to manage the amount of waste entering water in order to control ammonia and nitrite levels. The implementation of aquatic bacteria to break down the high organic content safely and naturally can prove most successful.

Be sure to avoid placing large number of aquatic plants, twigs, branches and similar objects in the water as this will breakdown over time increasing the nutrient rich content in the pond.
With effective microorganisms and aeration systems in place the bacteria will begin to eat the extra nutrients and muck settling in the bottom of ponds for clearer water. Where you are able to reposition plants to provide shade and clean out filters, it may give the beneficial bacteria an opportunity to repopulate.

There are many products available to add the necessary microorganisms to the pond. Once these have been added it will work to decrease ammonia and nitrates and increase the overall oxygen content. The result is a drastic reduction in the presence of algae as all organic content is broken down without any harm to the fish present in the water.

Should the water turn a brown color, clear the area of all debris and leaf matter that may have fallen into the pond and settled on the bottom. The addition of suitable microorganisms will allow for acceleration in the break down of any remaining leaf or organic matter. Over time you will also notice the water beginning to clear and reduce the collection of sediment.

Keep your pond clean with organic pond cleaners

It is important to exercise regular maintenance. This includes cleaning filters and checking aeration systems. This will enhance the desired microorganism populations and the breakdown of excess waste.
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology
You can find out more about Organic Pond Cleaners at www.effens.com
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and offer Environmentally Friendly products.