Yerba mansa (Anemopsis californica) is native to Arizona!Yerba mansa is a fabulous plant to have in your living ecosystem Phoenix pond, waterfall, or stream. It's actually an Arizona native.  This plant displays showy white flowers which rise from a dense growth of dark green leaf clusters. The compact conic flower spike is very distinctive. Similar to the sunflower family, what appears to be a single bloom is really a dense cluster of individual small flowers when observed closely. In nature, Yerba mansa is found in wet, usually alkaline, soils along streams and in wet meadows, often growing in large colonies, typically from 1,000-6,000 ft elevations. Yerba typically flowers April-October. Yerba mansa is well known for its medicinal uses, including external use on sores and burns, as disinfectant for cuts and scrapes, and as a wash for sore feet and muscles. It’s also used internally for stomach ulcers, colds, coughs, menstrual cramps, diabetes, gonorrhea, tuberculosis, and syphilis. It's been used as a laxative and an emetic, and the seeds are made into mush and eaten by Native Americans. It’s quite versatile!  The only caveat to cultivating Yerba mansa in your back yard pond or water feature is that you’ll have to keep it under control. It reproduces rapidly via red runners (rhizomes) that shoot out across the ground and the water, and can be quite prolific in the warmer months. It’s easy to thin, though, by just yanking some out, and having a serious talk with it about slowing it’s roll. OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY: HOW DO I CLEAN MY POND? CONTROLLING PLANTS IN YOUR POND 10 POND PLANTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT!
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Peas Make sure the fish know you’re ready to feed them before you toss the peas into the pond. Peas sink fast and you don’t want uneaten peas polluting your pond. Some experts say the skins are hard to digest but peeling peas can be a tedious task. To make it easy, peel partially frozen peas. Give them a little squeeze and the pea pops right out of the skin and into the pond! Koi seem to really love them – as long as they know they’re there. Sardines You might be thinking it’s cannibalistic for Koi to eat sardines. However, they’re actually a healthy Koi snack to serve in the summer. Thawed, chopped, frozen sardines are from salt water, which means they’re less likely to carry parasites applicable to Koi. However, feed in moderation. Orange segments Big fish will take mandarin orange segments right out of your hand! It’s a great party trick to impress your friends and family. Larger seedless oranges can be cut into quarters and fed to the fish, as well. Cheerios What child wouldn’t love to share some of their cereal with pond fish? Cheerios are low residue and low nitrogen. We’ve found that Koi tend to prefer Honey Nut Cheerios. Worms Okay, so you probably don’t serve worms at your dinner table, but nevertheless your Koi will enjoy earthworms, Georgia reds, night crawlers, pinks, and others. Fresh, active earthworms are well accepted and safe, and when the first Koi takes a bite, the rest will quickly catch on. Romaine Lettuce Nutritionally invisible, but perhaps the least messy of greens for the fish to munch on. Don’t bother with iceberg lettuce. Get the darkest romaine you can find and cut it into six-inch long thin strips. Watermelon Koi like watermelon, but not as much as grapefruit. It doesn’t supply a lot of nutrition so keep this snack to a minimum. OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
FROGS IN A PHOENIX POND SNAILS IN A PHOENIX POND HOW MANY FISH CAN I HAVE IN MY POND? What Kind of Pond Maintenance Do You Want to Do?
Most people are resigned to the maintenance that a lawn requires: watering, mowing, edging, fertilizing, dethatching, etc. It’s the urban version of slavery, if you ask us, but that’s another subject for another blog.
So, are you the type of person that would enjoy messing around with and adjusting things daily on your pond? Or are you the person who wants to come home from work, pop a top, and just chill next to your water feature? This is really the first question you need to ask yourself when deciding what kind of pond or water feature you want in your yard – exactly what kind of maintenance do you want to do?
The Fiddler
“I like fiddling around with my water chemistry and adjusting my filters daily. I don’t mind back-washing often, or the need to drain & clean more than once a year. I enjoy the challenge and that part of the hobby.” Then you will be completely comfortable with many of the products on the market! Most high-pressure filtration systems need constant checking, adjustment, back-washing, etc. And playing with water chemistry can be a daily task. This is not a bad thing – many people do enjoy that. But The Pond Gnome doesn’t build those kinds of ponds, so you’ll need to find a contractor that’s a better fit for your hobby.
The Chiller
“I just want to come home at the end of a long day, kick off my shoes, grab a cocktail, and put my feet up. I want to have crystal clear water so I can see my fish dancing in the water. I also want to see beautiful lush aquatic plants and watch dragonflies flitting around my yard. Maybe even hear the occasional frog croak.” Then you want a low maintenance ecosystem pond or water feature with filtration that mostly takes care of itself and works with Mother Nature’s formula. This maintenance will cost you about 10 minutes of your precious time per week, and reward you with hours upon hours of enjoyment.
