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It's Fall Cleanout Time!! Click here for the form. Touch of Paradise Designs is now offering landscape maintenance services. Click here for more information.

 

CLICK HERE FOR OUR LATEST AQUANEWS NEWSLETTER

T.O.P. TIP –

WATCH OUT FOR THOSE PESKY HERON’S!

Yes, they are back!  Now is the time to protect your fish from the Hungry Heron.  Don’t get caught this year.  Scarecrow - Motion Activated Sprinkler, Floating Alligators, Heron Decoys and Pond Netting make a great gift for that person who loves their fish!

Scarecrow - Motion Activated Sprinkler.  When it sees an intruder it automatically releases full garden hose water pressure towards the trespasser.  Super high sensitivity detects animals as small as squirrels.  Daylight sensor automatically reduces sensitivity during the day to reduce false triggering.  Low energy circuits run for months and ‘fires’ 1000’s of times using one 9-volt battery.  Adjustable water spray (arcs and distance) – 35’ Horizontal x 105 degrees.  

$89.99

*****

Heron Decoy deters herons from coming to your pond by making them think another heron is already there!  This large, life-like heron helps protect fish from predators.  Ground stake is 7 ½” wide x 30” high x 9” long.

$49.99

*****

Add a little fun to your pond while protecting your valuable fish.  The 34” Floating Alligator Decoy has three hinged body parts allowing it to float freely and life-like in the pond.  The natural body movement will also deter herons and other predators from visiting your pond.

$49.99

*****

Pond Netting comes conveniently packaged, making it easier to install.  Ideal for keeping fish in and the predators out.  This reusable pond netting keeps debris from entering the pond.  Now on sale at 10% off regular price.  Sizes available 7’x10’ ($12.99), 7’x20’ ($16.99), 14’x14’ ($19.99), 14’x28’ ($39.99).

 

NEW VANISHING FOUNTAINS

Come see Sal’s new Vanishing Fountain on display right here at our store!

A Vanishing Fountain contains water that is pumped from a hidden basin/reservoir buried in the ground and pushes through the top fountain piece or vase which then disappears into the ground.

Vanishing Fountains can be created from any statuary or pottery of your choice.  You can use decorative pottery, urns, statuary, rock, granite and basalt rocks.  Vanishing Fountains are a great way to enhance your  home’s curb appeal, backyard or patio, and the sound of running water will attract birds and wildlife.

 

BENEFICIAL BACTERIA

Remember, keep adding your bacteria!

Don’t forget, this time of year you will need to start adding more beneficial bacteria to your pond.  Keep in mind, when the temperatures start falling, your bacteria colonies will start dying off.  You will need to re-seed the colonies by adding bacteria now on a weekly basis.  Use one scoop per week.

FERTILIZE NOW!

Help keep your plants protected and ready to bloom next spring.  AgSafe Aquatic-Tabs are a time-release nutrient tablet that continuously feeds waterlillies and pond plants.  Aquatic-Tabs contain micronutrients and natural organic additives to promote vigorous growth and long-lasting blooms.  Professional Growers Choice.  Will not harm fish or aquatic life.  Suggested Application:  Insert 2 tablets per gallon, 3” deep into soil about 3” away from plant crown.  Press soil around inserted tablet holes.  Repeat feeding after 30 days during growing season. 

25 count                      $8.99

60 count                      $18.99

 

   
 

GOT INSECTS–

Aphids on your aquatics?

Have you seen tiny little Aphid bugs on your aquatic plants?  They are usually about 1/8th of an inch long and come in different colors.  They appear on new growth or on yellowing leaves.  You can wash aphids off the leaves into the pond so the fish can eat them, but if you have a bad infestation you will need to use a light oil spray to kill them.  Oil sprays will suffocate the aphids and are not harmful to fish or plants. Sprays should be repeated every 10 days to be most effective.  Aphid X Control Spray is made from natural ingredients.  Is safe for use with fish, plants, birds or domestic animals that drink from the pond. 

