Pond & Water Gardening/Expert Profile

Expertise

I can answer all questions relating to outdoor water gardens. Anything from fish & plant health, water chemistry, and pond construction to equipment recommendations.

Experience in the area

I worked in a water garden specialty store for three years as assistant manager. I am also founder and president of Aquatech, LLC Aquarium Services of Virginia. I have personally troubleshooted over 100 ponds and countless aquariums.

Education/Credentials

Not Applicable

What do you like about this subject?

Aquarium and pond care gives me an opportunity to explore nature through chemistry and biology. I also enjoy the discipline it takes to maintain a water feature and the satisfaction I get from good results.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I always want to design another water feature. I'm always grateful when I work for a client who is as crazy about ponds as I am. It really gives me the opportunity to execute some pretty big ideas that I don't have the space or money to create on my own property. I hope to breed koi someday.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Aquarium and pond maintenance is all about one thing; recreating nature in a controlled environment. The biggest difference between natural bodies of water and artificial ones is the constant replenishment of new water. The entirety of pond activity can be put in terms of organic chemistry.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Long story short, after enough biological and chemical processes occur, water becomes "used" and is no longer suited to sustain much aquatic life. If you are able to provide fresh, clean water regularly and maintain proper water quality, you will avoid many of the problems most pond owners encounter in their first years of owning a pond.