Here’s a short (fairly short) rant by the Arizona Pond Guy that speaks to this subject:
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HEALTHY POND FILTRATION SIX PONDS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE EXPECTATIONS OF AN ECOSYSTEM POND Decorative water features are a unique and beautiful way to give your landscape a fresh face. Fountains and Patio Ponds are quick and affordable landscape ideas to add a splash of water to your outdoor living spaces. We’ve gathered some of our favorite small space water features to inspire you to add the sound of water to your gardens. Our newest fountain is the Stacked Slate Sphere that looks great in any setting! Enhance a walkway or patio with this water feature that’s available in three sizes. You can even group them together for a statement piece in your landscape.  The Stacked Slate Sphere is available in three sizes and you can light it up at night, too. Birds and butterflies will visit the fountain for refreshment and you’ll enjoy gazing upon its beauty both day and night. Fill an unused space in your yard with this stunning fountain.  Made with the same finish, a Stacked Slate Wall is impressive wherever you tuck it into your landscape. You can link these together to create a unique focal point. Of course, they look great as a single fountain too.  Decorative fountains are popping up in yards all over the country as more homeowners look for unique ways to improve the curb appeal of their house. Unlike the plug-and-play DIY fountains you find in the big-box stores, an underground reservoir holds the pump and water that recirculates through the fountain and is completely hidden from view. You’ll find a variety of fountain styles to suit your taste and budget.  A trio of stone fountains welcomes visitors to this suburban home, adding to the home’s value with its increased curb appeal. Rather than an expanse of grass or a large bush, the homeowners opted for beautiful fountain rocks which can be seen through their living room picture window.  If you prefer something a little more elegant, you might enjoy a series of bowls spilling into each other, or together feeding a small stream. The best part of these Spillway Bowls is that you can link several together in a variety of patterns.  Birds and butterflies enjoy visiting outdoor fountains for a refreshing splash or nourishing drink. Every nature lover will enjoy the many benefits of decorative small space water features. And why stop with just one fountain? Place them in nooks and crannies throughout your garden spaces.  One of the fastest-growing trends in outdoor living features is the combination of fire and water. Our popular Fire Fountain creates a soft, pleasing sound of water as it flows over and around the pebbles. Fire adds a surprising element that looks great at night, too.
Miniature water gardens, also known as Patio Ponds, are becoming increasingly popular on patios and decks. These small-scaled ponds provide the opportunity to enjoy beautiful waterlilies in a variety of colors. You can even add small goldfish. Kids love watching the tiny fish swim around.
Whatever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the beauty and refreshment that a small water feature adds to your outdoor living spaces! What's your favorite?   Ornamental gardening, "stay-cations," and "backyard Living" are at an all-time high in popularity. It seems that, in our high-tech society, everyone wants to get "outside," reconnect with nature, and enjoy the simpler low-tech pleasures. Nothing is better than sitting in a backyard by a water garden and watching the birds and butterflies at play. Many different types of birds visit our garden on any given day and in the summertime the butterflies abound! They eat, play, nest and bathe. And in the process we (and neighbors that walk by our front-yard stream), get to enjoy the gifts of nature. Backyard Ponds & Gardens Should Work with Mother NatureLike ALL living things, these beneficial creatures need certain basic things to live and prosper: food, water, shelter, and places to raise young. If you provide these things, you will see your new friends moving in almost overnight. Want to increase the number of birds and butterflies in your landscape? Here are some brief hints: Plant some native trees, shrubs and flowers. Using the right plants will provide places for shelter, nesting and food & will add beauty to your landscape. The great thing is that many of the plants that shelter and feed the birds and butterflies are native plants. Most of these natives are long-lived, drought hardy, and insect and disease resistant.  Put in a living water feature. We must ALL have water to live. Your water feature can be as simple as a bird bath or as large as a custom re-circulating waterfall, water garden, or rainwater harvesting system. The main thing to remember is that birds like shallow water for bathing and drinking (2″ to 4″) butterflies like a “seep.” Think about your overall landscape design and get some water in the mix! As a bonus, your kids/grandkids will really engage with a water garden.  Put up some Feeders. Putting up a few feeders will almost immediately draw in some new visitors. Platform feeder are great for black oil sunflower seeds, fruit, bread, nuts, and more. Tube feeders and socks are great for black thistle (a Finch favorite). A large hopper-type feeder is great for general feeding and can be filled every few days with an inexpensive song bird mix. Suet feeders are great and you can hang or mount them almost anywhere. AND don’t forget the Hummingbirds! There are even Butterfly feeders that you can put nectar and fresh fruit in to attract and feed butterflies. Spread your feeders out a bit around your outdoor living/viewing area. It will give you multiple viewing opportunities and it will give the birds a bit of room to move around. Put up some bird and butterfly houses. Some birds require housing to get their attention! Some birds are particular on the placement, color and construction of these houses, so do some research on the birds in the area and what they like. If you get it right, you will be blessed with some AWESOME birds that will eat their weight in insects and will thrill you daily with their beauty and grace. And don’t forget the butterflies! A butterfly house makes for a great conversation piece and is a really unique addition to your garden. Think Green! Want to help your environment and make your little critters healthier and happier? Think organic! Pesticides and other garden chemicals are VERY harmful to birds and beneficial Insects! It’s not easy being green, BUT it’s not that hard either. Try to use organic alternatives like neem oil, insecticidal soap, dormant oil and non-chemical fertilizers (or, better yet, compost). You will notice a difference in the quality of your garden AND in the quality of your life! Enjoying the abundance of nature is awesome and it’s not all that difficult! In fact, if you do some of these things, you will see an immediate increase in the number of birds, butterflies and beneficial insects in your landscape. These beneficial creatures will make your flowers more beautiful, your vegetables more productive, and your Life more abundant!  