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I own White Water Filters LLC which is located just west of Chicago, IL. As you probably already know the winters here can get pretty cold. Going into the winter of 2006 and 2007 curiosity got the better of me. The question was what would happen to a garden pond if nothing was done for winter and during winter. So I took one of my ponds and let it go natural. The pond is 21 x 14 x 4.5 ft deep. It has a bare liner bottom and holds about 4500 gallons. There was three 4” koi and three 4” goldfish in it. Any leaves and debris that blew in the pond during the fall were left there. I placed three remote electronic thermometers in the pond. One was 6” below the surface, the next was 6” off the bottom, and the last was lying on the bottom. Just before the pond froze over there was 1 to 2 inches of debris on the bottom. Nothing was done to keep a hole in the ice or water moving. I fully expected to find that the water at the bottom would maintain a constant temperature of 38 to 39F. I recorded the temperature reading from all three thermometers at 3:00 PM each day all winter until the ice melted in the spring. I also checked the minimum and the maximum for each probe each day to check temperature variation each day. So take a few minutes and think about what you would expect to see and did the fish live? I will highlight what I found during the winter. The pond froze over for the last time on Dec. 17th. The temperature readings from top to bottom were 41, 39, 44F. On the 30th of Dec. the ice froze to the top probe and the temp reading there stayed at 32F until it thawed in the spring. The middle probe was at 39F with a variation of +/- of .2F. The bottom temp was 59F with +/- 1.0F. On Jan. 13th the bottom temp got up to 70F and the other two probes didn’t change. Jan. 17th the bottom probe hit the high temperature of 74F where it stayed for four days and then started to drop. The bottom temperature dropped to 54F by Feb. 25 and stayed there until spring. The middle and top probe stayed where they were until the pond warmed up. On Feb, 5th I drilled a hole in the center of the pond to sample water quality and ice thickness. The ice thickness was 10 inches. Before I give you the water quality readings let me tell what the readings would normally be for this pond. Alkalinity is 425 ppm, PH is 8.25, Ammonia and CO2 is 0, O2 levels are close to saturation. Water testing was done 2 ft below the surface of the water. Ammonia was 2.0 ppm, CO2 was 37 ppm, PH was 6.7, and O2 level was 0.4 ppm. I do not have a test kit for testing Hydrogen Sulfide levels as that would have been nice to know. Did the fish survive? The three koi did not but the three goldfish did. Why did the goldfish make it and not the koi? But discussion of that is probably better off left until the next article as this will give you chance to formulate your own thoughts. Mike White White Water Filters, LLC Batavia, Illinois

