​Length x Width x 80% x Avg. Depth x 7.48 = total gallons
***the basin takes up approximately 80% of the actual SQ. FT.

​Length x Width x Depth x 2.2 = Gallons in the Basin

​Amps x Volts ÷ 1,000 x (kw/per hour example: .10) x 24 hrs x 30.4 days = Monthly Cost
Watts = volts x amps
Amps = watts x volts

There is a lot of conflicting information out there about the dos and don't of water garden maintenance so your head may be spinning, wondering which steps are necessary and which ones aren't. The whole point of installing your pond in the first place was to reduce the stress in your life, not add it to.
 
The key to a low maintenance water garden is to keep your new ecosystem in balance! Read on and learn how to water garden the low maintenance way. So regardless of which type of water feature you own, we'll tell you the best way to maintain it with the least amount of work on your part!

The key to keeping an all-natural water garden in check is general ecosystem maintenance. The five elements of your ecosystem all need to be balanced in order to insure that everything is working smoothly. They are:​

• Mechanical and Biological Filters
• Pumps and Plumbing
• Rocks and Gravel
• Aquatic Plants
• Fish

 These elements must all be present in order for the system to really work. Once your pond is balanced, it's not hard to see why maintaining a well-balanced ecosystem is easy. With the exception of some seasonal maintenance, all you really need to worry about is tossing a little beneficial bacteria into your pond and cleaning out your skimmer net once every week or two.

​Waterfalls are simply a re-circulating waterfall and/or stream without the presence of a pond. You can enjoy the sight and sound of running water without the maintenance of a pond.
The waterfall is undoubtedly the most beautiful and favored feature in a water garden. If space is lacking in your yard or you have safety concerns with a pond, go Pondless®! The name basically explains it all. It's a waterfall and stream, without the pond. So why would you want a waterfall without a pond? The truth is that a Pondless® Waterfall isn't for everyone, but it can be a great alternative for someone who isn't quite sure if a pond is right for their family.

​One of the greatest features of the Pondless® Waterfall Filter is that there is very little maintenance. The system can be run 24 hours a day or can be turned off and on when desired. Don't forget to periodically check that there is enough water in the Pondless® Waterfall basin to properly operate the waterfalls. When you hear the pump "gurgling" or sucking air, you know it is time to add water. You basically need to keep it full of water and keep the debris out of the stream. You may need to clean it from time to time.

These larger water features are typically set atop an underground reservoir that keeps re-circulating the water.  Once the urn fills with water, the water spills out and over into the underground basin, which pumps the water back up through the urn.  If a Bubbling Rocks or decorative fountain is more to your liking, you can still set it on the reservoir and a pipe will transfer the water from the basin up through the center of the spitter or fountain.  

Aquascape provides an extra large reservoir called the AquaBasin.  The AquaBasin supports up to 2,000 pounds and holds 75 gallons of water.  Large basalt columns can be set atop the basin for a truly impressive decorative water feature in the landscape.  For a more formal look, try an impressive brass sculpture. 

The AquaBasin can easily be installed within just a few hours if you like to tackle home projects on your own, or you can hire a Certified Aquascape Contractor to do the job for you.  Aquascape provides a wide variety of decorative pieces that can be used in conjunction with the AquaBasin, from ceramic urns to brass sculptures to carved stone structures.  What's more, Aquascape adds new decorative options each year, so there's always something fresh and new to add to your landscape.

​The Pondless Waterfall is undoubtedly the most beautiful and favored feature in a water garden. If space is lacking in your yard or you have safety concerns with a pond, go Pondless! The name basically explains it all. It's a waterfall and stream, without the pond. So why would you want a waterfall without a pond? The truth is that a Pondless Waterfall isn't for everyone, but it can be a great alternative for someone who isn't quite sure if a pond is right for their family.

​If you're interested in "testing the waters" of the water gardening hobby, a container water garden is a great place to start! They are generally used to add the sound of water to a deck or patio, but they also look great greeting visitors by the front door. But they don't just add beauty, they also give kids a fun way to learn about nature, and make a great starter "pond" for any young children interested in water.
 
