Water Artisans of the Year

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*ITEMS NOT SHOWN IN ACTUAL SIZE PROPORTION. PONDTRADE TMTM Volume 22 | Issue 2 March/April 2017 Serving Professionals in the Pond and Water Feature Industry 31 Somewhere Over the Tahoe 60 They say you can't go POND CONSTRUCTION home again, but when 38 opportunity struck, Jason Steele clicked his heels and returned to his roots near Lake Tahoe to work on a colossal construction project involving a series of waterfalls and a beautiful, winding stream. Although he was certainly not in Kansas anymore, the "Water Boss" let his authority speak for itself and created a lasting work of art near the shores of the country's largest alpine lake. 38 Can You Dig it? It goes without saying that excavating a pond is far more complicated than just digging a hole. Aquascape's Ed Beaulieu takes you though the basics of laying the groundwork for that perfect pond. From ledges to berms to a rundown of various soil conditions, Ed will keep you digging without hitting rock bottom. 45 A Split Decision In another installment of Best Pond Practices, Kent Wallace explores some do-it-yourself circulation and oxygenation strategies in a formal pond. Discover the benefits of an airlift system and see why it enhances the still-pond experience.

51 Tools of Engagement ScareCrows, Boulder Buddies and Dingos... oh my! Whether these handy tools already ring a bell to you or not, Jamie Beyer will give you the FEATURES skinny on all the essential equipment to include in your arsenal, whether your focus is installation, 45 9 Water Artisans of the Year COVER STORY maintenance or a combination of both. May I have the envelope, please? After an enthusiastic response to our first annual competition, the judges have deliberated and 55 Fish Food 101 LANGUAGE OF KOI rendered their verdicts. Our editor, Jordan Morris, Whether you consider your koi part of your walks you through a stunning gallery of this DEPARTMENTS family or a treasured pet, you should still year's five winning projects. 6 Upcoming Events be well aware of what's going in their food. Joe Pawlak takes you to school 66 Trade News 21 Meet the Judges with his Fish Food 101 course. Find out 68 Marketplace what actually goes into their diet and Our "Supreme Stream Court" features some 69 Advertisers’ Index of the most respected experts in the industry. learn the regulations that dictate it. Meet the seven members of the panel who picked this year's winners. 60 Pool of Rock COLUMNS When a faraway customer wants her 7 Publisher’s Perspective 23 A Close Second neglected pool converted into a koi Because we received more than 50 submissions in this year's pond, what do you do? Mike Gannon 9 contest, picking just five winners was not an easy task. Some says, "Take the show on the road!" His of these impressive projects deserved an honorable mention, so ballad about an 11-hour road trip and 10 we've included profiles of the runners-up in all five categories. long workdays culminates in the "concert" of a lifetime for one grateful customer. 51

4 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 5 Upcoming Events Publisher’s Perspective TM 2 017 August 23 - 26 Pondemonium PONDTRADE March 4 - 5 Q Center Koi Club of San Diego St. Charles, Illinois We Have Winners! 30th Annual Koi Show www.pondemonium.com Staff Del Mar Fairgrounds Del Mar, California October 18 - 20 Publisher h yes, we do! It's been a crazy, but fun few months www.koiclubofsandiego.org Hardscapes / GIE+EXPO 2017 Lora Lee Gelles 708/873-1921 processing and organizing all the amazing entries for Exposition Center [email protected] our first-ever Water Artisans of the Year contest. There March 10 - 12 Louisville, Kentucky certainlyO is tremendous talent out there. It goes without saying — Central Florida Koi Show www.gie-expo.com DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton www.hardscapena.com Editor you guys are GOOD! Orlando, Florida Jordan Morris We've dedicated most of this WHOLESALE DRIFTWOOD! www.cfks.org October 29 - November 3 [email protected] issue to highlight the winners. Decorative driftwood stumps & logs. Each piece is International Pool | Spa |Patio Expo Hopefully these beautiful proj- hand-selected for its uniqueness and natural beauty! July 24 - 26 Orange County Convention Center Advertising Sales SuperZoo 2017 Orlando, Florida Lora Lee Gelles 708/873-1921 ects will inspire you as pond Mandalay Bay Convention Center www.poolspapatio.com Our “water cured” driftwood will long outlast pieces [email protected] season is in full swing. If you Las Vegas, Nevada know any of the winners, be sure pulled from the woods! www.superzoo.org Are you attending an event that you think Graphic Design to congratulate them. others should know about? Are you Large selection at our Wernersville PA showroom. Gelles Graphics August 9 - 11 hosting an event and want more people to We received a nice note We deliver nationwide! IWGS Symposium come? Send event info to [email protected] of thanks from the Wounded Longwood Gardens [email protected]. Warrior Project. We are very Kennett Square, Pennsylvania Accounts Receivable Call 717-821-9682 or www.iwgs.org pleased to have raised more than Lois Spano email [email protected] $1,300 for the their cause. August 15 - 17 [email protected] for pics and pricing. The time has finally come to unveil the winners, so get psyched IGC Chicago Navy Pier Festival Hall Web Editor and turn to page 9! Chicago, Illinois Grant Gerke We've got a jam-packed issue for you. Are you on the lookout www.igcshow.com [email protected] for new and innovative equipment to use in the field for construction or maintenance? Jamie Beyer discusses a whole host of cool Printer tools that you may or may not be aware of. Don't miss his complete Sutherland Printing driftwood ad.indd 1 11/30/16 2:20 PM rundown of gadget-related tricks and tips on page 51. Montezuma, Iowa Our Language of Koi installment this issue is especially informa- tive about fish foods and nutrition. Joe Pawlak provides a detailed Moving? Let Us Know For your rundown of food ingredients and the current regulations that If you are moving, please update your address with oversee them on page 55. us so we can update our records. Free Subscription Finally, Mike Gannon's article on page 60 is a great way to Use the forms from the post office, or drop us an see our round out the issue. He and his team "take the show on the road," email at [email protected] with your website www.pondtrademag.com old and new contact information. traversing four states to complete a project-of-a-lifetime for a very or call 708/873-1921 deserving customer. In the end, they transformed a neglected pool into a vibrant koi pond, and it was music to the customer's ears. I'd like to say a special thanks to Ed, Kelly, Benjamin, Mike, Contact Info Dave, Rick and Jason — our Water Artisans of the Year judges — POND Trade Magazine, ISSN 1949-0585 is a trade POSTMASTER: Send address changes to POND Trade Magazine, POND Trade Magazine for donating their time to this year's contest. Read more about them PO BOX 2721, Orland Park, IL 60462 Have you ever wanted to do something wonderful publication of LG Publishing, Inc. Material is selected for its interest P.O. Box 2721 over on page 21. to the koi, water feature and pond industries, and the publishers accept © Lora Lee Gelles, 2017 and inspiring? Something that truly makes a Orland Park, IL 60462 As pond season kicks off, be sure to keep an eye out for projects no responsibility for the accuracy of content. Reproduction Advertising Policies: LG Publishing, Inc. reserves the right to refuse to 708/873-1921 • FAX 760/418-4606 difference, but you missed the opportunity? rights by written permission only. that go above and beyond the mainstream. Chances are, they could publish any ad. Submission of an ad to LG Publishing does not constitute a [email protected] commitment by LG Publishing, Inc. to publish it. Publication of an ad does not be eligible candidates for next year's Water Artisans of the Year Now is your chance to shine in the life of a child. POND Trade Magazine is published bi-monthly, starting in January, constitute an agreement for continued publication. LG Publishing, Inc. will not be for $41.70 per year by LG Publishing, Inc., POND Trade Magazine, liable for failure to publish an ad as requested or for more than one incorrect contest. PO BOX 2721, Orland Park, IL 60462. Qualified applicants may insertion of an ad. In the event of an error or omission in printing or publication Stay tuned — we'll release more details about it very soon. subscribe at no cost at www.pondtrademag.com. Postage is paid at of an ad, LG Publishing, Inc.’s liability shall be limited to an adjustment for www.pondtrademag.com the cost of the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being Happy PONDering! Orland Park, IL and additional offices. For new subscriptions, additional cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the copies and address changes, please call 708/873-1921 or email correct advertisement. Under no circumstances shall LG Publishing be liable for Visit www.PondsForPeace.org [email protected]. consequential damages of any kind. and do something significant!

6 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2017 7 Water Artisans

CREATE AN ELEMENT OF BEAUTY WITH ATLANTIC POND KITS • All kits include heavy-duty Underlayment and AquaTough 45 mil EPDM pond liner, backed by a Limited Lifetime warranty. Water Artisans of the Year • FilterFalls and Skimmers are designed to work together to remove debris and break down contaminants to establish a balanced ecosystem. The results are in for our inaugural craftsmanship contest

• Energy efficient TidalWave Pumps offer high flows at very low wattage, keeping operating costs under control. by Jordan Morris, by a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, Editor, POND Trade magazine raising in excess of $1,300. A diverse, nonpartisan • Triton Check Valve and flexible PVC tubing simplify panel of judges carefully evaluated the submissions plumbing connections. solely on the merits of workmanship, with no n artist is someone who, by virtue of imagination, talent or skill, is a creator of knowledge of the identities of specific products or • Most kits include two solid brass 2 watt LED lights, contractors. Our industry already has its share of splitter and transformer capable of powering two work that carries distinct aesthetic value. additional lights if desired! AnA artisan, in contrast, embodies the core charac- accolades, but we thought we’d level the playing teristics of an artist but channels his or her energy field with this truly independent approach. • A complete Installation Kit is supplied with every kit into the design and creation of a craft. Thus, a As you will see in the following pages, we were which includes an Auto Fill, the proper fittings, masterpiece constructed by an artisan tends to far from disappointed. These projects represent thread sealant, PVC spray glue and FallsFoam. both engage the senses and fulfill a practical role the collective hard work, extraordinary creativity in the daily life of its audience. and relentless passion of some of the elite artisans Visit our website to view our full line of Water Garden products. When we announced the first annual in our industry. It is projects like these from which Water Artisans of the Year contest in last year’s others draw inspiration, setting the standards for September/October issue, our goal was to aggre- the future of pond building and water gardening. THE 2017 PRODUCT CATALOG IS NOW AVAILABLE gate and showcase the finest contracting work of Without further ado, POND Trade CALL, FAX OR EMAIL TO REQUEST YOUR COPY the 2016 pond season — the “best of the best,” magazine presents the inaugural winners of so to speak. More than 50 nominees were submit- a new tradition in the pond and water ATLANTIC WATER GARDENS ted, representing a wide range of the industry’s gardening industry: the Water ATTENTION CONTRACTORS! P. 330-274-8317 | F. 330-274-8317 core competencies. Each entry was accompanied Artisans of the Year. a Beginning January 1st, all Atlantic Professional E. [email protected] 1-YR Contractors (APCs) receive an additional year of warranty EXTENDED www.ATLANTICWATERGARDENS.com WARRANTY on all the Atlantic products they install. Ask your Distributor how you can sign up today! Meet thePage judges! 21 March/April 2017 9 Winner Most Naturalistic

Brian Buchholtz Brian Buchholtz is the founder and owner of PondWorks. With a background in construction, he has accumulated extensive knowledge across the spectrum of water feature design, detailing and construction through almost 25 years of experience. PondWorks prides itself in providing natural, integrated water features while relying on hands-on approaches to project conceptualization and execution. He holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Philadelphia University.