12 oz spray bottle $16.99.

FFEEDING FISH

The temperatures are falling now and everything else is starting to slow down, including your fish.  If you are the person that likes to feed their fish at least twice a day, then please start weaning your fish.  They don’t need to eat as much so you can reduce the amount they eat.  I have a lot of people calling me right now asking me “what should I do with my Koi because of the recent cold temperatures”?  Don’t worry, your Koi will be fine.  Overfeeding is the most common mistake when keeping Koi.  I recommend not feeding them when the temperature of the water drops below 55 degrees.  When the temperature is this low, the Koi’s metabolism slows to a minimum, reducing the fish’s ability to sufficiently digest or process what they consume.  But…Koi are a very hardy fish.  As the temperature drops, the Koi will move into the deeper parts of the pond (the earth warms the bottom of the pond).  They will remain awake and mobile but their metabolism slows drastically to conserve body heat, which means that processing food is difficult for them.  We are lucky here in Florida, the pond will not freeze with ice forming on the top like up North.  The two foot deep ponds we build have never had any problems with keeping the fish comfortable.  You need to make sure that the water in your pond is constantly circulating , which will provide oxygen for the fish.  If your fish are hungry, let them munch on the algae.  It will help keep your pond looking good too!

 

 

FISH HEALTH

The Slime Coat:  The First Line of Defense.  You have probably heard about the fish’s slime coat and have also heard about being careful not to rub it off, or have seen products that claim to preserve a fish’s slime coat.  But what exactly is the slime coat.  Not only is it part of the reason why fish feel slimy, but more importantly, it is the first line of defense in their immune system. If a fish loses its slime coat, the fish can be exposed to all sorts of “nasties”.  Fish, like humans, have several layers of skin.  In fish, the outermost layer is called the cuticle, or slime coat, is what is exposed to the outside world.  Even though this layer contains cells, it is not made of cells.  Inside the slime coat is a formidable cocktail of cells that help maintain immunity.  It even contains antibodies against specific and non-specific diseases that aid in immunity.  Extra care should always be taken when handling fish, and all handling should be done with the preservation of the slime coat in mind.  When handling fish, use a fine net. 

Parasites:  Parasitic infections are one of the most common infections that fish will get.  These little guys can reproduce very fast and cause serious problems in a short period of time.  The good news is that if caught early enough they can be remedied rather quickly.  Ich is the most recognizable and infamous of all the parasites that affect fish.  Chances are, anyone who has ever had fish has had to do battle with this parasite.  It is a protozoan that buries itself under the skin of the fish, encysts, and then causes small white spots all over the fish, giving the appearance that the fish has been “sprinkled” with salt.  There are several ways to treat for ich.  The first way is to maintain a 0.3% salt solution for a minimum of seven days.  The benefits of Salt:  Salt by far, will be your best friend for several reasons.  It does not stress fish like some other medications do, and it can be used without worry with almost every type of “pond fish.”  Another good thing about salt is that it does not harm the biological filter.  Unlike most medications, salt is completely harmless to the beneficial bacteria, which means you can keep the filters running the whole time you are treating.

Fungal Infections:  This cottony invader is commonly seen in the early part of the year or on pre-existing wounds.  Fungus only feed on dead or decaying tissue, which is the reason why you see it on sores or other sites of injury.  More often than not, fungus is going to attack those fish whose immune systems are not at their full strength.  Not to be overlooked, however, is dirty or foul water.  Fungal infections can and will be an issue when dealing with poor water quality.  Dirty water can stress a fish as much as anything else, and having sores in dirty water is an open invitation for a fungal infection.  The best remedy for an outbreak is improved water quality.  Having clean water will help lessen the spread of fungus.  Good aeration in the pond makes for better water quality also.  It is recommended that you conduct a yearly pond cleanout.   If you have any questions regarding the Annual Cleanout feel free to call the office with questions

 

 


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