The new Vitaflume® floating fountains from Lake Restoration made their debut this spring, and have already found homes in lakes and ponds around the country!

 
Lake and pond floating, aerating fountains offer all kinds of great benefits to your pond and lake, including:
·         Exchange of gasses trapped in your pond or lakeshore.
·         Keeps movement in your pond and lakeshore so algae doesn’t settle and form mats.
·         Aerating fountains add oxygen into the water, increasing your pond’s overall health.
·         Adds beauty to your lake or pond.

Pond fountains and lake fountains can be very beneficial to your water, but what makes Vitaflume® floating fountains the best option for your lake or pond? Also, what sets them apart from the competitor?

Water volume:

Vitaflume® floating fountains have a mechanism built into the pump that creates a higher volume water turn rate than some fountain pumps. The Vitaflume® ½ Horse Power pump produces 130 gallons per minute! That’s 7,800 gallons per hour. Many other pumps can only do around 2,400 gallons per hour. The larger size ¾ HP and 1 HP Vitaflume® pumps can produce 8,660 to nearly 10,000 gallons per hour.

More gallons moved per hour equals more efficient aeration for your pond or lake!

Quality parts:

The motor is made for durability, and the stainless steel pump housing and filter creates for a high-quality fountain that won’t easily break or become clogged. The pump float is made of a hard, durable plastic. Using high quality parts makes Vitaflume® a reliable option, and one that will last for many years to come.

Options:

Vitaflume® allows you to choose the look and fit of your fountain for your water feature. With Vitaflume®, you can choose from the standard Vortex spray pattern, or from the Esprit and Flurish patterns. You also have the option to add 3 LED lights that attach to the float so that your fountain lights up in the dark! Choose from 3 cord lengths, 50, 100, and 150 foot. 1/2, 3/4, and 1 HP pumps change the amount of water produced and the size of the spray pattern. 

Price:

Vitaflume® floating, aerating fountains are manufactured in house at Lake Restoration, making them direct from the manufacturer (which saves you money and ensures quality). You can be confident that if you will be dealing with us when in need of technical support, or any other assistance.

Visit LakeRestoration.com, or call 877-428-8898 to talk to a Lake Expert about a fountain for your lake or pond! 

If you are like most people with a pond, you may be in a constant battle with algae and pond weed growth during the warmer months of the year. This is because aquatic plants thrive in warm weather and the conditions that it brings to your pond.

Lack of water movement can create a buildup of gases in the water caused by decaying leaves and algae that don’t have a chance to be exchanged back into the air. Runoff from lawn fertilizer or farm fields could also cause an abundance of nutrients in the water that only fuels algae and weed growth.

So what are some things you can do to control and reduce the amount of built up organic matter and excess nutrients in your pond?

Nutrient Reducers:

Lake Restoration offers two nutrient reducers specific for ponds, SparKlear® and PhosControl®.

SparKlear® contains bacteria and enzymes that work in your pond to break up organic matter (such as muck, grass, algae, and dead and decaying weeds and leaves). While reducing the amount of organic matter in your pond that algae feeds from, it also improves water clarity in you pond.

A pint of SparKlear® starts at $23.70, and more sizes are available depending on the size of your pond. We recommend treating once a month with this product.  Try applying it with the TORMADA® remote control application boat!

PhosControl® works by using aluminum sulfate to bind with phosphorus in your water. Phosphorus is another nutrient aquatic weeds and algae like (phosphorus can be from farm field or lawn fertilizer runoff). Without excess phosphorus in your water, weed and algae reproduction will slow down. Just one pound of phosphorus can produce 500 pounds of aquatic plant and algae growth, so making sure phosphorus isn’t in your water could be the key to successful aquatic weed and algae management.

1 pound of PhosControl® is $19.99 and will cover 2,000 square feet. Larger sizes are available.

Keep organic debris from getting in our pond:

You can reduce the amount of organic matter buildup in your pond by keeping things like weeds and grass clippings out of your pond. These grass clippings and weeds create food for algae.

Overall Solution:

If you are using an algaecide, you should also be using a nutrient reducer to help prevent prime algae conditions. We recommend using the following products to prevent weeds, algae, and nutrients:

Dibrox® Hercide: for submerged and floating weeds

Mizzen® Algaecide: for existing algae

SparKlear®: to reduce nutrients and clarify water

Sapphire Bay® Blue Pond Dye: for a pleasing blue color

Shop these products at LakeRestoration.com.

