Living Ponds new file - FBAS•Always use a circuit breaker with any pond equipment installation. •Excavating the hole for a large pond can be a strenuous job - enlist the help of

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MAX-FLO PUMPSThe Max-Flo range now boasts anew monster pump providing massive power and 10mm solidshandling PLUS a new Powerpumpfor spectacular waterfalls.

Construct a pond with a flexible liner Flexible liners give you the freedomto create the shape of your pond,follow our guide to success.

FILTERS & STERILISERS Laguna’s range now includesClearflo - the ultimate partnershipof power and performance!

Ask the team about water, fish & plants6 pages of practical advice about ponds and pond products.

Water Gardener’s CalendarMonth-by-month pond maintenance and fish care.

LivingPonds& water features

InspirationPhotos of amazing ponds from theGreat British Horticultural Shows.

Tips for successUseful tips to help you on the wayto a successful new pond.

Create a rock featurein 4 easy steps!Ideal for patio installations,Laguna’s new rock ornaments look and feel like real stone andare remarkably easy to set up.

FREE-FLO PUMPSMeet Laguna’s high performancefountain pump - it’s versatile andpowerful!

Construct a pond with a pre-formed linerThe pre-formed liner is a greatway to create a new pond, aboveand below ground!

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A new year, a new pond!Water brings so much to your garden - beauty, light, sound - aswell as a vital element which attracts a wide variety of wildlife andinsects, many of which benefit your garden in return. Even a smallwater feature can add a new dimension to relaxing on your patio.

Laguna is dedicated to making it easy to create and maintain pondslarge and small. With our quality range of pumps and accessories,plus the tips and advice from our experts, you’ll find plenty ofideas and inspiration in this issue of Living Ponds.

Laguna pumps and filters are manufactured in Italy and distributed by:Rolf C. Hagen (UK) Ltd, California Drive, Whitwood Industrial Estate,Castleford, West Yorkshire WF10 5QH.

TELEPHONE OUR HOTLINE FOR DETAILS OF YOUR NEAREST STOCKIST AND FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE LAGUNA RANGE OF PRODUCTS

01977 556622MEMBER OF OATAOrnamental Aquatics Trade Association

www.hagen.com

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4 LIVINGPONDS & Water Features

from theNew Ideas

5LIVINGPONDS & Water Features 5LIVING PONDS & Water Features

Great British ShowsGlass, metal, canvas, mirrors,nowadays these materials are asmuch a part of garden design asflowers, shrubs and trees.But there is no doubt that wateradds a special dimension andtoday’s garden designers makefull use of its potential to createstunning ponds and amazingeffects.

Chelsea, Tatton Park, HamptonCourt - every year these fabulous shows give our bestdesigners the opportunity toshow what they’re made of,and every year water plays a considerable part of theirdesigns. Take a look at theseexciting exhibits from recentshows.

6 LIVING PONDS & Water Features

for a great pondA successful pond relies on somegood planning right from thestart so, before you fetch thespade, it’s important to have aclear idea of what you’re goingto commit yourself to. How big will it be? Are you going to keepfish? Are there any safety issues toconsider? What pond equipment doyou need tobuy?

the rightplace• Don’t site your pond in boggy

ground.

• Avoid positions close to over-hanging trees because leaf litter will contaminate the water.

• Don’t dig in areas where thereare mains services below ground.

• Choose a level site in a spot which gets sunlight for at least half the day.

• If you have kids, position the pondwhere it can be easily observed from the house.

• Avoid positions where pesticides are used.

be preparedFrom the guidelines provided it shouldbe easy to draw up a rough list ofmaterials and equipment you need forthe style of water garden feature youdesire. Take a little time to acquaintyourself with the various types ofwater garden equipment, their purpose

and use. Planning ahead also meansunderstanding what’s needed to makea water feature work and continue todo so, trouble-free. Many problemscan be avoided, for example, by carefully choosing the best range ofequipment and materials for yourneeds.

planningBuilding a pond or water feature,however small, involves outlay ofboth cash and effort. If you decidepart way through that you’ve beenover-ambitious it might prove to bedifficult and expensive to undo whathas already been done. A precise planis the best way to start, so you canmake major decisions before rushingheadlong into a project.

fish• The size of your pond

determines how many fish it can accommodate.

• Deeper pools help to avoid the extremes of temperature which can be detrimental to fish.

7LIVING PONDS & Water Features

plants• Don’t plant more than 2-3 plants

per square metre of surface area.

• Plants play an important role in establishing a healthy, clear water environment.

• Floating plants combat green water and give shelter for fish in the heat of the day.

sunlightSunlight is an essential considerationwhen planning your pond and youshould choose a spot where the pondwill get at least half a day’s sunshine.The energy of the sun is vital to bothfish and plants. Fish become moreactive with the warmer water temperatures and plants need sunlightfor correct growth.

kids Water is an irresistibleattraction for children.Always monitor youngchildren near ponds andopen water of any kindand take the necessarysteps to make your ownpond safe.

• Koi are specialised fish and need much greater volumes and space in a pond.

• Remember that fish are living creatures. Treat them with care and they’ll repay you with years ofenjoyment.

• Always buy pond fish from a reputable supplier.

• Don’t be tempted to take fish from the wild as they often carry parasites and disease which will contaminate your pond.

• Supervise children if you allow them to feed the fish, they are more likely to over feed them.

styleModern pond equipment can makealmost anything possible in replicatingnatural forms of water in the garden,from a crashing waterfall to a gentlybubbling spring. Make sure that thefeature blends with the rest of thegarden. Above all don’t try to bringtogether a collection of incoherentforms of water feature which don’t fitcomfortably into the landscape of thegarden, otherwise the overall look willseem contrived and your interest init is likely to wane.

featuresWaterfalls and fountains do morethan look good. By creating movement on the pond surface,oxygen is added to the water.This is particularly helpful duringhot weather when oxygen levelsare depleted and fish become listless.

safety• Always use a circuit breaker

with any pond equipment installation.

• Excavating the hole for a large pond can be a strenuous job - enlist the help of friends or family

and look after your back!

• If you have very young children you can build a safe feature like the Rock Feature on page 8.

• Use a pond cover for exposed ponds where children play.

Have a look at these Pond Safety websites:

www.rospa.com/waterandleisuresafety/factsheets/pondsafety.htm

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/show_article.php?article_id=380

8 LIVINGPONDS & Water Features

project1CREATE A SAQQARA ROCKFEATURE IN 4 EASY STEPS!

dataFinished size and volume:Approx 66cm(26”) x 40cm (16”)

Time required:Approx 45 mins

Materials and equipment required:Laguna round goldfish tubReservoir cover platePowerJet 800 pond pumpLaguna Saqqara rock ornamentPebbles

1 2Dig a whole slightly bigger thanthe reservoir ready to back fillwith soil once the tub is in place.

It couldn’t be more simple

IMPORTANTTake time to check that the tub iscompletely level as this will givethe best effect once the feature isin place.

Laguna Rock OrnamentsStylish and attractive, these elegant

ornaments look and feel like stone,

but weigh much less, making them

very convenient to transport and

install. They add flair and a feeling of

relaxation to any home and they are

designed to withstand extreme

weather conditions and will not flake

or chip due to UV or temperature

exposure.

9LIVINGPONDS & Water Features

3 4Pass the attached hose from therock feature through the grid andattach it directly to the outlet ofthe pump. Place the pump in tothe tub, put the grid in place andlocate the rock feature in thecentre of the grid.

Fill the tub with water and arrange thepebbles around the base of the rock feature, covering the rim of the reservoir.The soil surrounding the feature can nowbe planted up with greenery or decoratedwith gravel or more pebbles dependingon the appearance you want to create.

FOAMING ROCK ORNAMENTThis monolithic ornament is anelegant replica of granite, butweighs far less.

SAGADA POT ORNAMENTThis exotic looking pot looks and feels like the actualstone of the Sagada cave wallsin the Phillipines, but it is actually lightweight and easyto move.

ORIENTAL BOULDER WITH FOUNTAINImpressive and formidable, this oriental waterfeature is a visual standout. The sounds ofwater trickling from the fountain will soothethe soul. The addition of pebbles (not included)in the concave ‘seat’ of the boulder will bringadded visual appeal.

MAINTENANCE:The only maintenancerequired is frequent toppingup of water lost throughevaporation.Pay particular attentionto this as the pump maybe damaged if it runsdry.

Laguna Rock Ornaments


A water garden cannot thrive without a pump. It is the powerbehind the circulation that filters pond water to keep it clean. It powers fountains, waterfalls ornaments, filters and sterilisers andother water operated features or equipment.

