Kan-Do Ponds, Custom Koi Ponds, Waterfalls, and Pondless Systems

POND MAINTENANCE

You will always have some form of algae in your pond, now having said that, the following items play an important role in controlling algae (notice I didn’t say completely eliminate algae):

The type of filtration: Larger than what is recommended is always better (see our filtration systems under “Features”)
The size of the pump: Should be able to exchange the entire volume of water in the pond in about an hour.
The amount of water flow: Should have continuous water flow.
Aeration in the pond: A small waterfall will give plenty of aeration. Believe it or not, but your pond will get most of its oxygen from algae!
Fish load: The more fish you have and the bigger they are, the more you-know-what (waste) you’ll have in your pond.
What and how often you feed your fish: Once a day, as much as your fish can eat in about 5 minutes in warmer weather, and once to twice a week for your larger Koi in colder weather, and nothing for smaller Koi (smaller than 12”). The metabolism of Koi slows down dramatically in colder weather and their system cannot digest the food as easy and might even kill them! They will subsist on algae in your pond.
U.V. light unit: Make sure you don’t exceed the maximum flow rate recommended for your unit (use with bypass plumbing). Don’t forget to clean the sleeve at least twice a year and to change the bulb every 12-16 months (we can install one for you).
Ion generator: Copper ion generators are easy to install inline between your pump and filter, not cheap! Get more info online.
Water treatments: Algaecides are not recommended for continuous usage, however use of beneficial bacteria and barley is helpful.
Weather: A sudden change in temperature will most certainly have an effect on your pond and will throw the delicate balance way off, sometimes overnight! Use of algaecides is recommended to treat the problem in this instance. However, the “Algae Bloom” will eventually go away on its own.

Why do I have green water and how can I eliminate it?

Green water occurs when small particulates in the water are not being filtered out.

Primary Problem: Existing filter is either not adequate to handle the waste or needs cleaning more often (see our filtration systems under “Features”).
In Addition: Lack of oxygen in the water, not enough water flow and water changes will also contribute to the problem.
Water treatments can be used to eliminate the green water problem such as “Flocculent” and “Water Clarifier with algaecide”.
A U.V. light unit will also help to rid you of the green water (we can install one for you).

I am constantly filling my pond with water. How do I find out if I’ve got a leak?

Water evaporates all the time (less at night) up to a ½” a day in hotter weather, even more if there’s a stream and/or multiple waterfalls.

Solution:

Shut the pump off and the water supply to your auto-fill float (if you have one).
After about 5-10 minutes, gauge where the water level is.
Leave the pump and autofill float off overnight. In the morning, check the water level again. Note: Your fish will be fine. If you have a small pond and/or have large Koi, you might want to place an aerator pump in the pond, just to be on the safe side.

If you noticed that the water level in the pond dropped, then there’s a leak in the pond area. If no change in the water level was detected, then the leak is in the waterfall and/or stream areas including the plumbing in between the pump and the waterfall.

FYI: We are experts in finding and repairing leaks! If you’ve got a leak, we’ll find it! (sounds like a plumbing advertisement).

PONDLESS WATERFALLS

Why is it called a pondless waterfall?

Since the water level never pools above the level of the rock and gravel fill, it gives the appearance of a pondless waterfall.

Where does the water come from?

A hole, deeper than a normal pond, is dug, then lined and filled with rock, gravel and water. The water is then circulated from beneath the rocks and gravel by a pump that sits on the bottom.

Where does the water go?

The water runs through a pipe up to a filter and down a constructed waterfall and stream, where it falls back into the reservoir.

What if I want to add a pond later?

A Pondless Waterfall is almost a stepping-stone for people who might be interested in a full-fledged pond in the future. If your contractor is resourceful, they'll make sure they leave enough room for a pond to be added later.

For more information about pondless waterfalls, please click here.