March / April, 2010

Publishers’ Perspective

POND Trade Magazine Announces Winners

We are happy to recognize the winners of the POND Trade Magazine Product of the Year Challenge. Congratulations go to Paul Curtis of AquaFinn, LLC., for his pioneering efforts, bringing a new product and brand name to market last year with MinnFinn Max koi treatment. This year's competition had a number of great pond products of various types. Our Overall Champion for 2009 MinnFinn Max.

First Place in the Pond Equipment category went to long time pump manufacturer Multi-Duti Manufacturing, Inc. Their new Titan pump has captured the enthusiasm of the market with its groundbreaking performance. First Place in the Pond Products category went to another major industry manufacturer, Ecological Laboratories with Sabbactisun, a new addition to the Microbe-Lift line. This product is particularly notable in the fact that it is a bit of a departure from what we have come to expect from Ecological Laboratories. It is neither a beneficial bacteria nor enzyme product. It is instead an herbal product to promote healing in fish.

We recognize the winners beginning on page 24. I bet you will read about something new that you will find interesting and valuable. Be sure to visit www.pondtrademag.com/productoftheyear/2009/entries/ to see all the great products we have had the opportunity to showcase for you.

If you are not feeling an upsurge in your pond business yet, hang in there. It feels like things are picking up in many areas of the country. Many companies are launching new products for 2010, exhibited by the 14 press releases we published in January on the web site. (Send yours to pr@pondtrademag.com.)

If your company holds training seminars or shows for the trade and would like to publish
your dates, send the information to events@pondtrademag.com and we will add your event to our calendar section.

Remember, when you assist colleagues in the trade, you strengthen long-term relationships that will bear fruit for years to come.

Good Prospecting.

Download the March / April, 2010 PDF

Article List

Pagel’s Pots
Tom Graham
Walter Pagel's is well known in the water gardening industry. Walter has dozens of pots in his backyard that contain their own microcosm. Take a look at the variety of these tiny aquatic plants.

Language of Koi – Origin of Butterfly Koi
Randy LeFever
Wonder where the name "Butterfly" koi came from? Koi breeding expert Randy LeFever tells us about the history & development of Butterfly koi at Blue Ridge Fish Hatchery. Learn how they have developed their brand of long fin koi called Butterfly koi.

Free Retail Water Quality Testing
Jayne Southard
Many Retailers have discovered that free water testing services, increases customer loyalty and promotes return store visits. Tests are simple, and help solve pond problems, keeping pond owners happy, and selling products as well.

Water Tech – Care and Feeding of Nitrifying Bacteria
Article submitted by CassCo Products, Inc.
In this in-depth discussion of Nitrifying Bacteria, our expert details how water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen levels, salt, micronutrients, light, and inhibitory chemicals impact the viability of vital pond bacteria, so critical to fish health.

Why New Ponds “Pop” – Turning the Tide from Green to Clean
Paul Scholz
Paul Scholz de-mystifies the "pop" experience when ponds start up, and explains the mechanisms behind it. In nature, there are 3 general roles microorganisms play: beneficial, harmful and neutral. What are "Follow-on" bacteria? Learn how they help get your pond in balance.

POND Trade Magazine’s Product of the Year Challenge Winners

POND Trade Magazine’s 2009 Product of the Year Challenge winners are introduced here. The top prize goes to Overall Winner – MinnFinn Max by Aqua Finn, LLC. See all the other great products that were recognized as the top products for 2009.

What to Expect: Owning a Retail Koi Store
Joe Pawlak
Learn from a long-time koi retailing expert some of the common things to expect in owning a retail store – the good and the bad. Special focus is placed on the details of managing fish, from ordering through selling.

Advertising Do’s and Don’ts
Pam Greiner
Marketing expert Pam Greiner shares with you her most important Do's & Don'ts of Advertising. Ready to start designing your ad? Follow these 8 critical points, and see how much more effective your ads become.