Serving Professionals in the Pond and Water Feature Industry

™

March/April 2014 US $6.95

Bringing Large-Scale Plans to Fruition How to tackle an elephant

Divide and Natural Pond and Lake Ponds by the One Voice for Conquer p.17 Management p.22 Numbers p. 39 the Koi p. 44 ALL-IN-ONE® POND FILTER SYSTEM Newly redesigned, this submersible unit combines mechanical and biological UNO, DUO, TRIO® filtration, efficient Quiet One® Pump, water feature spray devices and 13 watt POND FILTERS & KITS UV Sterilizer for use on demand. Available Submersible pond filters combine mechanical in 3 sizes for small, medium, and large and biological filtration. Available in single, ponds... with unique feature of adding LED STREAM double and triple modules for small, medium filtration capacity if required. and large ponds for use with any make pump. FOUNTAINS Pond Filter Kits include matching Quiet One® Add elegance and fun Pumps and water feature spray devices. Each to your pond or fountain has unique feature of adding additional with a stream of color capacity, upgraded pump and UV Sterilizer. changing LED arc of moving water.

LIFEGARD® PG PUMPS QUIET ONE® PRO High performance, efficient SERIES POND & pumps for ponds, fountains, SUBMERSIBLE FOUNTAIN PUMPS waterfalls, irrigation systems LED POND A size and style for every need... quiet... and water features. Wet & FOUNTAIN reliable... and energy efficient. rotor/wet bearing technology LIGHTS and pre-filter screen for less Energy efficient submersible lights maintenance. with endless array of color choices... either single color or multi-color changing models.

For these and many other proven products…visit our web site at Email: [email protected] www.lifegardaquatics.com under Pond & Water Garden Products 562-404-4129 Fax: 562-404-4159

Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2600 Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2640 ™ POND Trade Magazine Serving Professionals in the Pond and Water Feature Industry Volume 19 Issue 2 March/April 2014

26 Blackbird Gift Sacs There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing your well-maintained pond littered with bird poop. And thanks to the Common Grackle, many Midwestern pond owners experience this nightmare scenario on repeat! If you’re fed up with disgusting “presents” from local blackbirds, check out Jamie Beyer’s explanation (and advice) on pg. 26. 8 32 No Quick Fix Are you thinking about bringing your brick and mortar pond business online? If so, turn to pg. 32, where John Olson dispels some of the common myths and misconceptions about Internet marketing and e-commerce in terms any technophobe will understand. While the road ahead may be time-consuming and expensive, following these tips can help make all the effort worthwhile. 26 36 Basic Beauty LANGUAGE OF KOI For many koi lovers, koi appreciation is about admiring the juxtaposition of colors. When it comes to Hikari Muji, however, all of the beauty is conveyed in just one hue. Check 17 out Taro Kodama’s story to learn about the unique characteristics of this monochrome breed … and how to make simple beauty a part of your pond or koi business. 39 Ponds by the Numbers For better or for worse, the pond industry operates with minimal governing codes and laws. Features But according to Kent Wallace, the health of the industry would be well-served by a few 36 Tackling the Elephant common guidelines … starting with the ones on pg. 40! Cater your next pond installation to 8 COVER - Kent’s numbers and watch your success rate soar. In our last issue, Jason Lenox wrote about a long drive, a rural farmhouse and a customer with enormous ideas. Now, One Voice for the Koi in the second half of a two-part series, the owner of 44 Departments 50 Ponds Inc. describes how he turned a large-scale MaryEllen Malinowski’s mission began with a single koi rescued from a garbage plan into a pond installation that surpassed bin. 1,200 koi later, The Koi Whisperer’s mission is still the same: to give voices to these 6 Letters to the Editor even his own expectations! colorful creatures, enabling them to live healthy and happy lives. In the process, she 6 Upcoming Events has inspired countless people of all ages to join her cause around the world. 50 Trade News 17 Divide and Conquer 53 Marketplace While they may not wine and dine like we 50 The Twitterization of Facebook 53 Advertisers’ Index do, the plants in your pond reproduce with Facebook is one of the most powerful tools in the history of marketing … and it’s evolving. Columns frequency that would make Hugh Hefner With the advent of Facebook hashtags (like #PondTrade), pond businesses now have a blush! Nature’s bountiful procreation greater opportunity to reach and communicate with customers than ever before. Are you 7 Publisher’s Perspective strategy provides big opportunities for leveraging hashtags to their fullest potential? If not, turn to pg. 50 and discover how to 49 The Round Table growers — if they know how to harness it. grow your organization in ways your business professor never imagined. Do you know the differences between division, viviparous parenthood and tissue culture? If not, be sure to read Paula Biles’ story on the romance that is plant propagation. POND Trade Magazine, ISSN 1949-0585 is a trade Orland Park, IL and additional offices. For new subscriptions, additional not constitute a commitment by LG Publishing, Inc. to publish it. publication of LG Publishing, Inc. Material is selected for its interest copies and address changes, please call 708/873-1921 or email Publication of an ad does not constitute an agreement for continued to the koi, water feature and pond industries, and the publishers accept [email protected]. publication. LG Publishing, Inc. will not be liable for failure to publish Natural Pond and Lake Management no responsibility for the accuracy of content. Reproduction an ad as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of an ad. 22 rights by written permission only. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to POND Trade Magazine, In the event of an error or omission in printing or publication of an Even the most experienced koi keeper or water gardener can be PO BOX 2721, Orland Park, IL 60462 ad, LG Publishing, Inc.’s liability shall be limited to an adjustment for intimidated by natural ponds and lakes. But don’t let their size fool you: POND Trade Magazine is published bi-monthly, starting in January, © Lora Lee Gelles, 2014 the cost of the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability they are an oft-untapped profit center with an easier learning curve for $41.70 per year by LG Publishing, Inc., POND Trade Magazine, being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or PO BOX 2721, Orland Park, IL 60462. Qualified applicants may Advertising Policies: LG Publishing, Inc. reserves the right to republication of the correct advertisement. Under no circumstances shall than you might think. Follow Rick Weidman’s advice to turn the subscribe at no cost at www.pondtrademag.com. Postage is paid at refuse to publish any ad. Submission of an ad to LG Publishing does LG Publishing be liable for consequential damages of any kind. natural water bodies in your area into new growth for your business!

4 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 5 Letters to the Editor ™ Pond World Distributing, LLC Peter ... what an excellent piece! This hot topic has been danced around for a while and it's Publisher’s Perspective ▼ refreshing to have a unbiased write up on it. POND Trade Rocks! Staff hile you’d never know it by looking at the thermom- - Benjamin Timmermans, Liquid Landscapes Publisher eter, the calendar tells me that spring is nearly here! If you live in the northern part of the country, it’s time Although one can understand concerns over sickness, either serious or not, Lora Lee Gelles 888/356-9895

▼ W taking precautions and methods to prevent such things (like Liquid Designz [email protected] to dust off your pond-keeping equipment and start making plans does) is what's important here. In my 10-plus years of testing water, I do for the big thaw. If you live in the southern and western states Editor … well, it’s already GO time! Here in Chicago, the temp has believe the public has misconceptions both for the better and the worse. Peter Celauro 630/947-4327 bottomed out in double digits below zero over the last few weeks, Albeit very sad, the story about Aimee Copeland would scare the heck out [email protected] of anyone. Getting Necrotizing fasciitis, as stated, is a rare occurrence. So so I'm itching to get out in my yard and get this party started! does that mean one couldn't get that from their built-in swimming pool? Advertising Sales Despite the lack of action in our I believe articles like this are great and very important. From what I get Lora Lee Gelles 888/356-9895 ponds lately, there’s been no cease in Wholesale to the Trade out of this article, it is a well-done scripture showing that companies [email protected] the action here at POND Trade. I’m • Quality Pond Products • Unbeatable Service like Liquid Designz take pride in recognizing the welfare of the public still wading my way through the flood • Highly Experienced Staff while creating a very unique product. Best to all ... Graphic Design of responses to Peter Celauro’s contro- Superior product lines including: - Keith Bramley, Ocean Environmental Gelles Graphics versial story on swim ponds in our last EasyPro • Alpine Corp. • Pondmaster [email protected] Aqua-One • Mars • Eco-Labs • Little Giant issue (“Pond or Pool?”, Jan/Feb 2014). BioSafe • Aqua Ultraviolet • ShoKoi While we knew that this debate Well-researched and written article. Great job by author. After reading about Ms. See our catalog at PondWorldCO.com

▼ Accounts Receivable Copeland's fate, why anyone would intentionally expose themselves, loved ones or customers was “fierce and divisive,” we had no Call or email for a user name and password Lois Spano idea how fierce the resulting letters to this risk is beyond comprehension. The photo on page 35 showing the NSP water color and [email protected] 970-420-7277 the neighbor's swimming pool's water color was brilliantly selected. Which would you prefer to to the editor would be! You can read 2715 East Mulberry • Fort Collins, CO 80524 swim in? Which do you think is the safest to swim in? Great job on this entire issue of POND Web Editor some of those comments on the facing Fax: 970-224-3664 Email: [email protected] Trade!!! Loved all the articles. Lia Spaulding page. Also, if you’d like to see how that - Dave Jones, The Pond Professional [email protected] debate continues to unfold, check out Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2670 s #2668 the lively “Natural Swimming Pools” Sept. 17, 2013 • Pond World • Pond Trade Magazine 1/4 vertical (3.625” x 4.875”) Well-written article and the story is also well-described. Webmaster discussion on the LinkedIn group ▼ Dustin Graham called “Water Features Forum.” - Henry Jordan, Duckweed Control WILL TOMORROW COME? [email protected] For those who are looking for another spicy debate to dive into, be sure to head over to page Not surprising when I read this piece, I was dismayed by the grotesque implications, Printer ▼ 39. Kent Wallace has assembled a list of guidelines for the indus- particularly those that my firm, Liquid Designz, is somehow unconcerned with safety. The lead Sutherland Companies try that are sure to raise a few eyebrows! It is our goal here at paragraph mocks our language about the beauty and imagination encompassed in a beautiful Montezuma, Iowa POND Trade to foster discussion and get people thinking, so installation as though at the expense of bather safety. Really? once you’ve read Kent’s article, jump over to our Facebook page That, my friends, is a cynical straw-man premise of the most misleading and intellectuallybereft Cont. on page 56 For your and tell us what you think! Speaking of spicy topics, Paula Biles is sure to set the mood Upcoming Events Free Subscription with her informative piece on the romance of plant propagation. see our I bet you never realized how much reproduction was happen- March 1 - 2 August 21 - 23 27th Annual Koi Show PONDEMONIUM 2014 website www.pondtrademag.com ing in your pond! For the construction junkies out there, Jason Koi Club of San Diego St. Charles, Illinois or call 888/356-9895 Lenox is back with the final installment of his series about an Del Mar Fairgrounds Activity Center 866/877-6637 enormous project in rural Illinois (pg. 8). And naturalists will San Diego, California www.aquascapeinc.com want to read “Blackbird Gift Sacs” (pg. 26) to learn more than www.koiclubofsandiego.org October 22 - 24 Contact info they ever wanted to know about bird poop. More than 1,500,000 children die every year March 17 - 18 GIE+EXPO 2014 Business owners will find plenty of great tips in this issue as from a simple lack of clean, safe drinking water! Aquascape’s CHICAGOMONIUM Kentucky Exposition Center POND Trade Mag­­­azine well. Rick Weidman’s piece on natural pond and lake manage- That’s nearly 5,000 deaths per day… Chicago, Illinois Louisville, Kentucky P.O. Box 2721 ment (pg. 22) might inspire you to expand your services and one child every 16 seconds. 866/877-6637 800/558-8767 Orland Park, IL 60462 expertise, and “The Twitterization of Facebook” (pg. 50) could www.aquascapeinc.com [email protected] 888/356-9895 • FAX 760/418-4606 We have the ability to stop this! Will you join us? www.gie-expo.com [email protected] propel your online presence into the stratosphere — for free! May 6 - 8 In the meantime, I’ll be packing my bags for the 2014 Water National Hardware Show Are you attending an event that you think others Garden Expo in Shawnee, Okla. on Feb. 27-28. It’s shaping up Las Vegas Convention Center should know about? Are you hosting an event and Las Vegas, Nevada want more people to come? www.pondtrademag.com to be one heck of a show. If you do decide to come, be sure to www.nationalhardwareshow.com Send them to [email protected]. stop by my booth and say, “Hi!” Visit www.PondsForPeace.org and do something inspirational! Happy PONDering!

