What Makes up an Earthen Bottom Pond?
1. Size, specifically the surface area and depth, is a huge determining factor when talking about lakes. A lake is typically 5 surface acres or more with depths beyond 10 or 12 feet.
2. Natural Bottom, otherwise known as earthen bottom, is the foundation of a lake - versus a rubber liner in a water garden. Most likely it holds the water with a heavy clay base; either pre-existing or added as bentonite clay.
3. Plants should be carefully chosen for a lake because many can become overwhelmingly invasive. Cattails, for example spread through rhizomes under the water as well as seeds carried by the wind. Some submerged aquatics are beneficial in lakes and can help filter pond water.
4. Aeration in a lake, in our opinion, is the most important component. Oxygen is essential to the biology of a healthy pond or lake, but is often in short supply. Subsurface aeration brings oxygen levels up, dissipates toxic gases and evens out temperature and saturation levels throughout the water column. It will also improve the performance of natural water treatments. (see below for more information about the importance of an aeration system in your pond)
5. Floating Fountains are more for decoration, but does help circulate the water and can aid in adding some oxygen. Fountains help circulate the water which breaks the surface tension for gas exchange and mosquito control. Lights can be added for a beautiful night time display.
2. Natural Bottom, otherwise known as earthen bottom, is the foundation of a lake - versus a rubber liner in a water garden. Most likely it holds the water with a heavy clay base; either pre-existing or added as bentonite clay.
3. Plants should be carefully chosen for a lake because many can become overwhelmingly invasive. Cattails, for example spread through rhizomes under the water as well as seeds carried by the wind. Some submerged aquatics are beneficial in lakes and can help filter pond water.
4. Aeration in a lake, in our opinion, is the most important component. Oxygen is essential to the biology of a healthy pond or lake, but is often in short supply. Subsurface aeration brings oxygen levels up, dissipates toxic gases and evens out temperature and saturation levels throughout the water column. It will also improve the performance of natural water treatments. (see below for more information about the importance of an aeration system in your pond)
5. Floating Fountains are more for decoration, but does help circulate the water and can aid in adding some oxygen. Fountains help circulate the water which breaks the surface tension for gas exchange and mosquito control. Lights can be added for a beautiful night time display.
IMPORTANCE OF POND AERATION:
Aeration is the most cost-effective means to circulate large ponds and lakes.
Using a true aerator to de-stratify the water and move dissolved oxygen to the bottom of the pond or lake will help to get rid of the waste and decaying plant matter on the bottom. An aerator pumps air through weighted tubing to the bottom of the pond where a diffuser (air stone or diffuser plate) releases small bubbles. As these bubbles rise, they push water up off the bottom. The further these bubbles rise, the less water pressure they encounter and the bubbles expand, pushing more water upwards. The surface area of these bubbles will diffuse oxygen into the water that is touching them. Thus, increasing the amount of dissolved oxygen available in the lake or earthen bottom pond.
Getting dissolved oxygen circulated throughout the water column will accelerate the decomposition of organic waste, get rid of toxic gases in the bottom of the pond, help clarify the water, and creates a much healthier environment for fish and other aquatic life to live and thrive within.
Getting dissolved oxygen circulated throughout the water column will accelerate the decomposition of organic waste, get rid of toxic gases in the bottom of the pond, help clarify the water, and creates a much healthier environment for fish and other aquatic life to live and thrive within.
SIGNS OF IMBALANCE: Algae, opaque green water or excessive growth of string or blanket weed • An excess of submerged vegetation and rampant marginal aquatic plant growth • Dead fish, especially after a storm or a change to cooler weather • Small, few or no live fish at all • Foul smelling water • A rainbow appearance or oil spill look
CAUSES OF IMBALANCE: Insufficient total dissolved oxygen levels • Excessive nutrients in the water and the sediment on the bottom • Stratification and thermoclines that cut off surface oxygen
CAUSES OF IMBALANCE: Insufficient total dissolved oxygen levels • Excessive nutrients in the water and the sediment on the bottom • Stratification and thermoclines that cut off surface oxygen
LAKE WATER TREATMENTS:
• Muck Eraser Pellets: This is a sludge removing blend of 100% natural ingredients, containing beneficial bacteria, to help reduce sludge and muck from the bottom of lakes and ponds caused by organic build up. The sinking pellets are good for spot treating shore-lines or for treating lakes with constant in-flow and out-flow water exchanges, from other sources. For best results, use with Pond Basics Lake Balance.
• Beneficial Bacteria: Available in powder, liquid and water-soluble packet formulas, for easy application. If applied every two weeks, once water temps reach 55˚, they are effective in reducing muck build up, excess nutrients and odors in the water.
• Lake Protector: Liquid enzymes that help break down solid wastes from decaying leaves, debris, grass, branches, etc. that have blown in, or fallen into the water. Apply weekly by broadcasting with a sprayer over the surface.
• Barley Straw Extract: May also be affective in helping to prevent algae growth along shore-lines. Apply with a sprayer every other week.
• Beneficial Bacteria: Available in powder, liquid and water-soluble packet formulas, for easy application. If applied every two weeks, once water temps reach 55˚, they are effective in reducing muck build up, excess nutrients and odors in the water.
• Lake Protector: Liquid enzymes that help break down solid wastes from decaying leaves, debris, grass, branches, etc. that have blown in, or fallen into the water. Apply weekly by broadcasting with a sprayer over the surface.
• Barley Straw Extract: May also be affective in helping to prevent algae growth along shore-lines. Apply with a sprayer every other week.
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