Happy Holidays, below is a short video sharing some of the pond sunsets we’ve had over time. We also started a fan page on Face  Book to share more content and well get more social. The page is set up so you can download the sunset pictures and use as computer background image, looks awesome. On the same download page is a couple torn out page from my book as a gift too. Just 2 simple steps click“Like“ at the top of our Face book page, click step two and download. Merry Christmas and have a safe, but fun ringing in the New Year.

We are just wrapping up our C.E.R.T. live training, graduation and leaving the 911 building when all our phones started going off with the warnings. First was severe Thunderstorm and minutes after that was tornado warnings. We did end up in hail but no “cows” if you remember that movie.  What a spectacular scene with the huge wall cloud and after seeing all the pictures showing up on the internet this was a huge event covering multiple counties.

Oh, what is CERT? Community Emergency Response Team who’s role is to help in the event of a disaster assisting the Erie County Emergency Management. CERT is everywhere check with your county officials to find when training is available if you would like to volunteer.

Once the storm cleared it was time for a road trip to visit a couple pond owners and explain the details of aeration, how it works and why sizing is important. Not just putting in bottom diffused aeration but sizing it for that specific pond. Yes there are small systems where we can keep a hole open in the ice but not able to turn over the entire pond water volume once a day. Now that the weather is calming down and the temps are rising aeration will become a needed tool for a healthy pond, not just for the water but the fish as well.

Take a minute and check out the different Aeration Systems to see which one may fit your pond. Then Submit a ticket or shoot us an email and we’ll work out the calculations for a sure fit.

Finally it was time to relax for a minute. The sun was out and a comfortable breeze. Fed the boys and fish at the big pond and took a walk to the little pond for their desert, feed the fish and Ohmi decided to cool off a little. For some reason Clem doesn’t like the water, he even gets worried while getting a drink and his toes get wet. Awesome day, Spring has finally Sprung so now we can enjoy our waters, take a swim, fish, watch the abundance of life and just relax.

With the last post about Spring, Geese and Nutrients in the pond I ruffled some feathers of a reader and was reminded not all ponds are built for the same reason. In the Definitive Guide and beginning with the pond building endeavor it was brought up about different type ponds and are built for many reasons, uses and purposes. Don’t get me wrong geese are kind of cool to watch and do some cool things, but I’d rather not dodge what they leave behind or getting in my pond.

From the fishing pond, to water storage for fire suppression, live stock, garden or crop irrigation. And moving on to the reflection pond to sit back and enjoy the beauty nature provides in wildlife visiting the pond for a drink and those whom move right into the pond and call it home like the frog’s, dragon flies new birds you may not have seen before and yes raising geese or ducks even fish.

Then there is the pond where we want everything the pond can offer us. A place to take some time and get lost in the awesomeness of the peace and tranquility, discuss and solve the world’s problems, sit at the camp fire and listen to the bull frogs croaking, fountain or water, watch as the kids feed the fish, or as they jump off the dock to swim even, cast in your lure into the pond to catch the big one.

All of these thoughts, feeling and uses for the pond are valid to each and every pond owner. The one thing that remains constant is over time the pond will end up with algae, weeds and muck build up from the incoming water that keeps the pond full. There are variables as to how long this will take by how many nutrients coming into the pond. Aeration will be needed to keep the water quality in check even added beneficial bacteria’s can be added as well to out populate  and use up the nutrients. Even in the event of raising geese or having too many geese visiting the pond can cause high fecal coli-forms in the water because of their waste this can happen if there is a grazing pasture for horses, cows even a manure pile that could be in the watershed.

The biggest help is using the proper sized aeration system. What happens in the case of fecal coli-forms is they are raised to the surface of the water and the ultra violet rays of the sun can help destroy them. Similar to the UV clarifier’s used for drinking water and smaller Koi ponds. Beyond that is the circulation in the water column from aeration brings dissolved oxygen to the bottom of the pond where now the aerobic bacteria can break down the muck at the bottom, then as the air diffuser lifts water to the surface the bad gasses can be released to atmosphere and more oxygen be absorbed by the water helping to bind nitrates and phosphate so they can’t be used by algae. Before purchasing an aeration system be sure to take a look at  Aeration Mistakes for more details on pond aeration.

Just a quick post after a couple weeks of getting ready and recuperating from three back to back shows lasting over a week and a half. Starting off with the Home and Garden Expo then traveling down to State College for the Pennsylvania Lake Management Society conference and back to Erie Bayfront for the Sport and Travel Expo.  Coming back to Erie should have been quick and easy but all of the sudden the road went from dry to a black color…it was not wet but black ice had developed over a few miles on I-80.

