You don’t want to mess with it a lot. Some people try to move it around, up and down, but pH is logarithmic so any change, sudden change, that’s even a half of a point up or down could be really dangerous to your fish. What you do is boost the alkalinity in your water, and a lot of times people confuse alkalinity with a high pH, but actually a high pH is a basic — above 7 is basic, below 7 is acidic.  When you boost the alkalinity, you’re actually buffering the changes in the pH, so you use products like water conditioners and stress coats which boost alkalinity. A simple thing like sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) buffers by boosting alkalinity. So you want to avoid drastic changes in pH.

What pH levels do fish thrive in?

They thrive in 6 to 8. The ideal pH is 7.5. The most stable pH Koi can thrive at consistently is between 6.8 and 8.2.  PH below 7 is acidic which burns their skin, and a high pH will chaff their skin. A variation more than .5 in a 24 hour period is very dangerous and that would be considered a pH swing.

Are there any other symptoms that fish will display that tell you there is a pH problem or a water problem?

No, not so much. If pH is higher than 7.5 and you have any ammonia readings in your pond — you know you can get ammonia from over-stocking your fish or having too many fish in a pond — so if there’s any ammonia,  they can tolerate a little bit, but the higher the pH, the more dangerous the ammonia is, so it becomes more deadly to them.

See water treatment products available in our online store

Check out the Barley Straw Pellets and water treatment products at our store

Did you know?

Barley is a natural way to control algae and there are different forms of barley:

• barley bales
• barley pellets

What they do: once in the water they start to release barley extract which is the key ingredient that prevents algae growth. It’s not an algaecide, it’s an all-natural way without any chemicals to help control algae. It’s not the fix-all though, and sometimes it’s not enough. In these cases we use barley extract in conjunction with an algaecide like AlgaeFix to get a good grip on it – most of the time.

Factors that contribute to algae growth:

• lack of plants because having other plants in the water will steal nutrients that algae needs to grow
• any type of phosphates that get into your water can contribute to algae growth
• fluctuations in PH can also contribute to algae growth

So there are a lot of things that contribute to it, but if you stick to the plan of using bacteria, barley extract, and an algaecide like AlgaeFix you can keep it under control instead of trying to figure out the problem, asking, where am I getting this algae growth? It’s coming from the sun mainly.

Our rule of thumb is 1 inch of fish per every 10 gallons of water. So in 2,000 gallons you can have 200 inches of fish–not 200 fish, but 200 inches worth of fish. Keep in mind that your fish will grow and you do not want to overload your pond. Overloading can cause excessive stress on your filter, create more bacteria and will create more work for you when it comes to cleaning and feeding.

Call or visit the store to purchase submersible and aeration pond pumps including Big Frog, Little Frog, Max Flo, Hakko, and Alita

If you’re planning a pond that will include plants and fish many customers ask, what size of pump do I need? The first question we ask is, what type of waterfall do you want to see?

The most important consideration when choosing a pump size is the circulation of your pond. You want to make sure that you’re circulating your pond fast enough to give maximum benefit to your plants and fish. A trickling waterfall is not enough to accomplish effective circulation of your pond, so you may need to take into consideration a larger pump and more powerful waterfall.

With plants and fish you want to turn your water over, or circulate it, 1-2 times per hour. For example for a 2,000 gallon pond you want a 4,000 gallon per hour pump. You have several different options for circulation and not all of your water has to go through your waterfall or UV filter for circulation. Sending all of your water through a UV filter requires slowing down the water which is something we don’t recommend.

All of our pumps have their own specifics and working with one of our experts will help you determine which path is right for your pond. We can help you find the right solution whether it is to do a bypass with your water, running part of it through a filter, or running all of your water through your filter, if it can tolerate it. Most people keep it simple and run their pump to their waterfall, filtering the water back and forth. If you’re interested in long term fine-tuning of your pond you’ll want to use a UV filter, including a bypass. You can control the flow going through the UV bypass to create the most effective way to kill parasites, bacteria and algae.

Is it cheaper in the long run to fine-tune your pond with a UV filter?

Yes, you’re also using your UV light to its fullest potential by slowing only the flow through it. By utilizing the UV filter you reduce your dependence on chemicals, while still turning your pond over, and you’re getting proper aeration, which is the most important thing to your pond, plants and fish–Producing Oxygen. You will save money on chemicals and preserve your fish, as well, by keeping algae growth under control.