The beauty of a pond is something everyone can appreciate and enjoy. Yes, even in Phoenix, AZ! A flash of colorful fish swimming in clean, clear water beneath the pads of waterlilies is a sight to behold and enjoy. Add the sound of a running waterfall or babbling brook stream and you have a dream come true in your backyard. Keeping pond water clean and clear is the basis for a healthy pond that requires little to no maintenance. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to create a proper pond environment that benefits your fish and plants. Follow our not-so-secret steps to ensure a naturally-balanced, low maintenance pond throughout the year! Remember: it's SO much easier to work WITH Mother Nature than AGAINST Her. Pond Circulation Lots of water movement and aeration. Make sure your pond pump is the correct size for your pond and waterfall. A pump provides valuable aeration to the water. Several variables need to be considered when choosing a pump, such as the size of your pond and the height of your waterfall. Most pumps will give you the specifications you need for water flow, head pressure, etc. Pond Filtration Do you see the skimmer? Hint: the gnomes are guarding it. More often than not, when answering questions about pond water quality, we find that people don’t have proper filtration installed on their pond. If you don't have a filter, you ARE the filter, and this makes for more maintenance. For the lowest maintenance possible, you want to make sure your pond has both a biological filter and a mechanical skimmer. The biological filter is typically the apex of your waterfall and adds beneficial bacteria to your pond. The mechanical skimmer is similar to a pool skimmer, removing surface debris such as leaves and sticks. Ideally, you want to position the biological filter and skimmer at opposite ends of the pond. This ensures movement throughout the entire pond so you don’t end up with stagnant areas. Rocks & Gravel in a Pond Clear water is the sacred challis of ponding. Give yourself every advantage. Ponds can be built in various ways. Some are created with concrete, others with a simple pond liner. We believe in an ecosystem approach to the pondering lifestyle and use rocks and gravels in our ponds, after installing underlayment and liner. Gravel provides much-needed surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow. Your fish will graze on these bacteria, as well. The gravel won’t be a breeding ground for muck and debris if you ensure that your low maintenance pond has the proper pump and filtration system. The ecosystem works together, like a circle of life, so it’s important not to eliminate any of the elements. Pond Fish Wet pets are the best! While fish keeping is fun, your finned friends also play an important part in the overall ecosystem of your pond. They eat algae, and their waste becomes fertilizer for your pond plants. Too many fish, however, can pose a problem. A good rule of thumb is to limit your fish load to no more than 10” of fish per 100 gallons of water. So if you have a 20 fish at various lengths totaling 300” when combined, then you need a 3,000 gallon pond. Plants in a Pond Plants also play a critical role in the pond’s ecosystem due to their filtering capabilities. Plants absorb nutrients from fish waste and help starve algae of its food. During hot summer months, make sure to have at least 40% of your pond’s surface covered with plants. You can accomplish this with waterlilies and various marginals or floating plants. There you have it! Not so tough, eh? You now know the secret to a truly low maintenance pond. Start with the basics and create a naturally balanced pond with a combination of proper circulation, filtration, fish, plants, and rock and gravel. You’ll be amazed at how easy pond-keeping can be! OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
HEALTHY PONDS HAVE FILTRATION SUSTAINABLE PONDS BUILD A POND YOUR NEIGHBORS WILL ENVY How can I tell if I have frog eggs or toad eggs in my Phoenix pond?To start with, both amphibians make up the order Anura in the animal kingdom, but there are some key differences in the critters themselves. You can tell most toads and frogs apart by the appearance of their skin and legs. Most frogs have long legs and smooth skin covered in mucus. Toads generally have shorter legs and rougher, thicker skins.  As to the eggs you might be seeing in your Phoenix pond, toads generally lay their eggs in very long strands of clear jelly, sort of like small black pearls in a long clear plastic tube (dish on right). Frogs, on the other hand, lay their eggs in a cluster that resembles a bunch of grapes (dish on the left).  Here's a little graphic on what you might see over the next few months after the toad or frog eggs appear:  What kind of filtration do I need for my Phoenix AZ pond?
The type of filtration you need for a Phoenix AZ pond varies wildly by what type of pond you want or have. It also depends on your goals. For example, if your goal is to raise show Koi, that's a decidedly different kind of filtration and circulation system (and entire pond concept, frankly), than if you want a water garden to host pet Koi or goldfish. Fish are an integral part of a pond ecosystem, but a water garden may not be the best choice for raising show Koi.
Basically, you need both mechanical and biological filtration for any living water feature. YOU can be both of these. OR, you can install systems that do the work for you. There are MANY to choose from. Just remember that you tend to get what you pay for in life. You can purchase most equipment online these days, but that rarely comes with good customer service.
We are absolutely familiar with all styles and types of ponds -- and there are literally HUNDREDS of ways to build a "pond."
Here are The Pond Gnome's thoughts on pond filtration for Phoenix AZ for creating beautiful low-maintenance ecosystem water features:
Does a Water FEature Increase Property Values in Phoenix?This is a question that comes up a lot. And if you ask 5 different realtors their opinion on how water features affect property values, you'll get 5 different answers. First and foremost, if you're doing a home improvement, it should add to YOUR enjoyment and YOUR quality of life. So, would YOU enjoy a well-built easy-to-maintain living water feature? Here's our take on the subject of how Phoenix property values might be affected by a pond or water feature: OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
THE MODERN POND BACKYARD LIGHTING IDEAS INSIDER TIPS FOR GETTING A WATER FEATURE ESTIMATE pH? What's That?Strictly speaking, pH is a measure of hydrogen ion concentration, a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. In layman terms, it's how hard the water is. You're probably already aware that here in Phoenix, our water comes out of the tap pretty darn high, around 8.5 on the pH scale. So, what's to be done about this where it concerns a pond or water feature in your Phoenix yard? Check out a quick video on the subject of pH and the Phoenix pond or water feature: OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
HOW MANY GALLONS OF WATER ARE IN MY POND? WHAT KIND OF FISH CAN I PUT IN MY BACKYARD POND? HOW DO I CLEAN MY POND? Did you know that 45% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, but only about 8% of them actually keep their resolutions? So, no pressure, but we thought we might give you a bit of inspiration, in case you're having difficulty coming up with your own. Here are 5 resolutions for you to consider making this year that are sure to improve your pondering experience!