Capturing the essence of the majestic, almost inimitable Adirondack Mountains sounds like a tall order, especially when your customer is located just outside of Philadelphia. Replicating such a unique, natural environment requires a deep apprecia- tion for naturalism, and this masterpiece by Brian Buchholtz of PondWorks demonstrates exactly how it’s done. At the end of a long, steep walking path from a private resi- dence, this koi pond and stream with soul-soothing waterfalls appear as though they eroded naturally from the hillside. It operates on a sophisticated control system that includes a high-flow centrifu- gal pump, a high-output UV sterilizer and a 30-inch biomechani- cal filter, but it is masterfully hidden from sight beneath mature, naturally-occurring plantings about 25 feet from the pond. Preserving nature requires leaving no trace of man, so transporting and setting the 40 tons of firestone boulders on the mountainous property required a carefully orchestrated ballet of precision work with heavy equipment. The fact that it appears today as though Brian and his team never stepped foot on the property is a resounding testament to the craftsmanship of his team in composing this out-of-this-world treasure.

March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 11 Winner Best Overall

Dean Pipito A 23-year veteran of the pond industry, Dean Pipito is the owner of Aquatica, one of the largest waterscape firms in the United States. He and his team have aggregated a wide range of skills and competencies, creating a highly respected reputation among their peers. When they aren’t working together to create aquatic works of art for their clients, Dean and his wife, Angela, enjoy spending their free time on their farm in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

Golfing legend Jack Nicklaus once said, “Nobody ever remembers who finished second at anything.” After Aquatica completed the finishing touches on this breathtaking, custom- designed waterfall and river system at The Legend at Merrill Hills golf club in Waukesha, Wisconsin, it was clear that this landscape centerpiece was second to none. Having to mitigate the numerous challenges that come hand- in-hand with a renowned private golf course, including player accessibility, safety and widely inconsistent topography, Dean Pipito and his team found themselves constantly testing the limits of their expertise during construction, always under the watchful eye of course management. In the end, their deliverable — which included a series of crashing waterfalls, golf cart bridges, 700 tons of blue boulders and a 450-foot river meandering through the course — had become a cornerstone of the property. He incor- porated enhanced vistas into an elevated playing experience, complete with elegant new obstacles for golfers to contend with. Even if you’re not a golfer, the major waterfalls create a one- of-a-kind, “surround-sound” dining experience, as club members and wedding attendees alike can dine or sip cocktails within the cascading waters, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that, as the property name suggests, borders on legendary.

March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 13 Winner Best Pondless

It’s not that difficult to understand why some contractors might balk at the prospect of a project that requires manipulating Tim Wood more than 40 tons of boulders into a pondless waterfall in a tight Tim Wood is backyard with limited access and an extreme slope. But when a a Master Certified recently retired couple presented the idea to Tim Wood at a home Aquascape Contractor and garden show, it was clear that they had found the right person and the owner of Aquatic Edge Pond for the job. & Landscape Solutions in Greensburg, When Tim and his team got to work at the nearby residential Pennsylvania. He specializes in natural- property, they faced the daunting process of excavating massive chunks style ecosystem koi ponds and water of rock — some weighing in excess of 2 tons — while navigating trees features. He also works as a consultant, providing lake management services and scrounging for accessible, stable ground to position their excava- and offering a variety of natural bacte- tor. “We had some tense moments,” Tim says, remarking how their ria products developed specifically for Takeuchi 285 could barely lift some of the largest boulders. use in lakes and large, earth-bottom The larger-than-life, living sculpture consists of two waterfall ponds. When he’s not on the job, he spillways providing tranquil melodies of trickling water that flow into frequently finds himself participating a 500-gallon reservoir. Tim also integrated a series of fallen logs and in local organizations focused on the large sections of thick moss harvested from the nearby woods to create management of lakes and ponds. a naturalistic oasis that far exceeded the customer’s expectations.

March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 15 Winner Best Waterfall

John Adams John Adams has built ponds and features for more than 20 years, with projects spanning across 11 states. He is a Master Certified Aquascape Contractor and a certified rainwater harvesting professional who enjoys delivering educational speeches at garden centers, garden shows and other trade shows. You might have seen him or his company, Modern Design Aquascaping, on HGTV or across many of the industry’s publications. Based in Friendsville, Tennessee, he is a staple of the industry in the southeastern United States.

Building a new waterfall amid an already existing network of waterfalls, pools and streams under the watchful eye of a master certified gardener nicknamed Llama Mama might intimidate some contractors. But, as John Adams was able to prove to a Knoxville homeowner with high expectations, a little careful craftsmanship, some locally-sourced driftwood and more than 200 tons of nearby mountain boulders can make it look as though it had been there for centuries. This 140-foot-long, resplendent pondless waterfall inte- grates seamlessly into an aquatic wonderland along a stone path winding through the property. A variety of house aquatic plantings, including ferns, rushes and carnivorous plants, encircles a 3,000-gallon underground reservoir, which required a world of patience and skill to install amid the multiple springs just beneath the surface. Llama Mama’s faith in a determined contractor awarded her with the waterfall of her dreams and a welcome addition to her refuge farm for llamas, pit bulls, potbelly pigs and longhorn steer. It will have a special place in John’s portfolio for years to come, not just because of the memorable customer, but also the fact that it represents some of the best work he feels his team has ever done.

March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 17 Winner Best Renovation

Demi Fortuna, Ely Ayala Scott & Edwin Scott-Fortuna Demi Fortuna and his sons, Edwin and Ely, own and operate August Moon Designs, a water feature design and build business based in Stony Brook, New York. Demi has more than 25 years of experience in most aspects of water garden design and construction and currently serves as the director of product information at Atlantic Water Gardens. He has a passion for holding seminars and lectures on some of the industry’s most complex topics and presenting them in an accessible, enjoyable manner.

What do you do when you’ve built and maintained an alluring pond, but your beloved koi start to outgrow it? If you’re near Long Island, New York, you call Demi, Edwin and Ely Fortuna of August Moon Designs. When they arrived at the scene of this dedicated koi pond, it measured 8 by 16 feet with just 2 feet of depth. There was a hustle and bustle of more than 30 strapping koi, some of them more than 2 feet long. And, like most of our customers who are koi aficionados, this one — of course — wanted more koi. This extreme pond makeover resulted in a 14-by-30-foot, koi mansion with 5 feet of depth — plenty of volume for its new residents. Most of the labor was performed in a tiny space barely larger than the width of the excava- tor, wedged between a red maple and a group of Lawson cypress trees. Due to the minimal access and the need to haul more than 30 tons of stone, gravel and topsoil, the Fortuna fellows have dubbed this project their most difficult job of 2016. “There were times we had our doubts,” Demi says. “But we’re really glad we took it on — it’s a beauty.”

March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 19 The Judges

888-236-8621

DAN BERG General Manager 508 216 4464 [email protected] WWW.UNIVERSALPONDSUPPLY.COM MIKE ZMINA Western Sales Manager 847 372 6997 [email protected] The Supreme Stream Court JANNINE RICHTER Eastern Sales Manager Meet the judges who handpicked the winners 609 685 7259 [email protected] by Jordan Morris, hidden or removed. Each entry consisted of a brief, Editor, POND Trade magazine 50-word description along with up to four photos. MIKE WEBB They submitted their rankings based on this infor- Landscape Contractors & Inside Sales ne of the core duties of a judge is to serve as mation alone, and when tallied up, the contractors 443 617 4113 an impartial decision-maker in the pursuit with the most votes in each of the five categories [email protected] WHY PURCHASE FROM US? of justice. Ideally, he or she should be were crowned winners, with second-place vote- Oequipped with a vast amount knowledge and experi- getters receiving a runner-up honorable mention. Don’t have an assigned The industry’s most competitive Programs for all re-wholesalers, Two of the judges serve on POND Trade’s Editorial sales rep yet? ence in the appropriate field. Committee, an advisory board that meets occasion- Call 888 236 8621 and speak early order, in-season pricing, dealers, contractors, and drop At POND Trade, we are fortunate to have with Mike at ext. 152. and terms programs. ship companies. numerous contacts across the spectrum of the pond ally to discuss the publication’s editorial content. and water feature industry, and we called on seven Employees of POND Trade magazine with knowl- of them to evaluate the dozens of entries submit- edge of the contestants’ identities did not cast votes. WANT THE BEST Over 3,000 products from 50 Fully stocked warehouse with a PRICING & SELECTION ted in this year’s contest. While their knowledge and In the end, the results speak freely for themselves, IN THE INDUSTRY? different manufacturers. 98% product fill rate. expertise in their respective areas is indisputable, we with pure craftsmanship and talent shining through, GIVE US A CALL TODAY! took an extra step to ensure that any personal biases above all else. We feel that justice was served without Nationwide shipping with quick State of the art website. Quick — whether conscious or unconscious — could be favoritism or any unnecessary “pond-tification.” minimized or eliminated. From left to right based on the photos above, turn-around times and emailed access to pricing, invoices, and We presented all entries to the judges with the meet the seven industry leaders who served on our tracking information as soon as availability without waiting for names of the artisans, companies and products inaugural judging panel on the next page. orders ship. someone to call you back.

March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 21 EcoPondClearAd_4.9x4.8.pdf 1 11/30/16 7:19 PM Runners Up Ed Beaulieu is one of the longest-serving employees at Aquascape, having started in construction in 1993 and advanced to his current position as the director of contractor development and field research. With degrees in zoology and marine biology, Ed is consid- Restores Water Purity & Quality ered one of the industry’s top experts in water A Close Second Removes Organic Build-up & Odors feature design. Kelly Billing of Maryland Aquatic These honorable runners-up Safe for Fish & Other Aquatic Life Nurseries is one of the most published experts are worth mentioning Biodegrades Organic Sludge & on water plants. She is a Maryland Certified Excessive Food Professional Horticulturist and has more than 30 years of experience in the water gardening Increases Ef ciency of Bio industry. Filtration Equipment by Jordan Morris, On behalf of POND Trade, I’d like to thank Benjamin Timmermans, who was each and every contractor who submitted an entry named the 2015 Helix Pond Contractor of Editor, POND Trade magazine this year. I’m proud that we raised more than 1 Lb. Retail & 25 Lb. Pro Sizes the Year, is the president and lead designer $1,300 for a worthwhile cause — the Wounded 1 Tblsp. Maintains 1,000 Gallons at Liquid Landscapes Inc. in Asheville, North f there was one thing the judges agreed upon Warrior Project. Dealer & Distributor Inquire Carolina. He has degrees in recreation and unanimously, it was that this year’s competi- wildlife management and has personally tion was wildly impressive, and not all decisions Do you have what it takes to be a Water Artisan completed hundreds of waterscape construc- cameI easily. In a couple of cases, a category winner of the Year? Start keeping track of your best work, tion projects over several decades. edged out his competition by just one vote. because all projects completed before Nov. 1, 2017, Mike Miller is the manager of Pondliner. Here are the runners-up in each of our five cate- will be considered eligible for next year’s contest. Grow More, Inc. 15600 New Century Drive, Gardena, CA, U.S.A. 90248 com’s Pond Pro Shop in Shawnee, the “Water gories. You might see a couple of familiar names. Stay tuned for more details. a Phone: (310) 515-1700 • Fax: (310) 527-5811 • www.growmore.com MADE IN U.S.A. Garden Capital of Oklahoma.” He specializes in pond and water-garden education and teaches 16 classes at the shop spanning a wide variety of disciplines. His passion is working to bridge the learning gap between beginners and professionals who love ponds and water gardening. Dave Duensing is an industry leader and educator on exceptional water features, with an influence that extends throughout the world. He is the owner of several construction and consulting companies that special- ize in using natural rock to craft living water features. He is well known across multiple industries, having starred in the Animal Planet TV series “Pool Master.” Rick Smith is a veteran of the pond and water-gardening industry, with more than 30 years of experience spanning a variety of roles and companies. He is currently the director of sales at EasyPro Pond Products. Jason Lenox has been in the pond construction business for almost three decades and is known for building some of the largest water features across Illinois. He co-owns Ponds Inc. of Illinois and is one of the archi- tects behind the Water Artisans of the Year contest, which he originally suggested on POND Trade’s Facebook page. a

22 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 23 We manufacture products to help you design, install, and maintain better water features. Runner-up Josiah Crousore Best Pondless Specialty Water Gardens www.specialtywatergardens.com A rainwater-harvesting, pondless feature is equipped with an energy-efficient Mag-Drive pump, 18 reservoir cubes for water storage, granite boulders from Minnesota and wildlife-friendly, native plantings in the rain garden that are fed by the overflow.