Did you know there is a way to remove unwanted lake weeds and muck in as little as 24 hours? You can do this with help from the LAKEMAID® lake weed and muck removal system from Lake Restoration!

You won’t have to strain yourself by removing weeds by raking them with a traditional lake rake. All you need to do is install the LAKEMAID® lake rake where you want it to remove weeds and muck, then sit back and let it do the work for you!

How it works:

The LAKEMAID® has a pump with two arms on floats that drag rakes across the bottom of your lake bottom. As the rakes drag over the weeds, it gently breaks them up. Since weeds are mostly made of water, the weed debris will not wash up on shore after they break up, they will simply disintegrate.

The rakes also expose the sand bottom of your lake from silt and muck. It makes over 1,000 rake passes per day. Once you’ve eliminated the weeds from one area, you can pick up the LAKEMAID® and move it to a different spot in your swim area and start the removal process there. Keep moving the LAKEMAID® until you’ve reached the desired results in your dock and swim area.  

Features:

The LAKEMAID® comes in two sizes, 24 and 36 foot units. It is easy to install, is remarkably lightweight, and can be done with just one person. It only takes about 15 minutes to install or to remove, making it easy to share or move to a different location.

24 foot unit

·         Covers 450 sq ft

·         Includes a 1 Horsepower pump

·         7 chain rakes

·         Finisher rakes (1, 6ft and 1, 3ft)

36 foot unit

·         Covers 1,010 sq ft

·         Includes a 1 HP pump

·         10 chain rakes

·         Finisher rakes (2, 6ft and 1, 3ft)

The LAKEMAID® can help you feel the sand beneath your feet in your dock and swim area in no time!

If you are interested in the LAKEMAID® lake rake system, please visit LakeRestoration.com, or call us at 877-428-8898 to speak to a Lake Expert. 

In peak algae season all over the country, it is not uncommon for bodies of water to have at least a little bit of algae on them. High temperatures are perfect growing weather for algae. Algae is a normal part of a water ecosystem, but when algae overgrows rapidly, it can become dangerous. Toxic algae can occur in all 50 states.

What is toxic algae?

When algae experiences an overgrowth, this is called an algae bloom. Some large algae blooms contain toxins that are harmful to humans. Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are the harmful type of algae blooms. Algae blooms can occur in salt and fresh water and can be toxic to humans and animals alike. These blooms happen in slow moving water, in high-sunlight areas, and in waters with excess nutrients that algae like to feed off of (nitrogen and phosphorus).

An algae bloom can look like paint on the water or like scum. These can vary in color, from green, red, blue and brown. It will most often smell foul as well.

Harmful effects of toxic algae:

Animals and humans can experience negative side effects of toxic algae exposure. Irritation or rashes can happen, along with vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, and more. In pets that have been exposed, lethargy, difficulty breathing, vomiting may occur. If symptoms are left untreated, severe illness or even death may occur. If you or a pet is exposed to toxic algae, wash off and monitor for signs of exposure for the following few hours. Seek medical attention if symptoms are occurring.

If you see toxic algae, report it to your local authorities and stay away from the water. Don’t allow kids or pets in the water.

How to prevent and treat growth:

Since large algae blooms happen due to conditions such as ample sunlight, excess nutrients, and stagnant water, there are a few things you should consider doing to prevent prime algae overgrowth.

1.       Treat existing algae with an algaecide, such as Mizzen® algaecide from Lake Restoration.

2.       Use a nutrient reducer, such as SparKlear® or PhosControl® to rid your water of excess nutrients that aid in rapid algae growth. Make sure grass clippings and leaves aren’t getting into your water (this creates more excess nutrients in your pond).

3.       Use an aerating fountain, like the Vitaflume® floating fountain from Lake Restoration. The fountain will help keep water moving and gas exchanged between the water and the air.

While algae growth is common this time of year and is a normal part of a healthy pond, overgrowth of algae can be dangerous. Take precautions and prevent algae from taking over your pond with the help of products from Lake Restoration! Shop all pond weed and algae products online at LakeRestoration.com. FREE SHIPPING* on all orders!