What Aquatic Plants Should I NOT Put in my Phoenix Pond?There are LOTS of great choices for aquatic plants to put in your Phoenix pond. In fact, many terrestrial plants can be used in Phoenix ponds, as well. However, there are several plants that you should absolutely avoid adding to your Phoenix backyard pond. Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus) in a PHoenix PondThis is not your typical Louisiana Iris that stays demure. This guy is a monster! If you're going to use it, you must absolutely stay on top of keeping it thinned. Here's what happens when you don't:  Bamboo in a Phoenix Pond Although you might think that bamboo and ponds just naturally go together, this one is a huge no-no. It's roots (stolens) are super-sharp, travel underground, and will puncture even concrete, let alone any kind of liner. And it gets pretty darn big! Cattail (Typha) in a Phoenix PondWhile the dwarf variety is fine, stay away from full-size cattail. Like the Yellow Iris, it can get out of control quickly. It also spreads via it's fluffy seed. Check out a quick video shot at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale of this aggressive plant and what it takes to remove it: Illegal Plants for Phoenix PondsThere are some plants that are flat-out illegal in Arizona. Sadly, one of those is Water Hyacinth because irresponsible people have tossed them into canals and waterways, where they grow unchecked and clog up the systems. There are clubs and private parties that will give you cuttings, but it is absolutely illegal to sell, and the State looks unfavorably at anyone keeping it in their pond. For a complete list of illegal plants/noxious weeds: POND PLANTS ONLINE OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
CONTROLLING PLANTS IN A PHOENIX POND 10 QUESTIONS TO ASK A POND CONTRACTOR FREQUENTLY ASKED POND QUESTIONS Deluxe 'Catio' Built for Feline Fun
You know those people whom stray animals just seem to find? When it comes to cats, Tom and Liz are those people. At present 16 cats have found their way into their hearts and home. Some are shelter cats once deemed unadoptable, others have wandered onto their property, and a few came from various relatives who could no longer care for them. For this reason we’re withholding their last names and exact location, lest anyone get any ideas about leaving more cats with them. Tom and Liz love to save cats, but they are at their limit.
When the couple moved to this home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, cat safety and quality of life were priorities. Their property is about an acre, surrounded by desert wilderness. Predators like coyotes, great horned owls and foxes prowl nearby, and even some of the plant life around can injure cats. A secure enclosure was a must. Here’s how they created cat heaven.
The enclosure is about 600 square feet total. Tom began by sketching out his ideas and rendering his plans using 3-D software. While he had a good understanding of construction and framing, he enlisted some help in setting the redwood fence posts in concrete. The rest of the work he completed by himself on nights and weekends. The project took a few months.
“The friends that helped with the fence posts already knew our cats,” Liz says. “It was a labor of love on their part.” The metal you see here is plastic-coated galvanized fencing. The vertical posts are 4- by 4-inch redwood fence posts; the horizontal ones are 2-by-4s. The entire redwood structure has a waterproof stain.
Bird netting overhead protects the cats from winged predators. Shade sails provide relief from the sun. “Unfortunately, they’ve become hammocks and suspension bridges,” Liz says.
Tom installed a system of catwalks, ramps and steps to connect the “catio” to the main house and the guesthouse. Here is Tom working on the steps from the guesthouse to the top of the kitty enclosure:
By Liz Guinan
The guesthouse is now a full-time cat residence, complete with linoleum floor and fiber-reinforced plastic on the walls, which can be easily wiped down.
Along the catwalk system is “the celestial viewing platform,” as the couple calls it. The cats enjoy sitting and taking in some of the best views on the property here.
A ramp leads from a platform along a catwalk to another ramp that goes to the ground level.
The experts at The Pond Gnome installed a pond inside — a habitat for koi, goldfish and mosquitofish. Contrary to popular belief, the cats don’t go after the fish, but they do enjoy watching them.
Liz and Tom are teaching the koi to come when they are called via treats (it’s a koi thing, they swear). “One day when a koi popped up for a treat, he scared the daylights out of Sylvia,” Liz says.
While they planned on lots of quality cat-visit time out in the enclosure, Tom and Liz were surprised to find how much they enjoy just hanging out in here, too. “The sound of the water is so relaxing, and the cats just love it when we’re in there,” Liz says. “Our friends who love and know the kitties also enjoy coming out and having a glass of wine with all of us out here.”
I know what you want to ask but are too polite to. The answer is, they rake out the enclosure once a week, and the cats also have litter boxes indoors. In fact, the couple is even training the cats to use the toilet in the guesthouse. I forgot to ask if they got the idea from Meet the Parents.
By Liz Guinan
The cat enclosure is a work in progress. The to-do list includes adding rain gutters, box planters and cat grass along the perimeter. Some special cat doors that operate via magnets will control which cats can access the main house while barring those with spraying issues.
“Several of our cats were deemed unadoptable, but all it took was someone who knows cats to adopt them,” Liz says. “Now they seem to say, ‘Hug me! Hug me now!’”
Catio Home Update
As of the date of this blog, November 15, 2017, the Guinans have moved out of state, taking their kitty loves with them, of course. The catio has been removed, and only the pond remains, now surrounded by lawn. The house sold for $1.3+M: Zillow Listing. We miss them!