2017 WHOLESALE Runner-up Best Overall CATAOG AVAILABLE Brian Buchholtz PondWorks

2017 MASTER WHOLESALE CATALOG www.pondworksonline.com This waterfall and koi pond can be reached at the end of a custom- built, descending walkway on a long, narrow, tree-covered property outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This destination water feature is bluethumbponds.com/catalog FOUNTAINS / POND-LESS FALLS / WATER GARDENS / FORMAL FALLS / LAKES & PONDS virtually invisible from the street and adjacent properties, providing the homeowner with a private retreat and a place of solace.

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March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 25 Runner-up Most Naturalistic Tim Wood Aquatic Edge Pond & Landscape Solutions www.aquaticedgeconsulting.com Pulling from his expertise in natural lake management, Tim Wood designed this feature with timelessness in mind, going for a naturalistic look that could have existed in centuries past, or 100 years in the future. All wood accents and boulders — some covered in local moss — were harvested from the property, enhancing its enduring essence.

Runner-up Best Waterfall Bobby Kenyon C.E. Pontz Sons www.cepontzsons.com This project included a large ecosystem pond with a small wetland filter, two bubbling urn fountains and built-in stepping stones. The zero-edge waterfall leads to a stream that flows underneath a large, natural stone bridge, terminating at the grand falls. The breathtaking, multiple-tiered waterfall then disappears into a pondless waterfall basin, where water is filtered and recycled.

March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 27 OASE congratulates the winners of the Runner-up Water Artisans of Best Renovation the Year contest John Adams Modern Desgin Aquascaping www.mdaquascaping.com Two separate features were torn out completely to create one massive pondless feature, including a 3,000-gallon reservoir at the bottom to give the impres- sion that the lower pond is fed by the top waterfall. A second reservoir was built partway up the feature to feed the top waterfall, with multiple, small cascades integrated to add flow volume on the way down.

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March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 29 Native Sierra Nevada boulders add great character, and most of the largest were found on-site from the house excavation. Pond Construction

Somewhere Over the TAHOE The Water Boss shines in the Jewel of the Sierras

by Jason Steele, Not in Kansas Anymore Steele's Landscapes LLC Steele’s Landscapes is based in Wichita, Kansas, and since Lake Tahoe is 1,222 miles from the land hile on vacation in July 2014, I was given of Oz, I utilized the local Ewing Irrigation branch the opportunity to ride shotgun on an in Reno, which insured the complete stock of items appointment with my uncle, mentor needed for the timely completion of the project. Wand previous employer of 14 years, Dan Yori. Uncle They drop-shipped materials directly to the job site Dan is the owner of High Sierra Gardens in my old hometown of Incline Village, Nevada, on the north shore of beautiful and scenic Lake Tahoe. We looked at a backyard landscape renovation, which included turning a 75-foot dry creek into a beautiful, recirculating water feature. I gave my uncle my thoughts and projected costs and told him that if he won the project, I would return to Lake Tahoe to supervise the build. Two months later, I found myself back working among former co-workers, some whom I have known for more than 30 years. The project went together seamlessly, and it turned out beautiful.

Off to See the Blizzard In the winter of 2016, my company, Steele’s Landscapes, was contacted again by High Sierra Gardens for an even larger build. It was to be 110 feet in total length with two large stone bridges Many large Aquablocks were used to capture the creek water in meandering around large pine trees and along the the reservoir. The use of proper equipment saves labor and time — time better spent on a Tahoe beach! beautiful summer deck and landscaping. The initial meeting with the homeowners and the preliminary the day before the busy holiday. I briefed my crew design phase took place in the early spring, and as for the time I would be away from the shop and said it was in a mountainous region, there was still snow goodbye to the family on Sunday afternoon. on the ground. High Sierra Gardens finalized all On Memorial Day, the job site was prepped by the details, and a start date was set for the week of High Sierra Gardens. They supplied all machinery Memorial Day. and manpower to assist in this large build, and I had

30 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 31 Bassinger Fisheries Koi & Goldfish Farm

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Howard Doyle (above, left) of High Sierra Gardens leads the charge in rolling out the 100-foot liner. The creek and waterfalls (above, right) run the length of the backyard, connected by paths and bridges. A lovely Tahoe stream (bottom, left) leads to a shallow pool for water plants — and possibly a bear?

worked with most of the guys on the tively simple for the Water Boss. At the Rated Best All Around previous 2014 build. I also had another end of day one, all the Aquablocks were American Koi worker, the son of the homeowner. He in, the reservoir was set and the two lines by International Koi Judge was a very inquisitive young man home of 3-inch flex PVC were buried, but we ● Brilliant Colors from college, where he was studying were a little behind schedule from where ● Stunning Patterns to become an architect. He quickly I thought we’d be. I was given the use of ● Great Selection of Different Koi became what seemed like a trainee, a company truck for the ride to work, and Butterfly Koi asking numerous questions about during which I realized how the sky- everything from setting the pumps to performing the final detail and maintenance. It felt like I was verifying the procedure to him and myself, as I was feverously working to maintain my schedule. He had previously worked in the nursery for High Sierra, which One of two locations has a natural creek that flows through it Visit our new website at: year-round. I was told that this was the inspiration for convincing his parents www.BassingerKoiFarm.com to create the backyard masterpiece. I A close-up of a couple of waterfalls created by 817-366-1746 enjoyed sharing his enthusiasm for the the "Water Boss." 325-728-4237 Fax project, and it allowed me to add more blue water and picturesque mountains [email protected] personality to the build. were a great inspiration for the creek excavation and rock placement. Handled Like a 'Boss' The only access to the top waterfalls New Customer Special! The vault reservoir consisted of was a skid-loader trail that crossed the Aquascape products, and the pumps creek midway up. We started the steam specified by Tsurumi were perfectly bed there to the top. When the trail off matched, so the installation was rela- was no longer needed, we unrolled the 50% (on first $500 order) 32 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 33 A flagstone patio overlooks this feature under giant pine trees.

remaining liner without the need for a videography helped put together a great seam. The experienced mountain crew YouTube video. Finally, Saturday was I was working with was well versed in spent introducing the homeowners to boulder and rock work, which allowed the new addition to their backyard and About the Author us to breeze through to the fourth day visiting other ponds and water features Jason Steele was born in Reno, of the build. We finished the two main that I had installed 20 years earlier. Nevada, and grew up in the Sierra falls, set the large stone bridges, applied In true Tahoe fashion, the evening Nevada mountains. He spent five years the waterfall foam and performed a test was spent enjoying the crisp air, eating living on the island of Oahu. run while the customers were out to great food and conversing with family He started learn- dinner — so we didn’t ruin the surprise. and friends. I had an early-morning ing landscape flight, and with a click of my heels, I was and water features No Place Like Tahoe home within a week of the start of the at 18 years old. Friday was reserved for the final edge build — right on schedule. These types He married a treatment while the landscape crew of projects remind me of my ability to wonderful woman from Wichita, continued with sprinklers, sod and plant- travel and create beauty anywhere. I’m Kansas, where he currently lives. He currently pursuing more opportunities, ing. My cousin, Mark Yori, the co-owner has four awesome children. Jason is the of Phoenix Drone Service, filmed the so don’t let a little distance discourage owner of Steele’s Landscapes LLC and is completion of the project, and his exper- you from stepping out and creating the self-proclaimed "Water Boss." tise in cinematography and knowledge of your art. a www.steeleslandscaping.com

March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 35 The Beauty of Real Basalts EasyPro offers real basalt kits for easy, professional installations • Several new styles and sizes available in 2017 Wall Scuppers • LED lighting makes a stunning night time display • Basalts are core drilled end to end and designed Accent spillways in stainless or brass — ideal for formal water to accept a light ring features with five to ten gpm flow. Stainless available in diamond • EasyPro basin, pump and plumbing kit included trim, round trim, square and channel. Brass available in antique in each kit round, round trim and diamond trim. For more information search keyword “Vianti Falls” on our website. • Available individually without kit components

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New KLC compressors combine outstanding performance with great value! Stratus KLC Series compressor features: • Dual linear diaphragm design provides maximum air output • Five models from 1.3 to 4.9 cfm capabilities • Quiet, energy efficient operation for just pennies per day • CUL and UL listed for outdoor use • Three year warranty Keyed Spillway Visit www.easypropondproducts.com for additional information on all EasyPro Pond Products

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The basics of pond excavation

by Ed Beaulieu, above the water level. At the back edge of the Aquascape Inc. pond where the waterfall is located, the level should be much higher, depending on the final e all know that a contractor can dig waterfall height. All measurements taken from a hole, but do you really know the this point forward are in direct relationship to benefits of doing it right? A step-by- the water level. Wstep excavation process will undoubtedly save you Most properties have a gentle slope leading Can You time, money, materials and headaches. away from the home for water drainage. Be sure Before you begin digging, you’ll want to to adjust your calculations to compensate for this perform a few easy tasks that will help to avoid slope. In severe situations, you will need to bring surprises later on. First, be sure to assess the supplemental soil to the project to create the property where the pond will be located and take desired elevations. If the slope is coming toward note of all the existing structures and utilities. Second, using a site or laser level, Remember to look at construction determine the high and low areas where the pond will most likely be positioned. This gives you a better access points for the property; this it? idea of any obstacles or challenges you might need to overcome when will help you determine your options installing the pond. DIG Also remember to look at construc- for the excavation process. tion access points for the property; this will help you determine your options for the the home, it will allow you to create dramatic excavation process. Are there any gates, narrow waterfalls, but it will also increase the time of walkways or steps that might block equipment the excavation and the amount of soil generated. access? Why Build Ledges? Site Assessment When you begin your pond excavation, be As you walk around the pond perimeter, sure to include ledges along the perimeter. If determine the high and low areas in relation to someone were to accidentally or purposefully the main viewing area. Most ponds are located walk into the pond, you want to avoid a danger- next to a patio — this would be the starting ous drop-off. Ledges act as a safe staircase, as point. We like the water to come right up to opposed to a slippery slope. They also add the viewing area, so we typically set the water strength and stability to the pond. Terracing level 2 to 3 inches below the level of the patio. is much more stable and less likely to collapse Once the water level is established, make the than a steep, tall wall. entire pond perimeter a minimum of 2 inches In addition, ledges provide aesthetic appeal.