6 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 7 A gorgeous, waterfront country home, reflected in the water of its new pond installation in Galena, Ill. Pond Construction Tackling the Elephant Bringing large-scale plans to fruition

by Jason Lenox, Over in the valley on the north- have another cliff area that could be Ponds Inc. of Illinois west point of the triangle, we would planted and would give the beach create a simulated, spring-fed area a secluded feel. atching the beautiful stream that would have an area the Illinois countryside go family could cross with all-terrain No Small Plans by, I was thankful for vehicles or carts. Across the pond, Planning this pond was not the Wthe three-hour drive back home. on the pole building side, we would same as it would be for a much My visit to a large farm in Galena, have large, dramatic waterfalls that smaller creation, and it wasn’t like Ill. had been a successful one; the could easily be viewed from both you could get the can of spray paint owner was hoping to turn his beau- houses and the beach, which would out to lay out the lines! I did the tiful property into an even more beautiful water feature of immense proportions. Having just taken a tour around the premises, I knew our team at PART TWO: Ponds Inc. Tackling the Elephant could create This is part two of a two- it! But first, I part article. Be sure to check needed these the January/February issue hours of of POND Trade to read solitude to part one and learn how this design and project began! plan ideas, putting them on my voice recorder to be retrieved later when I was in the office. Massive boulders give this recreational pond a natural, quarry-like appearance. The Design The completed design would be fed by a large wetlands bog filter, next best thing, though — I built have a large platform area a short 70 feet by 50 feet in size. Additional a scale, 3D model of the pond after walk away from the new home’s cliff-like ledges would also be on the designing it, complete with shelves. patio. This platform would also pole building side of the pond. The reason for this was to make a fantastic cliff face and The overflow would be on the calculate the liner size. Liners of double as an area to jump into the southeast side of the pond, which this size can be extremely costly, pond. Natural ledges would form seemed to have the majority of so every dollar saved is a benefit. a staircase down to the beach area, the natural wind flow. This, along Normally when figuring out your located on the southwest point of with the jets, waterfalls and stream, liner, you are working with rectan- the triangle. Jetting would be incor- would help move debris toward the gular shapes. A rectangular shape porated all throughout the beach overflow area, where it would be for this pond would have been over and all along the new home’s side easier to remove. 100,000 square feet! Too big and of the pond to increase water flow. The road side of the pond would too expensive, it would have also

8 POND Trade Magazine Photos by Kelly Casey March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 9 I said with a sigh. “I’m sure that some- show up to teach me a lesson again on anywhere near the new home side of the body wanted to teach these Chicago this one! pond, and that they needed us to keep boys a thing or two for invad- the road open for their all- ing their territory!” It must The view from inside the terrain forklift to transfer have been one tough excava- home, overlooking the timber from the pole large, one-acre pond. tion on that hillside for the building to the house site. new home’s foundation with This is where they had a that much rock. On a positive saw mill set up. We only note, the dirt was compacted had a small staging area to nicely to a six-foot depth and work with, located about the ledge ring was complete. 2,000 feet from the pond Another major concern on the hill just beyond was that a 13-inch rainfall had the pole building. Still, occurred in a very short time the bigger problem was the week before we started. getting the stones there. Everyone was an expert The quarry was approxi- with a disaster tale about what mately 10 miles away would happen to our liner- through winding hills — based pond in the hills of and located in another Galena … always a comforting state! All this and done in way to start any project of this magni- Hauling Rock 30 days? No worries: the fellas at Ponds tude! Needless to say, it can create a bit Another challenge to overcome was Inc. are problem solvers! of self-doubt here and there. Mother getting stone to our work site and decid- Luckily, we were able to solicit the Nature is one tough cookie, and she ing where to stage it for selection once use of a driver and use a large, off-road, has dealt me an uppercut or two during it was there. We were informed by the heavy hauling dump truck for use on the construction. I sure hoped she wouldn’t builder that we could not place any rock road. I’m not sure how this was allowed,

Crystal clear water pours through the mouth of the stream (left), overlooking the pond and sunbathing platform. The view from the top of the waterfalls (top) invites you to jump in. Massive boulders (above) split the 50,000 gph waterfalls fed by the wetlands bog filtration system. required seaming. cut to scale, I worked it around the obstacles that were thrust upon us when Instead, I figured on using a 36 mil, shelves of my model, repeatedly check- we showed up! There always seem to be a triple-reinforced polypropylene liner, ing for excesses. It seemed to be fine and few of those on any large project, and this which is thinner than the 60 mil but I knew I could cut considerable cost by was no exception. much stronger, according to the manu- ordering it cut in a large, triangular shape. The difference between this project’s facturer. A single piece was available up I continued to calculate rock quan- obstacles and those of any other project to 50,000 square feet. The manufacturer tities and system components. The are that little ponds have little problems, had never made a triangular piece before final proposal was completed and after and — you guessed it — big ponds … especially one that large! This is not meeting once again with the client, the have big problems! Unfortunately, this where I wanted to be a pioneer, but I project was approved to be completed in problem was bigger than most. knew that as long as I had a scale model, 30 working days! Galena, here we come! A massive pile of bedrock outcrop- that liner should work, right? Of course! pings had been piled at the mouth of the (I knew this because MythBusters, that The Big Day valley on the northwest point of the trian- great television series on TLC, uses scale When we arrived at the farm, the gle. This pile was approximately 400-plus models for their experiments all the time! 80,000-pound excavator and 40,000- tons of varying sizes — outcropping If it works for those fellas, then why pound loader were already there waiting chunks between 500 and 3,000 pounds, shouldn’t it work for me?) for us, poised to tackle the elephant! So all tangled together like giant rip rap. Using a thin piece of triangular cloth were we … except for a few unexpected “This isn’t going to be easy to move,”

Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2672 10 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 11 but the local powers of the area granted breaking lifting straps, refueling and mind is what lead us to completing this its use on the road! The truck engulfed extremely tight working conditions with job in 35 working days, in spite of large the entire roadway and its shoulders and big machines ... but they go with the jobs obstacles. This project has over 2,000 was used to haul approxi- tons of stone installed and mately 1,400 tons of large, a flow rate of approximately shot-blasted quarry stones. 110,000 gallons per hour! The stones ranged from an There are three 30,000 average 5,000 to 10,000 gallon-per-hour Grindex pounds up to 20,000 pounds Pumps installed in Aquascape or more! These were some pump vaults, which have the serious sized stones … in Snorkel/Centipede units fact, we ran the quarry out and extensions. These vaults of stone twice between blasts! are located in key locations We continued on with and are set at depths of six excavation and layout and to eight feet to maximize kept as many stones as possi- constant water flow. Three ble in the staging area while Aquascape Pondless Vaults they were able to haul. We house three Aquascape PRO also had continuous trucking A beautiful view of the Galena countryside, with the pond-side silo proudly 10,000 gallon-per-hour of gravel and washed river standing tall and displaying its farming heritage. pumps used for the elabo- rock from the Mississippi rate jetting systems. Several River trucked to the feeding platform that we know and love. Passion fuels the Aquascape Centipede Modules and two around the silo. This feeding area had desire to get the impossible achieved! Snorkels were used in the 70-foot by a great concrete pad for the gravel to 50-foot wetlands bog filtration system. Introducing be staged. There are many other chal- The End Result 30 Aquascape six-watt LED lights and lenges we could talk about, like mud, Careful planning with the end in 30 more three-watt LED lights were AquaMax ECO Premium With up to 40% energy savings and a 5-year warranty, it quite literally pays for itself.*

Learn more about AquaMax ECO Premium and OASE’s other pond innovations at the Water Garden Expo 2014, or visit us at oase-usa.com

Dealer and Contractor inquiries welcome.

OASE is a Platinum Sponsor of the Water Garden Expo 2014.

*Energy and electricity savings for similar performance and applications when compared to conventional asynchronous motor technologies, based on $0.12/kWh; 3-year base warranty with a free 2-year exten- sion upon online product registration.

OASE – PASSiOnAtE AbOut wAtEr For more information and to buy online www.oase-usa.com Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2602 Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2656 March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 13 2014 PRODUCT CATALOG installed to give the pond dramatic night- to have big problems. Big problems can be a major role in all our ponds. We always time visual effects. None of the lights face very costly and dangerous. look at drainage runoff and how it will NOW AVAILABLE the home, giving it a resort-like feel. Ponds Inc. has been building ponds affect the pond and its ecosystem. For CALL, FAX, OR EMAIL FOR YOUR COPY We also performed enhanced custom for many years following the Aquascape this large project in Galena, we had the features, such as pump lines that all design method, which has resulted in ponds local excavator cut channels along the pitch downward and self-drain to a with clear water and happy clientele. So top of the hills where the farm fields were large, concrete underground vault for when it came time to design and build located. This was done to divert the flow ease of winter preparation. Two large this large pond based on the client’s of runoff rainwater from rapidly entering the pond through the ravine during a Natural logs create beautiful downpour, channeling it instead to flow waterfalls in this stream. down the hillsides away from the pond. We also installed a series of rock dams in the ravine to slow the rainwater down and to help filter out contaminants. This is important even for your small ponds. Always be concerned about what flows into your pond.

The Finished Product The client was extremely pleased with how this project turned out. His family and guests totally enjoy the pond and enjoy coming to the farm! The mission was established with our client in the begin- ning and we met his primary objectives with an end in mind, using methods that PUMPS we knew worked. Mission accomplished! THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR No matter the size of the project, never underestimate a client’s ambi- EVERY WATER FEATURE tions and always be positive about the outcome. Approach each project that stones, each 10 feet long, were used for primary objectives, we knew that if we way, and you’ll end up with BIG results stairs leading down into the beach area. wanted clear water and a trusted method every time! a FOUNTAIN PUMPS One of these stones had a five-foot-long, that works, we’d better build it the best raised, cone-like fossil, and the other was way we knew worked. • Large, Sturdy, & Removable Pre-Filters MAG DRIVE PUMPS the reverse of the same fossil — a very This pond was designed and built the prehistoric custom effect that was made same way we build a small backyard water • Integrated Flow Controls • Higher Heads and Lower Wattages millions of years ago, right in the area! feature. We dug multiple shelves, installed About the Greater versatility and efficiency Specialized electrical planning was also drainage and underlayment, placed rocks • Versatile Base Plates Author done, along with too many other conve- and gravel over a liner and installed a • Volutes, Impellers and Shafts • Small Diameter Power Plugs niences to list. stream and a wetlands bog filter. This Jason Lenox All replaceable without tools system produces crystal clear water and his brother • Energy Efficient Planning and Experience • Reinforced Threaded Pre-Filter gardens, and this large, one-acre water Tony Lenox Should big ponds be built the same garden is not any different. Indeed, it’s are owners of • 1-year Warranty Less clogging and no collapsing as small ponds? The answer is “yes” … had crystal clear water for over two years. Ponds Inc. of • These Mags are Built to Last! if you follow a well-designed system! Of This system was perfected by the Illinois in Gilberts, All sizes carry a 5-year warranty course, the answer is “no” if careful plan- Aquascape team, and Ponds Inc. of Ill. The company has been serving the ning isn’t a part of your system and if the Illinois has installed some of their largest Chicagoland area for 23 years and has • Fully Rotatable Volute built some of the state’s largest water ability to overcome large obstacles isn’t systems and landscapes for them. We Configures easily to tight spaces features. They specialize in ponds of all on your resume. Experience plays a major knew that their system has worked for types and sizes and are leaders of their role in your ability to complete projects them and has proven to work for us. This industry in water gardens and koi ponds. like these in spite of weather conditions was how we easily ruled out the option Ponds Inc. of Illinois is available for and other challenges. Theimportant thing for a pond without a liner, even on a consulting, design and installation locally to remember is that little ponds tend to large scale. and anywhere a project takes them. Phone: 1.877.80PONDS Fax: 330.274.8790 [email protected] www.atlanticwatergardens.com have little problems and big ponds tend Sustainability planning now also plays Visit them at: www.ponds-inc.com

Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2604 March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 15 Plant Division Dividing plants is easy and doesn’t require special tools. A serrated bread knife works great for small and medium specimens.

WHOLESALEWHOLESALE WHOLESALEWHOLESALE

Divide and Conquer 3 REASONS TO CHOOSE PONDLINER WHOLESALE The unique romance of plant propagation 3 R LE EASONS TO CHOOSE PONDLINER WHOLESA by Paula Biles, WHOLESALE PRICING AND SERVICE TAKE ADVANTAGE About the Lotus WHOLESALE WHOLESALEWe support your business PRICING with very AND competitive SERVICE pricing and TAKE ADVANTAGE irds do it ... bees do it ... koi definitely do it ...