Bell fountain INCLUDED IN KIT 3-tier fountain INCLUDED IN KIT Foam jet OPTIONAL

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Fountain Pump

Foam freePowerjet Free-Flo is a high performance, foam free pondpump. The outer strainer casing isdesigned to reduce maintenancebut, when cleaning is required, allof the foam free models feature aunique backwash function to simply flush away clogging ponddebris.

Low, low running costsFree-Flo pumps are available in awide range of models to suit mostponds and are capable of running afountain and a waterfall at the sametime. Every pump is designed forpowerful performance with lowrunning costs - a major issue whenthe pump needs to run constantly- even the largest pump costs littlemore to run than a 100 watt lightbulb!

Click fit‘Click fit’ describes the job of theunique Laguna connectors whichenable easy, quick attachment ofhosing to any other Laguna equipment you may wish to addto your system.

FREE-FLOFor fountains and waterfalls

How does a pump work?IN A NUTSHELL - All pond pumpswork on the same principle: whensubmerged, the electric motor runsthe impeller (the only moving part ina pump). As the impeller turns,water is drawn through the inlet andexpelled via the outlet. It’s as simple

as that!

Laguna Powerjet Free-Flo pump kitsinclude the pump, 2 quality fountain headsfor different effects and a 3 year guarantee.

Large intake surfaceto reduce water speed and restrict clogging

Click fit fittingsfor easy connection

2 Diverter valves forabsolute control of fountainand waterfall

Special Jointallows riser stem to remainvertical even if the pond flooris uneven

UNIQUE BACKWASH FEATUREENABLES EASY CAGE CLEANING

Anti-leaf ribsto ensure continuing suction

Easy cleaningthanks to the wide rounded surfaces

Solid, ergonomic handlefor easy handling and a safe grip

Spring loaded fastenings for easy access to pump cage

High stability thanks to low centre of gravity

...the versatile choice for features large and small


How to choose the right pump:To get the best performance from your pump you need to choose the correct size foryour pond’s requirements. It is always better to opt for a larger model than stated incase you want to add more accessories in the future.

Working it out:Roughly calculate the size of your pond using thes formulae:Metric: Length x width x average depth = Volume in cubic metres

Multiply volume by 1000 = Pond size (litres)Imperial: Length x width x average depth = Volume in cubic feet

Multiply volume by 6.23 = Pond size (gallons)

Estimate waterfall head height:This is the vertical distance between the surface of the pond and top of the waterfall.Use the graph on the opposite page. Find your ideal pump by finding your pond sizeup the side of the graph and the waterfall height along the bottom. Where the twolines meet indicates your ideal pump size! If you do not have a waterfall, your water-fall height is 0.

NOTE:A WATERFALL REQUIRES 75 - 100 GPHFLOW RATE FOR EVERY INCH OF WIDTH.

THE PUMP YOU CHOOSE SHOULD BE CAPABLE OF TURNING OVER THE CAPACITYOF THE POND, THROUGH THE FILTRATIONSYSTEM, EVERY 2 HOURS.

Technical data for the Powerjet FREE-FLO Pump

project2CONSTRUCT A POND WITH ARIGID, PRE-FORMED LINER


Although pre-formed designs are

an ideal solution for a small

pond it is wise to consider their

limitations. Even the largest

models offer less than 10 sq.

metres water surface and the

depth is usually a maximum of 60

cm (2”) or so. Large water lilies

require more space and a greater

planting depth than is normally

offered and the very shallow

depth designs are not really

suitable for over-wintering fish.

But for an easy way of creating

a small pond that will remain

perfectly waterproof and last for

years you could not make a

better choice.

dataFinished size and volume:Max width: 124cmsMax length: 282cmsDepth: 48cmsCapacity: 700 litres

Time required: Approx. 4 hours

Materials and equipment required:High density polyethylene pre-formed pondFree-flo 2200 Pond PumpPowerflo Max Underwater Filter

Pre-formedponds made frompolyethylene orglass fibre reinforced plastic are available in a range of sizes and both formal and informal shapes. They are particularlydurable and quite easy to install providedthat you choose a design without too many irregular corners.

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Installing a pre-formedpond1 Place the pond in position and

carefully mark out its shape with pegs or

a trail of sand or flour.Don’t turn the pond upside down to

mark out the shape, as this gives a

mirror imageof the pond.

2 Check the surface level and start

digging down to the shelf.

3 Reposition the pond, mark out the

inner deeper section and continue digging

out to the bottom. Remove any loose

stones or sharp objects from the hole

and spread a layer of damp sand, approx.

5cm (2”) thick, over the bottom of the

hole. Check the level at the bottom.

4 Position the pond in the hole and

firmly backfill with sand or soil. Fill with

water and leave to settle for at least a

week before finishing off with your

choice of edging.Pre-formed ponds must have good all

round support. Make sure you pack in

the sand between the hole and the

sides of the pond.

Laguna pond pumps are easy to install andquite unobtrusive in use, out of sight underwater in the pond.The power cable is all that shows above waterand this can be buried below ground level,protected with a suitable grade of conduit.This will avoid any accidents occurring whenlater working in the garden.

People will always spend more timesitting by water so plan your raisedpond with this in mind. You willneed to build sturdy, low walls toenclose the liner and cap the topedges with tiles or wood.

Really small features can be verysimple, just water and a few plants- you don’t really need a pump oran electricity supply - but it won’tbe big enough to support fish.

A raised pond is an ideal way fordisabled gardeners to get closer totheir pond, fish and pond plants.

Raised pondsRaised ponds add height and interest to flatareas in the garden, terrace or patio andpre-formed liners are absolutely ideal for thisuse. Use formal, square shapes as raisedponds don’t really lend themselves to ‘curvy’schemes. You can use a variety of differentmaterials to finish off the pond - tiles, oldrailway sleepers, bricks, stone, paving slabs- use your imagination or take a cue fromthe existing style of your garden.

A raised pond can also be part of a largerpond project, acting like a ‘header’ tank,feeding a cascade of water into the biggerpond.

High-sided ponds are a bit morechild-friendly than sunken ones, atleast until the child is old enough toclimb!

Maintenance is much the same for a raised pond as any other but inwinter tiny ponds may freeze solid.It’s a good idea, in this instance, todrain off the water and use thespace to overwinter potted plants.

Try linking two small ponds together,at different heights. This way you cancreate a mini waterfall or spoutingfeature to animate the display.

4

Installing a fountain pump and filterThe Laguna Free-flo 2200 pump isideal for this size of pond. Its large foamfree cage actually prevents solid particlesfrom passing through the cage, givinglonger intervals between cleaning andmaintaining a constant flow to the ornamental fountain head.

This pump can be combined with thePressure-flo 2500 filter to provide extrabiological filtration and clear water, thanksto the Pressure-flo's high power UltraViolet steriliser. It is also configured to fitto most pond pre-filters for extra filtration.

Maintenance of this pump is quick andeasy, thanks to the easy clean cage andFree-flo's unique back wash facility.(See page 10 for details).

Solids handlingBecause there is no pre-filter, largesolid particles of pond debris (up to10mm), can pass straight throughthe Max-Flo’s outer casing to be captured by the filter. Once there, the suspended solids promote the growthof filter bacteria. The Max-Flo solidshandling capability also reduces therisk of clogging, especially in summerwhen warm weather increases theincidence of blanketweed.

Max power forwaterfallsMax-Flo is a very powerful pump,ideal for circulating large volumes ofwater and creating waterfalls as itneeds to ‘push’ water uphill to achievea high head.

Size mattersWhen buying a new pump it’s important to establish how high youwant the water to be pumped andhow wide the waterfall will be.Take into account whether you wantto achieve a gentle cascade or agushing flow. Use the information onpage 11 and refer to the chart aboveto help you choose the right sizepump for your needs.


Solids Handling Waterfall Pump

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The Powerjet Max-Flo pond pump provides the ultimate in solidshandling technology. Designed for use with waterfalls and additionalfiltration, the Max-Flo passes solids up to 10mm directly to your filter.High power specification and proven reliability makes the Max-Flothe ideal choice for any non-fountain system.

MAX-FLOFor filtration and waterfalls

TIPS...• If you have fish, you must keep thepump running 24 hours a day, 7 days aweek. Fish will suffer if water circulationis stopped, especially at night when oxygenlevels are at their lowest.

• Running costs are a major considerationwhen buying a pump. Don’t opt for acheaper pump or you’ll get some nastysurprises with your electricity bill.Laguna pumps are low wattage and eventhe largest model costs around £2.20 perweek to run.

• On no account should a pump bedragged from the pond by its electricalcable. All but the smallest Laguna pumpshave sturdy handles for ease of handling.