A container water garden can be created using virtually any type of container ... as long as it has the ability to hold water. An old clawfoot tub, a galvanized bucket, your favorite terra cotta pot, or an old whiskey barrel all make great containers for your new water garden! Once you've chosen the container, you need to make sure it will hold water. Any un-glazed pottery will need to be sealed and drain holes will need to be plugged. A wooden container such as a whiskey barrel can be lined with a piece of rubber liner that is affixed to the rim. Make sure the sealant you use safe for plants and fish. 
 
A container water garden wouldn't be a garden without out the plants. When planting a container water garden, the same principals apply as with a regular container garden. A balance of plants that are different shapes and sizes means you'll have a planter that is pleasing to the eye. Or, highlighting just one special plant, such as a lotus plant if you have a large container, or a single, pigmy water lily if you have a smaller container, makes a striking garden and a much simpler approach.
 
If you add fish to your container water garden, consider the water volume of the container. The water in smaller containers goes through extreme temperature changes, which has a negative effect on most fish. Mosquito fish however, can tolerate warm water quite well. If your container holds more than 20 gallons of water you can add any type of goldfish.
 
Since mosquitoes will lay eggs in stagnant water, you'll need a small 75 gph statuary pump fitted with a spitter or fountain head to keep them away from your container water garden. If you don't want a fountain effect, you can position the pump discharge just under the surface of the water to create water movement.
 
Maintenance is easy! To keep the pump operating properly and the plants submerged at the correct level, you'll need to occasionally add water to make up for evaporation. Now that you're enjoying your container water garden, be careful. Once the water gardening bites you, there's no going back! Next, you'll be reading how to build your own in-ground pond.

​Standalone Fountains are gaining popularity due to their ease of set-up and maintenance.  Found at garden centers and home improvement stores across America, a wide range of styles and finishes are available to fit everyone's taste and budget.  From impressive brass to simple resin fountains, these features are made to "stand alone," meaning they don't need any counterparts to make them function.  Much like a tabletop fountain, all you need to do is add water, plug it in, and enjoy.  Some larger units may require a bit of simple assembly. 
 
Once you find a fountain that fits your style and budget, all you need to do is find the perfect location for it.  You can place it in the foyer of your home to greet guests, or set it outside on the back deck to enjoy during a cool summer evening.  Tuck one near a garden path or by the front entrance of your home.  You'll soon find you want more than just one fountain to grace your landscape.  The sound of water draws visitors into your garden and provides a place for the eyes to rest while enjoying the outdoor spaces.  

What do I do with my decorative fountain/AquaBasin during the winter?
 

• Drain the basin and/or Spillway Bowl if not going to run during the winter.
• Remove the pump & store in a frost-free location such as your basement or garage.
• Make sure pipe is drained.
• Remove & store the decorative piece in a frost-free location or cover piece with a tarp to overwinter.

What should I do with my Pondless  Waterfall in the winter?
​

• To shut your pondless waterfall down, first unplug your pump and pull it out of the water along with the check valve. Clean the scale and debris from the pump. Next, store the pump in a frost-free location, submerged in a bucket of water.
• You can also choose to keep the waterfall running. This will require a little babysitting to make sure an ice dams do not form, which could cause water to run off of the waterfall. You will also need to add water regularly to ensure the pump will function properly. This extra effort during the winter will reward you with the most beautiful ice formations and patterns around the falls and streambeds.

​Not all water features require an annual cleanout. If there is a layer of “crud” at the bottom of the pond and the water is dark in color, it would be a good idea to do a full clean-out. If there is just a small amount of debris that you can stir up and capture with a net and the water looks clear, a little tidying up and small water change is all that’s in order.