OF OUR aWe large support variety your of businessequipment with from very multiple competitive brands. pricing Most and PRICINGWHOLESALE and so do plants. In fact, aquatic plants orders ship the same or next business day. AND WATER GARDEN reproduce very freely, although much more 1 OF OUR

a large variety of equipment from multiple brands. Most PRICING discreetlyB than koi. The big difference with aquatics EXPERTISE!AND 1 orders ship the same or next business day. WATER GARDEN is that they use multiple reproduction methods ... EDUCATION EXPERTISE! and sometimes the same plant uses several at once! EDUCATIONOur customer service representatives are always happy to Nature’s bountiful procreation strategy provides help with any technical assistance and are able to provide obvious opportunities for growers. However, it can Our customer service representatives are always happy to also be profitable for other water garden and pond 2 professional advice on products, design & construction. We businesses. Because aquatics have never-ending help with any technical assistance and are able to provide 2 offerprofessional pond training advice & on certification products, designclasses & soconstruction. you can be Wea reproduction cycles, there is an ongoing need both step ahead of your competition. for midwives to help with the process and for using offer pond training & certification classes so you can be a the added plants. This basic introduction to aquatic step ahead of your competition. plant propagation will help you determine ways to HUGE INVENTORY expand your services and meet this ongoing need. We house over $1,000,000 of inventory from over 2013Contractor Catalog HUGE INVENTORY WHOLESALE Down and Dirty: The Basic, Most fortyWe house top manufacturers over $1,000,000 in our of warehouse.inventory from We over handle Contractor2014 Catalog Popular Method 2013Contractor Catalog 3 WHOLESALE most warranty issues for you, no need to contact the Ask about our 2014 catalog forty top manufacturers in our warehouse. We handle Contractor2014 Catalog Water gardeners often use division, which is the 3 manufacturer. simplest and most common technique for propagat- most warranty issues for you, no need to contact the Ask about our 2014 catalog There are many kinds of aquatic plants. The majority can ing plants. It also happens to be the easiest, quickest be propagated by root division, which quickly results in (866)manufacturer. 219-3561 • www.pondlinerwholesale.com and most reliable way to get more full-sized plants mature plants. (866) 219-3561Request info •at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard www.pondlinerwholesale.com r #2664 March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 17 just like the parent. Division is not diffi- repotting waterlilies. Lily pads wilt and cult, although it’s messy and definitely die very quickly when out of the water. gets dirt under your fingernails. (Neat Always keep any offshoots or cuttings folks use rubber gloves ... extra long moist until they can be planted. are best.) Of course, if your koi have The time of year that’s best for any spawned, you already know the meaning type of plant propagation depends upon of messy. location, with spring being the most There are numerous factors that influ- popular in both warm and cool climates. ence how long to wait before a plant will The new plants created then have a full need dividing: length of growing season, season to develop. Because the air and plant variety, container size, soil, fertil- water temperatures are more comfortable izing schedule, amount of sun and pest in late summer or fall, water gardeners damage. Besides making more plants, Overgrown plants are usually stressed and sometimes divide overgrown plants then, there is another benefit: dividing over- therefore are more susceptible to nutrient after the aquatics have gotten to full size grown specimens can be good for them. deficiencies and pest attacks. or outgrown their pots. This must be The overgrowth becomes stunted or done with enough time for the plants to plants to sell later. It is also a popular stressed and is more likely to be attacked recover before winter arrives. topic for seminar schedules.) by pests. These plants are also untidy and When dividing an overgrown potted have fewer blooms. plant, such as iris or papyrus, take it out Up to Your Elbows in Plants: In northern areas, a plant may need of the pot and hose away all the soil. dividing every other year. In warmer Making the Job Easier With the roots exposed, it becomes easier climates with longer growing seasons, Some procedures will make and safer to cut or pull apart the mass of annual division may be necessary. (Some propagating aquatics quicker and less roots. Trim away the older growth and businesses offer this service to busy pond stressful for both you and the plant. Most keep only the newer sections for repot- owners who don’t want the hassle. It importantly, work in the shade when- ting. In cases of extreme overgrowth, it provides added income and generates extra ever possible, especially when dividing or may be necessary to use a sharp shovel or a

When a plant becomes overgrown it diverts energy to stay alive. All these baby lilies prevent the mother plant from blooming.

chainsaw to cut through stubborn clumps. Let Me Count the Ways: When repotting the separated plants, The Methods of Plant place them in the pot based on their Reproduction growth preference. For horizontally rooted plants (iris or hardy waterlilies) Unlike koi, plants have more than put the older section toward the contain- one way to produce offspring. In fact, it er’s outside edge. For vertical-growing is common for aquatics to use multiple plants (tropical lilies, for instance) place reproduction techniques. Certain tropi- Aquatics grow in restrictive environments and cal waterlilies are excellent examples. need our help to thrive. Without it, they try to the round tuber in the middle. Planting escape from confinement to search for food. this way allows maximum room for new They produce seeds from the flower, growth and extends the time before offshoots from the tuber-like root and repotting will be necessary. new little plants from the leaves. Extra plants should never, ever be We’ve already covered the popular discarded into the wild. For some invasive and common division propagation aquatic plants it might even be illegal. method. However, there are times when The potential for damage to local ecosys- other techniques may also be suitable for tems is extremely high. If you can’t keep your business. the excess for resale or to exchange with ■ Division of rootstock: For a colleague, add them to your compost convenience, this is the recommended pile. As a related note, you should always method of aquatic plant propagation. be up to date with aquatic plant variet- Frequently used for marginals and water- ies that are prohibited by federal and lilies, the root masses are separated by pulling or cutting. This type of reproduc- Irises are strong horizontal growers and able state regulations. (For a printable list, to jump pots when more space is needed. visit http://www.pondtrademag.com/ tion guarantees a second plant just like They can survive indefinitely without soil. resources.) the parent, plus quick development of Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2650 18 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 19 One overgrown tropical lily produced all these offshoots (left). They can be potted to grow up looking exactly like the mother plant. Tropical wa- terlilies grow from round tubers (middle), which develop small side tubers. Those can be separated and potted. Hardy waterlilies (right) grow from horizontal rhizomes. The small offshoots can be cut off and potted. They’ll mature rapidly.

specialized companies. Only a limited number of aquatics can be propagated this To make dividing roots easier, (above, left) empty the overgrown plant (like this lotus) way. However, if significant quantities are About the Author and wash away the soil. Some tropical waterlilies (above, right) are viviparous. The new required, tissue culture is a profitable way plantlets they produce on their pads can be quickly grown to full size. to produce completely uniform plants. Paula Biles was The “Dwarf Giant” papyrus is a successful diagnosed at an early the offspring to maturity. There are a limited number of plants example. Research continues to find other age with CPO (chronic ■ plant obsession) and Seed: Although not all that will grow from cuttings, includ- aquatics suitable for this technique. aquatics produce seeds, this method ing some submerged aquatics. (Many after graduate school the condition became can be the easiest and cheapest way to invasives spread this way.) Multiply and Be Profitable obtain a large quantity of new plants. ■ Runners: There are aquatic severe. The constant compulsion to have Unfortunately, seed propagation can plants that send out runners with Propagating plants is not rocket growing leaves and muddy hands led to an take the longest to produce full-sized lots of new little plants, which send science. It is learning how to understand and utilize the plants’ natural growing obvious treatment – water gardening. plants. Another factor is that like other out runners with lots of new little Paula belongs to the Garden Writers sexual reproduction methods, the plants, and ... you get the idea. Water cycles. In our field, this is especially impor- tant because aquatics grow in restrictive Association and has been a regular columnist for offspring may not look like the parents. hyacinth is a well-known example that numerous hobbyist and trade publications, includ- environments and need human assistance ■ Offshoots from tubers and can overtake a body of water (small or ing Ponds & Gardens, Nursery Retailer and rhizomes: Waterlilies and some large) if not killed by cold. to adapt and to look good. Thus, mastery Garden Center. Her articles and photographs Seeds can be used to propagate some aquatics. It’s marginals can be propagated by ■ Viviparous: This unusual of basic propagation techniques can help have appeared countless times in water garden an inexpensive way to produce lots of plants, but When plants have plenty of room you maximize both the aquatic plants’ much slower than division. cutting or breaking off the new eyes or method of plant parenthood is used by and enough nutrients, they thrive magazines, newspapers, books and online. side shoots from the parent rootstock. certain tropical waterlilies. New plants and look wonderful. appearance and your opportunities for Paula is married and lives in Bradenton, a Plant new divisions according to This occurs with both tubers of tropi- grow from the lily pads, piggyback- profit from that knowledge. Florida. how they grow. Horizontal aquatics cal lilies and rhizomes of hardy lilies style. They can be potted and quickly should be placed at the pot’s edge to give them room to grow. or marginals. The little buds are then develop into full-sized lilies. Although potted and will develop into a full-sized rare, a few hardy lilies produce new plant, usually within a growing season. plantlets from the flowers. Some ■ Cuttings: Some fleshy aquatics papyrus varieties are viviparous and can be propagated by stem cuttings, produce offspring from the mop-like just like terrestrial plants. It is an top of each stalk. easy way (neater than division) to get ■ Tissue culture: Also called more plants exactly like the parents. cloning, this is done by a few

The Joy of Sex: Who Does it More, Plants or Koi?

Well, that all depends... ■ Koi usually breed once in the spring. Plants do it throughout the growing season. ■ With koi there’s a lot of movin’ and shakin’ going on. Plant sex is gentle and low key. ■ Koi must have a male and a female. Plants can produce offspring from a single parent. ■ Koi always follow the same routine. Plants do it many different ways. ■ Unlike a koi, an aquatic plant can be divided into multiple parts that grow and thrive.

Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2658 20 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 21 With the right tools, time and time Pond Management again our customers’ fears have quickly turned into confidence and resulted in terrific sales on a category that, in the past, was feared and ignored. That’s it. It’s so simple.

Not Much Business to be Had? When questioned about the poten- tial of this category, I usually start with the statement that there are over 8 million natural ponds in the U.S. Natural Pond alone, and the goal of each of those ponds is to eventually become a grass- land or prairie. and Lake Management Or so it would seem. Most plants and algae growing in these bodies of water are considered invasive species and need consistent treatment so as to Stop turning this business away! not take over the entire body of water. I often hear, “Yeah, but how many ponds are in our market?” That’s when by Rick Weidman, ing water: understanding subsurface, or I hop on to Google Earth or Google Vice President of Business Fear of the Unknown bottom, aeration and how it can benefit Maps and use satellite imagery to pull Development, Airmax About five years ago, after spending any body of water. This isn’t complicated up images of ponds, usually locating about 15 years selling water garden prod- machinery; typically it’s easy to install and dozens of ponds in a matter of minutes. ere’s a good question to ask ucts, I changed my focus to natural ponds operate and highly effective at improving Granted, there are parts of the U.S. Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2644 s #2666 yourself: Am I capturing all I and lakes. Prepared to tackle learning and maintaining water quality. Sure, there that have more ponds than other parts, can in natural pond and lake something new but hoping I could tap are technical aspects that can be learned but there’s water everywhere. There Hmanagement sales … and profits? Based into my 15-year water garden education, are recreational rural ponds, decorative over time, but with a manufacturer’s Fix Your Pond Leak Right the I was amazed at how different the learn- on what I’ve seen over the past five years, support and training, it’s really not that ponds, retention ponds, fire suppres- ing curve was for this new arena I was sion ponds, golf course ponds, fish the answer is likely a resounding “No!” entering. There’s a lot less to learn and difficult to understand and learn. BEFORE When I ask this question Second, there’s the ponds … and all of them need to be FIRST TIME of contractors and retailers, treatment side of water managed. Once you find ample water most say that they feel they management, typically a in your market and decide to carry the have a strong grasp on water combination of chemicals category, the challenge is getting the 100% gardening and water feature and/or natural treatments. word out that you now have solutions Liquid EPDM Rubber sales and construction, While all states require for ponds and lakes. If you’re a retailer, AFTER having done it for many licensing to professionally it helps to have at least one manufac- turer-supported consumer seminar. GUARANTEED years — and that they enjoy apply chemicals in natural NOT TO CRACK, PEEL OR FLAKE the status of being “experts” ponds, most states allow These can typically bring 10 to 30 • 5 Year unconditional warranty in their markets. So, what’s consumers to treat their own people to your store looking for solu- tions to their messed-up water! These • Unique curing process results in a chemical bond stopping them from becom- ponds with approved chemi- • One coat application ing experts in natural pond cals. Manufacturer-provided people are usually hungry for answers and solutions after years of dealing • A true do-it-yourself product and lake management as POP assistance has helped • Waterproofs immediately upon application well? I’ve come to realize retailers and their customers with the fruits of mismanaged ponds. • Safe for fish and plant life that for some, it’s the fear find the right solutions to remember about providing pond and lake Profitability of the unknown; others say they are just solutions. I found you can become knowl- their aquatic weed issues without having Scan the QR Code to too busy to learn or lack available shelf edgeable quite quickly. to learn too much. With the increased Let’s talk profitability. This is defi- ORDER NOW! space or available inventory dollars; many “So why are so many business owners emphasis on “green” solutions, natural nitely where the fun begins. Contractors others say they just didn’t think there was unwilling to explore or tackle this pretty treatments have become extremely popular begin salivating when I tell them that ® much business to be had “selling pond cool pond category?” I asked myself. with contractors and consumers alike. they can install a double diffuser system Pond Pro 2000 dye.” Well, I can tell you this; it’s a lot “What’s to learn or fear?” They’re easy to use and provide outstand- in a pond using about four or five man- 855-788-5836 more than just selling pond dye. First, there’s the mechanics of manag- ing results in fixing fouled-up water. hours and achieve gross profit margins pondpro2000.com

22 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 23 of approximately 40 percent, or about $1,200 you against Internet price erosion. … and that’s on the first installation, with no prior experience. You can only get better, and Snapshot of Opportunity more profitable, from there. There’s so much to cover and so little space It’s important for contractors or installers to to do it in, but I hope that this brief snapshot of find systems that are designed for easy instal- opportunity will help stimulate or inspire you lation, which are usually units that are mostly to look further into this avenue of revenue. a pre-assembled and require little, if any, digging to install. Also, the focus should be on installing complete systems, not individual components. System, not individual component, installations About the Author usually result in higher margins, better perfor- Rick Weidman is vice president mance and much higher customer satisfaction, of business develop- which can lead to the word-of-mouth advertis- ment at Airmax Inc., a ing we all covet. manufacturer of pond Retailers, on the other hand, have an and lake aeration and opportunity to expand their product offerings natural treatments. After with high-ticket and high-margin consum- 20 years in retail, he able products, as well as even higher-ticket began a second career in water garden sales in aeration systems. The best part of selling aera- 1993 and has given several talks over the tion systems is that they can usually be sold years on ways to grow sales and succeed as a special order, meaning retailers don’t in the business of water features, ponds have to stock these high-ticket items in their and lakes. He still spends a good portion stores. It’s also best to look for items that are of his time training and educating consum- protected by a well-managed MAP (manufac- ers, contractors and retailers on solid water turer’s advertised price) program, insulating management practices.

Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2654 March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 25 Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2608 migration, but during the the number of nests in the Pond Invaders nesting season they are terri- area by the number of “spots” torial and spread out. There where the fecal sacs are depos- can be as many as a half dozen ited. As mentioned, each bird nests in a couple of acres. The will fly to the same spot for You can easily determine the number of nests in the area by the number of “spots” where the fecal sacs are deposited.

more evergreens there are in every fecal sac trip. Once this your neighborhood, the more behavior is recognized, you Grackle fecal sac deposit areas can predict that a Grackle you will have. I have seen up will show up regularly at its to seven deposit areas around deposit area. It is relatively the perimeter of a pond, with easy to get photos due to this yet another set of parent birds type of consistent behavior. flying over the pond dropping When the young get older the fecal sacs in the water. and about ready to fledge, the Blackbird You can easily determine parent birds make a fecal sac These areas next to a water garden are the spots where a couple dif- ferent pairs of grackles deposit their fecal sacs. This amount of poop is deposited every day. It is recommended to wash off these areas on Gift Sacs a regular basis to maintain the beauty of the water garden. The airmail no pond keeper wants

by Jamie Beyer, of the Midwest. These birds and I Young defecating in fecal sacs is Midwest Waterscapes simply cannot get along when it common in other species of birds comes to water gardens. A grackle’s as well, but these other species do I have devoted the better part of reason for visiting our water gardens not necessarily carry the fecal sacs to my life to studying wildlife and have is, plainly speaking, gross! water. Grackles may deposit these always had a deep love and respect So just what is the problem? sacs in areas away from water but for nature. In my view, any critter Simply put: fecal sacs! This is a I have not witnessed it. If water is sac consisting of a membrane that close by, they will take these gifts to contains the feces of the bird’s it. So, with grackles and ponds you young. When a young nestling have bird poop everywhere — the Grackle defecates, it comes out amount depends on the number of contained in a nice little package. Grackle nests in your neighborhood. The parent birds have developed a practice of picking this sac up, Nesting Season flying off with it and depositing it During the nesting season, in or near water. We have been so Grackles most often nest in ever- gracious in providing water in very green types of trees. If you have large convenient locations, but they will evergreens in the eastern two thirds fly quite a distance carrying these of the U.S. you will have Grackles that crawls, walks, swims or flies is sacs and neatly place them in a nesting in them. Grackles are solid, interesting and belongs on Earth. personal “deposit area” in, or on the glossy blackbirds with an irides- That was my belief until I met rocks around, your water garden. cent purple sheen around the head. up with the Common Grackle Each deposit area can have dozens They are a common type of native (Quiscalus quiscula), or blackbird, of white poop spots! bird and form huge flocks during

Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2628 26 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 27 Bassinger Fisheries trip every three to 10 minutes (distant) and they still flew to it to Koi & Goldfish Farm depending on the number of drop their fecal sacs. Those were young. They poop a lot as they get his words, and in more simple older, and those parent Grackles layman’s terms he thought it was have their work cut out for them too close to the nest so he moved providing food and dutifully it much farther away. After our carrying away their diaper sacs. conversation he and I came to the same conclusion: the shiny So what can you do surface resembled water, and for to prevent them from lack of more convenient water, they chose the trampoline surface Healthiest Koi and Goldfish doing this? Nothing, to drop off their little gifts. in the USA! I have since done my research really. You can’t ● 100% Ulcer Free Farm prevent the behavior; and found out that almost every ● 100% Virus Free Farm water gardener I know in the ● No New Fish Introduced in 17 years you can only try to Midwest has this problem in the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee deal with the mess. spring. It’s frustrating. I have even known some water gardeners who resort to shooting the birds, and When I first suspected that that is sad due to the fact that the problem of these deposited they have babies back in the nest. bird droppings was not unique But Why? Male Grackles show a more blue iridescence on their heads than the females do, but they both to my water gardens and those have the reflective color. They are not all black. The male in this photo is on the left. of my clients, I called a former So why do the birds do this? professor of mine who is an avian The behavior is an innate house- and drop the sacs there. I believe that they the fish get to them and eat them first. Rated Best All Around ecologist. I asked him about this keeping practice that is not only were thinking the shiny vehicles were water, Now you know more than you ever American Koi type of Grackle behavior and hygienically smart, but helps similar to the trampoline. All birds are crea- wanted to know about Grackle poop and by International Koi Judge he had an interesting story to avoid luring predators to their tures of habit and will fly the same route and how it can affect your water garden. You ● Brilliant Colors relate. He said that he once had nests. Also, after the sacs are land in relatively the same spot every fecal can say now that you have read it all! a ● Stunning Patterns a black-matted trampoline in deposited the parent bird will sac trip! With four to six babies in the nest, ● Great Selection of Different Koi his yard and the Grackles were “wash” its beak and then take a this can be a lot of white poop spots on your and Butterfly Koi depositing the fecal sacs on the drink of water. rocks — and this is for just one nest. surface of that shiny black mat I have seen Grackles drop This amount of bird poop washing into About the Author — making a huge mess. He said these sacs while flying over water. your pond from the surrounding rocks, or Jamie Beyer that he initially thought they were Koi seem to like the taste of them from deposits directly into the pond, can Water gardening create pea-green soup water. Of course, putting them there due to the fact because the water will seem to has been a passion that the trampoline was “proxi- boil as they fight to eat the sacs! the amount depends on the size of the of Jamie’s for over mal” (near) to the nest and more This could be a possible parasite water garden and number of nests — and 50 years and he has convenient for them, so he moved introduction to the fish. I have consequently, the number of fecal sacs worked on over 1,000 One of two locations the trampoline more “distally” also seen Grackles fly over vehicles deposited. ponds. He person- Visit our new website at: So what can you do to prevent them ally has several very This series of photos shows a grackle with a fecal sac in its beak coming from doing this? Nothing, really. You large ponds, which contain many kinds www.BassingerKoiFarm.com to water to dispose of it. After dropping the sac in the water, the bird gets a can’t prevent the behavior; you can only of water plants and fish. Jamie has a drink and washes its beak. 817-366-1746 Master’s Degree in Fish and Wildlife try to deal with the mess. It only lasts for 325-728-4237 Fax a month, and when the young fledge the Biology, is a Lifetime Master Gardener nest the problem goes away. It’s unsightly and is founder and past president of the [email protected] around your pond, but it does wash off. Central Iowa Water Garden Association. He has a broad background in fisheries, Rain will eventually wash it away, but for the dynamics of water, horticulture and New Customer Special! a more active approach I recommend, on aquatic and wildlife ecology. a regular basis, scrubbing the rocks around He owns a consulting/installation your pond and netting out the sacks that business, Midwest Waterscapes, in which off have been placed in the water. The sacs stay he works as a water garden, fountain and % intact for a day or two in the water, unless pond consultant/installer. 50 (on first $500 order)

March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 29 infocard r #2606 Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard s #2614

E c ly o-Friend

lighting series

1 lb per 300-400 sq ft

E c ly o-Friend

RETAIL FRIENDLY not, carts can run $200 to $2,000 per year is now. Today, a successful e-commerce “We do 95% of all website main- Web depending upon the amount of services company must be willing to invest both tenance in-house,” said Steve Blessing, Marketing and ease of use they provide. time and money into the business. The way owner of Pondandgardendepot.com. “Being new to web development, I did not customers shop, the way search engines “We use a template-based system, which know the best shopping cart to go with,” said work and the way websites must be built has limitations but does allow upkeep Davin Paul, owner of Diywatergardening. and updated is constantly in flux. If you from our ‘non-webmaster’ staff.” When com. “I ended up rebuilding my site three possess a great deal of patience, free time Steve does pay different times until I found a program that and willingness to learn, there is no reason for outside web Today, a successful was the right fit.” Before making your selec- you could not perform the work yourself. work, he says, “it tion, it is important to read reviews and find However, a top-level online retail store will is a cost of about e-commerce out how others have fared. have an average of about 500 web pages, $75 per hour.” company must be A merchant account, a portal that with some having well over 3,000. Should you willing to invest allows customers to use their credit cards, “I have about 4,000 hours in learn- decide to hire both time and typically runs $20 to $40 per month plus ing, research, testing and implementation someone to build money into the 2.9 percent per credit card transaction (or work,” Davin Paul said. “That does not a site for you, 3.5 to 4 percent for American Express). include everyday items such as customer there are a wide business. service, issues, maintenance, et cetera.” variety in the Can I Build the Site Myself? “When I first built my website I spent rates for services. Freddie Combas of flori- The 1989 baseball movie “Field of eight to 10 hours a day for about a month,” dawatergardens.com is actively rebuilding Dreams” made famous this popular said Jon Loewy, owner of ncpond.com. an online store and has a unique situation. quote: “Build it and they will come.” This “Now, eight years later, I have a little better When faced with an hourly rate of $95 per quote became an early mantra for Internet understanding about how to build it ... and hour from his site builder, Freddie made marketing. 15 years ago, all one had to do the site is undergoing what will be about a a deal in exchange for services. “Barter was build a website, load in products and nine-month renovation.” Barter Barter” is Freddie’s top suggestion. sit back and watch the money roll in. Some larger companies assign their Website programmers are sometimes Unfortunately, that was then and this associates to the website-building task. available from as little as $20 to $30 per No Quick Fix Internet marketing overheads and rising costs by John Olson, ago. These costs, along with the changing address visitors type into their browsers to Graystone Industries patterns of retail customers, are once again navigate to your website) can be done for forcing our industry into a paradigm shift as little as $12.99 per year on GoDaddy. hen it comes to website build- it is woefully unprepared for. com. Many companies will even provide ing and Internet marketing, For any pond professional considering one domain name registration for free if myths and misconceptions starting an e-commerce site, it is critical that you purchase a hosting package. abound.W Installers, brick and mortar retail he or she fully understands the costs and the Of course, once you have the domain stores and manufacturers still frequently amount of time needed to achieve a premier you will need somewhere to host the rely on dated information, rumors and and profitable site. Relying on industry website, a shopping cart into which you false assumptions. hearsay and misinformation is a sure way to can enter your products and a merchant Perhaps the most absurd statement waste considerable time and capital. The list account through which you can process tossed around as fact: “Those who sell and advice below are in no way complete, transactions. There are many choices avail- on the Internet operate with zero over- but they are good indicators of the proce- able. Website hosting can be as cheap as head and physical pond stores cannot dures, options and expenses used by some $50 per year for the most basic services or compete.” This constantly repeated myth of the nation’s top e-commerce experts. $200 per year with good customer service. has taken on a life of its own in spite of The shopping cart, which will allow your the exact opposite being true. The reality Internet Services customers to purchase goods online, can of the situation is that Internet-based The first steps in e-commerce are be obtained for free if you have the techni- sellers are faced with a myriad of costs and pretty simple and not too costly. Finding cal ability to enter in the products yourself. procedures that were unheard of a decade and registering an online domain (the (Search Google for free shopping carts.) If Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2616 32 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 33 hour, but $60 to $80 does appear to be the bases, but they will charge a varying people learning about his company. Graystone Industries, could open seven “We are barely past the ‘Model T years’ norm. Based on a price of $50 per hour, a percentage for doing so. Amazon charges Graystonecreations.com, owned by this different physical locations that are fully for e-commerce in my opinion,” Steve company should be prepared to make an a flat 15 percent of every purchase amount author, had total advertising costs across staffed and fully stocked and have less over- said. “The potential for growth is huge and initial investment in $25,000 to $50,000 (even shipping) and eBay runs 8 to 12 all mediums of $154,514.86 in 2012 and head per year! largely untapped. It will take more knowl- About the Author for a 500- to 1,000-page website. Ongoing percent depending upon your item cost expects 2013 to end with a slightly higher Company owners who wish to expand edge to be competitive but that is the nature maintenance and changes should run as and your discount level with them. number. John Olson is the CEO of their customer base and are willing to of any growing field or industry.” little as $10,000 per year with $20,000 for Advertising and marketing, like most Graystone Industries and an avid commit to properly building, advertising and From purchasing your domain to larger sites. No matter how high or low the of the topics discussed here, have a wide alligator wrestler. Graystone is a marketing their online stores can still achieve perfecting an advertising or marketing distributor for rate may be, it is imperative that you check variety of costs. Companies with deep much success. Like any other business deci- program, there are countless tasks involved over a dozen references for your web builder and ensure pockets often invest heavily in advertising sion, owners must gather information to fully in building a retail website. Today, the brands of that the work they perform meets your and marketing to gain the most market understand the processes and costs involved. world operates at breakneck speed with new quality pond vision for how your website should appear. share possible. Website retailers just start- They must create business plans and they technologies emerging weekly. Consumer supplies, with ing out may find success in the free — must work daily to achieve their goals. purchasing continues to evolve just as warehouse and Advertising and Marketing but time-consuming — world of content rapidly, and what worked six years ago — retail locations Over the last seven to 10 years there creation and social media sharing. Final Thoughts or sometimes just six months ago — is no in Georgia have been quite a few changes in the way In the course of interviewing merchants longer relevant. and North Carolina as well as an consumers shop. Over time search engines Shipping Internet store at for this article, it was surprising to learn Social media and information sharing have evolved to know a great deal more Shipping products to your customers www.graystonecreations.com. that several companies felt that if they were are shaping the minds and the buying about consumers and have ever more can run from 13 to 20 percent of your total John resides at RosemontEstate starting out today they would choose not decisions of our customers. To launch an accurate results appear. The consumer sales. With most consumers used to free in northern Georgia with his wife to open an online store. Some felt that it effective website, one must be ready to today may do the search, “How do I build shipping on their online purchases, this and two children. When not riding takes too much work, too much learning continually change and adapt as the market a backyard koi pond kit?” The results that amount can add up fast. A random survey go-karts, gold mining or trout fishing and too much money — and there is too does. Those who fail to adapt will one day are returned are factored in ways unheard Advertising and marketing costs will of six popular online companies found with the children, John helps other much competition today compared to when soon find themselves out of business. Those of just a few years ago. The search engine vary from site to site depending upon what that their shipping costs can be anywhere businesses achieve their true potential. they started. owners who keep pace with the changing knows the consumer’s location, the things you decide to pursue. Although the initial from $83,000 to over $250,000 annually. Graystone Industries is a However, Steve Blessing of Pondandgar- market will see their businesses continue to wholesale supplier of pond and he has searched for previously and if he is cash outlay may be lower for new sites, the Additionally, many manufacturers offer a dendepot.com had a much different outlook. grow and prosper. a water garden products. looking to buy products or if he only wants percentage to sales is probably going to be a drop shipping feature, but most of them information. The results that are delivered lot higher. For example, a brand new shop- charge Internet operators a higher price and to this specific person are not the same ping site may spend as much as $150 to often a fee of $5 to $10 per order. On the results that would be returned if you or I $200 on advertising to yield their first $300 other hand, those who choose to buy and were to type in the exact same search query. in sales. On the other hand, an established stock the products themselves are faced with This type of search customization has website like relaxingdecor.com, owned by rents that may run $1,000 to $3,500 per Leak-Proof Ponds made more work for a web retailer. Instead Pedro Gonzalez, may spend higher amounts month. Finding the right balance between with HERCO Fish Pond Coating of loading a few keyword phrases into but have a lower percentage of cost. stocking items and having a distributor or each page of a website, a merchant must “In 2013 I will end up with just over manufacturer ship for you is important. HERCO Coating is Ideal for all Types of Ponds now consider a more overall advertising $15,000 in advertising,” Gonzalez said. With Seals and Leak-Proofs Block, Brick and Concrete and marketing plan. This plan may still sales on that site hitting about $200,000, the To Build or Not to Build? Safe for Fish and for the Environment include some on-page optimization but expense is a far more favorable percentage. HERCO Coating Promotes Healthy Aquaculture As someone who operates Internet sites Easy to Apply ∙ Fast Curing ∙ Durable ∙ Long-Lasting will most likely want to consider a whole Other sites’ advertising and marketing and local stores and supplies dealers and host of “social media” aspects. Advertising costs will vary greatly. Eric Triplett, owner contractors across the country, I know HERCO H-55 Rubber Coating (Black) $125.00 gal. platforms such as Google AdWords, of Theponddigger.com, is currently rein- firsthand that it is difficult to keep on top HERCO H-55 Rubber Coating (Grey) $140.00 gal. regular and online magazine ads, Google venting his company’s website business. of the ever-changing online medium. The HERCO H-55 Rubber Coating (White) $140.00 gal. Shopping, Bing Ads (formerly Microsoft “I have paid up to $2,000 per month costs have certainly increased exponentially HERCO H-55 Rubber Coating (Clear) $140.00 gal. HERCO CCFW Crack Filler (White) $ 24.00 ea. adCenter), Groupon and more will put for pay-per-click advertising,” Triplett over the last decade and it is easy to be HERCO CCFC Crack Filler (Clear) $ 26.00 ea. your site in front of millions of people — said. “$1,500 for the online store and $500 discouraged by the extra amount of time HERCO TC-700 Cleaner $ 65.00 gal. but at a charge. Blogs, press releases, indus- for my construction business.” Knowing and effort needed to achieve a successful HERCO PSC Primer $ 69.00 gal. try-specific forums, Facebook, YouTube, how quickly the market is changing, Eric online business. Quite a few online retail- Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and other has just hired a marketing coordinator to ers now find themselves in the same quan- sharing sites will give your website expo- help out in all the new social sharing and dary that brick and mortar stores did when sure at no upfront cost — but a consider- marketing decisions. This associate will web-based shopping became popular. If able amount of time and effort are needed cost his company $30,000 per year but a company were to believe the industry HecHt RubbeR to achieve results. has the potential to create infinitely more myth that online sellers have no overhead coRpoRtation Shopping networks like Amazon, eBay, in sales. Eric has also heavily invested in and attempt to “throw together” a website, Since 1944 Sears and Rakuten will allow you to offer placing videos on YouTube and his efforts they will be gravely disappointed with the your goods to their extensive customer have resulted in tens of thousands of results. To be clear, my own company, Phone Orders and Tech Advice: 1-800-872-3401 ● Online: www.hechtrubber.com ● Email: [email protected]

Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2622 34 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 35 and the pectoral fins, selecting ones with A show-winning Language of Koi head and fins that shine strongly. Plachina (platinum).

3) Fukurin Fukurin is a netting pattern formed by gaps between koi scales. When koi by Taro Kodama, History are small, all their scales are tightly laid Kodama Koi Farm Mr. Sawata Aoki developed the first Ogon. After out. There are no gaps. But as koi grow finding a carp with some metallic shine in a river, he larger — especially when they grow n Japanese, the word Hikari means metallic, while had dreamed about breeding a whole golden-bodied quickly, like Ogon does — the scales Muji means plain or solid. Thus, it shouldn’t be koi. He finally developed it in 1947, about 30 years start to grow more slowly in relation to surprising that Hikari Muji is a beautiful variety of later. Comparing to what we see nowadays, it is not the growth of the body. That is when Ikoi with a metallic body but no color pattern. as golden. But it was definitely an epoch-making gaps begin to show, and those gaps Three Aka Matsuba from Fukusawa Koi Farm. The major varieties of Hikari Muji include Ogon, creation. become Fukurin! Because Hikari Muji Plachina (platinum), Aka Matsuba Ogon, Gin Matsuba Plachina was developed by Tadao Yoshioka in do not have actual scale color patterns, add extra value to the koi. This is a very and more. The metallic bodies of Matsuba Ogon and 1963 by crossing Nezu Ogon and Akame Kigoi. Fukurin is one of the few highlights of important term and concept. If you have Gin Matsuba display patterns similar to a pine cone. the variety. How well it appears greatly not known it yet, I strongly recommend However, these pine cones are not really color patterns, Characteristics impacts the value of Hikari Muji like you learn at this opportunity. like Kohaku displays. Rather, they are a kind of scale Because Hikari Muji has no color pattern, other Ogon. In the past, Fukurin was seen only on a few varieties, like Ogon, because only Selling Hikari Muji Ogon can grow big so quickly. Now, Everybody must have at least one Basic Beauty however, we see Fukurin on most vari- Ogon and one Plachina. So selling eties. On other varieties, if there are no those metallic koi may not be difficult. Fukurin, it does not mean the fish are of When handling small koi, be sure to The striking simplicity of Hikari Muji lower quality. If there are, it will simply explain the importance of sheen. The

pattern. So these Matsuba varieties facets of its look become far more important. When belong to this group as well. appreciating this beautiful variety, consider the The most important varieties of following: Hikari Muji are definitely Ogon and 1) Body Plachina. Their importance lies not 2) Sheen only in the fact that they are new 3) Fukurin varieties, but also in their role as the foundation of even more 1) Body conformation varieties. Going back to the basics of koi appreciation, Aka Matsuba three important factors that determine the beauty Ogon, Gin of koi are body, quality and pattern, in that order. Matsuba, Because this variety of koi does not have any color Ogon and pattern, the importance of body conformation is Plachina great. As you may know, Ogon is especially known were crossed with for big appetites. They eat a lot and tend to grow big other patterned varieties quickly and build great body conformation. to produce a lot more new varieties, such as Hariwake, 2) Sheen Yamato Nishiki, Gin Shiro Because this Hikari Muji is metallic, the strength Utsuri, Kin Ki Utsuri and of its shine is the life of the koi. When breeders cull others. These patterned fries, removing less-than-ideal fish from the gene metallic varieties are related pool, this is the first thing they look at. Any dull 3-year-old Ogon at Izumiya. to Hikari Moyo, which I shine will be eliminated right away. It is ideal to Note the beautiful Fukurin. will cover in the next issue, have the strong and constant shine from the face and Hikari Utsuri, which I through the tail. It may be difficult to tell the quality have covered in the past. of sheen when they are small. Please look at the head

36 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2014 Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2648 POND Trade Magazine 37 As for Ogon, the number-one blood- line comes from Izumiya, a breeder in Pond Stats Niigata, Japan. His Ogon has won Best in Variety at the All Japan Koi Show many times. As for Plachina, there are several 1.5 breeders. Yamacho Koi Farm is probably the best place to go. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to Ponds appreciate Hikari Muji in a whole new way. a by thenumbers Mr. Mano of Izumiya with Mamoru Kodama. About the Author Rules for a lawless industry foreign breeders produce them. But I Taro Kodama is president think that no varieties are as difficult to of Kodama Koi Farm. It is the Mr. Hiroi of Yamacho Koi Farm. breed as Hikari Muji. Because its look is largest importer and distribu- fish’s bodies all look the same, and Fukurin so simple, any small flaw — like a small tor of quality Japanese koi will not be visible yet. But when handling Hi spot or minor disorder of scales — in the U.S. With locations medium to large size koi, the body confor- will impact its beauty right away. These in Japan, Hawaii, New York and New Jersey, Kodama Koi mation and Fukurin come to play for small flaws will not be seen when they Farm carries over 35,000 Japanese koi your sales talk. Because body and Fukurin are small, but as the koi grow, they will from the top breeders in Japan. Taro heavily rely on bloodlines, please make sure come out. This is another reason why I so Kodama, along with his father, Mamoru you buy those from the trusted breeders. greatly stress the importance of bloodline. Kodama, not only provide winning Breeding these simple koi looks easy, Bloodline is the only thing that assures show koi, but they also conduct many so I am sure that many domestic and the future quality of koi. koi seminars. 1,000 90 110 6 4 450 8 38 Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2620 pondtrademag.com RequestPOND info atTrade www.pondtrademag.com/infocard Magazine r #2000 March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 39 by Kent Wallace, fish load, structural requirements and other Fish ponds are first and foremost about Living Water Solutions, Inc. factors — but we can start to talk about the needs of the fish. Koi need lots of what generally works. dissolved oxygen, good circulation and good 3,600 GPH At the same time, we must consider that filtration. Whether they are backyard koi or This is the volume I give to an average four-inch gravity flow line. iven that we work in an industry ■ A four-inch gravity flow bottom drain, skimmer or mid-water line will the hobby of koi-keeping has extremes. On show koi, they have the same basic physical that has no codes or specs and flow approximately 3,600 GPH of water when the water level in the tank it one end of the scale, we have the backyard needs. Goldfish have basic physical needs is flowing to is approximately one inch lower than the surface of the pond. few guidelines, I think we should ponder with a water garden that sometimes too, but they seem to be able to handle Water seeks its own level. As a pump removes water from a pre-filter tank Gestablish a list of arguable common rules or other filter, the water in the tank will drop and the water in the pond or has fish in it. On the other end, we have the worse conditions — mainly because of their previous tank will try to equalize back to the original level. When it reaches that seem to generally work for those who koi keeper who owns expensive, show-qual- smaller size. Goldfish are much more prolific approximately one inch lower than its static starting level, the water flowing follow them. Live water features cannot into the tank from the pond to replace it will reach this rate excluding ity fish. For our purposes here, we will only breeders, though, and tend to get overpopu- any pipe friction head. The shorter the pipe the better. A longer pipe will be designed and built as “cookie cutter” discuss ponds with fish because the require- lated at a much faster rate than koi. For this necessarily flow a little slower because of increased pipe friction. systems because of differences in geography, ments for water gardens without fish are much reason we will focus on the needs of koi in ■ Consequently, a three-inch pipe with half the cross- sectional area will flow approximately 1,800 GPH. climate, location in a yard, landscape, shade, lower and can be in a category by themselves. this list of rules. a A two-inch pipe will flow approximately 900 GPH and a 1.5-inch pipe will flow approximately 450 gph.