As the temperatures rise around the country this time of year, you may find that your pond is looking more green than usual. This is because warm temperatures, along with organic matter and excess nutrients in the water can create the perfect environment for very rapid algae growth.

To keep a clear pond, especially at this point in the season, you need to be proactive about making sure you are taking the right steps to keep algae away. Keeping your pond clear of algae is similar to weeding your garden; you need to keep up with it, or it will get out of control. We recommend treating every 3-4 weeks to keep your pond looking great!

Take note of some helpful tips and product recommendations to keep up with your pond.

1.       Using an algaecide regularly

Using an algaecide, like our copper-based Mizzen® algaecide, will be a key factor in eliminating algae once it is grown underneath or on top of your pond. Mizzen® is sprayed over the algae or can be applied with the TORMADA® remote controlled application boat. Mizzen® can help clear up your pond in as little as 7-14 days, with full results seen in a month. Algae can re-grow rapidly, even within a few days, so make sure you have enough Mizzen® on hand for a second treatment or spot treating throughout the season. One gallon of Mizzen will cover 20,000 square feet, and is $34.95. Mizzen® is also available in smaller sizes or gallon packs.

2.       Use a nutrient reducer as part of your treatment plan

Nutrient reducers, such as SparKlear® and PhosControl® can reduce the organic matter in your pond that weeds and algae feed off of. When used in conjunction with an algaecide, you will be reducing existing algae and making it harder for it to regrow. SparKlear® contains bacteria and enzymes that eat away at the nutrients in your pond, and it can help improve your pond’s water clarity. PhosControl® contains aluminum sulfate that binds with phosphorus (which algae feed off of) making the phosphorus unavailable for the algae. Monthly treatments with these products is recommended.

3.       Consider aeration to help keep water clear

Aerators or aerating fountains work to keep water moving and will help exchange gases trapped in the water that are aiding in algae growth. Lake Restoration offers Vitaflume® floating aerating fountains in 3 different sizes and can move 7,000-10,000 gallons of water per hour. Fountains keep water moving so that algae mats cannot form like they would in more stagnant waters. Aerating fountains help your pond “breathe,” and they also look great as a centerpiece. Vitaflume® starts at $975 and offers optional spray patterns and lighting so you can customize the look of your centerpiece.

4.       If you also have weeds, we recommend using the following products for an overall healthy pond:

Dibrox® herbicide: controls floating and submerged weeds like Eurasian Watermilfoil and duckweed.

Mizzen® algaecide: to control filamentous and planktonic algae in scum.

SparKlear® or PhosControl® nutrient reducers: to reduce algae fuel and sludge, and improve water clarity.

Sapphire Bay® Pond Dye: Do give your pond a pleasing blue color.

*for lakes and dock and swim areas, use Mizzen®, Dibrox® and MuckMaid® pellets.

Following these steps will help improve your pond’s health over the hottest months of the summer when algae growth is rapid.

Visit LakeRestoration.com, or call an Aquatic Expert to learn more about these products. 

As the temperatures rise around the country this time of year, you may find that your pond is looking more green than usual. This is because warm temperatures, along with organic matter and excess nutrients in the water can create the perfect environment for very rapid algae growth.

To keep a clear pond, especially at this point in the season, you need to be proactive about making sure you are taking the right steps to keep algae away. Keeping your pond clear of algae is similar to weeding your garden; you need to keep up with it, or it will get out of control. We recommend treating every 3-4 weeks to keep your pond looking great!

Take note of some helpful tips and product recommendations to keep up with your pond.

1.       Using an algaecide regularly

Using an algaecide, like our copper-based Mizzen® algaecide, will be a key factor in eliminating algae once it is grown underneath or on top of your pond. Mizzen® is sprayed over the algae or can be applied with the TORMADA® remote controlled application boat. Mizzen® can help clear up your pond in as little as 7-14 days, with full results seen in a month. Algae can re-grow rapidly, even within a few days, so make sure you have enough Mizzen® on hand for a second treatment or spot treating throughout the season. One gallon of Mizzen will cover 20,000 square feet, and is $34.95. Mizzen® is also available in smaller sizes or gallon packs.