Solid, ergonomic handlefor easy handling and a safe grip

Easy cleaning with rounded surfaces

Anti leaf ribs to ensure continuing suction

Unique 2 level suctioncapability through upper and lower casing for maximum water flow

Spring loaded fasteningsfor easy access to pump cage

High stabilitythanks to low centre of gravity

Cage openings from 6-8mmwide depending on the pumpinside

Click fit fittings for easy connection

...the supreme choice for low cost power in your pond

New monster additions!..The Max-Flo range now includes a new16000 lph pump for larger pond installations. With it’s impressive performance comes 10mm solids handling and the power to circulate ponds of up to 32000 litres!Also new to the range is the Max-Flo Powerpump which isspecially designed for waterfalls, pond filtration and pondless waterfall systems, giving a massive 5.6m headheight! The Powerpump is also ideal for maintenance workwhere the transfer of water, or sumping, is needed.

NEW!

NEW!

The Max-FloPowerpumpis ideal fordedicatedwaterfall displays


Technical data for the Powerjet MAX-FLO Pump and MAX-FLO POWERPUMP

NEW! NEW!


dataFinished size and volume:Max width: 2.5mMax length: 3mMax depth: 60cmCapacity: 4500 litres

Time required: Approx. 8 hours

project3Materials and equipment required:Butyl Rubber Liner 4m x 4.5mFibre Underlay 4m x 4.5mCLEARFLO 8000 Pond Kit

Tip: Design your pond withlarge open curves and flowinglines. Avoid narrow gullies asthey will not benefit fromwater circulation.

Installing a pond liner1 Use the outline of the pond marked

earlier as a guide to remove any turf and all

of the soil down to the first shelf level at a

depth of around 23cm (9”). Level the sides

sloping inwards at an angle of 200 from

vertical to prevent the soil from caving in

and in winter, when the pond freezes, avoid

this causing damage to the liner.

2 Use a plank and spirit level to make sure

the hole is level. Check for any stones or tree

roots that could puncture the liner.

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A pool liner allows maximum freedom inchoice of shape and size of a pond and is idealwhere a natural look is required. Cost effective and long lasting, there are aseries of options depending on your budget.These range from inexpensive polythene upto quality products such as butyl rubber, whichcarry lifetime guarantees against sunlightdegradation and other forms of wear.

CONSTRUCT A POND WITH AFLEXIBLE LINER

Calculating the size of linerIt can be very easy to underestimate the size of the liner you require and it’s worthwhile outlining the shape of your pond using string, wooden pegs or ahose-pipe to enable accurate measurements to be taken. Irrespective of thepond’s shape or configuration calculating liner size follows a simple formula:First determine the maximum length, width and depth of the pond.Then add double the depth to both the length and width measurements.This will allow for the slope of the sides and shelves and the overlap needed at the edge of the pond.

Our pond, for example, measures 2.5m x 3m and 60cm deep and requires a liner3.7m x 4.2m which translates into the nearest sheet size as 4m x 4.5m.

Note: It’s well worth buying the best quality liner. Look for those with at least a 20 year guarantee.

Make sure all the electrical components areinstalledcorrectly, if in any doubt get aprofessional electrician to install them.Anyelectricity and water combination can belethal. Before you cover up the wiring withstones, turf and piping, take a photo, it mayhelp in the future.

3 Mark out the position of your inner

deeper section using string or wooden

pegs as before and dig out the inner

section making sure the bottom is level.

4 Spread a layer of damp sand approx.

5cm (2”) thick over the bottom and the

ledges and then cover with liner underlay.

5 Position liner evenly over the hole

letting it warm in the sun briefly to make

it more flexible and easy to handle and

make sure the centre touches the base of

the excavation.

6 Place bricks or other weights around

the overlap and begin to slowly fill the

pond with water. The liner will stretch and

mould itself to the shape of the pond and

adjust the weights if necessary as the liner

settles.

Be careful when filling the pond

with water, if the liner is allowed to

contort and stretch too much it may

puncture.

7 When the pond is full, trim off any

excess liner leaving an overlap of at least

15cm (6”). This surplus can be hidden

beneath rocks, turf or paving slabs bedded

mortar. Paving slabs should protrude

slightly to hide the liner from view.

Don’t forget to leave a convenient slot

between the slabs for the pump cable.

Finish it off with a pump and filter system

Pressure-Flo8000 filter

Max-Flo 6000 pumpLiner

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CLEARFLOCLEAR WATER POND KITSThe Clearflo 8000 Pond Kit provides a

powerful combination of the Max-Flo 6000

pump and the Pressure-Flo 8000 UV

filter and is a great start to the care of your

new pond. (See page 19 for the full range of

Clearflo Kits). The sizes chosen are ideal for

larger, heavily fish-stocked ponds up to 4500

litres (1000 galls). Pressure-Flo is an

extremely hard working filter which will make

pond care so much easier, tackling the

problems of cloudy water and preventing

the harmful build-up of toxins. As well as


providing mechanical and biological

filtration, Pressure-Flo also contains a UV

lamp to deal with the problems of unsightly

green water, leaving the pond crystal clear.

The Max-Flo 6000 pump is immersed in

the pond and feeds water to the filter which,

in turn, feeds clean water back to the pond.

Alternatively, because the filter is

pressurised, water can be fed up to the

head of a waterfall which can be

constructed with excess pool liner and

excavated soil.

To the newcomer, pond filters can seem terribly technical - but in fact, the basics aresurprisingly simple. As well as using a filter with a good quality pump, the key to theefficiency of filters is regular cleaning and, let’s face it, you’re more inclined to put thatoff if it’s going to be a messy, wet job!

WATER CLEANINGAND STERILISATION

EASY CLEAN BACKWASH FUNCTION

Outlet to pond/waterfall

Inlet from pond

Inlet from pond

High power UV tube

Large foam surface area

Outlet to waste /garden

Brushes clean the foamwhile water circulates

Pressure-Flo is a pressurisedfilter containing mechanicaland biological filtration.Connected to a pond pump,water is driven into the canisterwhere it is cleaned as it flowsthrough the mechanical andbiological filter media andpasses the high power UVsteriliser lamp. Because it is a pressurised (closed) unit itcan be positioned almost anywhere, above or partiallybelow ground, and still provide an excellent waterreturn to the pond. Pressure-Flo is an ideal filterfor most ponds, providing filtration, water circulation and power to waterfalls.

In true Laguna tradition the newPressure-Flo High Performance Pressurised UV Filter has beendesigned for the water gardener whowants a powerful, effective filter that’seasy to use and easiest-of-all tomaintain.

Simple backwash systemmakes cleaning easy - and dry!When the Pressure-Flo is ready to be cleaned, the red cleaning indicatorwill tell you! Simply attach a hose tothe backwash outlet (using a ‘clickfit’ connector), turn the functionswitch towards it before pumping the brush handles up and down to‘squeeze-clean’ the foam inside.The debris inside the canister is then transferred to the backwash outlet where it can either be collectedin a bucket or hosed straight towaste or onto your garden (theexpelled water contains nitrateswhich is great plantfood!).

Pressure FilterPRESSURE-FLObeautifully simple, amazingly effective!


Cleaning indicator

UV indicator light

Biospheres provide biological filtration

(models 5000-12000 only)

Unique patented foamcleaning brushes

Debris from filter transferred to waste

Backwash function switch

Easy pump handles

INLET FROM POND PUMP

OUTLET TO POND ORWATERFALL

BACKWASHOUTLET TO WASTE OR GARDEN

What do filters do?

IN A NUTSHELL - Filters areboxes or enclosed canisters containing media. Pond water is pumped into the filter wherethe media ‘sieves out’ solidwastes (mechanical filtration)and helpful, naturally occurring bacteria converts deadly unseenwastes to safer, invisible chemicals (biological filtration).Cleaned water is then returned tothe pond. It’s as simple as that.

✗✓

PRESSURE-FLO: the inside story....

Backwash functionswitch


Pressure-Flo’s large capacity canister is easy to hide and can be buried below the waterfall level

The Powerflo external filter gives complete filtrationin larger ponds up to 19,000 litres (4,200 gallons) andhas a wide (19”) spillway to create large waterfalls.

3 hanging filter brushes

Spray bar to oxygenatepond water

Built in safety overflow feature

Reinforced lid(holds up to 180kg)

Removable filter chambers with multi-

media options

19” spillway to create large

waterfalls

Threaded 1.5” bulkheadsfor additional connections

Waste drain

Pressure-Flo isavailable in 4sizes for ponds up to 12000 litres andcan be used with any pond pump.Comes with a 3 year guarantee andLaguna click fit hose connections.