3 feet gallons This is my minimum depth for building a pond. 200 ■ Birds of prey such as the Blue Heron have long legs for a reason. They The minimum volume of water an average can stand completely still in a body of water until the fish forget they are there adult koi needs to adequately survive over its and then pluck them out easily when they swim near. lifetime. Anything below this is the number at which a A deeper pond prevents that from happening. pond begins to be overstocked. ■ ■ Sunlight affects 100 percent of the water down to about two feet. By Overstocking leads to unhealthy and building a pond deeper than two feet, you give the system a cushion of water diseased fish. ■ volume unaffected by sunlight. The larger the fish, the more volume it needs. ■ Volume is your friend. Deeper water gives you more volume in Many serious show-quality koi owners typically run the same footprint, and a larger volume of water stays more stable in 1,000 to 2,000 gallons per adult fish. both temperature and water quality over time. Stability is good! 1,500 GPH ■ Shallower areas, including plant shelves or steps for safety, The minimum flow rate required to get most can be built and are usually limited to the edge or end(s) of skimmers on the market to work properly. a pond, depending on shape. ■ A skimmer’s job is to create surface tension and pull floating debris toward it from across the pond. The surface water of a well-skimmed pond will move at a GPH faster rate than the circulation below it. 1,000 per linear foot This is the minimum number of GPH required to to make a waterfall or spill look good. A one-foot-wide waterfall needs a flow of at least 1,000 GPH, while 5 a two-foot-wide waterfall needs at least 2,000 GPH, 10 % and so on. This is the ratio of filtration to total pond volume. ■ A pond with good quality filtration and maximum dissolved to oxygen content can get away with filtration in the five to seven 90 110 gallons percent range. This is a case where more is better. This is the minimum volume for a gravity-flow ■ Pressurized biofilters consume oxygen and are sealed, so settlement tank with good pre-filtration for each when using them always allow for additional oxygen somewhere in 3,600 GPH of water flow. GPH 0 minutes the system. It’s my opinion that most pressurized filter manufacturers ■ Pre-filtration is the method of removing heavier 2,100 per amp over-rate their equipment, so I cut their performance numbers by solids and debris from the water column before the pump This is the amount of time a pond pump should This is the rate at which the most efficient pumps on the market move one third to one half when I have to use them. and biofilter. Good pre-filtration makes maintenance be shut down or placed on a timer. water at a head of approximately four feet. easier and provides for a more stable biofilter, requiring ■ The aerobic bacterial colonies that live in the ■ less maintenance. Many manufacturers list various head heights for their pumps, which makes it biofilter — doing the work of converting the ammonia ■ There are at least half a dozen ways to pre-filter confusing to compare. It would be much easier if all manufacturers rated their pumps produced by the fish to nitrites and then into nitrates — pond water before the pump or biofilter, and they all work on a standard of three or four feet of head, since that is the typical range of waterfall need oxygen, food and minerals to survive, as do the well when used properly. This does not apply to skimmers height. fish. It is estimated that they can start to die off in as little ■ 4 to 6 feet because their job is to remove floating solids and not Waterfall or spill height above pond level (“static head”) alone is not the as four hours. They will grow back, but putting a pond This is the average radius, around the drain, a four-inch gravity flow settling solids. deciding factor in measuring total head. Pipe friction or “dynamic head” is a part of system through this constant death and rebirth cycle is bottom drain flowing approximately 3,600 GPH can effectively service. ■ Manufacturers have maximum flow rates for their the equation, but it’s much more difficult to calculate so I don’t. I typically build with hard on the system and leads to poor water quality. ■ equipment. You don’t have to push the limit, and most proper pipe diameters and use pipe runs as short as possible, then add 10 to 15 ■ Even if the bacteria don’t start to die off, each time A three-inch drain line is half of that and so on. I have built several fudge their numbers because no one says they can’t. percent to my static head. the system is shut down for a period of time it starts to go very small ponds with two-inch gravity flow drains, but they don’t work well. ■ These days, even on small ponds, I stop at three-inch drains. They are easier This also does not include the use of pressurized filtration systems. Pressurized anaerobic. On startup, the instant surge of water through systems require a lot more head, or “pressure.” The manufacturers of pressurized the filter(s) will dislodge debris and send it back into the to maintain, and with the lower flow rates of small ponds, they need more maintenance and cleaning — which is much easier with a three-inch drain than a equipment are lacking in willingness to issue flow charts similar to the ones used by pond, usually with an accompanying smell. pump manufacturers to rate their equipment. Pressurized filters should have ratings ■ two-inch. Once started, the system should run forever. The ■ that express the amount of head in relation to the flow through the filter. pumps should only be shut down during certain phases of On ponds that are direct suction straight to a pump, you just go by the flow cleaning as necessary. rate. I don’t recommend direct suction without a pre-filter other than the pump’s leaf trap, because it is dangerous to the fish and requires much more pump maintenance.

40 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 41 times GPH GPH to per hour 630 7,000 per amp 1 2 This is the maximum rate of flow This is the approximate amount of flow The average turnover rate of total for one square foot of cross- per amp through filtration with a properly pond water. sectional surface area for a static designed system run with air-lifts. ■ The turnover rate is defined as the trapping biofilter. ■ These systems are relatively new to the number of times the total volume of pond water ■ Biofilters are in two basic categories: pond world, but I regularly build and use them. flows through filtration in one hour. They have their pros and cons, though. Static Trapping and Aerated. ■ ■ This generally does not include water Static trapping biofilters house your An air-lift system cannot run a waterfall or any equipment that requires much head or suction. that is bypassed directly back to the pond past bacterial colonies but also trap fine solids the filtration system. This is a little bit of a gray for water clarity. Aerated biofilters don’t area, though, because some bypass water can trap any solids but have a higher rate Kent Wallace was born and raised in Las be used for very useful purposes: current flow, of ammonia conversion. Consequently, Vegas, Nev. and spent most of his adult life for instance, or aeration not involved in filtration, aerated biofilters have no speed limit as such as a waterfall or feature without a filter. o p p o s e d t o s t a t i c t r a p p i n g fi l t e r s . in the automobile industry. Then, in 2001, a ■ Smaller ponds need a higher turnover ■ Running static trapping filters at neighbor asked Kent if he could build her a koi rate than larger ponds. Things happen faster a higher rate prevents them from doing pond like the one his father had. in a small pond, and smaller ponds are usually the best job they can at trapping. When more likely to be overstocked. Small ponds are t r a p p i n g fi n e p a r t i c l e s , s l o w e r i s b e t t e r . From that point on pond building became also less stable, as their temperature fluctuates ■ The number of biofilters needed for his new passion. The first pond he built was more. It’s more difficult to make both a skimmer a specific pond is directly related to the submitted to Better Homes & Gardens and a bottom drain work well on a flow of less volume and turnover rate. I try to use both than about 2,400 gallons per hour (or GPH). types whenever possible. Magazine and won Best Courtyard Nationwide For me, this means that a 1,000-gallon pond will in their special interest publication. have a turnover rate of about 2.4 times per hour. ■ Typically my larger ponds run GPH William Lim of W. Lim Corp. was his approximately 1.5 times per hour, all through per linear foot mentor and provided his first introduction filtration. 1,000 to filtration systems. From this beginning ■ Extremely large ponds and small lakes This is the minimum number of GPH can run much lower rates and the rules apply required to make a waterfall or spill Kent formed his own company, Living Water much differently. look good. A one-foot-wide waterfall Solutions Inc., which has expanded from pond ■ The higher the dissolved oxygen content, needs a flow of at least 1,000 GPH, while a construction to production manufacturing, the lower the turnover rate can be. Oxygen is two-foot-wide waterfall needs at least 2,000 your friend. GPH, and so on. consulting and design.

asked for it... $217 YOU month

• Finally, an environmentally friendly professional grade vacuum • Shorter cleaner time means more profits per day • Slash labor costs • Gain competitive pricing advantage • No need to drain feature ss irele • Up to 3000GPH continuous cleaning W ote! Rem • FAST, EFFICIENT & PORTABLE

FountainBleuVac.com 413-788-8555

Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2618 Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2624 March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 43 Koi Whisperer Kids for Koi programs, the koi are being ized that customers were arriving and studies and documentary photography recognized and the hobby itself is being beginning to gather around me, watching work, visiting the San Francisco Japanese transformed into a deep and meaningful me work on the koi. Tea Gardens and the Portland Japanese responsibility and lifestyle. People travel 45 minutes later, the koi began to Gardens in Oregon. Each and every day One Voice for the Koi to the center, located on two acres on the show life and was able to hold its own the koi calls kept coming. The koi needed body weight in an upright position. Fox River in St. Charles, Ill., because they help and so did their keepers. The fine art Meanwhile, I continued to talk to the photography gallery, design studio and care about the koi … and that is what koi and force aeration into its gill plates. darkroom were slowly packed away as is making the difference. We welcome visitors and Koi Keepers from across the globe and last year enjoyed guests from England, Turkey and Japan. Humble Beginnings: A Single Koi Rescued In 2010, I had been working with my own koi that I imported from Japan for five years when I began to see that people were frustrated in the keeping of their koi. I was running a full-time fine art photog- raphy gallery, and as a Japanese Garden designer, I was working on my property — which included a courtyard pond and a 600-gallon interior koi pond. Several photography collectors began to tell their friends that I had koi, and the fine art collectors soon became living art buyers that wanted me to import high- Then I heard the voice of a woman telling more room was needed to care for the koi. grade koi for them from Japan. It was people, “She’s a Koi Whisperer.” The Looking back over the past four years, not until I was volunteering my time crowd continued to grow, and nearly two I realize that it’s not that there are people at a retail garden center that everything hours later, the koi was swimming happily in the koi industry who do not have the changed. Everything. in the bowl when I set him free in their large pond. I have a mission and a Our mission: import, rescue, It was known by many Koi Keepers heal, adopt and educate. that I had a deep understanding of koi From that day on, the people came determination to speak for The mission of and an extensive background in Japanese looking for me, even leaving notes on my design. One morning, I had arrived at door at my home: “Koi Whisperer, I need what is right for the koi. the koi whisperer Aquascape to take care of the koi when an your help with my koi.” employee alerted me that there had been same knowledge that I have. I am no Photos by The Koi Whisperer Sanctuary & Japanese Gardens © M Malinowski a terrible accident. Koi had been jumping The Koi Whisperer different; it is just that I have a mission and a determination to speak for what is by MaryEllen Malinowski, out of their tanks during the night! Upon I did not go searching for this mission. opening the bin where the escaped koi It came to me. I have an amazing right for the koi. The Koi Whisperer Sanctuary & Japanese Gardens were disposed, I noticed something. The connection with the koi, the same first one, lying on top of all the dead communicative energy that I have when Speaking for the Koi t doesn’t take much to be the difference. It just takes a deep breath and a koi, had something about it that told me working with infrared light. It is beyond First, do no harm. I began to ask the commitment to do what is right. The koi needed a voice, and it seemed instinctively that it was alive. I immedi- the visible. It is at a deeper level. It is my right questions, and was determined to that in an unforeseen moment, the Koi Whisperer was revealed. Today, ately went into a rescue mode and worked honor and privilege to help these beautiful give the koi the proper water environ- TheI Koi Whisperer Sanctuary & Japanese Gardens has developed into an to revive the koi. creatures that have no voice. ment that they needed to live happy and international Nishikigoi Zen Living design center, including a new retail living This koi was beautiful. A blue and As ripples on top of water spread healthy lives. Water is the key to keeping gallery specifically designed for the sale of imported Japanese koi, a retail store white Kumonryu about 17 inches in across the surface, so did the work that I koi, and if that means that stones need and a design studio for Japanese Gardens — including a library for clients and length, it was an extraordinary beauty. I was doing for the koi. I traveled through- to be removed from the bottom of the guests. With the extraordinary success of the Koi Whisperer’s Adopt a Koi and was focusing totally on him until I real- out the United States and England for my pond, and I am the one who is willing

44 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 45 to speak up and say that, out to tragedies such as were attacked by predators and needed right for the koi. honor to have received a personal letter so be it. chemical poisoning, koi assistance. One koi at a time. Since we have partnered with The from the President of INPS in Japan, From 2010 until today, released in sewers, koi The Koi Whisperer koi rescues have International Nishikigoi Promotional thanking me for my service and dedica- I have rescued over 1,200 struck by lightning — we also been successful for many koi in other Center in Japan, the stories are kept alive tion to the koi. This year I look forward koi in need. “Koi quaran- even retrieved hundreds states, thanks to volunteers to the opportunity to travel tined, healed and adopted of babies from a filtration who have dedicated their to the Netherlands, Belgium time and compassion to do and soon, Japan. the rescue work. From the From 2010 until today, I have Global Whispers winter of 2012 to the spring rescued over 1,200 koi in need. “Koi of 2013, we cared for 427 The tale of the Koi quarantined, healed and adopted rescued koi that were housed Whisperer continues to into new home ponds” has become here throughout the winter inspire and reach thousands and 10 koi in our Winter of people and children across the essence of the sanctuary. Koi Spa Housing for koi that the globe. In the awareness needed to be brought inside of each and every koi — into new home ponds” system. It was my greatest for the winter. Every koi whether it is a Showa from has become the essence of honor to rescue Colonel, was cared for and improved, The Kids for Koi program educates the next generation of koi keepers. a rescue that needs to be the sanctuary. Every koi the famous 19-year-old both in health and friendliness, adopted or a grade 4 imported that has needed medical koi that graced the Fabyan due to the dedication and the mission on the history and legacy of the koi and Ginrin Kohaku that was selected for a attention has been docu- Japanese Gardens in set in place here at The Koi Whisperer the Japanese koi breeders. This privi- client — each koi is respected and treated mented, and we have a Geneva, Ill., from frozen Sanctuary. Last year, we saw our lowest lege includes public lectures for groups the same. To me, it is not all about proven record of condi- waters. Through sun and drop in koi rescue calls for sick koi, such as the Eastern Iowa Pond Society, making money, but rather that I give tions that were positive or rain, we rescue koi large thanks to the success of educating the Koi Northern Illinois International Pond with the heart — that we not only serve negative to the lifestyle of and small, domestic and Keepers on our Holistic Koi Care and the and Water Garden Society and Fabyan our clients, but also give attention and Rescuing Colonel from icy waters at Fabyan Japanese Gardens in Geneva, Ill. the koi. I have been called imported … even koi that responsibility that we have to do what is Japanese Gardens in Ill. It is my greatest service to the koi, for the koi. I believe in

Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2662 Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2674 46 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 47 Hiring Great Employees The power of the One-Question Interview

efforts and create conflict. It only takes one negative team member to become a cancer The to the whole organization. Strong Work Ethic: I want to be confident that when the learning curve or Round the requirements of the position become challenging, the new hire will have the inner commitment to rise to the challenge. Table A history of a strong work ethic usually indicates he or she is more likely to be reli- An imported Showa koi (left) shows off her beauty at the new Nishikigoi Gallery (right) at the Koi Whisperer Sanctuary. able as well. Teachable Spirit: If everyone on the team is committed to being a student of transparency within this industry … that from White Water Filters in Ill. build the business and learning a better way, For many the stories told to the clients and the facts the gallery tanks and install the new the efficiencies of that team grow rapidly. years, I have been that are given should include a natural, filtration systems, including receiving a Working with those who are not teachable About the Author able to signifi- organic and holistic approach to the koi's continual, daily 10 percent water change. by Rick Smith, is like driving with the brakes on. cantly increase diet and their home pond care, as opposed With the custom daylight lighting, I was MaryEllen Malinowski is EasyPro Pond Products my ability to hire great team to chemical dependency. Education is the determined to give the koi the very best the founder and executive director The One-Question Interview key, and in this awareness, the koi will light and water quality possible for these of The Koi Whisperer Sanctuary members by incorporating one of Lou’s If you have managed a business where The key to Lou Adler’s One-Question have a voice. This has inspired hundreds three indoor tanks. The lead designer of & Japanese interviewing tools: the One-Question of children with our Kids for Koi program the entire project is Toni Jacobs Lopez Gardens in St. you had hiring responsibilities, you know Interview. But before I share this tech- Interview is to ask the candidate to describe in the schools, which educates, inspires of Yoshino Koi Foods and Decorations Charles. Ill. the importance of having the strongest nique, let me share other characteristics a major project or accomplishment in great and enlightens kids through the enjoy- in the Netherlands. His amazing vision M, as she is possible team of employees working with and attributes to look for in potential new depth. Then dig into the story to find out ment and experience of koi. The approach complimented my Zen Living design called, is a koi you. It doesn’t matter if you are build- team members. the facts about when, where, why, who to taking care of the koi takes care of the concept, which was critical for this living importer/broker ing a team for executive leadership, an Years ago, my interviewing skills were and so on. Those who have the attributes whole, too — and that is the core of Zen art gallery of koi. The expert knowledge for Nishikigoi efficient warehouse crew, an office staff, limited to selecting the best candidate you are looking for will become enthusias- Living. and contributions given by these men are and inspires sales support or any other department based on how they presented themselves, tic, and those who are just great presenters people with her The Koi Whisperer Sanctuary has immeasurable and I am so very grateful team; hiring the right or wrong people will a track record of experience and successes will become very uncomfortable with the Koi Whisperer Adopt a Koi and impact your business success. and how well I felt they would fit into the follow-up questions. a newly designed Nishikigoi Gallery, a for their time, dedication and generosity Kids for Koi programs throughout living art gallery that has taken imported in the donations that they have given to “Hires remorse” — the feeling you company culture. A lot has changed since I love it when the candidate I’m inter- the world. get when a hire who interviewed well but viewing has participated in sports, band, Japanese koi selection to a higher level. I make this dream a reality for the koi. M is the owner of Infrared then. The screening process has become cannot, as you discover later, do the job — theater or other activities that require am thrilled to be importing Karashigoi, As The Koi Whisperer Sanctuary & Light International, a lifestyle design more challenging and the importance of which is a variety that is not common Japanese Gardens continues the work company that enlightens, educates brings not only a sick feeling, but also the getting it right the first time has increased commitment and hard work to achieve here in the United States but is known to that was placed gently in my hands, I and empowers clients to connect challenges of clearing the deck and starting dramatically. Mistakes are costly. excellence. And my interest piques with be the friendliest of koi. In my apprecia- could not be doing what I am today if not with living an extraordinary life over while trying to run a demanding busi- The built resume and the candidate’s veterans. I also look for those who took tion of koi as treasured jewels, my inter- for the continual support and contribu- based on the simple elements of ness schedule. ability to present him or herself well, leadership roles in key projects, whether it was in high school, college or profession- pretation of Nishikigoi as truly living tions from people throughout the world. nature, water, light and tranquility. Good Candidate vs. Great although important and valued, are no M is an international award-winning ally. If they don’t bring it up, I ask. art has raised the bar as to the presen- The unconditional love that I have for Employee longer at the top of my list of “must- have” tation, lighting, water conditions and the koi is only a reflection of what is felt fine art photographer, author and attributes. In today’s world, I first look for The key, then, is to compare what the Japanese Garden designer. M can design concept of their environment that in every country, in every Koi Keeper’s Lou Adler of The Adler Group has three things: a positive attitude void of person has accomplished and how he or be found blogging for Chicago made the case that most hiring processes ego, examples of a strong work ethic and she accomplished it to what is required in is beyond the ordinary in koi selection. hands and in every child’s heart. I see it Now and is the publisher of her were inadvertently designed to find a teachable spirit. the open position. From the contemporary design of white each and every day in the faces of those upcoming magazine, Zen Living good candidates, not great employees. Positive Attitude Void of Ego: For more information on Lou Adler walls and silver fixtures to black porcelain that the koi have touched. And in those by design. A posi- trim on the 550-gallon tanks, viewing quiet moments, when I whisper good- Candidates who are great at presenting tive attitude is required to build an effec- and the interviewing process, visit http:// the koi in their true light is extraordi- night to the koi and turn the lights off, I KoiWhispererSanctuary.com themselves might not be so great at actu- tive team. Usually, positive people are also www.adlerconcepts.com. Wishing you the ally doing the work or fitting into your nary. I am so blessed to have Mike White know their voices are heard. a ZenLivingbydesign.com good team players. Since “egos are always best in 2014, and I look forward to your company’s culture. hungry,” they get in the way of team feedback. a 48 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 49

Hashtag This! rfall wate something, rather than just belonging to a grouping or Our Mission, is it Yours? # having liked a certain page at some point in the past,” says To Protect, Promote and Preserve the The Twitterization Ben Harper, social data and insight manager at Zazzle, a Web Pond & Waterscape Industry marketing agency. Adds Karyn with a Y, a blogger for Click By Click Social of Facebook Media, a social media marketing agency: “By adding a Support the industry that supports your hashtag to your post you are making it viewable for anyone company and enjoy the many benefits of an A new way for pond businesses to promote who searches for that subject — even if they aren’t a fan of IPPCA Professional membership. your page or already connected with you. This gives you the opportunity to access a whole new audience, and you know they are interested in your topic because they have searched Join the Pond & Waterscape Industry’s by Joe Dysart “Hashtags make it easy to find, follow and for it.” Trade Association, the IPPCA. join online conversations about the topics that Once you get the hang of using hashtags on Facebook, Call or visit us online today! ond industry busi- you care about,” says Lauren Thomas, campaign you’ll also be able to leverage the same concept on other social nesses looking to join manager of Digital Sherpa, a Web marketing firm. networks that use hashtags to organize conversations, includ- in on highly specific Hashtags were popularized by Twitter, which pondplantsing Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, Google+, Orkut, Diaspora, 770 592-9790 conversationsP happening in a few years has risen from obscurity to one of # Tout, FriendFeed, Flickr, Vine and Gawker. www.ippca.com on Facebook now have an the most active and influential social networks Here are some best practices for hashtag use on Facebook on the Web. Currently, there are countless and other social networks, as recommended by social media easy way to get there: the conversations occurring on Twitter, all neatly specialists: Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2626 s #2632 new Facebook. Essentially, organized with the hashtag/keyword system that ■ Get a quick overview on hashtags: The Facebook allows anyone to Facebook has now adopted. free “Quick Start Guide to Hashtags” categorize a conversation The major difference between the two is offers an excellent strategy for getting they’re having on the social that Facebook posts coded with hashtags the most promotional benefit from network by using a simple are not, as they are on Twitter, limited hashtags. Visit http://www. hashtag (#) and keyword in to 140 characters. Indeed, Facebook hashtags.org/quick-start. their post. currently allows posts to be 63,206 ■ Identify which hashtags Log onto Facebook and type #PondSupplies characters in length, which includes work best: By using in Facebook’s search box, for example, and you’ll any images. This represents a major Facebook’s free analytics #be presented with all the posts on Facebook advantage for Facebook, especially tool, Insights, you’ll be able coded with that hashtag/keyword. among the significant percent- to track which hashtags are Got something to say about the topic? Simply age of Web users who are more most effective. Simply click write a post that includes #PondSupplies, and voila: comfortable expressing them- on the “Reach” column in your company is now part of the conversation. selves using much more than the Insights and study which The new feature represents an incredible new stingy 140-character splurge of posts are getting the highest opportunity for pond businesses, in that they text allowed by Twitter. “reach,” or reads. can use Facebook hashtags to search for highly Even better: Facebook is also ■ Use hashtags for brand- specific conversations happening on the social allowing businesses to add hashtags to ing and selling: You can # network — such as #PondSuppliesAustin — and the ads they run on Facebook. So if you assign a hashtag to describe pondsuppliesthen craft promotional posts highly pertinent to include #DiscountPondSupplies in your your entire pond business that topic. Facebook ad, and someone on Facebook is presence on Facebook, or a specific Plus, pond businesses can start their own searching for it, they’ll be presented with your product or service. conversations by creating a post, and then ad in Facebook search results. ■ Piggyback on trending Facebook coming up with their own hashtag/keyword “This will allow advertisers to target hashtags: Facebook now includes a “Trending” combo for it, such as #ThisIsWhatISellAustin. more active fans who are actively discussing box in the upper right corner of your Facebook page,

50 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 51 featuring links to topics and hashtags that Facebook post — including those with ■ Avoid special characters: Generally ■ Bring in a pro: Hashtags.org offers a paid are trending on the social network. Find a photos — can be coded with a hashtag. speaking, special characters ($%^&) analytics service that continually tracks the ™

Serving Professionals in the Pond and Water Feature Industry way to piggyback your pond business on Don’t forget to include a photo with don’t work with hashtags. US $6.95 most popular hashtags trending on Twitter. For September/October 2013 a trending topic, and your post could be your post, if at all possible. ■ Don’t spam: Sure, it’s tempting to maximum exposure, pond industry businesses can seen by hundreds — or even millions. ■ Use hashtags anywhere appropri- promote your pond business by including sign up for hashtag Read POND Trade ■ Standardize a hashtag across all analytics on ater W es networks: You can use the same hashtag/ Wolv hashtags.org, our pond’s most Y Magazine’s Get network-specific guidance Serving Professionals in the Ponddangerous and Water Feature predators Industry — keyword for your pond product or which shows the and how to stop them

service on all the social networks you use p. 39 1 most popular Language of Koi -

UtsurimonoPOND Trade Magazine There are a number of guides for hashtag use on a variety of social networks, including ™ p. 32 Digital Edition How to Succeed in Business by Being You hashtags. By No Ugly p.8 January/February 2014 September/OctoberDuckling 2013

how to use hashtags on: US $6.95 Find a way to piggyback choosing hashtags POND The fierceor and divisive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/help/587836257914341 POOL? Now you can read ALL issues your pond business on a that are already swim pond Twitter: debate https://support.twitter.com/entries/49309-what-are-hashtags-symbols#) p.30 of POND Trade Magazine trending topic, and your trending, users Google+: https://support.google.com/plus/answer/3120322?hl=en) who are interested right from your computer Instagram: http://blog.instagram.com/post/17674993957/instagram-tips-using- post could be seen by in specific subjects, 2014 Business Calendar p.21 Toadally a screen or reader in three hashtags) Frog! p.23 Wintering particularly Your Koi p. 42 IWGS ™ hundreds — or even millions. Awards Pinterest: http://www.hashtags.org/how-to/marketing-how-to/using-hashtags-on- p. 46 easy formats. Whether you locally focused pinterest/) Serving Professionals in the Pond and Water Feature Industry US $6.95 November/December 2013 prefer Ebook, PDF, or Web Flickr: http://www.hashtags.org/news/and-now-comes-flickr-with-hashtags/) and relevant ones, will find a to promote (i.e., Facebook, Google+, company’s social content much easier. Visit 2.0, you can get it here. Pinterest and Twitter). #http://www.hashtags.org/trending-on-twitter. a ■ Use both capitalization and ate in a post: Facebook users often use the hashtag #LadyGaga in your promo- Carpeting Pond pondtrademag.com/ the The benefits of lowercase for hashtag phrases: Don’t hashtags at the close of a post, but you tional post. But in the end, you’ll most Joe Dysart is an Internet speaker and business planting use #thisisnoteasytoread. Instead use can also insert a hashtag in the middle likely only tick off a bunch of Lady Gaga consultant based in Manhattan. Voice: 646/233- shoreline reader Ponds forp. 44 Peace 4089. Email: [email protected]. Web: www. p. 38 #ThisIsMuchEasierToRead. of a #sentence if the placement seems fans, and perhaps have to wipe a bunch of Capital Purchases Historical p. 34 Asagi ■ The PONICSp.14 Don’t forget the photos: Any right to you. glitter off your store windows the next day. joedysart.com. Solution

Water Pump The Parachute Skimmer™ Collection Net

THE collection net for your ponds and lakes GHF-18000 VersiFlow GeyserMax-Flow GeyserHi-Flow The Parachute Skimmer ™ nets skim, capture and The Parachute Skimmer ™ is available at several locations, Aeration System for lakes clean algae, watermeal, duckweed, leaves, and including: EasyPro Pond Products, Natural Waterscapes, debris from the surface and below the surface as Herman Brothers, Aquatic Eco-Systems and The Pond they are pulled through the water. US Patent 7,972,504 Guy (as the PondSkim™ ) and other retailers.