​The first step is to drain the Pond or Pondless® Waterfall
Place the clean-out pump in the deepest point of the pond or in the Pondless® Waterfall Vault or Snorkel in order to remove the water.
Drain the water into the surrounding landscape. Be sure to relocate the pipe two or three times to allow the water to seep into the ground and not flood the yard.
If you have fish, use some of this pond water to fill up the holding pool. The fish can be removed from the pond using a net once the water is around knee-high so you can easily catch them.
Don’t keep the fish in the holding pool for more than several hours. Keep them in a shady spot with a net over the top of the pool to prevent them from jumping out. If your have a winter aerator or bubbler, you can use it in the holding pool to help oxygenate the water.
Don’t Overdo the Cleaning
 
Rinse the inside of the pond. You can also use a pressure washer to help remove debris from the rocks and gravel.
Don’t try to scrub all of the algae away. Some algae on the rocks will prove beneficial in developing your ecosystem.
Use the gentle stream from a garden hose to rinse the rocks and gravel. Start at the top and work your way down to the bottom. Periodically turn the clean-out pump on to remove the dirty water. You can discontinue the periodic pumping once the water rinsing down to the bottom begins to look clear. Remove the pump and begin filling the pond with the garden hose.
Cleaning the Filters
Remove any debris from the bottom of the skimmer or Pondless Vault. This can be done by hand or by using the cleanout pump.
Remove the media nets and filter pads from the BioFalls® filter, and rinse then off so they are free of debris.
You will need to start putting Aquascape Beneficial Bacteria from now till your pond start to freeze up.
Finally you can Put Your Fish Back Into Their Clean Home
 
Your pond clean-out is now done and it’s time to put your fish back into their home. Once your pond is half full, you can perform these steps to safely place your fish back in the pond:
If you’re on city water, it’s imperative that you add Pond Detoxifer to the water so it is safe for fish.
Dip a five-gallon bucket, or similar sized container, in the holding tank and fill it with water.
After you’ve caught a fish, place it in the bucket and set the buckets in the clean water.
After about 15 minutes, periodically begin splashing some pond water into the bucket.
By now, the temperature of the pond and the bucket water should be close to the same. You are ready to spill the fish into their spring-cleaned home.

Warm water has a low capacity for holding oxygen, so you may start to see your fish gasping for air close to the water’s surface, or especially close to a fountain or waterfall. As your fish struggle for oxygen, they’ll become increasingly stressed. And stressed fish are more likely to develop diseases … a scenario you want to avoid.
                                                         
To optimize fish health during extreme heat, you’ll want to ensure your fish have the best pond environment possible. It all starts with a well-designed water feature. Depth, plant coverage, shade, and circulation should all be considered when building a pond. A minimum depth of two feet is suggested so the bottom can remain cooler.
 
You’ll also want to stock your pond with a lot of plants to provide shade for the fish. A good rule of thumb is to provide plant coverage of approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of the pond’s surface area. Waterlily pads provide great coverage, but if your pond lacks the proper amount, you can easily add floating plants such as water lettuce until the waterlilies fill in.
 
During these hot days of summer, try some of these tips to keep your pond performing optimally:
 

• Add oxygen to your pond by placing an aerator or AquaForce® pump in your pond. You can also install a fountain with a pump if your pond doesn’t have a waterfall or stream built in.
• You  still need to check your skimmer about once a month
• If you feed your fish, feed them in the morning and be careful not to overfeed. Uneaten food decays faster in warmer water and can pollute the pond.
• Be sure to remove dying leaves and flowers before they have a chance to decay in the warmer water.
• Be extra cautious when using algaecides in warmer temperatures as the sudden death of algae will consume a large amount of available oxygen.

The following are recommended tips for preparing a pond for the Fall seasons.