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PONDS HAVE MEASURABLE VALUE PET-FRIENDLY PONDS SIX PONDS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE ready to get one designed just for you?What's the Best Food to Feed my Pond Fish?Just like humans, the absolute best food to feed your fish are natural whole foods, like fruits and vegetables, and allowing them to graze on the algae that naturally grows in the pond. Okay, maybe as humans, we don't want to eat the algae, but that's a whole different discussion. Feeding your pond fish lettuce, zucchini, oranges, melons, etc., will not only keep them healthy, but help maintain your water quality. What's The Best Commercial Food Can I Buy for My Pond FIsh?If you opt to keep commercial fish food around, be sure it's the best stuff. If you feed your kids a diet comprised of just breakfast cereal, that's not enough to keep them healthy. The same goes for feeding your beloved wet pets. Read labels, like you do when buying food for your dogs and cats. If you consider your pond fish your pets, then you'll want to feed them the good stuff. They'll be healthier, live longer, and look better, too! Here are some commercially-made fish foods that we've personally found are great. Warm-Weather Pond Fish FoodsWhen your water temps (which follow nighttime temps) are above 55 degrees, these fish food options are terrific.  Aquascape Premium Staple Fish Food Pellets are formulated for everyday use and provide your pond fish with the nutrition they need to thrive at an affordable price. This food contain probiotics that aid in digestion and reduce fish waste, while the high-quality protein included helps to optimize growth rates. The floating pellets contain stabilized vitamin C and other quality ingredients and are scientifically formulated for all pond fish, including Koi and goldfish. This fish food will not break apart during feeding, helping to maintain clear water conditions.
 One step further would be the Premium Color Enhancing pond fish food.
Cold-Weather Pond Fish FoodWhen your water temps are below 55 degrees, you can switch over to natural treats (fruits & veggies), or this fish food works well.  The Premium Cold Water pond fish food is actually formulated to be fed to pond fish when the water is cold and their systems are not as active.
The bottom line is to read labels and make an informed decision. I guess that's actually good advice for us human, too! How Can I Tell How Many Gallons of Water are in my Pond? There are a few times you might need to know how many gallons of water are in your pond, such as when figuring out how much of a certain water treatment product to use.  It's also handy to know how many gallons of water are in your pond so that you don't overstock your pond with fish. Some people will go through the process of actually metering the water going into their pond when they first fill it up. You didn't do that? No problem! There's a simple calculation that will get you pretty darn close: Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.25 No, it's not an exact number. For that, you'll need a more scientific process, like taking the time to meter the water going in. However, if you're keeping your pond organically, using bacteria and enzymes to control the water quality, this calculation will get you close enough. It will also give you an approximation for how many fish you can keep happy and healthy. One of the many joys of water gardening is all the cool critters that visit. Included in that mix are gorgeous butterflies. You can enhance this visitation with appropriate plantings, like Aquatic Butterfly Bush or Milkweed. We have so many in our front yard sometimes that it would be considered an infestation if they weren't so pretty! The neighborhood kids are all fascinated by our butterfly bush in our front yard stream. Check it out: Caterpillar IdentificationCan you tell the difference between Monarch and Queen caterpillars? They look the same unless you know what to look for. Test your skill below: Butterfly IdentificationCan you tell the difference between the Monarch and Queen butterflies? The Queen butterfly has white spots on its hindwings, distinguishing it from the Monarch. It is also a darker color orange than monarchs. When the wings of a queen butterfly are open, it's a bit easier to tell the two species apart, not to mention if they happen to be sitting side by side. They're not usually that cooperative, though. So now you know how to tell the difference. Can you count how many of each you see in your yard each day? They certainly don't sit still for long! If you're not seeing any, then you might need to add the right plants and organic water that they need to be attracted to your yard. For more great information on these butterflies, visit: http://www.arizonensis.org/sonoran/fieldguide/arthropoda/danaus.html. OTHER BLOG POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
FROGS IN A PHOENIX POND PONDS, BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES WILDLIFE AROUND A PHOENIX POND Watching your fish glide gracefully and happily through the pond is a sight for sore eyes after a long day and/or week at work. But do you have a pond that promotes the health of your fish? Several factors influence whether a pond is habitable by fish, so before you stock your new pond or choose a few new finned friends at your local pet store, take a few minutes to assess your fish’s dwelling space as it relates to pond fish health. Healthy Goldfish and Koi in an Ecosystem PondSize Matters  It all starts with the size of your pond. You need to make sure that it is large enough to support the type of fish you want (whether that’s Koi or goldfish) and their growth potential. Pond fish generally need 10 gallons of water for every inch of their length, and you have to be ready for them to grow larger, so be careful not to overstock, no matter how tempting this may be! Some pond experts go so far as to recommend only ½ inch of fish per 10 gallons of water as a maximum stocking density. You’ve probably seen ponds crowded with two or even three inches of fish per 10 gallons of water and the fish seem to be fine. However, the density and ecological strain of this kind of fish load turn these ponds into fragile systems. The fish tend to grow more slowly and disease can become a too-common occurrence. Too many rats in a cage, so to speak. You won’t be able to salvage sick fish in a pond that’s overcrowded. Eventually, Mother Nature will pick off some of your fish (mostly likely your favorites) to achieve her ideal stocking density based on the environment the fish are in, and then the remainder will recover as if by magical intervention. Reduce the number of fish if your pond is over-stocked before Mother Nature handles this crucial step for you in a manner you may not