POWERFLOExternal Box Filter

CLEARFLOClear Water Pond Kits

Green water is caused by suspended algalcells which are damaged as they pass asource of UV light. The damaged cellsclump together which make it easier forthe filter to get rid of them. Pressure-Flocontains a UV lamp inside the canister,while most external box filters need a

separate steriliser unit like this LAGUNA POWERCLEAR MAX unit. Its unique spiral shapedcontact chamber provides extended UV exposureto water and increases efficiency by 50%. It alsokills parasites and other harmful bacteria.

POWERCLEARMAX

UV Sterilisers

Ultimate power - ultimate filtration!For the ultimate combination in power and performanceLaguna have combined the Max-Flo solids handlingpump with the Pressure-Flo UV filter. This perfect partnership ensures sustained performance and stunning water clarity, backed by a 3 year guarantee.

Q I’m building a new pond and I’d like some advice on keeping it clean, clear

and healthy. In the past my old pond wasplagued by green water and blanket weedand the fish never seemed to be healthy.

A Whilst there are many reasons why ponds fail to remain pristine and healthy the main cause is usually

poor water quality. New ponds can easily fail from the startdue to contamination of the water caused by using themains supply as a source. Although completely safe to drink, tap water often contains high levels of chlorine andchloramine and harmful heavy metals, all of which can betoxic to fish. It’s important therefore to treat tap water usedin a pond, both in the initial preparation and for ongoing partial water changes, with a water conditioner like LagunaWater Prep which eliminates chlorine and chloramineinstantly and neutralises harmful metals.

As most ponds become more established it’s necessary tohave a strategy to help reduce the chances of algal build-up

and the algal blooms which cause green water. The maincause is excess nutrients in the water. These are often introduced at significant levels in the tap water used for filling the pond but other sources include soil used in pondplanters, generally applied pond plant fertilisers, fish food,fish waste and any decaying dead organic matter. The mostcommon nutrients usually found are nitrite, nitrate and phosphate. There are a number of water treatments available to reduce levels of these and it’s best to start aregular course early in the season to minimise ongoing algalproblems. Biological based water treatments control levelsof nutrients using living beneficial bacteria. These includeLaguna Bio Booster and Phosphate Control which successfully compete against algae for these nutrients andregular doses maintain healthy populations of bacteriathroughout the season.

Healthy water plants also require high levels of nutrients and can be important allies in the fight against algae.Strongly growing marginal and submerged plants can soonout-compete algae but as they are gross feeders may alsodeplete the water of vital nutrients such as minerals and


The Laguna team of experts answer some of the FAQ’s about pond, fish and plant care

Q Can you give me some advice on which types of test kits I need to use

to adequately monitor the water quality of my pond?

A A good basic set of tests are contained in the LLaagguunnaa MMaasstteerr TTeesstt KKiitt which includes tests for pH,

ammonia, carbonate hardness, nitrite and nitrate. Regularuse of these tests will give a clear indication of any deterioration in water quality.

Get the treatment!Low readings of pH and/or carbonate hardness are asign of the acidic conditions usually associated with highnutrient loads and can usually be remedied by undertakinga 20% partial water change. Small adjustments can alsobe made using Laguna pH Adjust-Up, a pond treatmentthat safely increases pH and hardness. Ammonia andnitrite result from organic pollution and can be causedby overfeeding or dead, decomposing fish inthe pond. These pollutants are very toxic andeven at low concentrations fish will appearoff colour and gasp at the surface. Largepartial water changes of 50% or more maybe required to remedy the situation coupledwith reduced feeding. Ongoing control ofthese pollutants can also be achieved by

regularly dosing the pondwith Laguna Bio Booster,a biological treatmentwhich employs billions ofbeneficial bacteria to remove liquefiedorganic waste. Ammonia and nitritewill eventually break down into lesstoxic nitrate which at high levels canstill be quite troublesome as it stimulates algae growth. LagunaPhosX phosphate remover, although

primarily designed to remove phosphate, also absorbsnitrite and nitrate.

Laguna Water Prep -makes tap watersafe for fish

...aboutwaterfishplants


Q Can you please recommend an eco-friendly method of preventing the

water in my natural pond turning green each summer?

A There are a number of non-chemical treatments available that, although they may take a little

longer to work than chemical products, are stillextremely effective. Eco friendly bacterial preparationslike Laguna Phosphate Control, Bio Booster and BioSludge Control all contain beneficial bacteria that successfully compete with algae for vital nutrients. These liquid products are just added to the pond waterand regular dosing of the pond builds up billions ofbacteria to re-establish a correct, desirable balance inthe pond water ecosystem.

Barley straw based products like Laguna Barley StrawPellets are also very effective, theslow release pellets employ anenzymic reaction to ensure a continuation of algae combatingcompounds which maintain clearpond water naturally. Fish and plantfriendly this wholly natural productremains active for a month or sowhen placed in its reusable meshbag and submerged in the pond.

You could also try planting waterlilies and other plants, which coverthe water surface. These will effectively shade thewater and take up nutrients deterring the formation of the algal blooms causing green water.

Q I recently completely drained my pond and replanted

before refilling with fresh water inan attempt to avoid a recurrence of last season’s algae problems.Unfortunately blanket weed hasquickly started to grow and what’smore, the algae has become covered with a film of what lookslike brown rust. How can I overcome these problems?

A The problems you are experiencing are not uncommon in many parts of

the country and are most certainly due toseveral different types of nutrients in yourpond that have encouraged your algae andsilicates which have caused the brown film.Despite your seemingly good intentionsregarding changing all of the water in thepond this is probably the major cause ofyour problems. Although water from the tap maybe of drinking quality it can oftencontain various compounds that are not beneficial to your pond. Mains water cancontain quite high levels of nitrates andphosphates and these act as fertilisersencouraging rapid growth of algae.

Silicic acid at various levels also occurs inmains water particularly when collected asground water or from catchment areas whichare run-off from the land. This material isan essential nutrient for primitive forms ofalgae such as diatoms and it is these thatcause the brown film.

Nitrates and phosphates can be reduced bytreating the pond with a phosphate andnitrate remover, which eliminates thesenutrients by trapping them in an absorbentmatrix. Laguna PhosX is ideal for this purpose and will quickly remove all nitratesand phosphates. The PhosX beads can simply be placed in the filter or whereverwater circulates.

Silicates are a more difficult problem.Whilst Laguna PhosX will absorb and trapsilicates it is worthwhile also increasing thepH of the water with Laguna pH Adjust-up

to neutral (pH 7.0), or slightly above,to help eradicate the unsightlybrown film. Use a Laguna pH testkit or Laguna pH pond teststrips to monitor your resultswhen adjusting the acidity withthis water treatment.

Q I suffer from green water in my pond all summer and I’ve

decided to invest in a UV filter. Arethere many different types and whatshould I be looking for?

A UV filters kill the microscopic algae that cause green water together with

parasites and other harmful bacteria. Thesefilters are equipped with a fluorescent tubewithin a transparent sleeve, which emits ultraviolet (UV) light. This has a strong sterilisingeffect on the water passing by the sleeve andkills the algae and other organisms withinrange. Other life forms in the pond that don’tpass by the sleeve are not affected so fishand plants are unharmed.

Features to look for when purchasing one ofthese filters is strong and sturdy constructionand ease of maintenance as the tubes requireregular cleaning. In addition ensure the modelyou choose is correctly sized for your pond asit will be only marginally effective if it is toosmall. The Laguna Powerclear range of UVfilters are suitable for a large number of pondsizes with models available for ponds sizedfrom 4500 litres (1000 gal) up to 18900litres (4200 gal). For larger ponds two ormore filters can be used together. The newly introduced Powerclear Max range of filtersare particularly effective as they have aunique spiral chamber which spins the wateraround the tube to give longer UV exposure tothe water (see page 19).

Laguna Powerclear Max

Laguna Barley Straw Pellets

The ultimateanswer tothe greenwaterproblem?

other trace elements. Laguna Plant Gro helps water plantsstay healthy by providing these micronutrients and containsno nitrates or phosphates. General plant fertilisers can alsobe safely applied in the pond using OOnnccee--aa--YYeeaarr FFeerrttiilliisseerrSSppiikkeess, which slowly release a well-balanced feeding formula directly to the roots of marginal and submergedaquatic plants.

As time passes the bottom of the pond will eventuallybecome covered in a layer of sludge comprised mostly ofdead plant matter and unless this is removed will releasenutrients back into the water as it decomposes. Use asludge-removing product like LLaagguunnaa BBiioo SSlluuddggee CCoonnttrroollto reduce decaying organic solids utilising pond sludge digesting beneficial bacteria.


