Aerators
Lake-friendly fertilizer
Fountains
Aeration is the process of increasing the amount of oxygen that the pond is able to absorb, as well as releasing harmful gasses from the pond.
A lack of oxygen at the bottom of your pond can prevent the compounds in the deeper parts of the pond from being broken down, and that can affect the health of the pond, creating serious water quality issues. Options range from a simple but effective septic aerator pump, to professional, high-output bubblers.
Fountains
Lake-friendly fertilizer
Fountains
Floating fountains work by propelling water into the air to create a surface display. When it lands back on the surface, it creates turbulence that transfers oxygen into the water. Especially prominent in residential communities, floating fountains offer both aeration optimization and aesthetic appeal. You can use a simple DIY utility pump and a piece of hose, all the way to gorgeous pro fountains with stunning patterns and lights.
Lake-friendly fertilizer
Lake-friendly fertilizer
Lake-friendly fertilizer
The chemical treatments and other organic matter on your lawn have the potential to be swept into your pond or lake, either directly or through storm drainage systems. By being mindful of your lawn treatment decisions, you can eliminate some chemical run-off that degrades the quality of the Lake. High levels of phosphorus in a lake increase the severity of algal blooms. When selecting fertilizers for your yard, look for Phosphorus-Free products.
Beneficial bacteria
Leaves, grass, & debris
Lake-friendly fertilizer
Widely available, beneficial bacteria comes in liquid form that you just pour along your shore, or with barley straw in water soluble packets for easy application. Clears murky water caused by suspended organics and high nutrients. reduces unwanted nutrients like ammonia, nitrite, nitrate that can impact fish health
Fathead minnows
Leaves, grass, & debris
Leaves, grass, & debris
Fathead minnows feed on algae, organic sediment, duck and goose waste, decaying vegetation, leaf litter, and mosquito larvae. Fathead minnows work for you 24/7 eating everything in your pond that you do not want and help keep your pond clean. They will reproduce 3 to 4 times per season. Available from fish suppliers around the Midwest.
Leaves, grass, & debris
Leaves, grass, & debris
Leaves, grass, & debris
Some of the biggest contributors to your lake and pond sediment and muck are fall leaves and grass clippings. By bagging these and keeping them out of the water, you'll be helping minimize the muck on the bottom of your pond or lake. Trimming back overhanging branches and limbs can help too as well as retrieving fallen branches and limbs from the water.