appreciate. Good Morning, Sunshine  Some aquatic plants that tolerate shade include Taro, Papyrus, Horsetail, Cardinal Flower, and Lizard’s Tail.Ponds that have at least some sunlight are also beneficial to pond fish. Valuable vitamins are contained in sunlight. Sunlight also helps the plants in your pond grow, thereby reducing nitrates in the water. Unfortunately, you can’t just up and move your pond, so if you have a shady-place pond, add shade-loving plants to help balance the water. Aquatic plants play a critical role when it comes to enhancing pond fish health. Two Feet  When it comes to pond depth, Koi and goldfish aren’t really very picky. Just be sure that the pond is deep enough (generally about 2 to 2 ½ feet) to give the fish a chance to get out of the way of predators. Or you can opt for a cave network within the pond to allow them to hide when need be. A Balancing Act  The quality of your water is critical to pond fish health and you want to make sure your water garden is balanced. The proper mix of fish, plants, filtration, circulation, and rocks and gravel all provide an important role in your pond’s ecosystem. Work with Mother Nature, not against her, and you’ll find you spend more time enjoying your pond and less time maintaining it. Now, doesn’t THAT sound like a dream come true? OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY: ECOSYSTEM PONDS NEED FILTRATION SHOULD I PUT MY POND IN THE SUN OR THE SHADE? IT'S ALL ABOUT BALANCE! Modern. Contemporary. Current. Present-day. State-of-the-art. Stylish. Cutting-edge. You might not automatically associate these words with a water feature or pond. But a modern pond is exactly that. The Old WaysThe old way of building a pond was often just a wok-shaped hole in the ground covered in cheap plastic liner or slathered in concrete (sometimes both). Neither process provides you with a life-long water feature, but it’s pretty cheap to do. Sometimes a stack of rocks would be set on the side of it, mortared together, and called a waterfall. This would mean that the plumbing was then encased in concrete within that structure, so if it cracked, the whole thing needed to be destroyed and rebuilt. A pond? “That’s just a hole in the ground with water.” “Sure, you can throw plants & fish in it!” The next thing you know, you have a bowl of pea-green soup, the plants look like crap, and you can’t even see the fish anymore. Not really an enjoyable experience for most people. Old-style ponds had costly time-consuming filtration units that required constant tinkering to keep them going. Without an ecosystem and proper filtration, old-style “ponds” needed to be drained & cleaned regularly to keep them clear and not stinky. Ain’t nobody got time for that! The Modern PondRemember your parents’ and grandparents’ appliances that lasted so long you got sick of the harvest gold or avocado green color? Now, appliances (no matter how expensive) seem to be disposable after 10 years. Wouldn’t it be nice to buy something once and have it actually last? People work hard for their money. Nowadays, when people are considering a home improvement option, they want to research their decision before jumping in, and they expect quality, service, and a product that’s going to last. And we’re willing to pay appropriately for it – the modern consumer. A modern pond is one that is built to last a lifetime. Using the latest manufacturing techniques, and quality components, a pond built today is capable of outlasting its owner. A modern pond is low-maintenance. Properly-designed filtration, and the latest and greatest options, make pond-keeping a snap. And it’s a gardener’s delight, the modern trend being “back to nature.” A modern pond is environmentally-friendly and responsible. An ecosystem water feature provides a respite for native & migratory birds and other wildlife with biologically-available water. A modern pond doesn’t require man-made chemicals, but utilizes Mother Nature’s good-guys to keep the water crystal clear and aesthetically pleasing. A modern pond is pet-friendly. Your dog (or cat) will LOVE having fresh, clean drinking water at their disposal. And no more dirty dish to deal with or keep full. A modern pond looks like nature created it before the home was built. It’s not a contrived-looking sterile environment -- that’s swimming pools, fountains, and spas. OTHER POSTS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU:
PHOENIX PONDS HAVE MEASURABLE VALUE SUSTAINABLE PHOENIX PONDS SIX PONDS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE  An ecosystem pond requires some kind of filtration - whether that's an installed item, or whether YOU are the filtration. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, we recommend that you purchase an integrated kit that contains all of the components you plan to install. This will save you much time, effort, and frustration! Whereas no project is truly a project without a couple of trips to the local big-box home improvement store, you might want to limit that activity on this one. If you try to bargain shop, getting each part as cheaply as possible from different stores and manufacturers, you will end up with a nightmare on your hands, without really having saved yourself anything in the long run. Remember, you get what you pay for – and that’s no lie! A great place to start would be to watch some of The Pond Squad videos. Biological Filtration Can you see the biological filter box? Biological filtration, simply put, is a place for beneficial bacteria to inhabit. This can be done in various ways. Our personal favorite is to incorporate it into the waterfall, where it's hidden from plain sight. Since most everyone wants a waterfall, even if they don’t necessarily want a pond, this seems the most logical and easiest place to put it. Beneficial bacteria is essential to keeping your water quality crystal clear (but that's a whole other subject). It will adhere to any porous surface, though, so simply having some rock and stone in your pond gives it a fighting chance. Skimmer/Mechanical Filtration A skimmer can be disguised in a variety of ways so that it's not an eyesore. If you don't HAVE a skimmer, you ARE the skimmer. A pond skimmer works similarly to that of a pool. However, a pond skimmer is much larger than that of a pool, and is generally designed to handle larger debris. If your pond includes a skimmer, you can have trees surrounding your pond, providing a more natural-looking complimentary landscape, and still have a clean pond. Really! A skimmer, combined with a circulation system, will keep the debris from saturating, falling to the bottom, and becoming sludge (you know, that really foul-smelling crap that some people have to muck out of their ponds once a year, causing their neighbors to seriously consider putting out a “For Sale” sign). A skimmer is not mandatory for a balanced ecosystem, but it does make for a whole lot less maintenance!  Intake bay at end of stream with wood snag design. In the alternative, you can upgrade to an intake bay, which is just a fancy way of saying "pondless" pump vault addition. This option make cleaning up debris a snap! You just pick it up occasionally. A gorgeous ecosystem pond DOES NOT have to be high maintenance if it's built properly. OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