Q The goldfish in my pond seem healthy but a number are gradually

turning white in colour. Is there somethingwrong with these fish?

A The gold colouration of goldfish has followed many years of selected breeding of the wild

species, which is a dull brown. Unfortunately the pigmentation in ornamental varieties is not altogetherstable and the red colouration cells, which give themtheir gold colour, simply stop producing and the endresult is the fish becomes white. Colour enhancingfoods will not reverse this colour change once the gold-fish has become white but will help to arrest theprocess developing.

Foods that contain carotene are good for maintainingand even enhancing red colouration and Spirulinabased foods like Laguna Wheat Germ and Spirulina

diet can enhance and fix redpigmentation. Since thisfood is also high in protein ithas a high nutritional valueand will bring out the best

connections. Any non weatherproofed items, such as transformers for pool lighting could also be housed awayfrom the elements in the compartment and the panel connected to the mains switchboard by an armoured PVCcable with three cores each at least 4mm thick. Rememberto keep a note of where cables are located to prevent accidents at a later date due to disturbing the cable whilstdigging.

Whichever of these two methods you choose, you will needto protect the current by installing a high sensitivity (30mA)residual current device (RCD). The dangers related to electrical installations outdoors, especially where water isconcerned, cannot be over-emphasised. If you are not sureof your ability as an electrician it is recommended entrustingyour outdoor electrical installation to a professional who willbe fully familiar with regulations and safety standards.

Q Could you please recommend a good spot treatment to clear the green water

that occurs regularly each summer in mypond?

A The algal blooms in a pond that we refer to as green water, are due to biological imbalances

and are caused by excess nutrients in the water, namely,nitrites, nitrates and phosphates. The most rapid meansof clarifying green water would be by using a watertreatment such as Laguna Clear Fast which quicklyclears green water by flocculating the microscopicalgae that are the cause, so that they clump togetherand sink to the bottom of the pond. This kind of treatment is effective but can only be relied upon as atemporary measure and repeated doses will need to becarried out throughout the summer.

Green water solutionsLaguna PhosX tackles the problem by trapping the phosphate together with nitrites and nitrates in a resinmatrix. The resin beads are submerged in the pond in amesh bag and provide lasting control for several monthsthroughout the season without a repeat treatment.Laguna Barley Straw Pellets can, similarly, provide along-term effect and are also placed in a mesh bag andimmersed in the pond. This wholly natural option controlsgreen water by chemically inhibiting the growth of newalgae cells as it decomposes. Initially there is delay whilstthis form of control becomes successfully active so treatment should start early in the season.

The Ultra Violet Steriliser is perhaps by far the superiorand most reliable method of control. The UV light quicklyclears green water with a powerful sterilising action asthe water passes by it and provided the unit of yourchoice has a suitable flow rate and bulb size adequate forthe size of your pond it should quickly clear green waterand the pond remain so continuously.

Q I am presently building a water feature consisting of a large pond and cascade.

I intend filtering the pond and eventuallyadding outdoor lighting. Could you advise meof the best way to provide electrical power forthis installation?

A The form of installation you describe calls for mains power to operate pumps, possibly a UV filter, lighting

and other electrical items. The simplest method, if you pondis close to the house or other indoor power source, would beto drill a hole into the building to allow connections directlyto a convenient wall socket. If the pond is more than 30m(98’) away from the nearest power source or, as in yourcase, there are a number of appliances requiring electricpower, a better approach would be to install a separate outdoor weatherproofed electrical source close to the pool.

Waterproof power sockets for outdoor use are easily obtainable for connecting individual items of equipment buta neater method for your purpose might be to install awaterproof compartment to house a distribution panel for all

colours in all types of ornamental cold water fish.Poor, unhealthy conditions can also trigger lost pigmentation and to ensure the best colours in goldfish,Koi and other ornamental fish they must have a goodliving environment. It has also been observed thatstrong red and yellow pigments develop well in watersrich in single celled algae but for most of us maintaining green water conditions in a pond toenhance these colours is hardly an acceptable option.

Laguna Goldfish & Koi Foodenhances the vibrant colour ofall coldwater fish

Goldfish losing colour?


Q I lost a number of pond fish last year when the

pond froze up for a week orso. They must have suffocated.How can I overcome this problem in the next winter?

A Although fish remain in a state of semi-hibernation throughout

the deep winter it is vital to keep anarea of the pond free from ice and ifpossible, maintain a continuous circulation of the water. This ensures thepond is well oxygenated and any build upof gases from the decomposition oforganic material in the pond is ventilated into the air.

The Laguna Pond De-icer helps preventpond surfaces from completely freezing.Adapting easily to any submersible pondpump the de-icer creates a gentle flowof water from warmer layers of thepond to keep a small area of the pondsurface free from ice. A venturi valve isfitted for aeration to help oxygenate thewater and allow necessary gas exchange.Recommended for temperatures up to–20oC (-4oF) this valuable piece of winter pond equipment requires no

other power than the waterfeed from the submersiblepump.

Q During hot spells my goldfish seem listless and

stop feeding. They sometimesgasp on the surface, especiallyat night, and their breathingseems laboured. Once theweather cools they appear to be healthy and feed well. Don’tthey like warm temperatures?

A Although regarded as coldwaterfish goldfish are related to carp

and thrive in warm still water. The mostlikely reason for the distress your fishexperience in hot weather is because thewater is low in dissolved oxygen.As temperatures increase oxygen becomesless soluble and the oxygen saturationpoint of the water is less. Your goldfish,on the other hand, have a greater need ofthis vital gas, as they become more activeat high temperatures. Their greater distressat night is probably due to the plants inthe pond which add oxygen to the waterduring daylight hours through the processof photosynthesis but at night becomeoxygen consumers and add carbon dioxide to the water, instead, as abyproduct of respiration.

To best overcome your problems duringhot weather you need to aerate thewater in your pond to add more oxygenduring these periods. The best methodof aeration is by increasing water movement using a pond pump to operate a fountain or waterfall. Addingmore oxygen will soon revive your fishand make them healthy and hungry inthese periods.

The Laguna FloatingThermometer is an invaluabletool in monitoring day by daywater temperatures particularlyas pond temperature is animportant factor in fish healthand feeding, algae build up andoverall pond health.

Frozenfish!

Q I have a small pond in which I have successfully kept goldfish for a

number of years. I am now tempted tointroduce Koi but would be grateful forsome advice on the pitfalls?

A Many pond keepers become eager to keep Koi after enjoying some success with pond

goldfish but this is quite a leap. Koi are more tendersubjects than goldfish and less forgiving if not caredfor correctly. A pond designed to keep Koi takesinto account that they grow large and create veryhigh levels of waste – one Koi equals about eightgoldfish in terms of the waste products they create,and they also need a deeper pond to ensure theirwinter survival.

Essential filtration for Koi!If your pond is of an adequate depth you might be in aposition to upgrade to Koi keeping. A rough guide to stocking levels would be a rate of 1.2m (4’) of fish per4500 litres (1000 gal) which would probably mean improving your filtration. If your current filtration is adequate for your goldfish you might considersupplementing this rather than a full-scale replacement.A Laguna high performance Pressure Flo pressurised,combined UV and biological filter powered by a Max-Flosubmersible pump is an easy addition to make andwould be less obtrusive than an external box filter.If you require something larger it might be better toabandon using your existing filter and install a largecapacity Power Flo external box filter. The largestcapacity filter in the Power Flo range is the Filter Fallsmodel, which provides superior mechanical and biological filtration plus can create a spectacular waterfall.

Q Now that global warming seems to be a reality, our winters have become a lot

milder. Do you think the recommendation thatfeeding pond fish should discontinue completely from the end of October to thebeginning of May needs to be revised?

A Global warming certainly has been associated with the mild winters of recent years and it could be a

trend that will continue. Feeding patterns of pond fish,however, relate more to water temperatures than to dateson the calendar. Feeding should take place when water temperatures are stable above 8oC (47oF), the emphasisbeing on stable. Pond fish can easily become active in themidst of winter if an unusually mild spell occurs and if feeding occurs then a cold snap returns the food can lingerin the gut and cause severe problems.

Feeding at the beginning and end of each season should beof a food that is readily digested such as Laguna WheatGerm and Spirulina diet as the wheat germ content has amild laxative effect. When temperatures increase from 8oC(47oF) up to 10oC (50oF) staple food diets like LagunaGoldfish and Koi all season diet can be offered.


Q I have great difficulty in growing marginal plants in my pond due to

my Koi uprooting them as they feed in thegravel in their planting stations.