I will say I believe in using studded tires still a little squirrely but got in under control unlike over 8 others that I saw who have a long time to get home or may not make it home at all. I thought about posting pictures but… to be on the courteous side we’ll leave it alone and send out prayers to those families.

First I want to thank all of you for stopping by the booth asking questions about your pond and lakes and learning there are ways to improve the water quality and how to take a Proactive approach to pond management.

For those folks who have left their address we are working on the pond calculations for proper sized aeration system and will be contacting you soon. If you left your phone number we will be in contact to go over your questions and special pond needs as well. And for anyone who did not leave a way to be contacted and still have questions, please click the yellow, blue striped fish on the left and submit a ticket, simply fill in the blanks and let us know how we can help or what your pond problems are.

We are here to help you in creating the pond of your dreams, repairing and bring back the the pond you once had, even enhancing the fish habitat. From fountains, aeration systems, Dye in 3 different colors, beneficial bacteria and treatments to clear those waters, WhatPond is excited to help you and your pond to bring back those special evenings and to create new ones as well.

I would like to say thanks to Mark and Renee from Erie Promotions and Expos for their promotion of the events and inviting us back for the Sport and Travel Expo.

See You at the Erie Home and Garden Expo? February 24-27. Visit our booth for a few reasons.

Check this out, register to win a Free Evolution Fountain rental for a weekend, having a wedding, picnic or party at a pond, this is a great way to add soothing sound of water and lighting at night and bring your pond to life. Fountains, ½ to 40 hp.

The other reasons to stop by are to see the new innovative products to help bring our pond and lakes back to life. Not only with fountains but by bottom aeration to provide needed oxygen for the fish and benefits the reduction of nutrients and muck. Aeration systems, 2,000 gallon to 6 acre lakes, special order for lager.

Next is the proactive approach to water treatments meaning non chemical treatments to clear up your pond water with natural ingredients. Three unique dye colors to beneficial bacteria.

Along with special fishiding units to provide shade, structure for the small fry and ambush for the game fish. Form recycled product so we are not using up or creating more waste. Structures designed for lakes, ponds and  the smaller koi ponds.

Stop fighting your pond problems and let us bring back the magic, inspiration, relaxation and recreation your pond once had. Even if you don’t have a pond we can help design & build your perfect pond paradise. Stop by the booth … let’s see how we can help. Or click Help and submit a ticket.

What is AquaPonics? In short it is a marriage of fish and plants and a way to become self sustaining for food producing fish and greens from a small area in your home, garage, basement or green house. This is green, organic and fun for the whole family while providing nutritional healthy food for your family.

As we watch prices climb around us this is one way to know your saving money and a chance to get ahead on the grocery bill. Once you have your system set up and running the only maintenance or daily input is feeding the fish 2- 3 times a day and occasional plant trimming

Now available in different sizes to fight your budget and production needs. Check out which Raup Aquaponic system that fits your needs after watching the video. Let Vaughn know I said hello.

Live in the present. In the day and time we are in this is a good day for all it’s meaning.

Have a great Thanksgiving Day!

There is always something to be thankful for. I know some folks are not happy at all.The weather forecast can set them up for the day. But hey you’re alive, right?

Maybe you think your day is bad or nothing goes right for you, take a moment and think about what is going on? What have you accomplished today even the little things, like slowing down in the construction zone, hold the door for another person, thank someone for doing a good job or helping you out. Use your imagination there are things to be thankful for even though it seems you can’t find anything. Have a roof over your head? Have a Job? Friends or family to talk to? Food on the table? Maybe you have a special talent or special ability and ok even a pond that you could share a few hours with some who doesn’t have what you have. Tell you what the feeling is priceless.

On to the story I can’t remember where I found this maybe in an email or a forum post I came across. Very compelling. Please take a minute to read it.

Change Your Thinking:

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.

His bed was next to the room’s only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.
The men talked for hours on end.

They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon,  when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.

Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene. One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.

Although the other man could not hear the band – he could see it in his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Days, weeks and months passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.

She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the his body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside the window. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, ‘Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.’

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can’t  buy.

‘Today is a gift, that is why it is called   The Present.’

PS. Have a great Thanksgiving Day, be safe, and thank someone today. Just don’t eat too much at once, save some for later. Ok like they say just pace yourself shouldn’t every day be thanksgiving day? Al rights go to the original author of the letter. Feel free to comment their always welcome.

PPS. Why fight the traffic shop on line a save yourself the hassle, gas and frustrations,

Evolution Fountain Spray pattern can be changed pretty easily.

