FAQs
Are my fish going to be okay for the winter?
Koi fish are generally hardy fish that can survive the extreme temperature changes that we experience in Chicago. By ensuring that your pond is built a minimum 24in in depth and by using a heater and aerator in the winter months, your koi fish should make it to next spring in your pond. Some koi have been living for over 25 years in the same backyard ponds in the Chicagoland area, year after year!
How much does a water feature cost?
A water feature can cost as little as $2,500 for a small front door fountain or can be upwards of over 100k for a full size recreational pond. Whatever your space or budget, Aqua Envy Ponds can create a beautiful aquatic atmosphere in your space.
Is it safe for animals and children to play in the pond water?
The ponds built by Aqua Envy are living breathing ecosystems! We never add any harsh chemicals that can hurt you, pets, or the environment. Ecosystem ponds were meant to be interacted with!
When is it okay to start feeding my fish?
When water temperatures dip below 55 Degrees F, it can be deadly to feed your fish. Koi fish go into a hibernation-like state in cold water. They stop digesting food altogether. Feeding them can cause illness and bloating. Make sure to start feeding your fish in the spring after water temps are above 55 and stop feeding in the fall when water temps dip below 55.
Should I put cattails in my pond?
NO! Cattail roots grow so thick and invasive that they will overtake your waterfeature. Cattails can grow roots so thick that they can grow right through your pond liner causing huge holes! Aqua Envy Ponds has had to replace multiple pond liners where cattails have caused huge holes. We recommend adding aquatic plants to your water feature to add color and help keep your water clear but, cattails are not the aquatic plant you are looking for.
Can I turn my waterfall off at night?
Your pond is a living, breathing ecosystem that needs constant oxygen, to function properly.. If you shut your system down at night, then you can never have sufficient growth of beneficial bacteria to fight algae blooms, and your fish will have a hard time breathing. However, you can shut down a Pondless Waterfall whenever you’d like because plants and fish are not depending on the circulation for oxygen and nutrients.
When should I get my pond cleaned?
We recommend that you get your pond cleaned between April-May. This way your pond is cleaned for the year and is ready to enjoy after a long winter. Pond cleanings are easier on fish in cooler temps because the water temperature is more consistent after cleaning and refilling your pond.
Should I have rocks and gravel in my pond?
For a long time koi enthusiasts believed that having rock and gravel would make their pond dirty and cause problems. However, this is the exact opposite. Rock and gravel give a larger surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize and break down organic matter. Also covering the liner with rock and gravel protects it from UV light degradation that will take place from years of sun exposed liner.