PROBLEM

MOST COMMON CAUSE(S)

SOLUTION

Water is cloudy

Genesis is occurring in a new pond; storm has introduced dust into the water

Add AquaClearer bacteria, following the directions on the container, until the water clears up.  Back off gradually as long as the water remains clear.

Water is pea-green

Genesis is occurring in a new pond; adding fertilizer to plants; over-feeding the fish

Add AquaClearer bacteria, following the directions on the container, until the water clears up.  Back off gradually as long as the water remains clear.

Water is dark or brownish (tea-colored)

Tannins in the water from the leaves or flowers of a near-by plant or the quality of the water filling the pond

This is a naturally-occurring phenomenon that is not hazardous to the health of either fish or plants.  However, if this is unsightly for you, you can purchase activated charcoal and add it to the media net found in the Biofalls.  This may need to be replenished occasionally to continue to clean the tannins out of the water.

Abundant string algae

Water is warming up, but the beneficial bacteria is still in hibernation; not enough diversity in plant life; over-feeding the fish; adding fertilizer to plants

• You may hand-weed the algae out of the pond, using it as mulch for your land plants, or in your composting operation; or
• You can use S.A.B. (String Algae Buster), following the directions on the container.  Use POND water, which is often chlorinated, instead of hose water to mix the solution.

Pump is sucking air

Your water level is low; pump is plugged up

• Unplug the pump immediately, add water to the pond, and plug the pump back in when the water level has reached minimum depth (1”above skimmer opening); and
• Check the automatic fill device to make sure it is functioning properly.

If, after filling the pond, the pump still continues to suck air, unplug it and call for service.  If the device is deemed defective, and is still under warranty, there will be no charge.

Auto-level device is running constantly

• The device has come loose, become bent, or is malfunctioning; or

• There may be a leak around the pond, or water feature caused by settling.

• ·  Adjust the device.  If you cannot adjust it, turn off the water to the pond and call for service.  If the device is deemed defective, and is still under warranty, there will be no charge.

• ·  Check for leaks along the edge of the waterfall or stream.  They will show as a damp area along the outer edge or around the edge of the Biofilter.  Remove the obstruction or call for service.  If you are within your warranty period, there will be no charge for the service call.

Auto level is not coming on at all

The device has come loose, become bent, or is malfunctioning.

Adjust the device.  If you cannot adjust it, call for service.  If the device is deemed defective, and is still under warranty, there will be no charge.

• The auto-level device has come loose, become bent, or is malfunctioning; or

• There may be a leak around the pond, or water feature caused by settling.

• Adjust the auto-level device.  If you cannot adjust it, turn off the water to the pond and call for service.  If the device is deemed defective, and is still under warranty, there will be no charge.

• Check for leaks along the edge of the waterfall or stream.  They will show as a damp area along the outer edge or around the edge of the Biofilter.  Remove the obstruction or call for service.  If you are within your warranty period, there will be no charge for the service call.

The pump is making noise (other than sucking air)

Pump is plugged up; pump is defective

Some pumps may emit a small humming noise.  If the noise becomes audible above the waterfall, call for service.  If the device is deemed defective, and is still under warranty, there will be no charge.