GREAT WATER FEATURE IDEAS HEALTHY PONDS HAVE FILTRATION SUSTAINABLE PHOENIX PONDS  When you want to enjoy your water feature as the sun begins to set, outdoor lighting is a must. And here in Phoenix, nighttime is about the only time we can be outside in the summer! Most people think to add landscape lighting around a deck or patio or pathway, but neglect the water feature for optimal nighttime viewing. Here are some pretty backyard lighting ideas for your pond, waterfall, or fountain.  Add underwater lighting to a pond and you’ll enjoy seeing your fish swim at night. It’s almost magical watching them dart in and out of the lights. We swear that they’re more active at night!  Waterfall and pond lights add an ethereal glow to your water garden, creating a memorable moment during the evening hours.  For water feature owners, backyard lighting ideas include both pond and landscape lights. Underwater lights allow you to see fish in the evening, while garden path lights accentuate the architectural elements of terrestrial plants.  For a truly pretty effect add a waterfall light. You’ll find your water feature takes on a whole new look at night.  Water takes on a glowing effect when spilling over rocks. It’s easy to be mesmerized by this peaceful scene.  A small spotlight showcases a fountain in a front or back yard. No matter what type of water feature you have, you can enhance its beauty well into the evening hours with the addition of pond and garden lighting. OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
GREAT WATER FEATURE IDEAS SUSTAINABLE PHOENIX PONDS SIX PONDS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE! Why would you consider an exploratory pond cleaning in Phoenix, AZ? An exploratory cleaning is a lot like a traditional pond cleaning, but more detailed – and you get more information at the end. We will map out your pond and its equipment, keep this information in our database for future use, and make sure that you have all the information for your records. Exploratory pond cleanings are done for quite a few reasons in Phoenix. Perhaps your pond has not been serviced regularly. Or maybe you purchased a house with a pond and don’t know much about it – it’s not as intuitive as taking care of a lawn. There could be a leak in the pond and you’re not sure how to find or repair it. Or possibly you just don’t really know what the previous pond professional did. Your Phoenix pond has not been serviced regularly You may have had your pond for quite a few years, or may even have built it yourself. But life gets busy, time flies by, and before you know it your pond has not been cleaned in quite a while, and may be starting to have some issues, like water quality. There could be a lot of sediment at the bottom of the pond at this point, and it’s going to take some serious work to get it all out. Regular pond service is best for optimum pond health, and without it, an exploratory pond cleaning is usually in order. There’s a leak in your Phoenix pond It can be challenging and potentially expensive to find & fix a leak. There can even be more than one. Or the leak might be in the plumbing. If we have not seen your pond before, we’ll need to explore it to determine what’s going on. We always try to lead people through the troubleshooting process first, but an exploratory drain & clean is often the end result to repair it. You purchased a house in Phoenix with a pond Whether you purchased the house because of the pond, or in spite of it, it’s yours to care for. While you may have been told the pond was “maintenance free,” all water features need some kind of maintenance. Even a bird bath needs to be cleaned our regularly! An exploratory drain & clean will give you all the information we can find on your pond: equipment information, lighting information, plumbing size (if we can get to it), aquatic life count, and whether or not everything is in good working order. We’ll even include our observations and recommendations about filtration, water quality, etc. You don’t know what services the previous service person performed on your Phoenix pondYour pond may have been serviced in the past, but there are sketchy records, or no records at all. Without an understanding of what we are getting into, an exploratory cleaning is often needed. It allows us to map out your pond and it’s equipment, and assist you in determining the best course of action going forward. What is the cost for an exploratory pond service, and how do I order the service?The cost of the service starts around $1200, and the actual price depends on the size and condition of the pond. The price includes:
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POND LEAK TROUBLESHOOTING HEALTHY PONDS HAVE FILTRATION CONTROLLING PLANTS IN A PHOENIX POND Don't they?The quick answer: nope. Bottom drains aren’t necessary under most conditions, so they can be a waste of money. It’s important to know whether or not you need one because it can make a big difference in the health and look of your pond. Keep reading to find out why or why not. What exactly is a bottom drain? A bottom drain is simply a drain in the deep end of the pond. It removes debris from the bottom of the pond to the filters where it can then be removed. Your pond is therefore supposed to be cleaner and clearer from using one. Of course, for it to work properly, it needs to be cleaned regularly (sometimes daily, depending on the amount of debris falling into the pond. A pipe will need to be run under the liner. This means a pathway must be dug out so a hump doesn’t show. A hole is then cut in the liner and the actual drain is installed. It’s a technical process, and adds quite a bit of expense to the construction, so is it worth it? Not to mention, it’s almost always a potential leak issue because there’s been a hole cut in the liner. Pro's & cons of a bottom drain in a pond
What does The Pond Gnome think of bottom drains?We don’t need them. The Pond Gnome builds sustainable ecosystem ponds that don’t need bottom drains. The ponds we build are typically less than 4′ deep, which means a bottom drain isn’t needed. We do, however, often install intake bays in deeper Koi ponds to add to the circulation and ease of maintenance. They’re much easier to install, and don’t require us to cut a hole in the pond liner, which is always a potential leak issue. To drain or not to drain?If you have any further questions about your pond, or want to ask us about a service, fill out our contact form or give us a call at 623-572-5607. OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