To add strength and stability to ponds, be sure to incorporate ledges (top) during excavation. Ledges provide aesthetic appeal (bottom, left) and create shelves for plants that require different water-depth levels. As a general rule of thumb, large equipment (bottom, right) is needed when excavating ponds larger than 600 square feet.

38 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 39 Natural ponds don't have symmetrical levels, and neither should man-made ponds.

If you create a proper ecosystem pond, Remember that the vertical walls of vary according to the pond design. I the water will be clear, with the pond the ledges will be covered with boulders typically use narrow ledges that are 6 to floor visible. Ledges provide layers and or larger rocks, and the flat areas will be 10 inches wide in the foreground and contours, adding interest to the pond’s covered in gravel. If you will be using all wider ledges of 16 to 24 inches in the interior. Pond ledges also provide shelves hand-placed stones, make sure you keep background. The reasoning behind it is for aquatic plants; different ledge depths simple: the foreground are perfect for planting the many Pond ledges also provide shelves area adjacent to the different species that are available. patio or viewing areas is For example, marginals will grow for aquatic plants; different ledge depths where your clients will in 1 to 12 inches of water, while spend their time feeding waterlilies and oxygenators prefer are perfect for planting the many and viewing their fish. 12 to 36 inches of water. This allows ample The first pond ledge is typi- space for the fish cally 6 to 10 inches deep and different species that are available. to swim up close should be dug around the perimeter of your ledges a maximum of 12 inches tall; to their owners. the entire pond. Remember, this ledge otherwise, you’ll be stacking multiple The background area is the zone should be covered in gravel, so a ledge rocks on top of each other, which will where the pond transitions into the that is 6 inches deep will become a increase the allotted amount of time for surrounding landscape. The wide, 4-inch-deep ledge after the gravel is stone placement. Ideally, use one or two shallow ledges are perfect for mass plant- installed. Ledges can vary according to rocks to cover the vertical walls. If you ings of aquatic plants to help with this DESIGN • SERVICE • EQUIPMENT their usage, but they do not have to be have equipment on-site, you’ll have more transition. The other area that needs perfect. The goal when creating a pond freedom to use larger boulders to create careful consideration is the point where Today’s modern aquaculture farmer needs a partner that is able to help with the scope and variety of challenges they face every day. That is why Pentair AES has assembled a team of is to copy nature, and natural ponds deeper ponds with taller vertical walls. the stream or waterfall enters the pond. experts with diverse backgrounds in aquaculture, biological and technological engineering don’t have perfectly level or symmetri- Make sure the end price reflects the This is a very important section for that is grounded in decades of research and commercial industry application experience. cal ledges graduating toward the bottom additional costs incurred by the increased many reasons, from aesthetics, function We help our customers run successful operations by providing the design expertise they need, a responsive service team and the largest selection of equipment and supplies in the of the pond. When the first ledge is time and materials necessary to complete and costs. From an aesthetic point of industry. Trust in a team that’s here to help you — ASK US! completed, you can mark out the next the task. view, what type of water entry point is area to be excavated. The width of the ledges should also desired? A large, dramatic waterfall or a PentairAES.com • +1 407.886.3939 © 2017 Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 41 small riffle zone? The depth ciency of the crew. The exca- poor, organic topsoil can be brought Discount pond supplies Pond without shelves of the water at this entry 49’ of perimeter vated soil can be used to create in to be used for future plantings. point has a major impact on 16’ 24,000 lbs of rock = $2,220.00 a berm around the biological The larger and broader the berm, the www.discountpond.com 396 cubic feet = 20 man hours the success of these designs. filter, and its size should be easier it will be to naturally incorpo- If the water is deep at this equivalent to the size of the rate plantings to help a water feature 11’ point, it will dictate the size pond. In other words, if the look as natural as possible. 3 Year of the boulders necessary to pond is 11-by-16 and 2 feet Warranty frame the waterfall. It will deep, the berm should be Challenges of Poor Soil also change the sound of the Pond with shelves 11-by-16 and 2 feet high. Conditions waterfall, with deeper water 10,000 lbs of rock = $925.00 If the biological filter is 223 cubic feet = 11 man hours Digging can be fun, but there are AirMax Ecosystems creating base tones and shal- set higher, more soil will be many soil types that can cause all sorts lower water making treble needed to disguise it, and of pond-excavation challenges. tones. it may seem out of place. If Clay Soil: Spring and fall are the NEW! Shallow water at the entry it’s set lower, the berm will best times for excavation because the point of a swiftly moving need to be more spread out in clay is softer. Midsummer requires a riffle area will create a natural order to use the soil. Each site pick-ax to chisel through the hard- Pond ledges result in labor and material cost savings. rippling effect on the water’s should be evaluated to deter- ened clay. Clay soil in certain areas is Pre-Grown Water Lily Display surface and aid in the overall the waterfall requires larger Building the Berm mine how high or low the notoriously bad, so the selling price of pond circulation. I typically waterfall should be. Soil usage boulders and a longer amount The filters and piping are the job should reflect the extra time BEST default to shallow water near is often an overlooked part needed to complete the excavation if SELLER of time. Water quality is laid during the excavation the waterfall or stream entry, of the construction process, the soil causes difficulties. typically better with shallow phase as well. The biological because it gives you the great- and you don’t want to be left Rocky Soil: In addition to requir- CHANGING water, as it will help with filter is always set first, and the est number of options. having to remove soil from a ing a longer digging time, rocky soil From a function and cost overall pond circulation and flexible piping follows. This is project. brings other challenges, including a standpoint, deep water near debris removal. important for optimal effi- If the quality of the soil is hard subsurface to deal with after the digging is complete. In this instance, you can lay several layers of underlayment to act as an additional cushion DEMAND THE BRAND under the liner. In severe cases, place a layer of the fabric on top of the liner where larger boulders will be set. Bedrock: This is the toughest, • Fully Stocked Warehouse because it takes much longer to dig than any other type of soil. Depending • Most orders shipped within 24 hours on where the rock layer is found, the • Competitive Pricing pond may need to be built completely • Nationwide Shipping or halfway above grade. The deeper • Knowledgeable Staff to Help You you can dig, the better the pond will look. It’s tough to make a pond look WHOLESALE ONLY to trade-related retailers… natural when it’s sitting 18 inches we do NOT sell directly to YOUR customers. above the surrounding soil. In certain parts of the country, jackhammers are a necessary piece of equipment. It’s Wholesale the only way to cut through the hard Distributors of layers. It can be a slow process, but extreme conditions call for creative Water Gardening solutions. Products Sandy Soil: In sandy, loose soils, the digging is a piece of cake, but For Over 20 Years! it’s almost impossible to cut a ledge into it. The easiest way to handle this 1-800-979-0999 • [email protected] problem is to dig the pond with a flat PO Box 129 • Lebanon, Virginia 24266 bottom, with the side gently sloping

42 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 43 into the middle. Once the pond is dug, still be done with hand tools. A good Best Practices you have two options. Either place boul- backhoe operator can maneuver around ders on the sloping sides and put gravel enough to do quite a bit of digging, About the Author on the bottom, or place boulders on the but some handwork is still necessary bottom and backfill behind the rocks, to clean things up. If you don’t own Ed Beaulieu came creating gravel and boulder terraces. heavy machinery due to cost, you can to Aquascape in 1993 Planting areas and irregular ledges can be subcontract the machine work. The cost as a construction laborer, created with this method. of the subcontractor is calculated into the but a little creativity and price of the project. a positive outlook on Considerations for Large Whenever heavy equipment is added life and business helped catapult him Projects to a project, remember to add additional to the position of director of contractor time to the project for equipment-related development and field research. Ed has For larger projects of 600 square feet or damage to the surrounding property that successfully built over 1,000 custom- more, large equipment is needed to help may need to be repaired or, at the very designed ponds, from small backyard with the excavation, large boulder placement least, discussed with the clients. This water gardens to large lakes and and material handling. Once the decision is includes ruts and compacted or destroyed made to bring in a piece of machinery, you turf. commercial water features. He holds a can take full advantage of it. Sometimes there is a little more to bachelor's of science in zoology with Typically, large projects run over excavation than meets the eye, but it’s an emphasis in limnology and master's $10,000. Skid-steers and backhoes still fairly basic and just requires some studies in marine biology. are the two most common pieces of common sense. If you start your project Ed's work has been featured on equipment, but cranes and loaders can be on the right foot and avoid creating extra the cover of Architectural Digest, Better used as well. A skid-steer can be effective work for yourself, everything else will fall Homes & Gardens special interest publi- in excavating the top shelves of the pond, into place, and you’ll undoubtedly save cations, Nature's Garden, Irrigation and but the bottom and final shaping should time and money in the process. a Green Industry News and more.

A Split Decision Do-it-yourself circulation and oxygenation in a formal pond

by Kent Wallace, the use of a waterfall or the constant visual appearance Living Water Solutions of a column of bubbles in the water. Recently, I received a call from a new client who wanted a small koi pond at the entrance of her home. reating an airlift system to both circulate water She was remodeling her home in a very contemporary and oxygenate a system at the same time is one style and wanted to manage and construct as much of my favorite pond construction techniques. of the pond as they could themselves, just as she had C Almost any pond can be built done with the rest of the remodel. The only water airlift system in some SERIES: using an feature was a small spill against the wall. I supplied Best Pond Practices fashion, but formal designs lend a basic plumbing layout along with the parts, equip- themselves to airlifts more often This is an installmentof ment and installation instructions, and she ended an ongoing, multi-part series. than garden designs. Formal up doing an excellent job. Even though she didn’t Be sure to watch for further ponds are generally located completely understand how the airlift system could installments in future issues! in courtyards or implanted in work without a mechanical pump, she went along hardscape with a small spill or with it. I promised her that if she were to construct no water feature at all. Using airlift circulation can be it just as I had proposed, all she needed to do was to an important asset, allowing full oxygenation without plug it in, and it would work.

