Carter’s Garden Blog

We have many customers who have a Farm Pond, Lake or Retention Pond as well as a backyard Water Garden. I have been limited on the products that we carry to help with larger bodies of water like Lakes or Farm/Retention Ponds until now. By popular demand from our customers we are now carrying a complete line of Lake and Pond management Water Treatments & Sub-surface Aeration systems! These treatments are easy to apply and work great and the Aeration systems are high quality and install so easily.

Why Proactive care is the new standard in pond management

The old way…
For years, the accepted method of pond management was to wait for a problem, like an algae bloom or excessive aquatic weed growth and then “react to it” with a chemical application. Although this is effective at providing a quick fix, it does not address the actual problem. In many cases, this reactive approach is catching up with pond owners. Those that have been practicing this form of management are finding it more and more difficult to control unwanted weeds and algae. Chemicals are a great tool but not the complete toolbox.

Why is the old way outdated?
Over the years, each time you applied chemicals; weeds and algae were killed off and left to rot on the pond’s bottom. This is equivalent to adding fertilizer to your pond. When weeds and algae die, they immediately start to biodegrade. During this process, the dead organic matter is converted into rich organic muck. Although this would be great for a garden, it has a very negative effect on a pond. The nutrients found in this muck greatly contribute to future weed and algae problems.

The NEW way…
There’s a better way to prevent these nutrient buildups from occurring in your pond. We call it PROACTIVE Care involving these tools:

Sub-surface aeration: By aerating your pond from the bottom up, using Airmax® Aeration Systems, you’ll circulate incredible amounts of water, drastically increasing the dissolved oxygen levels in your water column, which in turn will allow for increased levels of beneficial bacteria to accumulate in your pond.

Bacteria augmentation: Naturally occurring beneficial bacteria begin to colonize in most natural ponds when water temperatures reach approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit. During early stages of a pond’s life cycle this may be enough to maintain a healthy ecosystem although as a pond gets older, especially when chemical applications are needed, it is necessary to start thinking proactively to subsidize Mother Nature’s efforts.

The PROACTIVE Care solution? Add Pond Logic® PondClear™ and MuckAway™ natural bacteria to radically increase your bacteria count. The billions of PondClear™ specialized microbes will compete for the nutrients in your water column while the MuckAway™ sinking pellets send billions of microbes to the bottom of your pond, working quickly to eliminate up to 5” of muck each season, as well as prevent future build up.

Pond Shading: Excessive sunlight can have a negative effect on water quality. Adding one of the Pond Logic® Pond Dyes will beautify your pond and provide a natural shade while improving water quality.

By exercising PROACTIVE Care (Sub-surface Aeration, Bacteria Augmentation and Pond Shading), you’ll be aggressively addressing the root of the problem – excess nutrients and sunlight. Give PROACTIVE Care a try… you have nothing to lose – other than nutrients and muck! We GURANTEE you will be happier with the results!

Natural Bacteria Treatments
With the use of Natural Bacteria and/or Pond Dyes, you can get to the source of common pond problems; excessive nutrients in the water column and the muck at the bottom of the pond. By being proactive and providing microbial competition for the nutrients, you can make maintain a healthy pond for all, including the fish, to enjoy.

Chemical Treatments
Chemical Treatments are sometimes necessary as a management tool. The more mature a pond is, the more you have to deal with aquatic weeds and algae. They not only can be annoying, but they can choke the life out of any delicate ecosystem if proper action isn’t taken.

Aquatic Weed Control
Successful aquatic weed control starts with proper identification. The more mature a pond is, the more you have to deal with aquatic weeds and algae. They not only can be annoying, but they can choke the life out of any delicate ecosystem if proper action isn’t taken.

– Identify
Identification is the absolute key to success in controlling aquatic weeds and algae. We’ve had many cases when Chara, which is a form of algae, was mistaken for a pond weed. Many people confuse duckweed and watermeal with floating algae. Both look like floating mats on the pond’s surface, but they are treated very differently. If you are ever in doubt about the type(s) of aquatic weeds or algae you have present in your pond, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call us at 731-424-2206. We are here for your support, and will help you to identify your weeds and give you a solution.
– Eradicate
Once we’ve identified the aquatic weed(s) or algae it’s time to find a solution to get rid of the problem. Carters Nursery carries a wide array of chemicals for controlling your aquatic nuisance species.
– Enjoy
A pond that is clean, clear, and healthy is an excellent place to relax by, swim in, and fish. The whole family can get involved in learning about aquatic ecosystems in this great outdoor classroom. All it takes is to Identify, Eradicate & Enjoy.

Sub-surface Aeration

Water Garden Water Treatments