Aeration System for lakes 150L-250L Linear Diaphragm Air Pumps

Spring 2014

MEA3000 MEA10000Plus Aeration System for lakes Aeration System for ponds

www.parachuteskimmer.com [email protected] (407) 894-7439

Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2660 52 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2014 Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2646 POND Trade Magazine 53 To see full press releases and additional news items, go Trade News to www.pondtrademag.com/tradenews Trade News

Little Giant Offers New Lifegard® Uno, Duo, Disappearing Fountain Kits Trio® Pond Filters Babbling water and minimal mainte- Lifegard Aquatics has introduced nance. The new Disappearing Fountains EasyPro Introduces 16" and 32" Waterfall Diffusers a redesigned line of submersible pond from Little Giant are available in a variety filters combining Biological and Mechanical filtration of shapes and colors. Modern, inexpen- These new waterfall diffusers are made to last and faster to install to remove pollutants from pond water. sive and easy to assemble, adding these than any other spillway on the market. The long-lasting Mechanical Sponge Filters are easily cleaned, while the Biological fountains will offer a relaxing, calming • Ideal for use at beginning of streams and in block walls, pools Media is safely contained inside sturdy material. Available in single, double and triple atmosphere to your home, garden or and formal fountains models, the UNO treats up to 1,000 gallons, the DUO up to 1,500 gallons and the patio. They are quickly installed by a • Extra-strong vertical rib TRIO up to 2,000 gallons. Units can be used with any make of pump and feature DIYer or a professional and they can be design creates a nearly the ability to increase filter capacity by adding an additional cartridge unit to UNO added to an existing project. indestructible diffuser and DUO sizes. In addition, DIY customers can insert a Quiet One® 2200, 3000 or Sold individually or in a kit that • Low-profile design of 3.5" 4000 Pump as well as install a 13-watt UV Sterilizer Kit. Complete UNO, DUO, includes a lightweight, durable resin makes them easy to conceal TRIO Pond Filter Kits are also available from Lifegard® which include a Quiet One® construction, 31” tall Papyrus Fountain • Load-bearing design Pump, Water Feature Spray Device and ability to add the UV Sterilizer Kit if needed. or 30” round lotus bowl, basin, pump allows block to be stacked and plumbing. Enhance your design directly onto diffusers 2014 IWGS Symposium Dates Lifegard Aquatics with waterproof LED lighting that is also • Units have dual 2" inlets and Location Announced • Now available in four 562/404-4129 available through Little Giant. The International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society sizes: 16" 23", 32" and 46"— www.lifegardaquatics.com (IWGS) announces that Denver, Colo. will serve as the site from 1,000 to 12,000 GPH flow [email protected] For more information visit our of the organization’s 2014 Annual Symposium. website at www.lg-outdoor.com The 2014 IWGS Symposium will take place from August To request your full color catalog or for more information 14th – 16th with an additional optional day of tours to the on EasyPro products, call 800/448-3873 or visit Rocky Mountains on August 17th. Denver Botanic Gardens, Ewing Employees Run in Arizona easypropondproducts.com. Marathon for Tenth Year and Win Hudson Gardens and the Colorado Water Garden Society 2014 Rock Corporate Challenge will serve as local hosts for this event. Attendees to the conference will have the opportunity to Ewing employees finished the 2014 P.F. participate in the annual CWGS Water Blossom Festival at Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon Aquaponics as Food Source Denver Botanic Gardens which will include guided tours, and Half Marathon on Jan. 19. Team This new GREEN product from Misty Mountain is their latest demonstrations, public voting for the IWGS New Waterlily Ewing had over 700 participants from 25 design to grow most all vegetable and food fish year round. It is envi- Competition entries and a talk given by the symposium’s states, earning the team first place in the Rock ronmentally friendly and provides fresh, keynote speaker. A special exhibit of internationally renowned Corporate Challenge Corporate Large Division, a organic vegetables and fish year round. glass artist Dale Chihuly’s artwork will be featured throughout friendly competition that encourages companies to train for the half or full marathon. Non-GMO seeds are available as well as the gardens and water features “We encourage fitness as health care costs continue to rise, and to create healthier and happier the fish for this system. at DBG during this time. employees,” said Ewing president Doug York. This new design combines both A tour of nearby Hudson Team Ewing surpassed its goal this year of raising $25,000 for Autism Speaks, with runners raising hydroponics and aquaculture to solve Gardens, which showcases $30,000 and Ewing donating an additional $20,000, for a total of $50,000 to Autism Speaks. the major part of the cost of food. The multiple water features, will also system uses approximately a a seven-foot be included in the symposium by seven-foot area of space area of space. highlights. An optional trip to The system is also expandable and Rave Reviews for the New HS2.4S Tsurumi Pump Mt. Goliath, an alpine garden allows the user to advance to higher trail maintained by Denver Never before has there been such a capable clean- Tsurumi. The urethane impeller is incredibly tough levels of food production. The system Botanic Gardens, will be offered out pump for the pond and water feature industry. and its recessed vortex design allows stringy mate- uses the fish to produce the food for on August 17th. This tour will continue from Mt. Goliath to Tsurumi Pumps is proud to introduce the HS2.4S rial and organic sludge to pass right through it. the plants while allowing the plants to the peak of Mt. Evans and will give attendees the opportunity with Residue Kit. It has been a staple in the rental industry for purify the water for the fish. This nature to view unique, high-elevation plant and animal life. It recently hit the shelves of Tsurumi distributors and many years, and is now available to water feature to nature method is a proven science Speakers will provide talks on multiple water gardening has received rave reviews from all over the country. It is a professionals and hobbyists alike. Ask your favor- that gives you fish, organic vegetables related topics at the event’s host hotel, the Holiday Inn at solids-handling clean-out and dewatering pump that has ite distributor if they have the Tsurumi HS2.4S and garden-fresh food. For the “Do-It-Yourselfers," Misty Mountain Cherry Creek, each morning of the conference. Meals will been designed for durability, longevity, and capability. and Residue Kit, or contact Tsurumi directly with also has “Aquaponics in a Box”. It has a ½ HP motor, 2” discharge, handles ¼” distributor/dealer inquiries. be provided with conference registration, including catered dinners at Denver Botanic Gardens and Hudson Gardens. solids, will flow up to 3,300 GPH, and with the Tsurumi America, Inc. Misty Mountain Residue Kit can pump down to under ½” of water! Brandon Kuglin 800/493-0564 Additional details regarding featured speakers, hotel regis- The 45-degree discharge is perfect to minimize 888/TSURUMI [email protected] tration rates and conference registration prices will be posted kinks in discharge hoses, which are also available from www.TsurumiPump.com [email protected] on the IWGS website in the coming weeks.

54 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com March/April 2014 POND Trade Magazine 55 Letters to the Editor Advertisers’ Index Cont. from page 6 ID number for Online Info Card www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ of kind. So let’s make lemonade here, in spite of the incendiary nature of the attack on my firm’s professional standards and integrity. NO GIMMICKS! When we talk about safety and our responsibility as JUST QUALITY 2600 Alpine Corporation...... 2 professionals providing bodies of water for our customers – there GOLDFISH & KOI 2602 Aqualife...... 13 2604 Atlantic Water Gardens ...... 14 should be no debate. Kat’s Koi 1-800-438-4652 • fax (717) 369-5714 We, meaning all of us in the pond industry, clearly have a Check out our selection at 2606 Bassinger Fisheries...... 29 professional, public and I dare say moral responsibility to provide K.Fraser www.mtparnell.com 2608 Biosafe Systems...... 24 water that is biologically safe, that is ergonomically safe, and that Dearborn, MI 48124 2610 Blue Ridge Fish Hatchery...... 57 is electrically safe. Certainly, without question, simply declaring a Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2652 2612 Cobalt Pond...... 59 pond is suitable for swimming is not the answer, and who in their 2614 EasyPro Pond Products .... 30,31 right mind would think that’s all there is to it? We certainly don’t. (313) 274-3928 2516 Fielding Pumps...... 33 [email protected] That premise proffered in the piece is patently absurd and beneath Custom Pond Nets 2618 Fountain Bleu...... 43 serious consideration. P.O. Box 712 2620 GC Tek ...... 38 Rather, we must always provide systems that not only enhance Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2630 Orchard Park, NY 14127 2622 Hecht Rubber...... 35 the homeowner experience, but give them peace of mind that 2624 Helix...... 42 they and their loved ones can interact with the water with the 716 662-2785 ph/fax 2626 IPPCA...... 51 expectation that the design, engineering and installation meet [email protected] 2628 InMotion Aquatics...... 27 2630 Kat's Koi...... 56 acceptable bench marks for safety. www.pondnets.com As an example, our company is a huge advocate of UV 2632 Kleinholz Fish Farm...... 51 treatment systems for the simple and commonsense reason KW Solutions, Inc. 2634 Kloubec Koi Farm...... 56 that water should be free of potentially harmful pathogens. 2636 Kodama Koi Farm...... 56 2638 KW Solutions ...... 57 Furthermore, it’s been reliably proven by way of empiricalscientific Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2638 data, the “wetlands effect” or more familiarly know as biological 2640 Lifegard Aquatics ...... 3 filtration, when properly designed and installed, does reduce the 2642 Little Giant...... 60 presence of harmful bacteria to a point of virtually no risk. 2644 Mainland Mart Corp...... 23 I also believe that when water is inevitably subject to human 2646 Matala USA...... 53 contact, the physicality of the way people interface with the water Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r 2634 2648 Medo...... 37 also be designed with safety in mind. Specifically, I mean that 2650 Microbe-Lift...... 18 there is proper entry and egress, that no place in the body of water 2652 Mount Parnell Fisheries...... 57 imposes unnecessary risk. And electrical safety is similar in that we 2654 Niji-Yama Koi Wholesale...... 25 should make use of GFCI technology to add a layer of safety to 2656 OASE Living Water...... 12 prevent injury from electrical shock. 2658 Odyssey Systems Ltd...... 21 Discounted Pond & Lake Supplies! 2660 Parachute Skimmer...... 52 Isn’t all of that the proverbial “no brainer”? I think so. Serving Hobbyists & Contractors! My personal belief is that if we’re to move forward with the 2662 Polytank, Inc...... 46 2664 Pondliner.com...... 16 “swimming pond” debate, we should all agree that safety is a Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2610 2666 Pond Pro 2000...... 23 paramount value, not just something we address with words, but 215-244-4300 2668 Ponds For Peace...... 7 with reliable design measures. Additionally, it’s important to [email protected] 2670 Pond World Distributing...... 7 understand that dialogue with the client is critical, to the point www.UnderwaterWarehouse.com 2672 Pond Zinger...... 11 they understand that any body of water, especially those where 2674 SICCE...... 47 human immersion is part of the intent, carries inherent risks. Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2676 2676 Underwater Warehouse...... 56 Yes, I was deeply offended by the remarks made in the article! Who wouldn’t be? It was as if, somehow I, or any other water- www.kodamakoifarm.com See the Pond Industry shaper of conscience, would be ignorant of basic safety measures. Directory at pondsources.com That’s absurdity in the extreme. Extend your national visibility - For my humble part, I do sleep well at night knowing that ADVERTISE in the systems we install do include measures for safety. The issue of safety should be a point of consensus, and not a frivolous matter POND Trade Magazine of personal attacks for the sake of a sensationalized public debate. Don’t miss out on this Safety is our solemn responsibility, a baseline of sound Market Place advertising opportunity. business practice, and that is an issue that rises far above rancor Contact us for a price list See our website: Call Lora Lee Gelles 708/873-1921 and baseless accusation. 1-808-354-7031 [email protected] www.pondtrademag.com/advertise/marketplace - Jerry Romano, Liquid Designz or [email protected] Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2636 56 POND Trade Magazine POND Trade Magazine 57 Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard s #2612 FINAL THOUGHT...

"Did you read Jamie Beyer's story about us on page 26? I think we should head over to his house and 'thank' him!"

58 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com OUR ENERGY EFFICIENT PUMPS will lower your ear CUSTOMERS’ to l n m n o a r E LEC TR IC c e ! BILLS! S

innovation. efficiency. LITTLE GIANT

F10-1200 PUMP 56% LESS F10-1200 operating cost than the 5MSP

FP9 FLEX PUMP 19% LESS FP9 operating cost than the 10SH

Outdoor Living

www.lg-outdoor.com Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard r #2642

OL_Energy_Efficient_Pumps_IGI_Ad.indd 1 2/4/14 9:20 AM