Life’s Little Instructions

I have a poster that hangs next to my office entitled, “Life's Little Instructions.” I like the way it starts; Sing in the shower! How wonderfully fulfilling, to sing in the shower! Does anyone do that any more or do they sing along to Bare Naked Ladies (it seemed like the right group for the shower) on the Ipod while in the shower? But there are other ones; Wear polished shoes. Most people wear a canvas shoe these days. Carry jumper cables. Most people gave up jumper cables when they couldn't find the engine once the hood of the car was opened. Some of the others on the list include: Strive for excellence not perfection – Compliment three people everyday – Keep it simple – Become the most positive person and enthusiastic person you know – Be forgiving of yourself and others – Over-tip breakfast waitresses – Say thank you a lot - Say please a lot – Avoid negative people – Commit yourself to constant improvement – Return all things borrowed – Make new friends but cherish the old ones – Keep secrets – Always accept an out- stretched hand – Stop blaming others – Take responsibility for every area of your life – Don't expect life to be fair – Live life as an exclamation, not an explanation – Don't be afraid to say, "I made a mistake" – Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know" – Compliment even the smallest improvements – Count your blessings – Call your mother. I bring this list to you this month because many are running around not sure what to do or not do at this time. My thought is; go back to the basics, those little instructions you learned in kindergarten. Sometimes there is comfort in simplicity. I am reminded of the events on flight 1549 last month, it was a big deal, No it was a really big deal! In the process of all the TV coverage, they interviewed crash survivors of other crashes. In the process, investigators found that if you told yourself what to do when you got on the plane in the event of a crash, your brain could do the task at the time of a crash. One survivor sitting on the emergency door row reviewed his actions should he need to act in an emergency, he was able to open the door and help other passengers out amazingly quickly and efficiently. It seems the brain relies on learning. If you look out the plane window and see the engine on fire, your brain starts looking for something to relate that to, something that you have done before. When it doesn't find something on the first scan, it scans again and then seems to really get focused on finding something that relates to an engine on fire and keeps you from doing what you need to do to get out of harms way. That's kind of what is going on with the economy right now; the brain is having a tough time trying to find something to relate this to. From here on out this may sound like a book club promotion, but these are some books that I would recommend to help you through and sort things out. Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain, Who Moved my Cheese by Spencer Johnson, Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins, Hot, Flat and Crowded by Thomas Friedman. Some of these books are fun, some are serious. The one that has been on the best seller list for ages is Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson. If you haven't read it before, it's a fun read about what happens when things change. Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie, I feel is a must read for all entrepreneurs. MacKenzie headed up the Shoe Box greeting cards division of Hall Mark Cards. Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain will help in getting to that peaceful place in a nuts economy. The Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins is an interesting read about economic market places. It's a scary book and one gets the feeling they are looking at an engine on fire, the brain doesn't know what to make of it. One of my favorite writers is Thomas Friedman and his newer book, Hot, Flat, and Crowded has some interesting points. Does any of this help wading through whatever this spring and year holds for the pond industry? Maybe, maybe not, but it can get your mind on other things. There is an old saying that crops up every so often: “Eat a toad first thing in the morning, the rest of your day will be better by comparison”. I am not a Polyanna nor do I run around with rose colored glasses, but I stand by my mantra; “Every things fine in 09!” In '09 it depends on whether you act or re-act to events that affect your life. Rocke’ Huntington President 2008

An Educational & Information event hosted by the Pond and Water Garden Industry’s Trade Association, The IPPCA October 22-24 Atlanta, Georgia

• Air Diffusers
• Bacteria
• Floating Islands
• Firestone Certification
• UV’s
• Bead Filters
• Business Diversity
• Wild Bird Seed
• Pumps
• External Pumps
• Marketing/Internet
• Traditional Koi Pond Building
• Filtration
• LED Lighting
• Solar Equipment
• Liner on Large Projects

With a rapidly growing readership in the Pond and Waterscape industry as well as the “Green” Industry as a whole, IPPCA’s monthly newsletter, Pond Pulse™ will surpass 55,000 in circulation in its February 2009 issue. Topping 35,000 in circulation in December of 2008, and close to 50,000 in January 09, the exponential growth in circulation and the positive reception that this informative newsletter carries in each issue has been widely and positively received. “The Green industry has been begging for something like the IPPCA and its programs for years. The vast welcome this newsletter, the knowledge that the IPPCA exists and its reception from our readers has only underlined the good that the IPPCA is doing. The exploding number of requests for inclusion on the newsletter subscription list, membership applications and the praise for our efforts has been almost overwhelming and is very fulfilling.” said Gloria Jones, Secretary/Treasurer of the IPPCA. “Gloria has every right to feel vindicated and fulfilled,” stated Senior Vice President of the Association, Mike White, owner of White Water Filters, Batavia, Illinois. “She has just about single handedly made the newsletter what it is, and she keeps the wheels on. We’re very proud of her tenacity and growing talent with this challenging task,” he went on to say. The IPPCA is now offering advertising slots in this widely circulated e-letter. The added exposure to the Associations Corporate Members, whose banners are included in every issue has been met with enthusiastic support. The IPPCA will also be offering ads of varying size and frequency in the Pond Pulse™ newsletter to the various levels of their Corporate Membership at no and reduced fees. As we embark on a new year beset by a myriad of challenges to business owners and indeed the country and the rest of the world, we see the challenges are many and very complex!  Our industry is facing economic hard times, Drought, as many have never before seen and of course,  the shift to become more green.  All these challenges are new (for us) and will require massive coping strategies, if we are to survive as an industry and as individual companies.  What is success?  It means different things to all of us.  However you see success, one thing is certain……..SUCCESS WITHOUT FULLFILLMENT IS…..FAILURE!  Please repeat this to yourself as often as necessary, in order to understand this important lesson in life.  Can you call yourself successful if you are now earning one million dollars a year, yet your health is ruined?  Or perhaps your family life is in shambles?  SUCCESS WITHOUT FULLFILLMENT IS ANOTHER WORD FOR FAILURE!  In order to get onto the path of success, We need to KNOW OUR OUTCOMES.  We need to figure out which specific path we will take.  There is power in clarity and focus.  Juggling too many things at once does not allow us to be focused.  With respect to the IPPCA, our outcome for this year is survive and increase our membership and credibility.  Are we ready for the challenge?   We need help  to get there.  Any volunteers?  Email us if you can help.  What’s in it for me?  Think about it.   The greatest fulfillment in life comes from empowering others (not enabling them).  As we band together to help make the IPPCA a household name, this empowers and enhances the IPPCA member, and creates value to the consumer.  What is value?  Why is a diamond worth so much money?  It is PERCIEVED value.  Is that former chunk of coal really worth millions of dollars?  Yes, because of perceived value.  Your Association is working very hard to create this perceived value in our society and culture. Look at what our member contractors have to offer to the public……We are the professionals of the Pond industry.  We have always been green (even before it was cool).  We have the greatest arsenal of pond information at our disposal.  Were our contractor members born with this knowledge?  No!  We are where we are because we have taken the path to where we want to be and this path is in a large way opened up by manufacturers who are responding to the need for better products and their distributors who create an awareness of these products and train us contractors in better technology.  Notice I have not once mentioned the word p.r.o.b.l.e.m.  I think this is a nasty word and would rather think of life in terms of challenges.  We sulk at problems.  We rise to meet challenges.  Know your outcome.  Focus on clarity.  Chose a path and take action.  Massive action equals massive success.  Embrace the challenge and I will see you in 2009! Mike Garcia Enviroscapes Redono Beach, California

