January / February 2021

Language of Koi | Essential Lingo for Describing Pond Koi

Nothing stands out in a pond quite like koi. Their bright colors and unique patterns are part of the reason why they are such a popular fish. Today, there are numerous breeds of koi, with each categorized by color, pattern and scales. Knowing the traits of koi varieties, along with the terms commonly used to …

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How to Build a Sustainable Sand-Bottom Pond

I was taught early on as a pond professional not to put sand on the bottom of a pond, and I’ve always just accepted it as best practice in the pond-construction industry. After all, I have heard quite a few objections over the years. “Sand can’t be brushed or vacuumed effectively, so it will be …

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Tech Tip | How To Calculate Waterfall Flow

>> This is a sidebar to Demi Fortuna’s main feature, “A Pump and Plumbing Pond Primer” What if you wanted to know the flow of an existing waterfall, perhaps because you want to recreate the same effect? You can measure the thickness of the water flowing over a spillway or fall rock. Turn a ruler …

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

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 …

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Unique Varieties of Lotus, Iris & Waterlily

So, you’ve just created and built an amazing showcase pond, complete with the best waterfalls and master stonework. Why would you just throw in some random green plants when you could integrate some standout plants and flowers that other installers often overlook? Your water garden will have everyone talking! I find it amazing that some …

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‘Up-Close & Personal’ with a Water Feature

Water gardening and the entire experience of having one can become a passion, if not an obsession. It can consume a person’s thinking to the point that some non-water gardeners might question the person’s sanity. (To be clear, we who have this passion would never question it!) So, what makes the hobby so pleasurable? For …

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Three Generations Team up for Intricate Koi Pond Build

A little over a year ago, I was in Englewood, Florida, a beautiful town right around the corner from Venice Beach and world-famous Siesta Key. It was my second trip in just a few months, as I helped my parents move up to Mathews, Virginia, where I make my home and operate my business. We …

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New Pond, Aquaponics Build for School During Pandemic

The year 2019 was just amazing from a business viewpoint. The economy was a business owner’s dream. Jobs were coming in faster than we could keep up with, and everything was good. As 2019 ended and a new decade began, early 2020 showed no signs of letting up! Then, the bad news began. In late …

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