44 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 45 Far left: Prefilter and aerated biofilter with airlift. Middle: Vertical pond return drain with air ring. Right: Prefilter with static basket and outlet valve assembly. A Game of Twos There were two issues to deal with: flow system. The client ended up order- coming in through the corner returns to Air Traffic Control first, the lack of any space out of plain ing a spill that I modified by blocking the create a slow rotation. The prefilter is one of my 55-gallon view to place equipment, and second, 1-inch inlet and adding two 1.5-inch bulk- The upflow sand and gravel filters drum, static prefilter kits modified heads that barely fit. the above-water spill feature. The spill and spill assembly were encased in a slightly for an airlift. While the inlet line I have cut up my share of spills over was to be approximately 24 inches wide cube of concrete with just enough of an from the bottom drain is 3 inches, the the years to adapt them to gravity flow. It and about 18 inches above water level. A opening in the top to access the filters. A outflow from the prefilter basket and the would be helpful if one of the manufactur- living water feature with the still-pond, 40-watt ultraviolet light assembly of my connecting pipe between the prefilter and ers would make a stainless spill series with formal look needs both oxygenated biofilter are 4 inches to promote better inlets large enough for gravity flow. A pair filtration and fine particle removal, so I 30-gallon biofilters with flow and lower pipe friction between the of 1.5- or 2-inch, threaded bungs would be stainless spill proposed a split system. prefilter and airlift. The upflow airlift perfect, as they easily can be bushed down The bottom drain would connect via pipe is also 4 inches, so it makes sense to a 3-inch, gravity flow pipe to a 55-gallon or blocked, if necessary. keep them all 4 inches. The basket screen drum prefilter. From the prefilter, the outlet in the center of the prefilter has a Operation DIY water would flow into an airlift-operated, valve made into it to isolate the tank when downflow biofilter and back to the pond. The customer used her landscape crew cleaning. This eliminates the burying of The media in the downflow biofilter was to dig and trench for the pond, filtration a 4-inch knife valve between the filters Keep Your Ponds Clean and Clear to be oxygenated, which makes it diffi- and plumbing. They hired a concrete along with the expense of the valve. Water cult to trap fine particles, so I proposed company to do the rebar and shell and travels from the prefilter through the side ...the Natural Way! an upflow-sand and gravel filter system managed the inspections without a hitch. of the biofilter tank at its base directly into for the spill operated from a submers- I gave them a list of things the inspectors the airlift. At the top of the 4-inch airlift ible pump in the skimmer. With only 18 would be looking for. The pond was to upflow pipe sits a horizontal diffuser, inches of room between the wall and pond be fairly square, so steps for egress were which pushes the water out in all direc- shell, there wasn’t much space for the formed in one corner, and the exist- tions over the media in the filter. filtration against the wall and nowhere else ing courtyard lighting proved enough The air coming from the air pump is to hide an above-ground filter. A skimmer to pass the lighting requirement. They own design was installed in a downflow split into two lines, one for the airlift and needs a minimum of approximately 1,500 coated the surface with Herco rubberized configuration in one of the sand and one for an air ring around the outside of the ® to 2,000 gph to operate well, which is fine pond coating, because they could do that gravel filters to keep it out of view. I like airlift upflow pipe. This air ring oxygen- Healthy Ponds products are easy for a 55-gallon drum-sized filter, but one themselves. The drain, skimmer face and ates the media and creates an upward and to use. Simply treat once a month! hiding UV lights inside biofilters because 30-gallon drum wouldn’t flow enough returns were all mechanically clamped, as it makes mounting and hiding them downward flowing motion in the tank, to work. Thus, I went with a pair of you would do for liner or polyurea. acting much like a moving bed with no • Consumes excess nutrients much easier. When installing a UV light 30-gallon drums at 18 inches in diameter. Water from the airlift biofilter returned floating media. I’ve called this system an For information about in a downflow configuration, it is impor- • Improves water quality and clarity Healthy Ponds® value-priced I provided the upflow-sand and gravel to the pond in two ways: one 3-inch line Air-Driven Dilution Reactor, or ADDR. • Reduces sludge buildup and odor Bundle Packs or Volume/Auto filters built using a pair of 30-gallon that returned through a vertical pond tant to drill a small vent hole at the top My media of choice for these is Bacti-twist to allow air along with a small amount of • Natural alternative to chemicals Ship discounts drums and connected the spill to the return through the center of the drain, because of its free-flowing nature and ease call 1-877-948-0303 fronts of both. Finding a stainless spill and a 2-inch line split into two 1.5-inch water to escape back into the system. The of maintenance, but many different media • Patented time-release technology or see www.bioverse.com that would work proved difficult, because returns in opposite corners. This allows small vent hole prevents the entrapment types can be used. I’ve built several of • Safe for fish, animals and humans most stainless spills come with a 1-inch most of the water to return up through of air, which can gradually form an air these filters with moving bed media, and inlet that is too restrictive for a gravity- the center of the pond with just enough space that displaces water in the housing. moving beds are much more manageable

46 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 47 This may sound complicated, but the end result is a small, formal pond in a courtyard with no visible equipment except for two small air pumps and the power supply for About the Author the UV light against a separate wall. Kent Wallace was born and raised in Las Vegas. Kent spent in a downflow configuration. drain cover. This diffuser ring is operated most of his adult life in the auto- No matter what the media choice is, by a small air pump on a timer to come mobile industry water travels up through the filter media, on occasionally, or to be used as a backup at independent around the center and down through the in case of emergency. shops and media along the outside in a continu- dealerships, ous cycle. The water exiting from the Placid Perfection including his top of the airlift diffuser mixes with the own shop as a This may sound complicated, but water coming up the center of the filter racecar fabricator at age 24. Then, the end result is a small, formal pond in and flows across to the outside, where it in 2001, a neighbor asked Kent if a courtyard with no visible equipment flows to the bottom. The cycle contin- he could build her a koi pond like ues with the volume of water generated except for two small air pumps and the the one Kent’s father had. by the airlift exiting through the lower power supply for the UV light against a From that point on, pond building became his new passion. That first support plate and back to the pond. The separate wall. At 9 by 8 feet and just under 4 feet deep, this pond is approximately pond he built was submitted to Better air bubbles in the airlift and the ADDR Homes & Gardens magazine and 2,100 gallons, with the only motion a are purged in the biofilter, with the water won Best Courtyard Nationwide in returning to the pond stripped of bubbles. small spill at one end. It’s very much a their special-interest publication. The only other accessory for the pond still-pond experience, and my do-it-your- livingwatersolutions.com is an aeration ring on top of the bottom self clients did an excellent job. a 702/845-6782

48 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com We have an extensive selection of Waterproof Great Gear shoulder gauntlets ready to plant or market. • Marginals

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by Jamie Beyer, Midwest Waterscapes

nstalling and maintain- Quick Coupler ing water gardens has really (shown here is a changed over the years. Just Banjo Coupler) like almost everythingI else, technology and inno- vation have made our profession easier. Once a new piece of equipment is discovered, you start to wonder how you ever got along without it before. I’m going to attempt to increase your awareness about the process of discovering important equipment, hopefully increasing the efficiency of your job. Some of Ziplevel these ideas are not necessarily new to the market, but they might be new to you. The Ziplevel is a precision elevation measure- This equipment can be orga- ment device that sets in just seconds. It’s truly a one- nized into three distinct categories: person operation. The first time an installer witnesses equipment that every installer should the use of a Ziplevel, it turns into an obsession. I have; equipment for maintaining a had been very proud of my rotary laser leveler — water garden; and equipment installed and I still am — but after using a Ziplevel, the laser in the pond to make life easier for the leveler seemed obsolete. Of course, you can still use a Whether you have a retail store or do installations exclusively, we have water gardener. transit, which I did for years, but it takes two people solutions for both. From pre-planned assortments to customizable to operate, and we all know the expense of labor. A solutions, we can help take the guess work out of assembling a healthy Must-Haves for Installers rotary laser leveler is better if you have a one-person balanced mix. Contact us for a catalog or to schedule a salesman visit. Knowing the elevation lines around a water operation. The laser leveler takes some time to set up, ScareCrow garden is extremely important to ensure the water because the tripod that the leveler is attached to needs goes where it is supposed to. There are three to be absolutely level and stable. Both work well, but basic pieces of equipment that measure eleva- the Ziplevel does not need a tripod or line of sight. It tion accurately: the transit, the rotary laser can also be interfaced with a computer. leveler and the Ziplevel. Installing a water feature requires the removal of 1.800.788.8547 • www.netherlandbulb.com • [email protected] March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 51 The Toro Dingo is an example of a "walk-behind" mini skid steer. the money to purchase one. vacuumed out. The pit should be devoid of Want to Own Your Market? Moving large stone, of course, requires any gravel or stone so that the sediment can We Do. heavy equipment. Lifting and placing a be easily removed. If there is not a sediment stone in precisely the right spot requires pit, the vacuum can still be a very useful • $500,000-$750,000 gross sales with little or no advertising • Direct wholesale purchasing without distributors it to be cradled by either chains or straps. piece of gear. • Private label product program Using 4-inch-wide straps makes the job of Maintaining water gardens where the • Online sales web system handling a stone easier than using chains, water temperatures are very cold can be miser- • Retail center • 1800-2000 active client base but a new invention called a Boulder able without a pair of shoulder gauntlets or • 60-90 builds/remodels yearly waterproof gloves that extend to the shoulder. • Thousands of existing water features created They allow a water gardener to work in deep, • 300-400plus cleanings & closings yearly • Quality well maintained equipment dirt and the installation of — except for the mini “walk- almost freezing water. Of course, rubber • Weekly/monthly maintenance service program stone, which can be very heavy behind” skid steers. The larger gloves that extend just beyond the wrist will • New owner mentoring assistance 30 plus years experience work in shallower situations. • $425,000 plus inventory and almost impossible with variety of these have a rated Brother labeler just a wheelbarrow, so motor- operating capacity of around Knowing the exact volume of a water RETAIL CENTER LEASE/SALE garden is critical when adding various balling gun is used. The roots and rhizomes contact info: [email protected] (815) 275-1865 ized equipment is preferable. 1,000 pounds. treatments. Whether the treatment is for of the plants may be very tight, so using the Getting in tight spots around The Dingo made by Toro is chlorine removal, algae control, a disease dibble first allows easy access for the balling an existing landscape is an one of the first on the market. outbreak or the determination of the fish-to- gun tip to be pushed into the root zone. interesting challenge with most These machines can do a lot of volume ratio, calculating the exact volume Dividing some plants can be difficult pieces of heavy equipment. In work in a short amount of time. is very important. Of course, you can take when the root ball is so compact that even a some situations, the landscape They also can perform tasks in the dimensions of the pond and perform knife will not cut through it. Using a recip- can be torn up rather easily, or tight spots that would other- the calculations for volume, but such rocating saw or Sawzall makes this job so the openings between buildings wise be extremely difficult with calculations are almost always not entirely much easier, creating short work of dividing and other permanent struc- hand tools. They are expensive, accurate. This could be due to the irregular root-bound plants. tures can prevent access with but it is possible to rent one edge present in a lot of ponds, shelves that Making sure that plants are labeled with most motorized equipment and try it out before you spend might have been installed or the amount of the proper names and varieties is vital to be stone that has been added at one time or able to sell the plants and provide informa- another. You can also determine the volume tion about their growth habits. In the past, The Boulder Buddy by timing how long it takes to fill a known- I used a black marker on a white label stuck volume container and then extrapolating into the soil, where it was barely visible. NWG_QP ad.indd 1 10/4/16 12:46 PM Buddy is a combination of choker straps that cradles stone securely. The Boulder that number from how long it takes to fill I soon found that the marker would fade Buddy goes on and comes off easily, as the pond. This is a more accurate method, where the label was exposed, and even under demonstrated in videos that can be found and I have used it many times. However, the soil, it would eventually fade anyway. I on the internet. I’m actually going to order putting a water meter in line with the hose have since started using a Brother labeler a Boulder Buddy for myself! Over the that fills the pond will enhance accuracy with TZe tape. I print out Widest Operating Range years, I have usually used one or two 4-inch and save time. These are inexpensive and the label and apply it choker straps around the boulders, but I am very easy to use. For any installer, this is a to a white plastic looking forward to the apparent simplicity time-saver, and your clients will appreciate label that I stick Highest Overall Efficiency of the Boulder Buddy. knowing the exact volume of their ponds. into the pot’s Make sure that you provide this informa- Mandatory Maintenance Tools tion to them in written form, as it can be Lowest Lifetime Cost easy to forget. ShinMaywa pumps deliver best in class performance for your One of the first pieces of equipment water garden project. Visit www.Shinmaywasales.com and Adding fertilizer to an underwater plant see how. that I recommend for reducing the amount is an interesting challenge for a lot of us. Of of effort to maintain a water garden is a course, the fertilizer tabs have made this job continuous, nonstop pond vacuum. This easier, but, in a lot of situations, the tab will can save a lot of time in removing sedi- fall apart before it can be pushed to the root ment, especially if a pond has a sediment area of the plant. I have discovered that a pit in the bottom after installation. I define balling gun used to administer medica-