Before we get to the video showing how to change display patterns let’s back up a little bit and ask a question. What if I don’t have a pond or maybe don’t want a pond? But it would sure be nice to have a display to drown out the noise from the neighborhood and even have display to attract customers to my business. There is hope with the Evolution Fountain.

The picture to the left is more of a classy or elegant water feature where there would be retaining walls dressed to suit your surroundings that holds the water in place above ground. The picture on the right offers more of a ground level approach. Both require water proof liner to keep the water from either soaking into the ground or leaking out the retaining wall.

Before you watch the video I want to warn you, I left the blooper in. Yes I could edit it out by why? There is a valuable lesson to learn and if you run into a situation similar this could help out. Just keeping it real we are all human and sometimes have mistakes. And my lil woman asked to remove her from the video but I told her that is the best part, the excitement. Learn more about the Evolution Fountain.

There comes a time to stop and smell the roses, but I’m allergic to them so every day we spend time at the ponds. Taking time to relax and enjoy the peaceful oasis while listening to the fountain, frogs, feeding fish and our boys (the 4 legged kids) and just plain lose the days stress’s by soaking in nature and the beautiful sunsets. (video below)

Folks are always telling to take a break, take some time off to relax and rejuvenate or you’ll get burned out. You know take a trip or a mini vacation, something that can offer new insights or experiences

So let’s take off on a day trip, one day vacation. We meet up with my friend Phil Mutrie, his little woman Vanessa and her friend. Phil is from Canada, eh! My wife loves his accent. Phil and I met a little over a year ago online and formed a great friendship.

Oh come on, let’s get to the story. Ok here we go to Niagara Falls, hmm waterfalls does give me ideas to connect our 2 ponds so that was part of the trip. The rest was sightseeing, chatting, eating and lots of walking. At first we took our time walking along the river trying to figure out what we would do for the day stopping every 25’ or so to poke our heads over the bank and see the falls at a little bit different angles. It was a lot more exciting than the last time I was there being a young guy but did remember the flower clock.

We ended up buying the all day pass, yes the absolute best way to go if you plan on hitting all the attractions. We went under the falls in the tunnels carved out many years ago and the Maid of the Mist was cool too. Yes when you are given a rain coat to wear… wear it, it means there’s a good chance you’ll get wet.

The falls themselves was a great experience as well with the amount of water flowing over them, too much to comprehend and just like the energizer bunny they just keep going and going. Ok so I think the next or maybe the biggest attraction that got me going even more was the Niagara Furry, how the falls were made. I really want one of these at home but could be expensive. This is a 4D experience no cameras allowed and way too involved to try and explain in this post. But I can say it was absolutely amazing from 70 degrees to 50 in 30 seconds was impressive and then it started to snow… really cool sights sounds effected both mentally and physically. If you only want to spend for one attraction I would recommend going to the Niagara Furry is an absolute must to see and feel.

Finally we get to the part where part of the reason I went was to check out the water falls to get ideas for future plans at WhatPond. If you didn’t know we slipped in another pond last year and at some point will connect them with a stream ending with a waterfall. Lots of work and planning but that is what I do when I’m out feeding the fish and boys. Just stop and look around, look at other falls and try to picture them. Should it be like this or that, how big, how wide? The list goes on and on but be sure when I take little breaks I’ll be thinking of those questions and throughout the winter months. So take some breaks in everyday life and at least one day a month to just cut loose.

Oh the day trip to relax and take it easy ended up very exhausting, man I was beat and didn’t get home till after midnight. Sure did sleep well. Just like Aqua Control says on the website “ the Possibilities are endless” which gives me more ideas as they do have the Niagara Series waterfall pumps, 1hp to 7.5 hp.

Life is exciting, isn’t it?   (video below)
Living Life is what we make of it. From waking up in the morning to what our day has in store for us we just never know what can happen. Good things and bad but it’s up to us to work thru them and come out on top. Sure we all have problems but what if you changed the word “problem” to challenge? Puts a little different perspective on the situation and now the challenge can be broke down to smaller steps and worked out. Instead of panic mode running with around with problems.

Wake up every day and say “It’s a Beautiful Day” even if it’s -15 degrees and snowing or 95 degrees and humid. Your alive so keep living life.

Ok not totally about ponds but I got a email this morning and it had a slide show attached about the “Philosophy For Old Age”. In the slide show all the pictures are of ponds and lakes, very inspiring to see but also the captions that go along with the pictures. Click the video below and enjoy. It does move a little fast so hit pause to read or watch again.