Water X Scapes Blog

Lake Treatment Chemicals

Lake Treatment Chemicals

Posted on Jun 8th 2022

Chemicals are a common control method to treat problematic plants, algae, disease, and insects in and around lakes and earthen bottom ponds.  Most lakes and earthen bottom ponds at some point struggle with some of these nuisances.  Fo...
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Identifying Common Pond Fish Problems

Identifying Common Pond Fish Problems

Posted on Sep 15th 2021

Ever wonder if your fish can talk to you? Paying close attention to their behavior or noticing symptoms on their body can speak loudly as to how your fish are feeling. Use this “symptom checker” guide to help pinpoint common fish problems and wha...
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Learn how to Repair Pond Liner with Seam Tape and Primer

Learn how to Repair Pond Liner with Seam Tape and Primer

Posted on Sep 7th 2021

Patching Pond Liner Properly with a Seam Tape Kit could Save you the Trouble of Rebuilding your Water Feature..There comes a time in the life of a pond when leaks happen. Whether it’s from an overlapped liner, roots pushing through, or a hole chewe...
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5 Trees to Keep Away from Your Water Garden and Why

5 Trees to Keep Away from Your Water Garden and Why

Posted on Aug 31st 2021

Although some of these plants are very attractive and have a reputation for growing near a natural earth bottom pond, it does not mean that they will do you any favors being planted close to the edge of your water garden. Birch Trees are...
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The Life of a Pond: Sun vs. Shade

The Life of a Pond: Sun vs. Shade

Posted on Aug 23rd 2021

Everyone has their own opinion about whether a pond can be built in the sun or should it be built it the shade. Here are a few facts that may help you determine where exactly to put your pond. Sun Benefits:Arguably the most common reason to build...
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Chlorine, Chloramine, and Pond Water Conditioners

Chlorine, Chloramine, and Pond Water Conditioners

Posted on Aug 17th 2021

As a water gardener I am sure you have heard one or more of these terms over time. But what are they? Below, we define what each are, when to watch out for them, and when to add them.If you have “city water” running from the tap in your home then...
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Biology in Your Own Back Yard!

Biology in Your Own Back Yard!

Posted on Aug 10th 2021

With the world in its current pandemic, spending time at home has become more prevalent than ever. Make your water garden more than just a stay-cation spot, let it become a world for education as well.Getting Fresh Air:Kids these days are all bu...
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Pond Dyes are Safe for Fish, Wildlife and Swimming

Pond Dyes are Safe for Fish, Wildlife and Swimming

Posted on Aug 2nd 2021

POND DYES - for lakes & large earthen bottom pondsUsing pond dyes for lakes is like putting sunglasses on your water’s surface. The dyes will protect your body of water from the UV rays of the sun that activate and promote the growth of submerg...
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Potted Versus Bare-Rooted Pond Plants

Potted Versus Bare-Rooted Pond Plants

Posted on Jul 26th 2021

A water garden is not complete without aquatic plants. In fact, they play an essential role in keeping your pond water clean, clear and healthy! Some plants are used for shading and keeping the water temperatures cooler, some are used for filterin...
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The Sustainability of Pond Keeping

The Sustainability of Pond Keeping

Posted on Jul 20th 2021

Besides providing serenity through the peaceful sounds of running water and the graceful movements of swimming fish, your pond holds potential for providing you with so much more. This is to suggest the idea of growing fruits and vegetables in a b...
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Best Hardy Marginal Pond Plants for Filtration

Best Hardy Marginal Pond Plants for Filtration

Posted on Jul 13th 2021

Filtration plays an important role in the health of your pond water. Did you know that many pond plants help naturally filter your pond water? Follow along as we cover the top 10 hardy marginal pond plants that will help with your pond filtr...
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Identifying Good and Bad Pond Snails

Identifying Good and Bad Pond Snails

Posted on Jun 28th 2021

"Are All Snails Good for my Pond?"As with anything, there are pros and cons to having snails in your water garden. Here, we identify the most common snails found in a backyard pond and discuss what they can do (or not do) in the water. Trapdoor...
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Why is my Pond Losing Water?

Why is my Pond Losing Water?

Posted on Jun 21st 2021

The heart-sinking feeling of walking out to your pond and hearing the pump sucking air because the water level is down, is enough to put anyone into a panic. Don’t fret, we are here to help you determine whether it’s a leak or possibly evaporatio...
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Top 5 Tropical Marginals for Pond Filtration

Top 5 Tropical Marginals for Pond Filtration

Posted on Jun 1st 2021

Filtration plays an important role in the health of your pond water. Did you know that certain pond plants can help naturally filter the water? Follow along as we cover the top 5 tropical marginal pond plants that will help with your pond filtrati...
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Rules when Stocking and Feeding your Pond Fish

Rules when Stocking and Feeding your Pond Fish

Posted on May 24th 2021

There are many things in a pond for your koi and fish to eat - such as insects, plankton, string algae, and sometimes pond plants. So sometimes it may not be necessary to feed your fish at all. BUT feeding your finned friends can be f...
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How To Fix Green Pond Water

How To Fix Green Pond Water

Posted on May 3rd 2021

A common question amongst many pond owners is;  “Why has the water in my garden pond turned green?”  Let’s take a look at what this green pond water is, what may cause it, and some effective ways to treat and remediate the p...
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What is the difference Between a Lake and a Pond?

What is the difference Between a Lake and a Pond?