A Koi are bottom-feeding fish and like nothing better than rooting around in the pond substrate

or any other convenient areas where they can searchfor food. They are also herbivores and naturally cancause a great deal of damage to marginal plants byfeeding on newly developing roots and shoots as theyemerge.

The best way to protect your pond planting is by creating some form of barrier to prevent your Koi causing this damage. Shallow marginal planting stations can be protected by building loose walls ofwalling stone to act as such a barrier or you can trywrapping the roots of marginals in sacking or othermaterial to prevent the Koi access to the roots.

A novel way to solve the problem would be to use thenewly introduced Laguna Floating Planting Bags.These are ideal for isolating marginal plants and preventing the destructive intentions of fish like Koi.They provide excellent soil containment and can beanchored in one spot with a stone and the attachedlanyard provided. Water only gently seeps into theseplanting bags so they make ideal planting stations forboth marsh plants and marginals. The standard LagunaPlanting Bags design can also be useful in shallowwater where the flexible material side walls can extendto the surface.

Q I’ve been told that pond goldfish can find all of the food they require naturally

in the pond and there is no need to feed thema diet of dry foods. Do you agree?

A The main objective in feeding your pond goldfish dry foods like goldfish pellets and sticks is that it will

ensure that they have all the nutrients they require for a fullybalanced diet.

Following years of research and development Laguna hasproduced Goldfish and Koi Fish Food, the most advancedquality fish food available. This complete, all season,balanced diet contains many natural ingredients like fish,vegetables and cereals and is fortified with multivitaminsand stabilised vitamin C. Complementing this food isLLaagguunnaa WWhheeaatt GGeerrmm and SSppiirruulliinnaa GGoollddffiisshh and KKooii FFoooodd,which has a high protein content and can also be used rightthrough the season but is especially beneficial for spring and autumn feeding. All Laguna fish foods produce an enthusiastic feeding response, do not cloud the water and

are scientifically formulated to meet the fullnutritional requirements of

all coldwater fish.

Protection formarginals

Floating basket

Medium planting bag

NEW!


Q Can you please give me some tips regarding the summer care of plants

in my fish pond?

A As most aquatic plants are vigorous in growth the main task during the summer months is to keep

them contained. If there are fish in the pond it’simportant to retain sufficient open water to allow youto see and enjoy them and often the abundance of submerged growth can prevent this. The LagunaPruning Tool is an ideal implement for this purpose as it has a scissor head for cutting pond vegetation and apincer head allows grasping and removal of plantremains and other debris. Marginal plants should alsobe kept within bounds and flower dead heading andlight pruning back of growth should be a regular chorethrough the summer months.

Plants in the water garden owe their vigour to theabundance of nutrients normally found in the pondcreated by the waste products of the fish and decomposing organic matter. There is no shortage ofnutrients such as nitrates and phosphates but, becauseof the enclosed nature of a pond, some vital nutrientssuch as trace elements and other micronutrients are takenfrom the water by the plants and require renewing.

Laguna Plant Grow is formulated to provide a completerange of these nutrients ensuring healthy growth andimproved resistance to diseaseand pests. In small ponds orwhere spot treatment isrequired the Laguna Once-a-Year Pond Spikes could be abetter choice. These spikesdeliver a measured dose of aslow release, well-balancedfeeding formula and areactivated by water temperature. As it saysthese spikes last for awhole year and can beused to treat marginalsand submerged plantsindividually and directly to their roots.

Q Our mini pool is located by the patio and it would

be nice to be able to enjoy themarginal planting in theevenings by installing someform of pond lighting. Whatwould you recommend?

A If your pond is only tiny, an ideal solution would be to place

a LLaagguunnaa PPoowweerr--GGlloo MMiinnii PPoonndd LLiigghhttdirectly into the pool so that all three 10 watt halogen bulbs shine upwardsthrough the water and silhouette yourmarginals in a very attractive manner.These lights are pre-wired to makeinstallation easy and are simply connected to the 12 volt weatherproofedtransformer.

A more dramatic effect can be obtainedin a larger pool by installing the PPoowweerr--GGlloo PPoonndd LLiigghhtt KKiitt which consists oftwo powerful submersible pond lightswith a range of snap-on colour lenses(amber, blue, green and red).

Q What is meant by alien plants in the water garden

and why should they be of anyharm?

A Simply stated, alien life forms are those that don’t originate from

the area where they are found. A moremodern interpretation however suggestssomething repugnant and foreign to its

surroundings. As regards gardenplants, it’s those types of introducedplants which are very invasive andfind their way into the wild colonisingareas at the expense of our naturalfauna and often destroying the natural habitats of other wildlife.

There are a number of water gardenplants which fall into this category,which have been withdrawn from saleincluding the Parrots Feather(Myriophyllum Proserpinacoides). This isa plant with feathery foliage, which canbe partially or totally submerged. It growsat an amazing rate, can be very invasiveand often escapes from the pond andgrows in the margins provided there aremarshy conditions. Azolla Caroliniana (FairyMoss) is also a very invasive floating fernthat rapidly colonises open areas of water.Both plants have transferred to the wildand caused damage to natural waterways.

Keeping the natural countryside freefrom introduced invasive plants hasbecome a burning issue recently and inScotland a much larger list of alienplants has been compiled. This listincludes the popular submerged aquaticLagarosiphon Major (Syn Elodea Crispa),often referred to as Canadian pondweed. This is one of the best, if a littleinvasive, of our submerged aquatics,useful in the control of green water andproviding a good spawning ground formany types of ornamental fish.

Laguna Power-Glo Mini Pond Lights

Laguna Power-Glo Pond Light Kit

Laguna Once-a-YearPond Spikes

Laguna Plant Grow

Laguna Pruning Tool

Lightingup time

Laguna Colour Lenses available in 4 colours


Double Koi Bronze colour Spitter41cm x 33cm (16” x 13”)

Pro Pond Net75cm x 140cm (29.5”x 55”)Heavy duty net with extendablealuminium shaft. With fish friendlynetting and tear-resistant netguard.

Pond Skimmer45-76cm (18”- 30”)With a telescopic handle and‘click’ collapsible for easy storage

Pond Net85-152cm (33”- 60”)Unique design allows easy access to rounded pond

corners. Soft netting reduces possible harm to fish.

Fire Troll31cm x 13.5cm(12.2” x 5.3”)

Mermaid32cm x 24.5cm(12.6” x 9.6”)

Blue Heron33.5cm x 16cm (13.2” x 6.3”)

Deer Scarer41cm x 30cm (16” x 12”)

Golfer Boy30cm x 18cm (11.8” x 7.1”)

SPITTERS Garden OrnamentsAttach to any pond pump and add thesoothing sounds of splashing water to garden and pond settings.There’s a variety of shapes and styles to choose from including a new range of attractive bronze effect ornaments.

Goldfish19cm x 20.5cm (7.5”x 8”)

Usefulaccessories

for every pondkeeper

BLUE HERONLaguna’s lifelike BlueHeron will deter thereal thing from diningat your pond, as wellas bring a stunningornamental feature tothe pondside

1m(40”)

61cm(24”)

POND NETS ANDSKIMMERSShaped to reach all areas of apond, all nets have telescopichandles and a net guard toreduce wear when slidingalong hard edges. Larger netshave collapsible handles foreasy storage.


s

POND VACUUM KITThe Laguna PondVacuum Kit uses thepower of your existingwater supply to dislodge and removeall types of pond dirtand debris. It attachesvia a standard click fitting to any hose pipe and includes are-usable mesh wastecollection bag.

POND WADERSNeed to get knee-deep, or

further? Get these superb new

Laguna waders, they’ll keep

you dry, clean and comfortable.

• Excellent waterproof protection

• Heavy duty neoprene

• Reinforced stitching

• Padded knees and crotch

• Seamless rubber boots

• One size fits all

The Laguna Pond Vacuum Kit isthe ideal tool to clear the bottomand sides of your pond ofleaves, sludge and other debris.

• Adaptor for attachment to all garden hose systems

• Power brush for pond side algae removal

• Re-usable waste collection bag• Stop valve to turn off water

supply

NEW!


JanuaryPond & Equipment CareWinters are becoming milder and there is littleprospect of a pond freezing solid so it’s unlikely that leaving a pump submerged will do it any harm.If the pump is supplying water to a waterfall or a biological filter, this can continue for most of thewinter. However, it’s worthwhile lifting the pump andgiving it a good clean before relocating it in shallowdepths where it only circulates the top layers of thepond water. This prevents disrupting the deeper,warmer water at the bottom of the pond where thefish are over-wintering.

