The Pond Store; Home of Mark the Pond Guy

Frequently Asked Questions

We try to anticipate questions you might have about our PRODUCT / SERVICE and provide the answers here. If you need additional information send email to YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS.

	Q. Should I expect my pond to be totally algae-free?
	A. Algae is part of nature and you should expect it to be part of your pond - to a small degree. What you don't want is for algae to take over your pond. Creating a natural ecosystem utilizing desirable plants will help keep the algae at a tolerable level. Excessive amounts of algae are typically found when the natural ecosystem is out of balance.

	Q. How much electricity does a pond use?
	A. This depends on the size of pump used. A high-efficiency pump, producing 3000 gallons per hour will cost $13 per month on average. Smaller (high-efficiency) pumps will cost less and larger or non-efficiency pumps will cost more.

	Q. Will my pond attract/breed mosquitoes?
	A. A properly designed pond will not attract mosquitoes, as mosquitoes prefer stagnant water to produce their offspring. The backyard ponds we install have constantly moving water, between the skimmer and the waterfalls/streams. Additionally, any mosquito larvae that manage to hatch will either be sucked into the skimmer or eaten by the fish.

Q. Do I have to have fish in my pond?

A. Fish are part of the recipe for a naturally balanced, aquatic ecosystem. A pond without fish is kind of like baking bread without the yeast. It just doesn't work nearly as well. Not only that, but once you get used to watching them glide gracefully around your pond and you realize how little work is involved in fish keeping you, like most people, will get past the apprehension and be glad that you have fish in your pond.

Q. Will predators eat my fish? How do I prevent that?

A. It is possible that predators can visit your pond, however the vast majority of backyard ponds are predator-free. For those ponds that attract unwanted visitors there are products and techniques to help protect your fish friends.

The Scarecrow
- This is a motion activated sprinkler. When a pest goes near the pond, the infra-red sensor detects it and the Scarecrow shoots a blast of water to scare them away. It has been known to also squirt unwary pets and forgetful pond owners on occasion.
Fish Caves
- While installing your pond, we create a place for fish to hide from predators. The cave is camoflaged with gravel and rocks so it won't create a visual problem like pond netting would.

Q. How much does a pond cost?

A. The cost is typically comparable to the cost of a hot tub. However, there are many factors that can determine the final price outcome, such as:

Size
- A preformed pond or container water garden will cost much less than a 20' x 20' pond with a 15' stream
Waterfalls/Streams
- The more you add, typically the more supplies you'll need, the more the pond will cost
Depth
- Again, the deeper you go, the more time / supplies you will need to complete the project
Location
- If the pond is in an awkward location, the time it takes for installation can increase greatly

	Q. Do I have to have plants in my pond?
	A. Yes, plants are a vital ingredient for naturally balanced ecosystems in which Mother Nature does most of the upkeep. Without aquatic plants, algae in the pond can take full advantage of the space, nutrients, and sunlight to turn your pond into a soupy mess. Aquatic plants directly compete with algae for nutrients and, along with beneficial bacteria, keep it from taking over your pond.