"Serving Central Illinois and Central Indiana "wowing" our customers with custom built ponds, streams and waterfalls. We provide our "family" with the finest products available on the market. All of our products are tested in "our" ponds first. We are a full service pond company showing our customers that you can live "In Rhythm With Mother Nature."

Fishman Chemical, LLC was formed in the winter of 189 by the merger of Algon Chemical of Haworth, New Jersey and Fishman Pharmaceutical Located in Warren, New Jersey. Algon supplied human, veterinary and tropical fish pharmaceuticals, Fishman Pharmaceutical specialized in human pharmaceutical activates. As the businesses merged the emphasis turned to supplying only tropical fish pharmaceuticals. Fishman chemical LLC expanded, and now has warehouses in both New Jersey and Minneapolis, Minnesota with offices in the Florida Keys. Fishman Chemical now supplies tropical fish pharmaceuticals to customers in all 50 states and 14 countries. We currently stock over 65 tropical fish pharmaceuticals or wholesale distribution, and always welcome special orders. All of our products are of the highest purity. Fishman Chemical LLC guarantees the lowest prices in the industry

Water Garden News is a business-to-business magazine for retailers and contractors published seven times annually. WGN showcases comprehensive and timely coverage of industry news and new products, provides fresh and objective coverage of issues, trends and events, serves as an open forum for discussing controversial topics and covers new profit centers and best practices through its website and corresponding print publication.