SHOULD I PUT MY POND IN THE SUN OR SHADE? MAINTENANCE NEEDS OF A POND CAN FISH SURVIVE THE PHOENIX SUMMER HEAT? My pond is overflowing & flooding the yard!Don’t panic. There are a couple of reasons this could be happening, and it is likely a pretty easy fix. First, check the basics.Is the skimmer basket full? If so, empty it. These ponds are so self-maintaining, that this simple step is sometimes forgotten! We’ve been out on many “emergency” calls only to discover that the basket was just jam-packed with debris. It's an expensive lesson. Is the biological filter overloaded with plants so that it’s pushing water over the back or sides? If so, remove some of that plant material from in front of the weir. The auto-level device has come loose, become bent, or is otherwise malfunctioning.Turn off the water source to the pond temporarily to relieve the overflowing. Once the water has gone down to where it’s supposed to be, adjust and tighten the auto-level device appropriately. We have a video in our Help Library on YouTube demonstrating how to do this. If the problem persists, the auto-level device probably needs to be replaced. There may be a leak around the pond or water feature caused by settling or water displacement due to plant growth.Turn off the water source to the pond and allow the water to subside. You’ll need to wait for things to dry out a bit so that you can determine whether any wet spot is perpetual. This shouldn’t take too long in temperatures over 80F. 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. Most likely, maintenance has been neglected and you have a water displacement issue caused by plants and/or their roots. Is the water flow visible all the way from the source (typically a waterfall) to the pond? It needs to be. You may also have a settling leak, where the edge of the pond has settled a bit over time. This can happen sometimes. To raise the liner, remove the rock around the low spot, pick up the liner and shove a little dirt under it, lay the liner back down and replace the rocks. You should be good to go. If, after attempting these adjustments, you still have a problem, don’t hesitate to call for help. OTHER POSTS YOU MAY FIND HELPFUL:
Pond Pump Failure Maintenance Needs of a Pond How Often Should I Clean My Filter?
A California colleague of ours tells a very fun story about this issue. He’s a much better story teller, and it’s a bit longer story, but here’s a consolidated version of a conversation he had with an elderly lady that had a fairly new ecosystem pond replacing an old concrete pond. Client (calling contractor in a bit of a panic): Today, I woke up and there’s a bunch of foam in my pond! What’s going on? Contractor: Does it smell a bit fishy, like the ocean? Client: Why, yes, it does. Contractor: Well, ma’am, that means your fish are happy with their new home. [Silence] Contractor: (after a couple of more attempts to be “delicate”) It’s sperm. [Silence for a few seconds] Client: What kind of sick son of a b*&ch would do that in my pond?!?? Contractor: (stifling hysterical laughter) No, ma’am, it’s your fish spawning. Cue light bulb over client’s head So, the moral of the story is that it’s just your fish “getting’ busy.” What should I do about it? Fish eggs, with a nickel for scale Absolutely nothing. It should dissipate in a few days, depending on your filtration system. If you don’t have Gambusia in your pond for vector control, you may have baby fish swimming around in the not too distant future. If you have Gambusia, they will eat the fish eggs before they have a chance to hatch. Caviar is their second favorite food, after mosquito larvae.  A flurry of baby Koi If your fish are happy and feel safe in their home, this will happen. Spring is typically the season, when every creature seems to be twitterpated, but it may happen again in the Fall, too. You may also notice that one or two of your fish appear to be “picked on” just before this happens. Those are the females. Unfortunately, they don’t lay eggs easily, and the males kind of beat up on them to help them release the eggs for fertilization. As a friend of ours once said: “Life around a pond is both beautiful and brutal.” It’s all just nature taking its course. My Pond Pump Died! The pond pump is the heart of your pond system: pumping water through the circulation system and creating aeration for the aquatic life. A pump down situation can be devastating at certain times of the year. In the "winter," when nighttime temps stay cool (water temps follow nighttime temps), it's not a big deal. A cold pond can go for several days without circulation, especially if you don't have fish over 12" long. However, during our Phoenix summers, the days can reach 110+ degrees, and our nights can stay at or above 90+ degrees! This can be a deadly situation to not have circulation and aeration. When in their summer growing season, aquatic plants are actually drawing oxygen FROM the water at night. Your larger (12" and over) fin-babies could suffocate without circulation and aeration at night. What Can I Do If My Pond Pump Dies? It's a good idea to have a cheap emergency fountain pump on hand, just to keep the water circulating and aerating until a new pump can be purchased and installed. Even better: have a battery-operated air stone around. These can be purchased online or at any bait shop. This will work even if you have a power outage, like the brown-outs that occasionally happen during extreme heat and power demands. How Do I Get My Pond Pump fixed? You should know what kind of pump(s) are in your pond (as well as the other equipment). If you don't know, make it a priority to find out. Also know the best resource so that if something goes wrong, you have the information at the ready to get it handled. If you're not able to figure it all out, we can provide you with an Exploratory Drain & Clean, which will then provide you with all of the information you need, as well as have it on file in our database. Just let us know if we can be of help! OTHER BLOGS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU:
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to receive the information you want delivered conveniently right to your inbox! AuthorBarbi Holdeman, co-owner of The Pond Gnome, enjoys sharing their 20+ years of education & experience with you! She writes about Phoenix Ecosystem Pond Installation, Pond Maintenance, Wildlife around the Pond, Koi and Goldfish in the Pond, and the Pond Lifestyle. If you enjoy what she writes, please share it! 
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