2.       Use a nutrient reducer as part of your treatment plan

Nutrient reducers, such as SparKlear® and PhosControl® can reduce the organic matter in your pond that weeds and algae feed off of. When used in conjunction with an algaecide, you will be reducing existing algae and making it harder for it to regrow. SparKlear® contains bacteria and enzymes that eat away at the nutrients in your pond, and it can help improve your pond’s water clarity. PhosControl® contains aluminum sulfate that binds with phosphorus (which algae feed off of) making the phosphorus unavailable for the algae. Monthly treatments with these products is recommended.

3.       Consider aeration to help keep water clear

Aerators or aerating fountains work to keep water moving and will help exchange gases trapped in the water that are aiding in algae growth. Lake Restoration offers Vitaflume® floating aerating fountains in 3 different sizes and can move 7,000-10,000 gallons of water per hour. Fountains keep water moving so that algae mats cannot form like they would in more stagnant waters. Aerating fountains help your pond “breathe,” and they also look great as a centerpiece. Vitaflume® starts at $975 and offers optional spray patterns and lighting so you can customize the look of your centerpiece.

4.       If you also have weeds, we recommend using the following products for an overall healthy pond:

Dibrox® herbicide: controls floating and submerged weeds like Eurasian Watermilfoil and duckweed.

Mizzen® algaecide: to control filamentous and planktonic algae in scum.

SparKlear® or PhosControl® nutrient reducers: to reduce algae fuel and sludge, and improve water clarity.

Sapphire Bay® Pond Dye: Do give your pond a pleasing blue color.

*for lakes and dock and swim areas, use Mizzen®, Dibrox® and MuckMaid® pellets.

Following these steps will help improve your pond’s health over the hottest months of the summer when algae growth is rapid.

Visit LakeRestoration.com, or call an Aquatic Expert to learn more about these products. 

If you haven’t heard the news, ticks have been a major problem this year. Experts are saying the increase in tick population is due to the larger population of white footed mice that carry Lyme disease. The warmer weather and earlier heat up has helped mosquitoes breed and thrive this year as well.

If you live in a wooded area or are near a water source, you probably are well-aware of these pest issues. So how can you stop these pest in their tracks and maintain an enjoyable yard, free of pests?

Lake Restoration is now carrying a full line of pest control products, including products for use on ticks, adult mosquitoes, and mosquito larvae.

Most of the general pest control products can be sprayed indoors and outdoors on a variety of surfaces, including: lawn, turf, shrubs, greenhouses, kennels, parks, restaurants, warehouses, etc. These products are labeled for many pests, including: ticks, spiders, bed bugs, ants, mites, crickets, bees, wasps, cockroaches, etc. (see labels for full list of surface uses and pests controlled).

For specific pest, use the following products:

Mosquitoes

Larvae: Microbe-Lift (only works on mosquitoes and can be used in the TORMADA® application boat from Lake Restoration).

·         Apply to water with TORMADA® boat or sprayer every two weeks for full effects.

Adult mosquitoes: Bifen IT and Demon Max

·         These products can be used in a sprayer and should not be used in water.

·         Can be used on greenery, gardens, lawns and other area where mosquitoes are common.

·         Apply at average rates for adult mosquitoes.

 Ticks

Bifen IT, Demon Max, Cynoff EC, Talstar, and LambdaStar CS are all labeled to control ticks. These products can be sprayed on a variety of surfaces (check label restrictions on uses indoors and outdoors).

·         Do not spot treat areas for ticks, treat whole area where present.

·         Use higher rates of application for areas with heavy leaf litter.

·         Retreat during high-pest season times when necessary.

·         Continue treatments during season only if signs of tick activity still exist.

Deer Ticks: treat in late fall and/or early spring to low-lying vegetation

American Dog Ticks: Treat as needed along pathways and roadways, as needed, from mid-spring to early fall.

Other Pests

Excluding Microbe-Lift, all of our other pest products are labelled for many different types of pest and insects. See the individual product labels for complete lists of pest controlled and the surfaces and areas that these products can be used in.

Ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests can be a bother. Not only are they annoying, they can carry deadly diseases as well. Lake Restoration pest products will help keep your yard and structures free of pests, making your spaces safe and enjoyable. Visit LakeRestoration.com to shop and learn more about our pest control line. 