The biological activity will continue in the filter ifwater temperatures remain above 4oC(39oF) andit’s worth lagging an external box filter with layersof bubble wrap plastic to prevent freezing andinstalling a small thermostatically controlled heaterin the filter chamber.

Water QualityWater quality quickly deteriorates if the pondfreezes over and no provision is made to vent anarea of the pool surface to avoid a build up ofharmful gases trapped under the ice. Considerinvesting in a Pond De-Icer, which helps preventpond surfaces from completely freezing. The Lagunamodel is supplied with a venturi aid to provide pondaeration and allow necessary gas exchange.

Fish CareResist the urge to feed fish should a mild spelloccur. If frosts suddenly return and chill thewater food will remain undigested in the digestive tract and decompose causing internalbacterial problems.

Never vent the pond by breaking the ice with aspade or hammer as this creates shock waves,which can distress and even kill fish. If you don’thave a pond heater or de-icer stand a pan ofboiling water on the ice and allow it to meltthrough.

MarchPond & Equipment CareDuring mild periods tidy up around the pond gathering up any leaves lodged in the pond nettingand remove other debris which has blown into thepond. This is often a good time to clear any silt anddebris which has accumulated at the bottom of thepond. The Laguna Pond Vacuum Kit uses the powerof your existing water supply to dislodge and removeall types of pond dirt and debris. Don’t forget to addLaguna Water Prep to the pond water after usingthe vacuum kit to eliminate the chlorine, chloramineand harmful heavy metals in the mains water.

Lift all submersible pumps and carry out the followingmaintenance procedures. Remove and clean strainer,remove and clean impeller assembly and take offany build up of limescale which otherwise can seriously affect pump performance. A pump strainercan rapidly become clogged depending on pondconditions and is best checked at weekly intervalsthrough to the late autumn whilst the impellerassembly usually requires attention at monthlyintervals.

Water QualityTest the water quality using pH, ammonia and nitritetests. There is sure to be a build up of decomposingmatter in the pond and losses often occur with pondfish as any entering the winter period that are sicklyand undernourished usually manage to survive thecoldest winter months as they remain dormant.They only fail to revive when temperatures rise.Tests will show low pH and dangerously high levelsof ammonia and nitrite if there are decomposingremains in the water.

Remove any dead fish or other decomposing matterand if necessary undertake a partial water changeof up to 20% of the pond water.

Fish CareAlthough fish may become active in mild spellsit is still too early in the season for temperaturesto remain stable over 8oC/46oF so refrain fromfeeding.

Here’s a series of month-by-month topical tips to make sure your water garden keeps ingood condition throughout every season of the year...

A water gardener’s calendar

FebruaryPond & Equipment CareFebruary is likely to be the coldest month and precautions need to be taken to prevent the pondsuffering from any severe weather conditions.Check the water level and top up to ensure the depthof the pond is at a maximum. Bypass any connectionsfrom the pump to a waterfall and turn off fountainsleaving only the biological filter connected. If the pumphas a variable control, turn this down to its lowestsetting.

Water QualityKeep the biological filter in operation even though it will only act as a mechanical filter at water temperatures below 40C (390F). Little biologicalactivity is likely to occur but running oxygenatedwater from the pond through the filter will ensurethe beneficial bacteria remain alive and intact.

Test the pond water occasionally during the earlyspring for any deterioration caused by decomposingorganic matter. Any anomalies can usually be remedied by a 10% partial water change.

Fish CareAll fish are termed ectothermic meaning theydon’t maintain a constant body temperature.Their body temperature therefore coincides withthe surrounding water. As a result they will remainin a deep torpor hibernating at the bottom of thepond during the cold conditions in this month.

Wait till temperatures

stabilise before feeding fish

A Pond Vacuum willmake spring cleaning

easier!


MayPond & Equipment CareThis month water temperatures rise to 10oC/50oFor above and combined with the high light levelsencourage strong bursts of growth both in submergedaquatics and in moisture loving plants in the marginsand bog garden. Water lilies are really heavy feedersand it’s particularly important that they receive propernutrition without raising the nutrient level generallyin the pond. Laguna Pond Spikes are designed torelease fertiliser gradually to the plant through itsroots and a number of these spikes, depending onthe size of the water lily, can be pushed into theplanting basket. The pond water can also be dosedwith Laguna Plant Grow, an aquatic plant foodcontaining micronutrients in the form of vitamins andtrace elements which, because of the enclosed natureof a pond, can become easily depleted. Plant Growcontains no phosphates and nitrates and will nottherefore increase the presence of algae in the pond.Regular doses every two weeks throughout thesummer season will ensure water lilies and otheraquatic plants will thrive.

Half hardy floating plants like Water Lettuce (Pistiastratiotes) and the Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) are safe to put in the pond by the end ofthe month.

Small water features like bubble and tub fountainscan now be safely assembled for the new season.

It’s worth starting to make early preparations tocontrol green water, a regular problem that occursin most ponds during the summer. Green water canbe controlled using biological controls like LagunaPhosphate Control which successfully competesagainst algae for vital phosphate nutrients but takesa little time to build up the beneficial bacterialcolonies it encourages and therefore is used bestas a preventative measure. Laguna Barley StrawPellets control green water by slowly releasingenzymes into the water to clear pond water naturallyand also take a little time to establish a continuingprocess.

Water QualityWater parameters need to be monitored on a regularbasis using the Laguna Master Test Kit or individualtest kits or strips. Ammonia, pH, nitrite and nitrateare the most important to test and should now bemonitored weekly throughout the summer. Waterhardness is also worth testing as low levels indicateacidic conditions associated with a high nutrientload in the pond. A 20% partial water change willusually arrest further deterioration created by excessesin the parameters tested but try to avoid a return ofpoor water quality conditions by removing anydecomposing organic material from the pond andtry not to overfeed the fish.

Fish CareThe fish will be fully active and benefit frombeing fed a combined diet of Laguna All-Seasonfood together with Wheat Germ and Spirulina.There are normally sufficient natural foods tobe found in an established pond at this time ofthe year but feeding ensures your fish have afully balanced and nutritious diet. Feed 2 - 4times a day but only small amounts, enough tobe consumed in five minutes. Floating pelletslike those provided in the Laguna foods areideal as any surpluses can be removed easilywith a hand net. Pellet size is also importantand Laguna foods offer a choice of three different sizes.

JunePond & Equipment CareSerious algae problems can occur now that watertemperatures are high and the days are long. Greenwater and blanket weed occurs in most ponds andcan persist throughout the summer if proper controlsare not in place. A UV steriliser can effectively clarifygreen water and does have some control over filamentous algae by killing the spores and floatingmaterial. UV systems should be regularly cleaned tobe effective and bulbs replaced at the makers recommended intervals.

Water treatments are also an alternative. LagunaClear Fast is an approved algaecide which clearsgreen water by clumping the microscopic algaetogether so they sink to the bottom of thepond or are drawn into the filter.Algaecides are used as spot treatments and for a more prolonged effect a bacterial control like Laguna PhosphateControl or Laguna Barley StrawPellets which use an enzymicaction to clear pond water naturallyare the answer. Laguna Phos X isanother season long treatment whichabsorbs and traps phosphate, nitrite and nitrate andstarves algae of nutrients. This is one of the besttreatments to eliminate blanketweed.

Water QualityConstant topping up of pond water can mean addingnot only chemicals unsafe to fish like chlorine andchloramine but also nutrients such as nitrates andphosphates. Laguna Water Prep added at the sametime will eliminate chlorine and chloramine andLaguna Phos X will take care of the nitrates andphosphates.

Fish CareFish actively feed at this time of the year buttry to keep to a little and often rule to avoidsurplus food causing pollution.

AprilPond & Equipment CareTidying the pond can now take place in earnest.Lift pond netting and clean and store for the following winter. Marginal and bog plants can betidied up and, where appropriate, lifted, divided andreplanted using only the vigorous outer portions.If the pond needs a thorough clean do it now beforeplant growth starts. Fish and plants can be foundtemporary accommodation whilst the pond is emptied and completely spring cleaned. A substantialaccumulation of silt and organic debris is likely toneed removing and can be added to the compostheap or used to top dress the bog garden.

This is a good time to re-invigorate plants by inserting Laguna Plant Fertiliser Spikes into plantingbaskets. These will provide balanced nutrition forpond plants throughout the season with no effect onthe water quality or fish.

Water QualityClean biological filter bed mediaby flushing pond water through thefilter and wash any mechanical sponge filters toclean away trapped debris. Use a biological filterbooster such as Laguna Bio Booster to build upstrong colonies of beneficial bacteria in the filter anddosing the pond water with Laguna Bio SludgeControl will reduce the frequency at which completepond overhauls will be required.

