September / October, 2010

Publishers’ Perspective

Rockin' the Boat

You might have noticed that we have not jumped into the "Rock on the Bottom" debate in POND Trade Magazine. In this issue we dive in with a story by Rick Bartel titled Rockin' the Boat, that zeros in on what he sees as the culprit behind rock bottom pond problems. Is he on to something here? Read Rick's article for yourself and let us know what you think.

This month we look at large format pressurized filters. As one of the most popular for koi ponds, they offer high volume power in a small footprint. They can even be buried remotely from the pond. Don't miss our POND Sources section in this issue.

All across the country, businesses are holding events, and attending others to promote their wares, with sights on 2010 and 2011 sales. Distributors are holding seminar/trade shows; manufacturers are attending those and other shows around the country, such as the Pet Expo held recently in Pomona, California. Joel Burkard of Pan Intercorp, whose business is primarily importing koi for wholesale distribution, has been hosting casual coffee and koi get togethers at his facility in Kenmore, Washington on the weekends. Remember, if you are hosting an event for the trade, let us know, so we can add it to our calendar of upcoming events and help you build your attendance.

This month's cover photo came to us from Barbara Johnson, The Fish Lady, of Van Nuys, California. She scrambled to help us find photos for an article and then we pulled the article. But this photo remains. Thank you Barbara for your support.

Now that summer 2010 is behind us, I hope the outlook for 2011 is hopeful for your business as it is for many that I have spoken with. If there is anything we can touch on, on these pages that would be of help to you and your business, please drop me a note at tomg@pondtrademag.com and let me know. We are here to support you.

Happy Selling,
Tom Graham

Download the September / October, 2010 PDF

Article List

Ikeage - A Ritual Performed By Japanese Koi Breeders
Vicki Vaughan
An Ikeage is a ritual performed several times a year by Japanese koi breeders. It literally means, "mud pond harvest." Ikeage is a lot of work, but it is also a time of celebration. See how one US koi farm continues this tradition.

Pond Leaks Part Two – Advanced Investigation
Jamie Beyer
Pond & water features can have leaks in so many places. Pond expert Jamie Beyer takes you through steps on where leaks can be and how to find. Areas like waterfalls, outlet tubing, skimmers, streams, invasive plants and more are all discussed.

Rain Water – Benefit or Hazard for Ponds
Ann Telford
Not all rain water is safe for pond fish. Water expert Ann Telford talks about the benefits and possible hazards of rain water. Test the water added to your pond; be it from the clouds or from the hose in the backyard.

Ponditat
Gloria Jones
The 5th Annual Ponditat for Humanity overhaul event was held recently by the International Professional Pond Contractors Association (IPPCA). The "Top Guns" converged Nebraska to add a bog and reduce the electricity used (making it more "green").

How to Keep Koi Alive in Your Customers’ Pond
Mamoru Kodama
Koi expert Mr. Kodama discusses the importance of keeping your customers koi alive by educating your customers and providing regular maintenance service. He covers reasons why the koi can die after only a week or two and what to do to prevent problems.

Rocking the Boat – are Rocks the Problem?
Rick Bartel
In ponds & water features are rocks or inadequate filtration the real culprit? Industry veteran Rick Bartel, tries to answer the "rock on the bottom" controversy once and for all. Includes several actual ponds and their specifics. Introduces his theory about "rocks" and good pond design.

POND Sources – Pressurized Filters Large Format Pressurized Filters for Outdoor Ponds
Tamsie Pierce
What’s the deal with pressurized filter? Learn about how they work and when and why to use them. Includes tips to consider when deciding on what filter to use. Read about six of the leading pressurized filters on the market today.

Eight Tips for Improving Monday Mornings
Gretchen Rubin
Need help getting your week started? Here are eight great tips from Gretchen Rubin, The Happiness Project, to help you get a great start to your day.