Interview with Jason Romero

SFWG has many varieties of fountains that are all in one; self-contained units that can be placed indoors or outdoors.  Everything is contained in the unit and does not require excavating.  We have a large variety of slate fountains, resin cast fountains, and some we make here including stainless steel spheres, and boulder fountains.

Q: Can you put one of these units in an apartment?

A: Yes the cast resin fountains are an excellent choice for apartments; especially upper floors because they weigh less. It can be difficult to put a granite fountain upstairs because it is heavier.

Q: What are the benefits of having a fountain inside of your home?

A: There are many benefits.  One of the benefits is that water naturally attracts pollutants from the air; like dust, mites, and all different kinds of particles floating around in the air.  So having a circulating fountain will attract the airborne particles and turn into a slime on your fountain. To treat the slime you can use beneficial bacteria to decompose it, or even better, you can use a UV (ultraviolet) filter to zap the airborne particles. The result is that you have created a natural air purifier for your home,
while also adding beneficial humidity into the air.

Q: What is the cost of a UV filter?

A: It depends on the fountain.  There are many different sizes.  For example, you can put in a smaller UV filter that is submerged in the water in the price range of $220.  It is connected to your pump which runs the water through the UV filter and then through the fountain.

SFWG has many options under $500.00.  Below is a range of what is available:

• Stainless Steel Spheres range from $156-$236, plus the pump (starting around $50)
• Pots on a basin — start at $150
• Buddha resin fountains — start at $329, Mini Buddha — start at $139
• Boulder fountains — We purchase moss rock from local vendors, drill and fit them with a pump and tube for easy installation — and yes they do ship! Prices start around $500

Call the store for consultation on the best fountain option for your space and take advantage of SFWG’s unbeatable customer service.

steel sphere indoor fountains made in-house

Buddha resin fountains

Brown slanting jar fountain on basin

Blue ceramic pot - fountain on a basin

New logo and mural at the Santa Fe Water Gardens store

We are kicking off the Spring 2011 Season with a brand new logo and website!
Check out the new storefront painting done by Shock Velasquez.

If you’re planning a visit to Santa Fe or already visiting come by the
store.  We’d love to take the time to discuss some of the many water feature
possibilities and our in-store specials with you.  Our staff is courteous
and caring and will no doubt provide you the best customer service you have
EVER experienced.

Click to view the full size image - RainXchange by Aquascape

Absolutely nothing if a RainXchange system lies beneath it! We’re talking about a system that collects rain water, recycles it, filters it, adds oxygen, and gives it back for irrigation, water features, and many other uses. This system can be circulated through a living pond and this captured water becomes a premium fertilizer for your lawn or garden. Amazingly, 1 inch of rainfall on a 2,000 sq. ft. roof yields 1,250 gallons of water.

Santa Fe Water Gardens carries and installs this revolutionary product in the heart of the southwest – Santa Fe, New Mexico – where we know drought! Call to get the full specifications and pricing.

Check out the short list of the incredible benefits of this system

• water reuse reduces water bills and helps avoid strict water schedules
• water reuse reduces the need for traditional water sources
• manages storm-water and decreases flooding
• provides for clean filtered water storage
• adds property value and beauty to your landscape
• supports the wildlife in your neighborhood as a small portion of the stored water is brought to the surface for aeration
• LEED credits for green building projects

The RainXchange system is expandable and flexible, and can incorporate a full water garden and fountain or simply use a pond-less waterfall filter. If you’ve ever dreamed of having a desert oasis in your backyard or courtyard, let Santa Fe Water Gardens make it a reality for you. Call Jason for more information at 800.505.1997.
Download the RainXchange diagram (PDF) here.

Pondovac 4 made by Oase

• Get a kit to test the water chemistry (pH, Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, etc.) Also check that the water temperature has reached 55 degrees before feeding.
• Fertilize the plants with Aqua Tabs monthly. Most pots require 1 tab where lilies require 2 per pot.
• Vacuum the pond (if you don’t already own a pond vac, we recommend the Pondovac 4)
• Treat the water with a chlorine/metal neutralizer and a stress coat. Also maintain the dosage of Beneficial Bacteria. We recommend Ultimate conditioner and Microbelift PL bacteria.
• Feed the fish… but careful there! These special creatures are vulnerable coming out of the dormant period and need deworming and medicated foods. We recommend wheatgerm with probiotics that is easy for them to digest, especially the Saki Hikari brand. Call us now while fish food is 20% off!