Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Barley Straw to Control Algae?? By: Kevin Brown

     In my travels, I am often asked about Barley Straw in relation to pond management.  Many factors must be considered when formulating a plan for effective algae control, but throwing a bale of straw into your pond should not be one of them.
     There are a number of Barley products and Barley extracts on the market today, but the conditions in which they may control nuisance algae are widely unknown.
     Some algae species may be controlled whereas others remain entirely unaffected.  Factors such as water temperature, nutrient load, and the PH levels of the pond, all play a major role in the efficiency of Barley Straw.
     AQUA DOC continues to use the safest and most effective products to control algae in lakes and ponds.  Perhaps with more time and knowledge, Barley Straw may one day fill a niche in aquatics.  The verdict is still out, however, much more testing needs to be done before Barley becomes a staple in this applicators toolbox.
     In conclusion, knowledge, study, and caution are all highly recommended when considering Barley Straw as a means for consistent algae control.  The research is inconclusive and the results are inconsistent.

By:  Kevin Brown, Aquatic Specialist
AQUA DOC Lake & Pond Management

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Duckweed & Watermeal By: Heath Spence, Aquatic Biologist

Duckweed and Watermeal

     Does your pond resemble a putting green?  Your pond may be infected by Watermeal and Duckweed.  These are tiny free-floating plants that can reach nuisance levels very quickly.  Their rapid reproduction ability can quickly cause a pond to be completely covered in only a few weeks. Why may this be disastrous for your pond?  Not only aesthetically unappeasing, but complete coverage may cause summer fish kills.  Once a pond is covered the photosynthesis process is unable to be completed, resulting in lethally low oxygen levels.

             In two weeks, under ideal conditions, a single plant can produce up to 17,500 new plants.
  • Both duckweed and watermeal require nutrient rich pond conditions for them to thrive.
  •  Well-shaded ponds, protected from heavy winds may also prove to be ideal habitats for infestation.
  •  Older ponds with considerable build up of organic matter that has not been broken down efficiently provide the necessary nutrient load for rapid reproduction of these plants.

 So now that these plants have control of your pond, how do you regain control?  The use of several different management techniques is suggested, some being more effective than others.  Prevention and control methods are key strategies in keeping your pond well managed.

  •  Reduction of internal and external nutrient loads that are influencing your pond for example; lawn and agricultural fertilizers, waterfowl, leaves and faulty septic systems. 
  •  Also the addition of aeration can play a key role in the reduction of nutrient levels
  •  Manual removal may reduce some of the growth but will prove to be very labor intensive.
       The pond will most likely be recovered within weeks due to their explosive reproduction.
  •  White amurs, Koi and Tilapia and some ducks may eat these plants, however they usually are unable to keep up with the rapid reproduction and will also add to the nutrient load of your pond by defecation.
  •  The most reliable and long term control for these plants would be with either Fluridone (tradename of Sonar) or Flumioxazin (tradename of Clipper) applications.

     Duckweed and watermeal have been found to be a serious problem to Ohio ponds.  They are easily transported by waterfowl from one pond to another and since they are free floating they easily can move to your pond from upstream.  Once these plants are introduced and your pond fits the ideal habitat, say goodbye to your pond as you know and love it.  But there is hope! Contact AQUA DOC and allow one of their aquatic biologists to put together a management program for your pond.      

Dr. Al G - Frog Blog By: Heath Spence

Why you ask is AQUA DOC’s mascot a frog?  The frog symbolizes a healthy aquatic environment.  It is an amphibian with the ability to leave a body of water as it desires. If your pond has unhealthy water conditions, frogs will simply leave the pond and find a more desirable home. While fish, turtles and insects are also key symbols of healthy aquatic environments, these animals are sometimes not as noticeable and vocal.

There are 15 species of frogs and toads native to Ohio.  They are cold blooded and many species hibernate over winter in the bottom of ponds, buried in the muck.  They start mating calls in early spring and most species will mate through summer.  Between 700 - 3000 black eggs are covered in a gelatinous glob usually attached to shoreline vegetation.  The eggs hatch in 3-5 days and tadpoles emerge.  Tadpoles have gills and breathe similarly to fish. Tadpoles are vegetarians feeding mostly on plankton.  Tadpole transformation usually takes place within one year for most species with an exception being the Bull Frog which can last up to 3 years.  The adult frog must come to surface for air and feeds on mostly insects and worms.  Frogs absorb water through their skin and therefore do not need to drink.  In Japan frogs are considered to be the symbol of Good Luck.

Northern Spring Peepers, Pseudacris crucifer, are often welcomed as a sign of spring to come.  They range in size from 0.75 in. up to 1.25 in. and can be identified by an “X” on their back.  They are considered tree frogs but generally utilize swamps and moist woodlands, staying on the ground in thickets and under the cover of dead leaves.  The sound can be overwhelming during mating season.

American Bullfrogs, Rana catasbieana , are the largest species of Ohio frogs.  They are very common in ponds.  They are most noted for their long range jumping abilities, their deep, guttural mating call and some people enjoy the taste of their legs.

So Why are Frogs so Important to an ecosystem? Tadpoles eat some planktonic algae species. Tadpoles and adult frogs serve as a steady diet to fish as well as many other animals including snakes and birds.  Adult frogs eat both larval and adult mosquitoes as well as flies.  Even more importantly what adult does not get a kick out of watching a child chase a frog around the backyard?

While many factors can be utilized in defining a healthy pond, the frog stands out.  Frogs depend on a healthy aquatic ecosystem throughout the different stages of their lifecycles.  Winter hibernation and their primary food source both stem from and depend on the aquatic environment.  When conditions are unsafe or unsuitable they have the unique ability to leave the pond in order to find more suitable conditions.  So the next time you hear that frog, be comforted in knowing that you have a healthy pond close by.

WEATHERHEAD 100




As a leader in the field of aquatics, AQUA DOC was once again recognized as a Weatherhead 100 top growth company by Case Western Reserve University this year.

Go Team AQUA DOC!

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE!

AQUA DOC is proud to announce that 2013 is our 30th year anniversary.  AQUA DOC continues to strive for service excellence and honored to be stewards of water.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

AquaDoc team

AQUA DOC Welcomes Jim Reynolds

AQUA DOC opens a new location in Cincinnati, OH and welcomes Jim Reynolds to our team. 

Jim attended Southampton College and where his studies focused on both marine and aquatic biology.  For the past 20 years as a hatchery biologist, Jim has specialized in aquatic vegetation and fish production problems.  He is trained and licensed to apply aquatic herbicides and algaecides.

Jim has been a featured speaker at aquaculture workshops, lake management seminars and local pond clinics.  His multifaceted experiences enable him to solve a variety of lake and pond problems.

Jim is married and keeps busy at home with his dog Bailey and three cats.  He is an avid skier and also enjoys fishing and backpacking.

Welcome Jim!!

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

CONGRATS AQUA DOC!

AQUA DOC was recently appointed to the SePRO Preferred Applicator Advisory Board.  This professional honor promotes our purpose as "stewards of water".

AQUA DOC continues to participate in industry organizations, maintain close ties with university experts, and help lead the way in aquatics.

Congrats AQUA DOC!