Distributed Exclusively By the sediment pit in the bottom of the pond tions to large animals works very well FieldingPump as a 2- to 4-square-foot area that is 6 to 12 at getting the fertilizer tab down inches lower than the rest of the bottom into the root zone of the plant. I www.ShinMaywaSales.com of the pond. The majority of the sediment also use a dibble to create a hole Matala is an example migrates to this area and can be occasionally in the soil before the loaded of continuous, nonstop pond vacuum. 52 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 53 edge. These labels have lasted for at strategic locations in a pond will not are around. I would recommend that a Language of Koi least eight years now without any only improve circulation in potential client have a ScareCrow available at all indication that the print- dead zones, but can also direct sedi- times, just in case an unwanted creature ing will fade. Some labels ment to sediment pits or bottom drains. shows up. may get pulled out for Sediment removal is so much easier if These are tools I have found that whatever reason, so it’s all in one spot. have worked for me and have saved me in these cases, I always There are a lot of land critters that a lot of time and headaches. If anyone make sure to include an can create problems for water gardeners. has suggestions regarding other equip- additional label in the same A piece of equipment that has solved ment that makes water gardening easier, pot that is completely buried many problems for me and my clients is please feel free to contact me. a in the soil, just as insurance. the ScareCrow. It works on the princi- ple of motion detection and then sprays Water gardening has been a passion of Water Gardening water with a sprinkler head in the direc- Jamie Beyer's for more than 50 years, and Made Easy tion of the motion. It deters deer, great he has worked on more than 1,000 ponds. Installing quick couplers blue herons, dogs, cats, raccoons and He owns several very large ponds with in place of unions where similar critters from the surrounding many different kinds of water plants and piping is coupled together is a area. It has a 120-degree arc of motion fish. Jamie has a master’s degree in fish and little more expensive, but well detection, and the sprayed water will wildlife biology and is a Lifetime Master worth the cost. Attempting easily cover the entire detection area. Gardener. He is the founder and former to thread a union together in The instructions say that it will protect president of the Central Iowa Water Garden tight spots can be frustrating. 1,200 square feet. The downside is that Association. The quick coupler makes this you must have a garden hose hooked up Jamie currently owns Midwest job much more enjoyable for to it and charged at all times in order to Waterscapes, a consulting and installa- the client. deter critters. Of course, it would need tion business, where he specializes in water Balling gun Adding underwater jets in to be shut off during times when people gardens, fountains and ponds. Fish Food 101 (and 102!) Visit us at GIE Expo #25021 Navigating nutrition and new legislation

by Joe Pawlak, of the main components of fish food. Aquatic Nutrition Inc. Animal Proteins and ne of the greatest Fishmeal pleasures you and your Proteins and amino acids build customers can have with a muscle and tissue and are absolute Opond is throwing a handful of food musts. Think or the muscle-building

14’ x 14’ Regular into it and watching the fish chase powders found at health stores. Like around, eagerly consuming it. As human beings, each species of fish a pond owner myself, I still enjoy has a specific protein and amino acid sitting and watching this activity, use a least-cost formulator program profile that it requires for optimum sometimes for hours. You might that helps select the cheapest group health and growth.

DEWITT_POND_INSERTS_REGULAR_Outlines.indd 9 12/11/15 6:45 PM DEWITT_POND_INSERTS_DELUXE_OUTLINES.indd 2 12/14/15 1:35 PM not have given much thought of ingredients possible to achieve To date, fishmeal remains a very Pond Netting - ¾ inch opening Deluxe Pond Netting - ¼ inch opening Professional’s Choice Rubber Liners about a fish-food pellet beyond the nutrient profile they need. To important source of nutrients that • Protects fish and water life from predators • Protects fish and water life from predators • Fish friendly • Easy to install this point, but there is more that any person outside the food-making has not been able to be replaced • Keeps leaves and harmful debris out of pond • Keeps leaves and harmful debris out of pond • Extremely durable • Highly flexible goes into making a quality fish facility, it can be difficult to deter- by plant-based materials, such as • Made of durable, UV-treated polypropylene • Made of durable, UV-treated polyethylene • Contours to irregular substrates diet than you might think. mine the specific amounts of any • Allows sunlight, moisture and ventilation • Allows sunlight, moisture and ventilation • Superior resistance to UV & ozone soybeans. They balance the amino • Helps extend the life of the pond • Helps extend the life of the pond • Excellent low temperature properties Fish feed can be made from a wide individual ingredient that might be acid and vitamin deficiencies found variety of ingredients. Some compa- found in a product. The list of ingre- in cereal and grain products. They nies have a specific formula they dients that are used is quite vast. are also typically the most expensive. follow very carefully, while others The following is a basis of some There are many types and grades

Pond_Mag Sept_1-2Horz.indd 1 8/1/16 11:46 AM 54 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 55 of fishmeal. Menhaden meal and anchovy needed for a fish depends on how much Menhaden oil supplies need energy meal rank near the top of the list in quality energy the fish requires. Cold-blooded fish and highly unsatu- ingredients and routinely cost more than $1 do not maintain a body temperature much rated fatty acids. per pound due to increasing demand and above their surroundings, and thus, in cooler the health benefits it offers humans — think water, they require less energy, especially omega-3 fish oil pills. Lesser-quality fishmeal during colder times of the year. is also available, including those made from If too much fat is given to a fish, the fish the leftover portions of carcasses of tilapia or could express disease or illness-related issues. catfish from processing houses. In short, not all fishmeal is derived from the same source Intricate parts of this pelleting operation (above, left) work together at Aquatic Nutrition. Pellets are sized and screened (above, right) before packaging. or have the same quality. Scrutinizing a label Ash is also an under-utilized portion of the pellet, inducing air that makes it float. medications, antibiotics and medicated that lists fishmeal in the first few ingredi- feeds that are considered “medically impor- ents tells you very little. Other ingredi- the feed that comes from a mixed group of Finally, the most important part is that it tant.” This includes most commonly used ents that are generally acceptable include ingredients, including silica or sand grains. adds a “kill step” to the feed. This eliminates compounds. A veterinarian is required to shrimp meal, crab meal, dried milk prod- A simple rule: the lower the ash, the better unwanted organisms and somewhat steril- write a VFD, and compounds can only be ucts and poultry meals. the diet. izes the feed. After the feed is made, it is given for prevention, treatment and control Other less conventional ingredients, such Prized menhaden fairly hot and somewhat wet and must be supplies quality fishmeal as animal protein. of a specifically identified disease. Until this as silkworm pupae, are sometimes utilized How It’s Made immediately cooled and dried. At this point, year, there were medications available in as an animal protein ingredient; however, If a fish gets too little fat, it can get unhealth- it’s ready to be bagged, tagged and shipped. Floating and sinking fish feeds are over-the-counter feeds that were available consistent availability and the possibility of ily skinny. In fish foods, fat is typically applied predominantly made using temperatures to koi shops and their hobbyist customers. spoilage from longer-term storage require after the pellet has been made or is included New Regulations higher than 212 degrees Fahrenheit, produc- This change in the regulation is to prevent the use of higher levels of preservatives or in the mix before extrusion or pelleting. ing steam. The steam acts in three ways. As of Jan. 1, 2017, treating fish with the misuse of antibiotics and the possibil- the reduction of the feed’s shelf life. Species-Specific Diets First, it essentially melts the starches in the antibiotic feeds requires a veterinarian feed ity of the development of resistance to the diet and makes them sticky. Second, it puffs directive, or VFD. It is now illegal to use currently available antibiotics. In most cases, Plant Proteins Just as humans and cows are both Also an important part of fish diets, animals but eat different foods in order to plant proteins add to the protein and fat thrive, the same is true for different species content of fish food. Starches derived from of fish. Koi and goldfish are different from ® Mill pellets are plant proteins also play an important role catfish and trout, and thus, their diets Something extruded out of the machine. in increasing the water stability of the feed should be tailored to their specific needs. New From In many instances, diets produced for AquaMeds pellet. When balanced with animal protein products, a nutritionally complete diet can another species are marked and sold for a We keep your koi healthy and your pond clean and clear be achieved. Common ingredients include species that are not correct, especially in the products made from wheat, soybeans, rice, case of koi and goldfish. Many times this is Dual Extract of Just corn, cottonseed meal and types of yeast. due to the high costs associated with custom Blend™ Barley™ Dechlor™ In some diets using a least-cost formula- diets, or possibly just a company’s ignorance Easy to use ✓ ✓ ✓ tion, the label may only state “plant-protein or disregard for doing what is correct. The Simple dosing ✓ ✓ ✓ products.” This allows the inclusion of any effects may not show in the fish in the short Safe for plants, pets and wildlife ✓ ✓ ✓ combination of plant products without term, but long-term effects include lower Concentrated formula ✓ ✓ ✓ being specific. disease resistance, poor growth, tumors or Proudly made in the USA ✓ ✓ ✓ Other important additives include vita- deformations. mins and minerals. Even though most indi- Instantly removes chlorine and chloramine ✓ vidual ingredients already have vitamins and Fiber and Ash Inhibits algae growth, keeps water clear ✓ minerals in them, some are lost or degraded Fiber comes from the cereal plant Reduces bottom sludge all year long ✓ during the extrusion or pelleting procedure portions of the diet. All cereals contain some due to the heat applied. Additional amounts portion of cellulose fibers. This is a non- may be added to compensate for losses. digestible portion that aids in binding the pellets together and moderating the passage To become an Aqua Meds Dealer Fats and Lipids please contact of food through the gut. It is not desirable For more details on these new Aqua Meds® water conditioners and our Aqua Meds ® Essentially, fat is energy. Lipids contain to have more than 8 percent fiber in a diet, existing line of natural beneﬁ cial pond bacterias and microbes that will help your customers achieve fast growing, healthy koi and pondﬁ sh, plus a clean, www.aquameds.com more energy per unit weight than any other because it would be replacing more desirable clear koi pond, go to www.aquameds.com! Toll-Free: 1-888-864-6919 [email protected] dietary component. The amount of energy nutrients in the diet.

