Blog
Clean Shorelines & Happier Fish
Have you ever noticed that there are particular areas in your lake where you seem to be able to catch more fish than others? Have you considered what might be going on to create these “honey-holes”? The answer, most likely, is habitat. Fish of all types need habitat (structure) that create opportunities for them. Many…
Innovations in Milfoil Control
Watermilfoil, oftentimes simply referred to as Milfoil, is a group of submersed aquatic plants. One of the most common members of this group in the US is actually an invasive species introduced through the aquarium trade in the 1950’s, Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum). This plant species is known for its feather-like leaves and its ability…
How Often Should You Feed Fish in Winter Months?
The cold of winter in northern states is a slow and sluggish time for ponds and lakes. During this time, your fish are conserving their energy in a more dormant state, while metabolism is reduced; almost to a halt. This includes fish who are usually hanging out in the water column and not necessarily…
Winterizing Your Water Garden
Water gardens are not only amazing features that add style and ambiance to any location, but they’re also small ecosystems that can house a number of different species of both plants and animals. In today’s blog, the pond experts at AQUA DOC will go over what you should do in the winter to help your…
Phragmites
The Frog Blog Aquatic Weed Wednesday Aquatic Weed Wednesday is upon us once again! Today, we will take a look at an emergent aquatic plant commonly found around ponds, wetlands, and other water bodies: Common reed (Phragmites australies) Phragmites australis: pronounced (fræɡˈmaɪˌtiːz /australis/) is known as the common reed or Eurasian reed and is…
Keeping Fish: How Many is too Many?
Like any eco-system, water gardens need to be in balance. A good balance of water, flora and fauna will result in a healthy ecosystem. However, water gardens that are out of balance suffer from many problems, many of which can be attributed to an overpopulation of fish. Fish are a wonderful addition to a water…
The Effects of Road Salt on Your Pond
During harsh winter months, tons of rock salt will be spread over the nation’s roads and highways to melt the snow and ice. Rock salt, or road salt, is inexpensive and it works. Rock salt is sodium chloride, a natural product that essentially the same as the salt on your dinner table. However, problems arise…
What on Earth is That Blob in My Pond?
If you have seen one of these in your pond, you’ve seen a phylactolaemate bryozoan, an animal that has inhabited our planet for millions of years. Though there are several thousand species of bryozoan, the phylactolaemate bryozoan is exclusively found in freshwater and, currently, there less than a hundred named species. Bryozoans make their home…
Canadian Geese
Not so long ago, to see a Canada goose was rare. Now, they are common all across the country. So common, in fact, that in many instances, they have become a nuisance. Canadian geese, as beautiful as they may be, can make a big mess for pond owners. The birds are divided into two categories:…
Do Fish Freeze in Winter?
Winter is upon us and extreme cold temperatures may cause many freshwater lakes and ponds to completely ice over and the blanket of snow may block out all light. So, what happens to the fish? Do they freeze? Do they hibernate? Freshwater fish have adapted to all manner of harsh climates and the way in which they survive varies from species…