Summer is here! That means if you live by a lake or pond, you are exploring options on how to treat weeds and algae. Treating weeds and algae takes time and planning, and can sometimes be a daunting task depending on how accessible your water features are (and how easily you can get in a boat to treat your pond with a sprayer).

Do you have trouble getting into your water with a boat to be able to spray or dump product in your pond or dock and swim area? Do you want to take the chore out of treating for weeds and algae each year?

The TORMADA® application boat, manufactured by Lake Restoration, will solve those problems for you, making applying liquid product to your water simple and fun! With the TORMADA® application boat, you can stand at your dock or shore and empty product from the TORMADA® with a remote control.

The TORMADA® can be used with many liquid Lake Restoration herbicides and algaecides, and even some pest control products. Some products include:

·         Dibrox®

·         Mizzen®

·         Liquid 2,4-D

·         Liquid SparKlear®

·         Spritflo®

The TORMADA® comes in two different models. The standard TORMADA® comes ready to go right out of the box.  The TORMADA T2 also comes ready to go, but the boat features an electric ON/OFF valve that allows you to control the product outflow by remote. This allows you to drive to the product treatment are with the product valve closed.  Once the boat gets to the treatment site, you can open the valve and apply the product.

The battery operates for approximately 20 minutes on one charge, and the tank capacity is one gallon. The remote control allows you to control fan speed and direction. At under 3ft long and weighing only 20 pounds, the TORMADA® is easy to maneuver to your water area and is easy to clean.

Using the TORMADA®

Filling the TORMADA® with liquid products is easy and should be done on the shore before putting the TORMADA® in the water. Simply place a funnel into the opening on top of the TORMADA® and pour in product. Put the cap back on the tank opening and place the TORMADA® in the water. Turn the valve on the TORMADA® to the flow rate you would like (or adjust it on the T2 Series with the remote control). Planning your route ahead of time will help save product and time. Bring the TORMADA® back to shore and close the flow valve.

The TORMADA® will save you time and effort when treating your weeds this summer. There’s no better time to order than now to take advantage of our FREE SHIPPING* offer! Give it a try today!

Have you ever looked at your pond or water feature and noticed that it looks a little… lifeless? You may even notice a foul smell coming from your pond. You are treating for weeds and algae, but you’re wondering if there is something else you can use to keep your pond healthy.

Poor pond health can be caused by decaying leaves, excess nutrients, and lack of movement in the water. Having little movement in your pond can be an issue if you have fish because of the lack of oxygen in still waters. A pond with no movement can become a less-than-ideal environment for fish and a perfect environment for weed and algae growth.

A fountain, like the Vitaflume® Floating Fountain from Lake Restoration, is a great way to keep the water moving in your pond or water feature. It can help improve the health of your pond in many ways. They also look beautiful! Here are some ways your pond could benefit from a fountain.

1.        Movement in your pond can help with gas exchange

When you exchange water from in the pond to the air, you are increasing oxygen content in the water and reducing gas buildup. This can improve the smell of your pond. Oxygen will be absorbed by the water exposed to the air, and the gasses that have been trapped in the water will be released. This is letting your pond “breathe” and is a great benefit for the life of your pond.

2.        Fish will have more oxygen

As the weather and water warms up, there is less oxygen in the pond than there is during colder weather. Making sure there is enough oxygen in the pond during the warm weather months will ensure your fish won’t suffocate.

3.        Fountains will help improve water clarity

Keeping movement in your pond will prevent surface scum from forming. Movement from the fountain will continuously break up algae on the surface, preventing growth. Also, ponds with low oxygen may have excessive carbon dioxide levels, which provides perfect growing conditions for algae. Keeping water flow and movement will reduce nutrient levels, making it harder for algae to grow.

4.        Fountains will create a beautiful centerpiece for your waters

Fountains are a great way to add interest and beauty to your pond or water feature. If you are looking to add something more to your pond landscapes, a fountain is the perfect cherry on top for any waters. The Vitaflume® Fountain from Lake Restoration has a pump housing and filter that is made of high-quality stainless steel for durability, ensuring your fountain will last for years to come. Vitaflume® features an impeller for high volume, and is direct from the manufacturer, Lake Restoration, saving you money.

Fountains can add beauty and help improve the health of your pond. Vitaflume fountains impel 5,000 more gallons per hour than other leading brands. With optional lighting and spray patterns to choose from, you can customize the perfect fountain for your water.