Pondview Posted Membership Does Have It’s Privieges Posted: February 21st, 2009, 8:40 pm So it’s the end of the year sort of and I just got our business taxes back from our Accountant. My wife (the big boss) and I were going over them and she said that with the uncertain economy that maybe we should cut back a little on our discretionary spending. She suggested that by cutting out the money we spent on dues and membership fees I pay to this and other organizations we could save some money?? At first glance I thought she might have something here, but after a closer look, this is what I found :( Forget about the friendships, networking and events for now. ) It cost me $200.00 a year for the IPPCA membership. Last year I started ordering equipment using the discount offered to IPPCA members on jobs that I had plenty of lead time on just to see what, if any, I would save. So after factoring in shipping versus paying a man to go and pick up the same products locally. Here is what the numbers ran out to; I saved over $550.00 and after you subtract my $200.00 for membership I still saved Over $350.00 . Pretty good investment if you ask me. I think I convinced her that its money well spent and now she's telling me to do it for all the jobs this year so that next year she can tell me what a great idea SHE had. Anyway, I think I'll take her out for dinner tomorrow night on the IPPCA member savings. For A Wonderful Water Garden—Take These Steps" There is no element you can add to a landscape that is more transformational than water. It's artwork if done right. Not even fire is so pleasing or dramatic in your yard as a well-planned waterfeature. Homes lakeside or streamside always command bigger prices because of the atmosphere and the view. Even that most fantastic waterfeature will be more economical than pulling up roots to relocate beside a creek, river or lake. As we begin to envision the magical sights and sounds of water in our yards, let us dream big while we moderate our wildest dreams so that they mesh with the architecture and design we already have. (And our budgets.) A small waterfall near an entryway can be all that's needed to give drama to a cute bungalow or row house. A small pond and waterfall in the middle of a large open yard can look out of place. But, a large meandering stream with waterfalls and a bigger pond can really make a transformational difference in a landscape. The more it blends in character with the surroundings, the better. (And, optimally, the more like nature rather than man-made the better.) A point of caution before we move on into specifics—a formal yard with sheared hedges and lots of lines and angles may not be the place for a natural looking waterfeature. But, there are formal waterfeatures that are awesome all the same in their own way. Or, an outdoor room or nook can be the setting of a private naturalistic little waterfeature set in the landscape in such a way as to go unnoticed until one ventures into that private spot. Such can be lovely low-budget water gardens. Now, let us try to maximize the pleasure if we are going to build a watergarden. We should, of course, integrate our proposed waterfeature with the architecture of the landscape. I'm thinking, we want to put it where we can see it from various angles and viewing points. Once I built a hillside stream with a frontyard pond that greeted visitors, and it was easily visible from the kitchen and the master suite. It was also placed for maximum impact upon visitors ringing the doorbell. The surprise not even calculated when I built the lovely waterfalls and pond was that it could be seen reflected in the mirror in the master bathroom. What a nice way to greet the day! (Or romantic way to put the night to bed.) Prime locations for a watergarden may be beside a pool, patio, deck or gazebo. Places we frequent and places we relax. If sufficient money is alloted to it, a waterfeature can be created that fits in not as things exist, but by building the waterfeature we dream of and altering the landscaping and plantings such that the new project does indeed blend and feel "like it's always been there". Location is but one aspect of building a wonderful watergarden. Let's consider other important points. What size do you want? Is there sufficient funds? Can you do it yourself? Should you contract to have it done? How do you best make those decisions? Can it be done in stages? What else should you be mindful of? Sunny location or shady—which is preferrable? Well, water clarity and natural look call for shade, or at least small trees or tall grasses on the perimeter somewhere. Water lily's need about six hours of sun to bloom reliably. But, big trees shed leaves or nuts, which can cause a mess. Some of both sun and shade is probably ideal. So many articles I have read say never to locate a pond under a large tree. I would counter that argument in a heartbeat by saying never build right out in the middle of the yard where there are no trees or landscaping. (And if you insist, plan on planting some small trees or something to naturalize the project.) Having read all the books about locating ponds away from trees, having seen so many ponds with a bunch of flat coping stones resembling a "ring of pearls", such thinking needs a jolt into what is natural and how it can and will work some better way. Natural is better in most cases. In nature, how many waterfalls come from a man-made "volcano" in the middle of nowhere? How many natural ponds are on "high ground"? Blend your waterfeature in. I love to visit mountain streams for inspiration. Study and emulate nature in the creation of your backyard watergarden. Size should be somewhat to scale with the surroundings. To my mind, the surroundings can also be changed if need be to create the view and the effect one desires! Depth? Well, almost nowhere are there regulations against ponds up to two feet deep. So, a pond with maybe 150 square feet of surface and varying in depths from a few inches to two feet is fairly typical of residential ponds. Maybe koi aficionados would argue for three feet, five feet, some even more. You can probably have what you want. Maybe a permit would be required. And your budget may corral your dreams into something called "reality". Could or should you build your own dream watergarden? Perhaps if it is fairly small and simple or you are a creative person who has tackled previous landscaping and home improvement projects successfully in the past. For a high quality project on a sizable scale it would be advisable to hire someone. Who do you hire then? What materials are desired for the project? What should you expect? Well, as to materials; simple, but of good quality. The latest and fanciest is not necessarily advised. Rubber should be used with underlayment. 45 mil is standard thickness. A quality pump that will yield enough gallons per hour of water flow to give the look and sound you want. A waterfall box with filter materials, and by all means a SKIMMER. Don't buy any kit of materials that doesn't contain a skimmer, or hire anyone that has not installed one before! Without a skimmer, you'll be missing the advances made in water gardening over the past two decades. The advances that propelled watergardning into the mainstream of modern landscaping. What else? I would suggest you ask to see pictures or actual projects done by the person you might consider contracting with if you decide not to tackle the project yourself. If your yard mowing guy or your local handyman has never built a wategarden before—you certainly don't want to turn him (or her) loose with thousands of dollars in pond kit materials. Building a watergarden may take a bit of a leap in faith. It should not be blind faith. Ask for references. There are organizations such as the International Professional Pond Contractors Association (IPPCA) that rate experienced water garden professionals. Also, will you feel good with the crew who will spend from 40 to over 100 hours laboring in your yard? Temporary workers are not who you want building your dream waterfalls and pond. The creative artistic work of your contractor will be even more critical to a lovely end result than the quality of the materials used to build your new watergarden. Before we conclude, you don't want to fear complications to the project; such as, a patio, a gazebo, a bridge, a seating area on the other side. Consider adding some planting beds, some new trees, maybe some new outdoor lights and a firepit. Give thought to some of these items even if you only want to do one thing currently. A master plan, a bubble drawing, a rough sketch, it's always good to see the big picture as you add new elements to your yard. Don't forget to plan for the landscaping of your new watergarden. A new waterfeature can be sited in the perfect spot where no additional landscaping is called for. That's a rare situation. Be mindful that if you picked a great spot for the waterfall and pond you won't want the new landscaping to grow in and obstruct that great view. Watergardens are lovely low maintenance additions to any yard if they are done well. Certainly they are popular. And water features will add value to your home, not to mention beneficial relaxation and the enjoyment that come with a pond and waterfall. Some things have an intangible value and reward you really can't put a price tag on. Max Phelps, www.rockcastles.com

