Beneficial bacteria’s effectiveness is enhanced by the use of an aerator. Proper aeration also adds to the overall health of the pond and can get rid of the “bad” types of bacteria growing in deep waters where there is no oxygen and sludge build up is great.

Bacteria are microscopic unicellular organisms. They are spherical, rod-like, spiral or threadlike in shape, often clumped into colonies. A very few species of bacteria cause disease, most perform essential roles in nature. You could not digest certain types of food, for example, without the help of bacteria flourishing in your digestive system. People sometimes get nervous when they hear the term “bacteria”, because they have only heard the word in connection with diseases. The bacteria that you will add to your pond water are entirely beneficial.

No, the liner is made of a durable waterproof material that makes the pond look natural.

Plants are probably the most important addition to your pond, since they directly compete with algae for nutrients and light. Add a wide variety of plants to your pond. This not only creates a natural look, but also will help reduce the algae in different areas of your pond. Place water hyacinth and water lettuce in your falls. These floating plants reproduce rapidly, using up an enormous amounts of nutrients.

Plenty of bog and marginal plants should be added to the pond. Plants such as cattails and iris use large quantities of nutrients. They are hardy and will be back each spring to help you balance your pond. Cover the surface of the pond by planting water lilies. Lily pads float on the top of the pond soaking up the warm sunlight. The lily pads will reduce algae by preventing sunlight from reaching the deeper portions of the pond. Don’t overlook oxygenators! They soak up nutrients and sunlight directly through their leaves. Think of them as nutrient sponges. Physically remove clumps of string algae if it begins to overtake the pond.

Sometimes water and soil may flow into your pond from rain or sprinkler systems. Use your hose to test the edges of your pond and make sure that the water is being diverted around your pond, not in it. Never use lawn fertilizer or insecticides on trees around your pond or on areas of your property that will drain towards your pond. Lawn fertilizer and insecticides will cause large nutrient blooms and will severely threaten the aquatic life inside your pond and may be harmful to your aquatic friends.

Yes. The pond liners have a 10 year warranty against breaking down or cracking.

Animals, kids, gardeners and over-grown plants can move rocks so that they deflect water out of the pond or force the lip of the liner below the water level.

Punctured liner by animals (or golf shoes!). This is extremely rare and can be fixed easily with a patch kit from Sunland Water Gardens.

Overgrown plants in the stream or waterfall may cause water to rise above liner level, which will result in a loss of water. Just thin out the plants to allow the water level to return to normal.

When plants decay they create nutrients in the water. Make sure all the leaves are swept up in your skimmer or by hand. In the wintertime some plants may go dormant or even die. You must trim or remove the plant waste or algae will find it’s way in to your pond.

• 1. Check skimmer box.
• 2. Remove debris from net, if necessary.
• 3. Rinse out filter pad, only if necessary.
• 4. Check that fish are healthy and active.

Turn off your sprinklers for a day, then do the following steps:

• 1. Look for a wet spot at the edge of the pond or stream.
• 2. Temporarily remove the plants and rock to reveal water flowing over liner.
• 3. Pull up the liner so it is above the water level.
• 4. Pack dirt and small rocks behind the liner to keep it in position, then replace rocks and plants.