Demi Fortuna is Director of Product Information for industry leader Atlantic Water Gardens, traveling and working with contractors and distributors alike in developing targeted Atlantic sales support materials. Fortuna has over 25 years of experience in all aspects of water garden design and construction, the last ten years in product research, development, sales and product training. When he isn't presenting complex topics via seminars and lectures in an accessible, enjoyable manner, he can usually be found up to his elbows in pond slime working with his two sons, Edwin and Ely, in their water feature design/build business August Moon Designs.

Flow, Friction and Total Dynamic Head: A Pump and Plumbing Primer for Ponds

By Demi Fortuna / December 28, 2020 / 0 Comments

When I was asked to revisit the subject of pump hydraulics, I was honored — and a little intimidated. I immediately wondered how I could make this article in some way more interesting than the mathematics involved. Let’s face it — as important as knowing what Total Dynamic Head (TDH) is, how to calculate it […]

The W.E.T.S. Method for Diagnosing Water Loss

By Demi Fortuna / June 29, 2020 / 0 Comments

One of the more confusing issues that pond owners and contractors have to deal with is water loss in what is designed to be a closed system. Even if you’re sure that there are no leaks in your recirculating pond or fountain, the water level can still drop. How is That Possible? Well, the answer […]

How to Site a Water Feature: A Checklist

By Demi Fortuna / February 23, 2019 / 1 Comment

Just like in real estate, the location of a water feature is key. The most natural-looking man-made pond is one that could have been created naturally, given time and the interaction of weather, geology and gravity. The processes are always the same, though geology and terrain will vary. Water flows out from the side of […]

Pond Renovation Tips for Accessibility

By Demi Fortuna / October 25, 2017 / 1 Comment

My dentist told me about Lily. She had a great relationship with Dr. K — we all do — and had been chatting during a checkup about a problem with her pond. A widow, she was at an impasse over what to do about her backyard koi pond, which was leaking badly. For many years […]

The Benefits of Bubbles – The dynamics of subsurface aeration

By Demi Fortuna / May 1, 2014 / 4 Comments

You probably know that oxygen is vitally important to the health of your fish and plants. But did you know that warm weather (like the spring and summer days ahead) can bring your pond’s O2 to dangerously low levels? Efficient aeration can be the difference between a gorgeous, healthy pond and a bunch of dead fish floating on the surface. In this detailed story, Demi Fortuna shares his knowledge on aerating effectively in all seasons.

How to Move a Mountain: Placing huge boulders for a Pond Build

By Demi Fortuna / July 1, 2013 / 3 Comments

Moving large rocks and boulders gives new meaning to the term “back-breaking labor.” But with a few tips, even three-ton behemoths can be made to cooperate. Demi Fortuna shares the industry secrets to enhance your pond projects, save you time and protect your fingers!

Pond Construction with Concrete

By Demi Fortuna / January 1, 2013 / 31 Comments

Concrete and mortar have been favored by pond construction and fountain builders since the Roman Empire, and the formula has changed little in the past 2000 years. Limestone and clay are mixed, heated and ground to the silky powder we call cement. Concrete is made by adding water, sand and gravel to the cement, while […]

Rainwater Harvesting, Now Add it to Your Business

By Demi Fortuna / March 1, 2012 / 0 Comments

Rainwater collection dates back 5,000 years. New technologies and equipment are making rainwater harvesting (RH) possible and in some places necessary. Did you know an “Eco-Blox” can support 14,000 lbs. Products like this have made underground storage possible. How much water can be collected from one rooftop? Find the answer to this and many other important points. Maybe even add a Pond-free water feature to go with that RH system.

Sizing Gravel-filled and Water Matrix Reservoirs for Pondless Features

By Demi Fortuna / November 1, 2011 / 0 Comments

Building a Pondless water feature? Get the engineering right the first time! Learn from a pond industry veteran the “how-to” on sizing vaults and flows when building features such as a long stream. Learn the formula to accurately calculate the Dynamic Volume, so you won’t overflow or be caught short of water.

Estimating Water Features – a Tricky Subject

By Demi Fortuna / May 1, 2011 / 0 Comments

The low bid usually is not the best for anyone. Our water feature expert shares his experience on how to bid on a job and make a profit. Learn how to charge enough to cover overhead and labor, so you will still be in business next year. Learn the value of the “artistry factor” and why you should charge for it!

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