Aqua Meds HPH.indd 1 2/4/17 6:08 PM 56 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 57 the VFD antibiotics would be directed to be to make or distribute medicated feeds. Only treating a fish that is already infected and 1938. It is comprised of new laws that require countries have historically cut corners, feed manufacturers have benefited greatly used over a duration of around 10 days, always then will you be able to purchase the product. severely weakened. animal foods to closely follow many of the possibly to save money and lower costs. from this information, and so will the end under the supervision of a veterinarian. Unfortunately, the time required to obtain An approach that is being developed regulations already in place for human foods. The end result of these actions cost many user. Necessity is the mother of invention, as Under a VFD, you must establish a rela- a VFD and get the necessary antibiotics may in cooperation between Aquatic Nutrition According to the FDA website, it “aims to pet owners their beloved pets and directly they say. In the fish feed world, this is very tionship with a veterinarian specializing in not be short, and condition of the fish could and Blackwater Creek Koi Farms in central ensure the U.S. food supply is safe by shifting led to these costly regulations for pet food true. We as pond keepers need safe, afford- fish.A list of these can be found at www. quickly deteriorate. There is no magic bullet and northwestern Florida includes a group producers. It is estimated that the cost of able, wholesome feeds so we may enjoy our fishvets.org. The qualified veterinarian will that can instantly fix bacterial diseases. An of natural ingredients that help fish heal compliance to the new regulations is at wet pets for many years to come. a evaluate and write a VFD that is specific for ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, quickly from injuries they may incur from least $40,000 per year for each company. the treatment of the diagnosed disease. This as they say. Preventing aggressive bacterial a variety of sources, ranging from para- Companies that wish to produce pet foods paperwork is sent to a feed company registered organisms from taking hold is a lot easier than sites to breeding to other environmental must bear this expense and pass it on to the hazards. This new fish food is currently consumer as an increase in pricing. About the Author being manufactured at Aquatic Nutrition, Joe Pawlak has spent his and the hope is to make it available for The Future of Fish Foods entire life in the fish Tackle tough pond maintenance In my opinion, probably the biggest industry. He met his Nutrition Facts Finished pellets provide bites of optimum nutrition. benefit that the internet has brought us wife Cheryl at the with an “Easy” solution the focus from responding to contamination is the availability of a wealth of informa- World Aquaculture Fish require between 1 and 10 tion at our fingertips. The ability to access Conference. percent of their body weight per day in to preventing it.” Currently he is the feed. The smaller the fish, the higher The oversight of the FSMA includes research, source ingredients and communi- the percentage they eat. the ingredients used, the traceability of cate among professionals has allowed the vice president of Aquatic Nutrition Inc., where fish food 1 ½ to 2 pounds of feed will result each ingredient, manufacturing practices industry to grow and improve rapidly. New in 1 pound of weight gain in koi. A cow and fishing baits are manufactured. and the traceability of finished products. feed ingredients are being tested through- requires 8 to 10 pounds of food per He is also president of Blackwater pound of weight gain — a 400 percent out the world. Substitutions for hard-to-get Fortunately, the majority of pet food Creek Koi Farms Inc., a series of koi difference! companies have already been in compli- ingredients such as high-quality fishmeal are Fish use very little energy for heat and goldfish farms in central and when compared to warm-blooded ance. But unfortunately, some foreign getting much closer to reality. Our fish and northwestern Florida. animals, which burn energy to stay Our family of water treatment products is designed to work together to achieve the natural ecological balance every pond needs to maintain clean warm. clear water. Energy from fish food comes from the fat content. Warm water fosters more Solutions for Every Need active fish, and thus a higher-fat diet. Match the pond’s need to the correct EasyPro water treatment. We’ve created Koi do not have stomachs. As over a dozen treatments for just about every water issue that may arise. omnivores, they have a simpler Leak-Proof Ponds Eliminate the Guesswork digestive track. Food stays in the fish with HERCO Fish Pond Coating Each product has simple dosages and application instructions with initial for approximately four hours at 75 treatment and maintenance doses specified. degrees. Trout have more defined All Natural stomachs, as they are carnivorous. HERCO Coating is Ideal for all Types of Ponds Eco-Friendly items work with nature and avoid harsh chemicals. Protein content listed on a bag Seals and Leak-Proofs Block, Brick and Concrete E Products marked with the Eco-Friendly icon are safe for use around c ly Safe for Fish and for the Environment o-Friend tells you very little. Quality fishmeal pets, fish, plants and wildlife. and corn gluten meal both contain HERCO Coating Promotes Healthy Aquaculture Made in the USA 60 percent protein, but corn gluten Easy to Apply ∙ Fast Curing ∙ Durable ∙ Long-Lasting EasyPro water treatments are proudly manufactured in the USA. meal lacks the nutrient profile that fish Retail Ready require. HERCO H-55 Rubber Coating (Black) $125.00 gal. Full color, retail friendly packaging unites our products as a family brand. Important vitamins in feed include HERCO H-55 Rubber Coating (Grey) $140.00 gal. Solid margins are built-in to our products with the value of a lower potassium and calcium, both which HERCO H-55 Rubber Coating (White) $140.00 gal. “cost-per-treatment” on the entire EasyPro water treatment lineup. degrade at a higher rate than many of HERCO H-55 Rubber Coating (Clear) $140.00 gal. For more information on EasyPro water treatments, visit our website: the other ingredients. HERCO CCFW Crack Filler (White) $ 24.00 ea. easypropondproducts.com/water-treatments Fish feeds should be stored in the HERCO CCFC Crack Filler (Clear) $ 26.00 ea. coldest environments possible with low HERCO TC-700 Cleaner $ 65.00 gal. humidity in order to prevent mold. HERCO PSC Primer $ 69.00 gal. Visit our website to find a distributor near you and request the upcoming pond season. Testing at the 2016 EasyPro catalogs Blackwater Koi Farms has shown a lot of promise, and because it is not an antibiotic and thus lacks restrictions and side effects, HecHt RubbeR Bulk and private label options available, inquiries are welcome coRpoRtation it may be used continuously. Since 1944 The Food Safety Modernization Act easypropondproducts.com • 800-448-3873 (FSMA) represents the first material changes to hit the pet food market since Phone Orders and Tech Advice: 1-800-872-3401 ● Online: www.hechtrubber.com ● Email: [email protected]

58 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 59 Backfilling, compacting and creating the base for the new koi pond

We had to drain away years of neglect for a fresh, new start.

by Mike Gannon, Summit, New Jersey, project The Setup away. It was clear that this already special What could possibly go wrong? project needed to be extra special. Full Service Aquatics inquiries come in from all over Several weeks before the project was to The Sound Check the country. Most of these don’t begin, an on-site consultation took place. I The project was 11 hours away from uilding a pond can be a bit come to fruition, typically due to went to Tennessee to meet with the client, our home base, so it would require us to I went to meet with local rock suppli- like a rock concert. the higher premium when a rock perform an assessment and finalize project live in a hotel, work with new suppliers and ers, bulk water suppliers and equipment Successfully taking a show goes on the road. However, pricing. During this time, I learned that vendors in a different state and cope with rental agencies, while locating all the local showB on the road requires many we recently had the opportunity an unfamiliar market. The success of the big box stores and making some decent hotel the project would serve as a memorial for hometown rehearsals to make to hit the road for a big gig. the client’s recently deceased husband. project would rely on these new and unfa- arrangements for the duration of the project. sure the performance is the way it In July 2016, we received a Converting the swimming pool into a miliar vendors being highly coordinated We found some beautiful Tennessee needs to be. Each member of the one-line email that stated simply, pond and a home for her koi was some- with multiple deliveries of the promised mountain stone about an hour away from POOL “I want to turn my swimming group needs to know his or her thing the client had planned to do with her materials and equipment during 10 days the project site sold by a 70-year-old OF role to make the rock show look pool into a pond.” After some husband for a long time before he passed of absolutely perfect weather conditions. little lady right off her 476-acre property. effortless and wow the audience. back-and-forth emails for more Many things need to happen details, the client revealed that in order to pull off a successful she was located in Tennessee. We rock show. It starts with the setup, gave her some names of local pond followed by the sound check, the contractors, but she was bound ROCK first set, the second set, the encore and determined to work with us and, finally, the breakdown. It also directly after having consumed Taking the transformation requires tight logistics and coor- most of our project videos online, dination with vendors, suppliers including a two-part project video show on the road and even restaurants and hotels. of a swimming pool being reno- When all these parameters have vated into a pond. After a few been worked out, the rock show conversations, it was pretty clear can hit the road. that we were in store for a little At Full Service Aquatics in road trip. New liner is installed (above, left) and the rocking has begun. Beautiful Tennessee mountain stone (above, right) is rinsed, and the pond is ready to fill!

60 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 61 Thankfully, I found a gravel supplier even leaving a clean pool shell to start the next pump housing was installed next to the closer to the job site. Equipment rental was day. Sound check complete! skimmers to draw water from the lower plentiful. Hotel accommodations, big box level of the pond and distribute it through a stores and restaurants were all within mere The First Set network of water jets, circulating the interior minutes of the job site. Delivery dates and Over the next several days, heavy equip- of the pond. From each skimmer, 3-inch, times were set, deposits were made, hotels ment, stone screening, gravel and that beau- flexible PVC pipe ran the exterior length of were booked and the rock show was going tiful Tennessee stone rolled in according to the pond, extending to large biofilters on the to go on — as it always must! schedule. With lots of manpower and the opposite waterfall end of the pond. All the Back in New Jersey, the project lists were help of a skid steer, the team began the trans- connections were secured, and the first set checked twice and equipment and materi- formative process from an abandoned swim- was in the books. als were loaded up, making our trucks look ming pool to a landscape showcase. just a bit like the truck from “The Beverly Stone screening was used to backfill the The Second Set Hillbillies.” Our team hit the road at 5 pool to the desired depths for the pond. As you do, we saved the choicest rock o’clock in the morning for the 11-hour drive Then, the underlayment and liner materials specimens for the second set. The team used to the Volunteer State. Upon arrival at the went in. The rock, stone and gravel followed larger, flatter pieces of stone for the edging job site, the excited client was surprised quickly afterward. We crafted several luxuri- of the pond, creating feeding stations and to see that our team went immediately to ous fish caves and some integrated aquatic places to sit. The eye candy — the waterfall work. There was no time to waste! planting areas. Submersible LED lighting — was built 12 feet off the edge of the pond Before we began, we drained the long- was installed to make for some dazzling with larger Tennessee boulders and steppers abandoned swimming pool. With trash nighttime viewing and a big wow factor. to create a multi-tier, multi-cascade water- WHOLESALE PRICING pumps cranked up, the team set up the Then it was time to install the filter fall display with an overall height of 4 feet. AND SERVICE work site. When it was dusk just a few components. The skimming system was The project was progressing very nicely We support your business with hours later, the pool had been drained, composed of two skimmers that were and according to plan. From morning until very competitive pricing and a dozens of frogs were relocated and several installed in the interior of the pond instead nightfall, the team was totally on our A-game, large variety of equipment from yards of decaying, wet leaves were removed, of connected from the exterior. A submerged producing some pretty awesome results in a multiple brands. Most orders ship the same or next business day. YOU BUILD EDUCATION Our customer service representatives are always happy to help with any technical assistance and are able to TRANQUILITY provide professional advice on products, design & construction. We also offer pond training & certification classes. WE PROVIDE YOU THE With 12,000 gallons of clear water, HUGE INVENTORY this pond is ready for koi. We house over $1,000,000 of inventory from over forty top SUPPLIES TO CREATE IT manufacturers in our warehouse. We handle most warranty issues for you, no need to contact the manufacturer.