Are you raising your bottom line with your IPPCA membership? Press release Immediate : 2-21-09 From: IPPCA Headquarters Woodstock, GA. 30188 www.IPPCA.com Are you taking advantage of the leveraged buying power product discounts that supporting businesses of the IPPCA have negotiated for your benefit? Exceptional discounts have been arranged for your benefit with the following product lines: NOTE 1: All product discounts listed are not from the Manufacturer or the IPPCA. They are from Supporting Member businesses offering exclusive discounts to IPPCA members only. NOTE 2: If you are currently buying any of these same individual products from an IPPCA member dealer or distributor, those specific product offers are NOT valid. GC Tek: Aquabead and Alpha one filters, ZAPP UV’s, and other products carried by this company. Aquadyne: Bead filters, Rhino bottom drains and more. Atlantic Water Gardens: This large line of quality pond products is available for you at discount. Atlantic Water Gardens also offers you Big Bahama Contractor certification through your IPPCA affiliation. Easy Pro Pond Products: On top of discounts, this extensive and diverse manufacturing and supply company also offers you product loyalty Easy Pro Aquatic Specialist certification through your IPPCA affiliation. Emperor Aquatics: Products available at discount. Performance Pro Pumps: Products Available at discount. Fishman Pharmaceuticals: The largest supplier of fish and Aquarium Pharmaceuticals offers IPPCA members an additional discount off his already low prices direct from the company. Shinmaywa Pumps: Direct replacements for the old style Tsurumis, built on the same motor style. Good pumps at good prices. Koi Nations Magazine: Discount off of subscription price. Aqua One Bacteria: Product discounts available. Evolution External Pumps: Product discount available. Hydranet: Aquascape and Pondsweep skimmer nets direct from the manufacturer. Fluidart Technologies: Bead filters, Delta UVs, Pentair pumps and more. Valterra Valves: Name says it all. Ball and sliding guillotine gate valves. You will need to contact The IPPCA to receive member pricing information. 770-592-9790 or info@IPPCA.com

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