Fish CareThe seasons are changing quite significantly and mild winters followed by warm springs havebrought water temperatures up to 6oC – 8oC(43o – 46oF) levels by this month in previousyears. Once temperatures increase to 8oC (46oF)fish can be fed sparingly with Laguna WheatGerm and Spirulina floating food pellets.

May’s going to be a busy month!


JulyPond & Equipment CareFilters are fulfilling an important function at thistime of year and should be checked and cleaned.Thoroughly wash mechanical filter material andflush the biological filter bed of box and pressurefilters with pond water. Dose the filter bed withLaguna Bio Booster.

Strong excessive growths of marginal and submerged plants can lead to unruly top growthsand extensive root systems leaving little or no openareas below or on the water surface. Cut backthese growths and dose with Laguna Plant Grow toovercome any imbalances and deficiencies, whichmay be occurring that will inhibit ongoing growth.

Water QualityChemical imbalances can soon occur in the closeconfines of the pond and regular testing of thewater parameters often reveals anomalies. If youuse fertiliser on your lawn or garden borders, therun off into your pond during sudden rain stormscan considerably raise nutrient levels and createacidic low pH conditions. Water washing off buildingsand paths especially if new work has been undertaken may lead to heavy alkaline conditionsand high pH due to run off from the uncuredcement. High nutrient conditions can be reduced byundertaking a partial water change of up to 20%and acidity/alkaline levels can be corrected usingLaguna pH Adjust-up and pH Adjust-down.

Fish CareAlternating Laguna All-Season diet with WheatGerm and Spirulina food should improve the condition of your fish which will additionallybenefit from the Spirulina content which is highin proteins, essential fatty acids and trace elements as well as a natural colour enhancer.Fish will improve in condition and colourationshould improve together with sheen and textureof scales.

SeptemberPond & Equipment CareRemove debris and dead plant material from thesurface of the pond with a pond skimmer net.The Laguna models have telescopic handles andare designed to allow easy access to rounded pondcorners. Use a pond vacuum to remove any build- upof sludge and dead plant material on the bottom ofthe pond and give a dose of Laguna Bio SludgeControl to reinvigorate the bacterial colonies thatminimise the build up of organic solids and pondsludge.

Water QualityAs autumn approaches some submerged and marginal plants start to die back and water qualitycan suffer due to increased decaying organic material in the pond. It’s important to keep up watertests and not neglect partial water changes if deterioration in water quality occurs.

Fish CareHigh temperatures over the past months mayhave encouraged infections and parasites asthey develop faster in warm water. Fungus andfin rot are common diseases and parasites likeanchor worm and the fish louse can appear. If fish show any outward evidence of eitherinfections or parasites or just appear to showsigns of irritation like scratching themselves orjumping, seek advice on the symptoms andtreatment required.

AugustPond & Equipment CareThis can be the busiest time of the year, the pondwill need to be regularly topped up to allow forevaporation, marginal planting will need attendingto with dead-heading of spent flowers, and cuttingback or staking long growths. Try to control carpetforming floating plants such as duckweeds andAzolla by netting off and discarding excess amountsand use a pruning tool and net to remove rampantgrowing oxygenating plants and spent water lilyleaves and flowers.

Water QualityWater quality can easily deteriorate during hotspells as the fish will be feeding heavily and replenishing pond evaporation losses can bring further nutrient pollutants into the pond system.Water parameter checks will give a good indicationif anomalies are occurring and may indicate that a10% - 20% partial water change is necessary.

Make sure that the filter pump is working effectively,the Max-flow pumps like those from the LagunaPowerJet range are designed to handle solids without clogging and are superior to older designsfitted with sponge strainers that may need cleaningevery 4 or 5 days during this part of the season.Sponge strainers used as mechanical filters in pressure and box filters may also need attention bywashing clogged material from the sponge withpond water.

Fish CareIf fish stop feeding, appear listless or are foundgasping on the surface, it could be that highwater temperatures have reduced the capacityof the water to absorb dissolved oxygen. This occurs mainly at night when the greeneryin the pond ceases to produce oxygen throughphotosynthesis and oxygen levels are at theirlowest. The surface of the water is where thegreatest gaseous exchanges occur and addingwater movement by installing a fountain orwaterfall or even allowing the water from ahose to play on the pond surface will increasethe area in contact with the atmosphereand reduce the problem.

Keep a close eye on waterquality when the weather

gets hot!

A water gardener’s calendar

Laguna All-Season diet will

keep fish in great condition

and colour!


NovemberPond & Equipment CareAir temperatures can fall dramatically but the waterremains warmer longer than air and cools moreslowly. It is not unusual for air temperatures to readbelow 4oC(39oF) at night whilst pond water temperatures remain above 8oC/46oF throughoutthe whole twenty-four hour period. If you areamongst the growing numbers of pond enthusiaststhat are installing pond heaters now is the time toplace the heater in the bottom of the pond andswitch on.

Half hardy plants like floating aquatics WaterLettuce (Pistia stratiotes) and Water Hyacinth(Eichhornia crassipes) can be lifted now and over-wintered indoors but marginals like the WhiteArum Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) will resist several degrees of frost if the crowns are protectedby 10cm/4”of water.

Dismantle and store the pumps for water featuressuch as bubble fountains.Take indoors any ceramicor clay pots fashioned into water features if they arenot frost resistant.

Water QualityContinue to remove dead foliage and leaves thataccumulate in the water or on the pond netting.This is essential because some tree leaves containstrong toxins to prevent browsing predators and can be harmful to fish.

Fish CareFeeding can continue using Laguna WheatGerm and Spirulina whilst temperatures remainconstant over 8oC/46oF. At lower temperaturesfish will be able to depend on their bodyreserves through to the next spring.

It’s worthwhile investing in a pond thermometerlike the Hagen Floating Pond Thermometer,which can be left in the pond and allowsdetailed water temperature monitoring at thesetimes of crucial change in temperature.

DecemberPond & Equipment CareAlthough in recent years this month appears to bemore characteristic of autumn conditions than deepwinter, water temperatures are slowly dropping andit’s a quiet time of the year in the pond. If you haveinstalled a pond heater you will be aiming to keeptemperatures in the bottom of the pond above4oC/39oF. Most pond heaters are not designed toheat the whole of the pond, some merely maintain ahole if ice forms releasing any harmful gases whichotherwise would be trapped below the ice.

Water QualityThe rate of decomposition ofany organic material in thepond will be slowing downand water quality shouldremain stable provided thereare no unexpected fishdeaths. A daily inspection ofthe pond should reveal anysuch problems.

Fish CareWhilst warm water normally rises to the surface,at water temperatures below 4oC/39oF thereverse of this principle occurs and cold waterrises to the surface and warm water settlesdown in the lower depths.

Fish that were in good condition earlier in theautumn should be perfectly happy as theyslowly lapse into a torpid hibernating state inthe deepest part of the pond.

OctoberPond & Equipment CareWeather conditions at this time of the year can bequite unpredictable so use the water temperature inthe pond as a guide to when full preparations forthe autumn will be required. Whilst temperaturesstay above 10oC/50oF pond conditions shouldremain similar to those of preceding months. It isimportant though to try to gauge when the first leaffall is likely to occur and prepare by installing pondnetting to avoid dead leaves fouling the pond.Laguna Pond Netting is available in a range of sizesand comes supplied with stakes to secure the netting in place. As well as saving a lot of work in

the autumn keeping thepond free from leaf litterthis sturdy netting alsodeters herons, cats andother potential predators.

Water QualityNo matter what precautions are taken to avoidorganic pollution due to die back of aquatic plantsand fallen leaves it is likely to increase. It’s essentialto ensure, therefore, that box and pressure filtersremain effective by flushing away accumulateddebris using pond water and give the pond a furtherdose of Laguna Bio Sludge Control and the filterLaguna Bio Booster to make certain there areample beneficial bacteria to handle the increasingorganic load.

Fish CareFeeding can continue using both Laguna All-Season and Wheat Germ and SpirulinaPellets whilst water temperatures remain above10oC/50oF. Once temperatures fall below thislevel fish can still be fed but only sparingly withWheat Germ and Spirulina formulae until feeding ceases at 8oC/46oF.

Get a Laguna Pond

De-icer before the first

frosts set in!

Falling leaves increase the chancesof pond pollution - give furtherdoses of Bio Sludge Control and BioBooster

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Documents

Living Ponds new file - FBAS•Always use a circuit breaker with any pond equipment installation. •Excavating the hole for a large pond can be a strenuous job - enlist the help of