WE SHIP EVERYTHING BUT THE WATER

WWW.PONDLINERWHOLESALE.COM (866) 219-3561 15,000 gallons of water in motion create a multi-tier waterfall display. March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 63 swift manner. The client, visi- First, the air pump began, throb- ter each, and when they were cascade dropping into the pond. Healthier Ponds tors, some neighbors and other bing to the surface bubbling and turned on, the pond immedi- Next, the light show kicked contractors working on the prop- popping away. Then we started ately started skimming while the on, and the interior of the pond GreenClean erty made their respective ways to one pump at a time. waterfall display came to life. A glowed. The waterfall sparkled, with the job site to stare in amazement and watery effects of light were at the transformation happening cast onto the surrounding land- For years, homeowners have been see- • Use regardless of temperature, pH, right before their eyes. scape. Our team performed ing amazing results with GreenClean. salinity, and flora and fauna present. Once the pond was one last number and released GreenClean is an EPA registered, • Releases bio-available oxygen (pro- constructed, it was time to the client’s koi into their new non-copper algaecide that outperforms tects against oxygen crashes!) Simply Sustainable. Always Effective. clean the interior of the pond in amazing pond. The pond was the competition. Available in granular • Leaves no residue or “foot-print” – GreenClean products are safe and advance of the arrival of water truly complete now, running (for string algae), liquid (for green water water can be enjoyed uninterrupted. non-toxic. Since our first days in 1995, trucks. After some rinsing, rinsing beautifully. Our client shed tears algae) and tablets (for preventative). • Use for full-volume treatments, BioSafe Systems has been committed and more rinsing into the twilight of happiness and expressed many spot-treatments, shoreline clean up, to manufacturing products that are hours, the pond was ready to be other strong emotions. The The GreenClean Pond Line is extremely or even to clean out skimmer boxes/ sustainable for the environment we all filled. Like clockwork, the local encore had made the impact we versatile and can be used in a wide vari- filters/plumbing. love to enjoy. Every product offered is vendor showed up on time and needed. Now it was time to start ety of water features. GreenClean works • Use with a wide variety of other developed from a commercially-used This swimming pool transformation prepared, letting the water flow. turns a landscape eyesore into a the breakdown, which began through powerful oxidation, breaking products and chemistries. professional product that has been tried And flow it did. It was a perfect landscape showcase. immediately following the last down algae cells while adding oxygen and tested through multiple industries way to end the second set. note of the Encore. into the water. You can literally watch BioSafe Has You Covered All Year including Agriculture, Horticulture and The first pump controlled the trickle became a 15,000-gallon- GreenClean work right before your eyes! Whether you are doing an initial clean- Water Treatment. The Encore submerged water jet system. We per-hour crescendo of water The Breakdown Directions are easily understood and all ing when opening, during season on products are safe for people, pets, fish, any species of algae, or for final clean- As a family-run American business, we It had been a really good checked the output on each jet, flowing, churning and jumping, The rock show was a hit, aquatic and wildlife. ing before closing...GreenClean has you take great pride in both our products show to this point, but now it and all of them ran strong, circu- with multiple cascades drop- but now it was time to hit the covered! Pair our algaecides with our AND our service. We offer our toll- was time to make some memo- lating water inside the pond. ping, twisting and turning into road again. Site cleanup was effi- GreenClean Treatments and Benefits specialized and beneficial aquatic prod- free number on all our packaging. If a ries. The client and our entire The second and third pumps small pooling areas. They came ciently completed, and we loaded • One half-cup or 3.4 fl. oz. can treat a ucts to take full advantage of a holistic customer ever has a question, a live team gathered for the startup. controlled a skimmer and a biofil- together into a thick, single the gear and equipment back dense bloom of algae in a 500-gallon and environmentally-friendly approach representative will answer the phone water feature. to the maintenance of water features. and be happy to assist.

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64 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com 1.888.273.3088 | biosafesystems.com To see full press releases and additional news items, visit onto the trucks — a little less “Beverly was a rock show to be proud of! www.pondtrademag.com/category/trade-news Trade News Hillbillies-like” for the early-morning As the last koi was introduced to its Trade News ride back to New Jersey. new home and swam off into the pond, After 10 days and 1,300 miles of our client quietly let us know that it was The Secrets of travel, with five guys working from exactly four months to the day that her Koi Unveiled! morning until night, the pond looked husband had passed away. It was not Jos Aben’s new amazing. During that time, more than book doesn’t pull by plan, but it certainly seemed like a Announcing the Helix Pond 120 tons of materials were processed, and any punches Contractor of the Year an old swimming pool was transformed most appropriate situation, properly in candidly into an aquatic paradise. The pond acknowledging the real meaning behind revealing the Helix Life Support is came in at 12,000 gallons with a 4-foot the renovation project. New life was secrets to koi. proud to recognize Levy Estrada as the 2016 Helix maximum depth, featuring professional- introduced to the pond as we celebrated The devil’s in New Extended Warranty for APCs the details as Pond Contractor of the grade filter components and lighting. It another life that was lost too soon. a Year! Estrada Landscaping The Atlantic Professional Contractor (APC) he reveals what no creates beautiful waterscapes Program is pleased to announce that it now offers all other breeder wants to tell you, such using artistry, integrity and passion. APCs in good standing an extended one-year warranty as how to see the potential and quality on a small About the Author on all installed Atlantic products. This is yet another koi and how to identify poor-quality koi. great reason for homeowners to hire their local APC Learn how to see skin quality by looking at the Mike Gannon is the owner of Full Service Aquatics for their next water feature project! Contractors who fins and understand how body confirmation can based in Summit, New Jersey. Mike has been a lifelong are interested in becoming an APC should contact be an indicator of future development. He reveals pond enthusiast and fishkeeper. Mike began Full Service their local distributor or APC for more information. details about proper head shape, fukurin and Aquascape Inc. Introduces Backyard Waterfall Landscape Fountain Kit Aquatics after working as a fish dealer and a stint at the the depth and distribution of colors and layers Aquascape Inc. is proud to announce an innovative, new For more info contact: New York Aquarium. FSA has been specializing in pond of the koi’s skin. You’ll also understand why addition to its selection of decorative water feature kits. Shelby Scuderi and water feature design and services since 1995. sumi can appear or disappear. Aben also shares The revolutionary Backyard Waterfall Landscape 330/274-8317 Ext. 22 Mike is host of The Pond Hunter Radio Broadcast found on iTunes. His Pond secrets of how to grow your koi, Fountain Kit makes installation of decorative waterfalls [email protected] Hunter videos can be found on www.youtube.com/thepondhunter, and he is including proper diet, feeding, quicker and easier than other kits on the market. All www.atlanticwatergardens.com the author of the Love Your Pond blog found on fullserviceaquatics.com. temperature and breeding components are included, except for rocks and water. tips. His advice will equip Aquascape’s Backyard Waterfall Landscape you with the best chance of Fountain Kit includes: having beautiful koi. • Waterfall spillway; In the book, you will also • AquaBasin 45; find detailed information • Pre-Cut EPDM liner (5 by 6 feet); on breeding and selection, • Kink-free pipe (1.5 inches; 10 feet); considering the shape, length and placement of • AquaSurge® 2000 Pond Pump; the fins. You’ll also read about the differences • AquaSurge low-suction intake attachment; between male and female koi, including • Installation kit; and growing and eating behaviors, body shapes and • Welcome kit. shiroji quality. The Backyard Waterfall Landscape Fountain Kit is perfect for DIY enthusiasts who It is not a book about how beautiful a koi can desire an easy weekend project, but it can also be used by professional contractors for be. Instead, it’s about how to see and recognize smaller projects. The 3-foot waterfall fits into almost any landscape, making it a versatile quality in all aspects of koi. option for both residential and commercial applications. For more information, contact Shawn Rosen For more information visit www.aquascapeinc.com or call 866/877-6637 (U.S.) or at 516/809-6771, email sales@koimarket. 866/766-3426 (Canada). com or visit www.koimarket.com/product/ jos-abens-the-secrets-of-koi-unravelled/.

New for Spring - Pre-Grown Waterlilies Discount Pond Supplies announces the 2017 release of pre-grown waterlilies presented in a convenient, sales-counter displays. Available in multiple colors, these pre-rooted, winter-hardy waterlilies grow in coco-fiber plugs. They are easy to grow to maturity in ponds or patio containers without the need for water tables or special staff. Each water lily has a shelf life of up to one year. For more information, email [email protected], visit our website at www.discountpond.com or call 800/979-0999.

66 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2017 POND Trade Magazine 67 Trade News Advertisers’ Index MARKETPLACE Advantage Manufacturing,Inc...... 49 30th Annual Koi Show: Koi Club of San Diego Alpine...... 2 Aqua Meds...... 57 Don't miss the largest west- Aquacide...... 69 coast koi show March 4-5 Aquatic Nutrition, Inc...... 71 in Del Mar, California Aquility Systems...... 69 There will be more than 300 koi on display in Atlantic Water Gardens...... 8 competition, from 6 inches Bassinger Fisheries...... 33 to 3 feet long. Described Billy Bland...... 69 as “living jewels,” koi can Biosafe Systems LLC...... 65 live over 100 years. Learn Bioverse...... 46 how to build your own koi Blue Thumb...... 24 pond and waterfall, turning Carlisle Syntec Systems...... 26 your backyard into a tropical Danner Manufacturing, Inc...... 3 paradise. Vendors selling koi Dewitt Company...... 54 art, koi T-shirts, koi fish of all sizes, pond and pump Discount Pond Supplies, Inc...... 43 equipment, koi food, patio furnishings, pond and water garden Diversified Waterscapes, Inc...... 23 design, solar power, water garden plants and free advice for EasyPro Pond Products ...... 36, 37 your koi pond or water garden. Admission is free. The show Premium Pond Leaf Nets EasyPro Pond Products...... 58 wholesale and retail is located in the Activity Center, next to the Spring Home/ Fielding Pump...... 52 Garden Show, Del Mar Fairgrounds. P.O. Box 712 GC Tek...... 66 It's fun for the whole family! Orchard Park, NY 14127 Grow More...... 22 The hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hardscape North America...... 68 on Saturday, March 4 and 9 a.m. 716 662-2785 ph/fax [email protected] Helix...... 34 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 5. Hecht Rubber Corp...... 59 Judging starts at 9 a.m., and the www.pondnets.com Kloubec Koi Farm...... 68 awards banquet will take place at 5 Koi Smart Pond Supply...... 46 p.m. on March 4. KW Solutions, Inc. KW Solutions...... 68 The address of the Activity Center is 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, California. Little Giant...... 72 Mainland Mart Corp...... 22 For more information: Matala...... 42 Dr. Bob Adler [email protected] Microbe-Lift...... 44 www.koiclubofsandiego.org Mt. Parnell Fisheries, Inc...... 69 Natural Water Gardens, Inc...... 52 Netherland Bulb...... 50 Niji-Yama Koi...... 29 Family owned & operated, OASE Living Water...... 28 3 generations of award winning Ozark Fisheries...... 68 excellence in aquaculture Pentair Aquatic Eco Systems, Inc.....40 (319) 846.2077 Polytank, Inc...... 64

w w w . k l o u b e c k o i . c o m Pondliner.com...... 62 Pond Pro 2000...... 48 NO GIMMICKS! Ponds For Peace...... 7 JUST QUALITY Signature Pond (Wholesale Driftwood)..... 7 GOLDFISH & KOI Universal Pond Supply...... 20 1-800-438-4652 • fax (717) 369-5714 The International Water Gardening Society SAVE THE DATE! Check out our selection at www.mtparnell.com Symposium Set for August OCTOBER 18-20, 2017 Extend your national visibility - It’s official — Longwood Gardens will host the IWGS 2017 Annual Symposium advertise in

Aug. 9-11, 2017. The theme will be TMTM "something for everyone, going back to the Don’t miss out on this garden." Start planning now! More details Market Place advertising opportunity. PONDTRADE See our website: are coming soon. www.iwgs.org KENTUCKY EXPOSITION CENTER – LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY FOR MORE INFORMATION WWW.HARDSCAPENA.COM OR CALL 888-580-9960 http://www.pondtrademag.com/advertise-with-us/ Call Lora Lee Gelles 708/873-1921 or [email protected] 68 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2017 69 FINAL THOUGHT...

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