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FAQ's

1,000+ ponds constructed and repaired and 5,000+ ponds cleaned in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia since 2001

Here we answer all of your frequently asked questions about pond design, pond installation, associated costs and maintenance of your pond and water garden. If you have a questions that you do not see below, just contact us!

a diagram of a pond with a waterfall and a fish pond.
  1. What is the average pond size?
  2. What is the average cost of a pond?
  3. How long does it take to install a pond?
  4. Do you use bottom drains?
  5. What’s the difference between a pond repair and a pond renovation?
  6. Why not to use UV lights
  7. Do ponds need gravel?
  8. How many fish can be in a pond?
  9. What type of fish go in a pond?
  10. What do I do with fish in a pond during winter?
  11. Do I need a Koi Pond de-icer?
  12. How soon can I put fish in my pond?
  13. What’s the difference between a pond and pondless water feature?
  14. What plants go in a pond?
  15. How often should you feed your Koi Fish?
  16. What is pond beneficial bacteria?
  17. How do I keep herons out of my pond?
  18. How deep should the pond be?
  19. How often do you want to turn the water over in the pond?
  20. Do you plant the plants in pots or directly into the gravel?
  21. Where do I put the bacteria in the pond?
  22. At what temperature should you start putting the bacteria in?
  23. What is the difference between liquid and dry bacteria?
  24. What happens to the plants in the winter time?
  25. How do I deal with string algae in the pond?
  26. How do I keep predators from eating my fish?
  27. What is the difference between a tropical and a hardy plant?
  28. How do I save my tropical plants over the winter?
  29. Where is a good place to put a pond?
  30. Should I be concerned about mosquitoes?

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Q19. How often should the water turn over in the pond?

Once every hour is the ideal turn over rate in smaller ponds. For larger ponds, we try to turn the water over once every 30-60 minutes.

Q20. Do you plant the plants in pots or directly into the gravel?

This is a personal choice. Both pots and gravel have their advantages and disadvantages. When pots are used, over-growth is easier to control. When planted directly into gravel, the roots are able to extract more nutrients from the water.

Q21. Where do I put the bacteria in the pond?

Sprinkle the Bacteria in front of the skimmer. This will make sure that the bacteria gets into the BIOFALLS© and every where else in the pond.

Q22. At what temperature should you start putting the bacteria in?

Wait until the water temperature is above 50 degrees to start putting the bacteria in. The bacteria starts to really take off in temperatures above 65 degrees.

Q23. What is the difference between Liquid and Dry bacteria?

The dry bacteria is freeze dried and concentrated. It takes 3-4 days in the water before it really starts to become active. The liquid bacteria is already alive and starts to work as soon as it is in the pond. It is not as concentrated, but faster acting. The liquid bacteria is recommended for spring start up and for combating green water, the dry bacteria is recommended for maintenance during the season.

Q24. What happens to the plants in the winter time?

Most hardy plants will die back and go dormant during the winter. The tropical plants need to be brought inside, or treated as annuals.

Q25. How do I deal with string algae in the pond?

A copper ionizer prevents string algae from growing. That said, string algae can occur even in ponds with clear water. It usually grows on waterfalls or close to the surface, and can be removed by pulling it off by hand. We recommend S.A.B. (string algae buster) as a preventative step to eliminate string algae. String algae can be easily removed with a natural powder called EcoBlast.

Q26. How do I keep predators from eating my fish?

Provide lots of hiding places for your fish. Do not have a shallow or beach-like area in the pond where predators may wade in close to the fish. Use decoys or scaring devices if necessary. We install built in fish tunnels. They work great! Fishing line is another popular option.

Q27. What is the difference between a tropical and a hardy plant?

A tropical plant is a plant that dies in the winter in your climate zone (like annuals). A hardy plant is one that would come back year after year (like a perennial).

Q28. How do I save my tropical plants over the winter?

There are different ways to save different plants, however most can be saved by putting them in a container of water in a sunny window or under good grow lights.

Q29. Where is a good place to put a pond?

We love to build our ponds up close and personal. Consider building your pond close to the patio where it can be enjoyed on a daily basis. A pond near a window provides year-round visibility – especially during the winter months. Build your pond where you can enjoy the sight and sound of it every day of the year.

Q30. Should I be concerned about mosquitoes?

Aquatic plants attract dragonflys, the mosquitoes enemy. Fish eat mosquito larvae. Additionally, mosquitoes prefer not to lay their eggs in moving water.