Posted on Apr 26th 2021

If we are comparing two naturally occurring bodies of water, then size is what matters. If we are speaking in terms of the treatments for a lake versus the treatments for a koi pond (or backyard water garden), then there is much more to discuss.&n...
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Pond Salt Treatments

Pond Salt Treatments

Posted on Apr 19th 2021

Why Pond Salt Treatments? Adding salt to your pond has many benefits, but the one thing in question here is whether maintaining salt levels throughout the season is good for your fish. It is true that pond salt, at certain dissolved l...
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Pond Cleaning versus Changing Water

Pond Cleaning versus Changing Water

Posted on Apr 5th 2021

To clean or not to clean… that is the question.Whereas many of us love to see a sparkling clean pond, as if it was brand new every spring, it is not always best to clean it out. Follow these guidelines to keep your water feature healthy and beaut...
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The Signs of Spring in and Around your Water Garden

The Signs of Spring in and Around your Water Garden

Posted on Mar 22nd 2021

Excitement abounds when the signs of spring start to show after a long gloomy winter in north east Ohio. Soon we’ll hear the sounds of running water and feel the sun on our faces again.There are many things I have learned to look forward to each S...
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Ponds Aren’t Just for Fish Anymore

Ponds Aren’t Just for Fish Anymore

Posted on Mar 16th 2021

Ever consider what your water garden can be used for besides homing your favorite pond fish? Let’s take a look at the versatility of your back yard oasis. What is a pool but a hole in the ground capable of holding water so that on the hottest day...
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Hoffman's Water X Scapes is More than Meets the Eye

Hoffman's Water X Scapes is More than Meets the Eye

Posted on Mar 9th 2021

The stresses of modern living are abundant and becoming increasingly so - with pandemic scares, social distancing, and uncertainty of the future. Staring at a computer screen all day, whether you are entering data, home-schooling, on a ZOOM call,...
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De-bunking Some Water Garden & Pond Myths

De-bunking Some Water Garden & Pond Myths

Posted on Mar 3rd 2021

With all the stresses in society these days, who wants to add more maintenance and responsibilities to their daily chore list? We have heard from many people who love the idea of having a water feature, but express that they just do not need anot...
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Winter is for the Birds

Winter is for the Birds

Posted on Feb 10th 2021

We are not the only ones out there longingly awaiting signs of spring and warmer weather. But at least we don’t have to forage for our food under a foot of snow - or take a bath in a frozen puddle.With your help, these charming symbols of summer...
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Pond Winterization Preparation: A Checklist

Pond Winterization Preparation: A Checklist

Posted on Nov 3rd 2020

Backyard ponds require some extra attention when preparing for fall and those cold winter months ahead. Temperatures start dropping which means more and more questions on what to do next are arising. Remember, doing some fall pond maintenance mean...
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What Happens to the Frogs in my Pond During the Winter?

What Happens to the Frogs in my Pond During the Winter?

Posted on Oct 28th 2020

Our amphibious friends can sometimes become just as special to us as our koi fish and other pond fish, but where do they go to survive the cold winter months?Frogs can be found hanging out at the bottom of the pond where the water temperatures are...
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Pros And Cons Of Running Your Pond Pump All Winter

Pros And Cons Of Running Your Pond Pump All Winter

Posted on Oct 20th 2020

“Can I Keep my Pond Pump Running All Winter?” Many pond owners have had success with leaving their pond pump run all winter. And I am of the opinion, at times, “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” However, with the unpredictability of Ohio we...
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How to Keep Pond Fish Alive in Winter

How to Keep Pond Fish Alive in Winter

Posted on Oct 13th 2020

Do Koi Hibernate? Other common questions that will be answered: How to keep koi fish alive in winter? Feeding Pond Fish in Winter? Should I cover my pond in winter? What to do with pond fish in winter? How do fish survive in a frozen pond dur...
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Pond Start Up - First Steps

Pond Start Up - First Steps

Posted on Aug 18th 2020

A Pond Start Up can seem daunting at first.  You've just built that backyard pond you've been dreaming of and now what? Right now, it is just some rocks and water, but not for long.  Before you start adding koi...
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Pond Filtration Techniques For Backyard Pond Owners

Pond Filtration Techniques For Backyard Pond Owners

Posted on Aug 12th 2020

Pond Filtration Techniques: There are three types of pond filtration systems and each has its own job to perform, but having a combination of all three is the best solution for keeping your pond water clean, clear and healthy. ...
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3 Common Mistakes to Avoid when Building a Pond

3 Common Mistakes to Avoid when Building a Pond

Posted on Aug 4th 2020

Every pond is like a snowflake or a thumbprint, no two are exactly the same. But often times, these same 3 topics get overlooked or underestimated in the pond planning and designing stages.  1. LOCATION  Low lying areas in the ya...
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HELP! This Pond was Here When I Moved In..

HELP! This Pond was Here When I Moved In..

Posted on Jul 21st 2020

Every so often a customer will come in or call us saying; “We recently bought a new house BUT it came with a backyard pond.. The problem is I have no clue what to do with it, can you help?!” The answer is yes, of course we can help you with your...
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How to Hide a Waterfall Spillway

How to Hide a Waterfall Spillway

Posted on Jul 16th 2020

Tips for Hiding your Waterfall Spillway  A pond waterfall box provides biological filtration as well as serving as the starting point for the re-circulation of your pond’s water. But who wants to see a big black box at...
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