Shop Vitaflume® at LakeRestoration.com.

Spring cleaning can be a dreaded task, especially after a few months of neglecting your outdoor areas and spaces. Now that spring has sprung, take a walk around your yard, garden, and patio areas to assess what you’ll need to get done before summer hits.

Get a jump on the project so when the weather warms up, you’ll be able to enjoy your yard and begin planting, landscaping, hosting parties, and more without having to do last-minute cleanup!

 1.) What’s Your Plan?
When you first walk into your yard, you might notice you haven’t taken a good look at your backyard in a few months. There may be more to be done than you expected. Walk around and make a list of the small and large tasks that can be taken care of right away. Plot a course of action for what can be done first, then think about what your overall goal is for some of the larger projects that arise. Also, make sure you have tools and equipment for repairing and cleaning.

• Broom
• Garbage bags or wheel barrel for debris
• Tree and plant trimmers
• Hammer, screw driver, and nails for small repairs
• Wash cloth and water
• Hose
• Touch-up paint for buildings 

2.) Garbage and Debris
As you’re walking around, you’ll notice any garbage laying around that may have blown into your yard. Take time to clean up any trash. Leaves and brush may have been left behind from fall. Rake any plant debris lying around and bag to use in compost or save as insulator for prepping plants for winter next fall. Do you have pets? Clean up any messes they’ve made that may create obstacles later on. 

3.) Assess Your Plants and Trees
How are your annual plants looking? Take time to trim and clean up their appearance, as well as the area surrounding them. Did the wind and storms damage any trees or plants? You may look around and see broken branches or a newly planted tree leaning slightly. Make sure you take any clearly broken parts of trees or plants off the plant, or pick them up from the surrounding area. Give your trees proper support (you may have to wait until the ground warms up to apply stakes for support if you live in a cold climate). Make note of any plants and trees that look like they won’t make it another season, and note where to remove and re-plant.

4.) Structure Repair and Cleanup
If you have a barn, pole barn, shed, lean-to, dog kennel, or any other type of structure in your yard that has been neglected in the last few months, check them out. Look for damage, areas to be cleaned out, and the overall look of the outside (if it will need a good washing), especially if it is an older structure.  If you live in a cold climate, winter can be tough on buildings, so make sure you know of any repairs that need to be taken care of before they will need to be used for summer. Take time to clean out cobwebs, dirt and dust, or rodent-takeover. Wash windows, re-paint siding, and fix leaking roofs.

5.) Pond and Backyard Water Features
Once the ice comes off your pond or water feature, it’s time to start thinking of how you are going to prevent weeds and algae from taking over this summer. Pond herbicides are a great way to combat your problems with floating or submerged weeds. Use a pond herbicide, such as Dibrox®, to tackle duckweed, milfoil, or hydrilla.  Dibrox® is quickly absorbed by the plants and you will see fast results.
If you have algae in your pond or water feature, using a chelated copper based algaecide will quickly control the filamentous algae.  As the temperatures start to climb, algae can return quite often.  Continue to use an algaecide, such as Mizzen®, to keep your water looking crystal clear. Lake Restoration, Inc., offers solutions to help you see clear and beautiful water in your pond or water feature all summer long.

6.) Patio Condition
      If you have a porch, deck, or patio area, you probably need to clean and repair anything that needs some T.L.C before you host any summer get-togethers. Clean and wash any patio furniture you have (chairs, tables, umbrellas, cushions, etc.). Sweep and pressure wash your concrete surface, or sweep and wash your deck. If your deck looks like it could use a fresh coat of paint, plan on doing so when the weather warms up and becomes slightly more stable (avoiding rainy days). If you have plants around your patio area, make sure they are in good condition and trim them if needed. Plan where to re-plant or add to your plant area.

7.) Till Your Garden
Soil can be tilled in the spring. You must wait until the soil is dry and warm enough. You should till your garden when the dirt crumbles in your hand (indicating it is dry) and when it reaches 60°. You can also get bean stocks and tomato cages ready for when it’s time to plant.

Spring cleanup can be a bit of work depending on the amount you find needs to be done, but once you have a plan, your yard will be looking summer-ready in no time at all!