• Before the leaves start to fall you should cover your pond with a pond net to help keep the leaves this will make less work in the spring and help your fish over winter.
• During this time you should check your skimmer basket 2 or 3 times  a week to make shore it is not full of leaves.
• There may be an increasing numbers of dead or brown leaves this time of year, so prune them off all of your plants. Your lilies – tropical and hardy – should still be going strong, at least until the first heavy frost.
• Stop fertilizing when the weather becomes cooler. This lets the plants know the season is coming to an end.
• As the evening temperatures begin to fall, this is a good time to transition to cold water fish food. When the water temperature is around 55 F° (10° C), stop feeding your fish. Continuing to feed them could cause health problems or death for them, since their digestive systems are beginning to slow down for the winter.
• As leaves on trees begin to turn those beautiful fall colors, it’s time to put a pond net over your water feature. This will prevent you from having to empty the debris net every day to keep up with the influx of leaves. Some of them may sneak by and sink to the bottom, so try to remove as many as you can as fast as you can.
• If you leave too much organic matter in your pond, like leaves, the water may turn brown. If this happens, remove the excess debris and add activated carbon to clear the water.
• As it gets colder, your aquatic plants will have all but died for the season. Now you can cut back the dead plant material and remove the tropicals. Cut back the cattails above the water level, or better yet, leave them up to see how magnificent they look in the winter.
• If you live up north, where the surface of the pond freezes, you’ll need to prepare for winter by deciding whether you want to keep your pond running or shut it down. Please visit aquascapeinc.com for winterization instructions.

​One of our most popular water features a beautiful disappearing waterfall is the Pondless® Disappearing Waterfall. Don't worry, we left the pond portion out on purpose and it can always be added later. The Aquascape Pondless® Waterfall system gives all the beauty, sights and sounds of water without the pond portion. This style of water feature is popular with individuals who have space constraints, small children or municipality restrictions.

 
Rainwater harvesting is the accumulation and deposition of rainwater for reuse on-site, rather than allowing it to run off. Rainwater can be collected from rivers or roofs, and in many places the water collected is redirected to a underground storage. Its uses include water for gardens, livestock, irrigation, domestic used to wash car or your house. 

​Capturing rainwater to operate a decorative water feature creates true self-sustainability, drastically reducing the need for chemically-treated traditional water sources. While you enjoy the benefits of a decorative water feature, the RainXchange System filters the stored water to prevent stagnation and growth of unhealthy bacteria. Accessing the stored underground water is easy as connecting a hose to a spigot. A small pump is connected to the stored water making it convenient for you to water the landscape.

Because the water stored in the RainXchange™ System is constantly moving and being aerated, it becomes a sanctuary for wildlife. Birds, frogs, dragonflies and butterflies all flock to water in the landscape. In fact, water is a key component in certified wildlife habitats.

Product Features

• LARGE 75-gallon capacity!
• 5-year warranty
• Requires no electricity
• Large safety overflow keeps water in the barrel or away from the house
• Lid can also be used as a planter
• Thick plastic walls are durable and will withstand extreme conditions
• Childproof lockable lid
• Brass spigot for garden hose connection
• Made in the U.S.A

Water is quickly becoming an "endangered species" on our blue planet. Urban growth increases storm water runoff, which in turn harms natural waterways. All life requires water for survival. Becoming aware of the current state of our environmental condition is the first step in identifying viable solutions to ensure clean and healthy water for future generations.

Local water sources such as lakes, reservoirs and groundwater continue to decline despite regular rain events.
Demand is becoming greater than the supply and the rains that do fall on our ground are lost.
Rainwater is actually flowing away from the area it falls on due to development.
Water cannot soak into asphalt, concrete or shingles. It flows very quickly off of these surfaces and in the process it carries a variety of pollutants from dust and dirt to oils, fertilizers and pesticides.
This mixture flows quickly into storm sewers and in some cases, ponds and streams.
Highly developed areas can have 50% or more surface area covered by impervious surfaces forcing water away from the area where it's needed.

Increased water velocity strips the aquatic vegetation from the shores exposing the soil to subsequent erosion and habitat loss. According to the EPA, urban runoff is the number one cause of pollution in coastal environments.
Almost 50% of our stream miles, 45% of lake acres and 35% of estuary and bay square miles surveyed by the EPA are considered below the standards for fishing and swimming.
As rainwater run-off is carried away it does not have the opportunity to soak into the soil or groundwater reserves so our aquifers continue to lose water and new water is not coming in.
Wells throughout the country are going dry or have to be lowered to access the lower water levels.