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Serving Professionals in the Garden Pond IndustryVolume 15 Issue 3May/June 2010

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POND Trade MagazineServing Professionals in the Garden Pond IndustryF e a t u r e s8 Make a Splash with ContainerWater Gardening – Alternatives to Pondsor Additions to Any YardJennifer Zuri Aquascape, Inc.Water Features come in all sizes. Container Water Gardens canbe made out of any vessel that holds water, can be an alternativeto larger ponds and be a beautiful addition to any yard. Theyare easy to install, fit any budget and may be a way to introducea new client into the world of water features. This could lead tolarger projects or be a small add on for a current customer.814 The “Other” Pond BusinessRick Weidman, Airmax Eco-SystemsOkay you have looked at container water gardens and ponds –what about lakes. Need something New or Different to add salesto your business? Take a quick look at what "farm ponds" are –how they are used, and how they might be a good fit to yourexisting service business.1418 COVER – Language of Koi – KujakuWhy it’s one of the most popular koi varietiesEllen Kloubec, Kloubec Koi FarmKujaku are distinctive with their metallic skin and Matsuba scales(net-like pattern). Read about the challenges and surprisingresults in breeding this variety of koi. See how dramatically theychange in their first year, and what to look for in a Kujaku.23 NAPP Holds Its First National ShowTom Graham, POND Trade MagazineYears in the planning, the National Association of PondProfessionals (NAPP) held their first national event. The NAPP"Water Feature Conference & Expo" was held at StoneMountain, Georgia. Learn more about this inaugural event.24 My Favorite Aquatic PlantsKelly Billing, Rowena Burns, Tish Folsom, and Jim PurcellFour leading aquatic plant experts each share their three favoriteplants. This turned out to be much harder then any of themanticipated, with so many plants to choose from. See their finalchoices and hear why they selected each one. Included is agreat chart to see at a glance how the plants compare. Maybeyou will find a new favorite yourself.4 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com

V o l u m e 1 5 I s s u e 3May/June 201031 How Retailers Reduce Koi Mortality–to Save Profit MarginMamoru Kodama, Kodama Koi FarmKoi can pretty much sell themselves, but keeping them alive untilthey are sold can be best handled by your employees. Learnwhat tasks they should perform including feeding, cleaning andmedicating. Customers will appreciate a sales staff thatunderstands fish care, and being responsible for the health of thekoi will help them pass that knowledge along to your clients.34 The Invisible Koi KillerFish Live in Water – Do You Have Metal Toxicity?Vicki Vaughan, KOILABEven low levels of toxins can cause fish loss. A must read articleabout the signs for metal toxicity and what to do about it. Whenyou thought you knew everything about water quality, there ismore you need to know. Includes places to look to see if you areadding metals to your pond water and suggestions on whatpond contractors and pond maintenance companies can offer totheir customers as solutions.2436 SPAM – Not Just “Mystery Meat” in a Can…Email Campaigns That WorkPam Greiner, The Green PenHow-to write an effective e-mail campaign. Marketing expertshares critical dos and don'ts, including important aspects suchas the importance of "opt-outs," a catchy subject line,professional appearance, testing, links, list management andmore. Successful email campaigns are a challenge; learn how todo it right.Be sure to check our web site for “Web ONLY” articles.31Columns6 Notes from the Editor7 Publishers PerspectiveTom Graham46 Finishing Up – Another Day in Mom’s GardenPhotos provided by Kelly BillingDepartments40 Upcoming Events41 POND Trade Marketplace42 Trade News45 Advertisers’ IndexMay/June 2010See new and archived articles at www.pondtrademag.comPOND Trade Magazine5

Notes From the EditorWe enjoy reading comments from you our readers. A couple ofthings I would like to pass along. From the Jan/Feb 2010 issueMom Says to Play Nice, we had a reader think it was, “for sure,going to be a bashing.” But they read the article, they learned a lot andthought it was a great article. We appreciate your comments.We are still getting compliments about the Dress for Success article(on our web site it is called Successful Pond Business Dress Etiquette) fromthe May/Jun 2009 issue. Remember you can always find all our magazinearticles Online, plus our web exclusive articles.In last issue, we neglected to give credit for the article Water Tech - Careand Feeding of Nitrifying Bacteria - CassCo submitted the article. For moreinformation about CassCo see their web site www.cassco-bio.com.Last quick note, (in response to an email from the Netherlands) thearticle Origin of Butterfly Koi was about the evolution of long fin koispecifically at Blue Ridge Fish Hatchery, sorry for any confusion.Be sure to follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/pondtrade) andemail me anytime – cindy@pondtrademag.comCindy Graham“I saw your ad inPOND Trade Magazine.”Moving - Let Us KnowIf you have moved, pleaseupdate your address with us.There should be asubscription number printedon the address section of thefront cover. The format willlook something like this,CZN0000012345. It is CZNfollowed by 10 digits.You can email yourchanges to addresschange@pondtrademag.com. Please include the CZNnumber and your OLD Zip-code, as well as the new address in your email.Please also include the zip + 4 if you know it.POND TradeM a g a z i n eStaffPublisherTom Graham 888/356-9895tomg@pondtrademag.comEditorCindy Graham 760/451-2255cindy@pondtrademag.comAdvertising SalesPaul Cohen, Account Executive619/564-6916pcohen@pondtrademag.comTom Graham 888/356-9895tomg@pondtrademag.comGraphic DesignSteve Graysteveg@pondtrademag.comAccounts ReceivableJennifer CorrePO Box 1985Fallbrook, CA 92088-1985WebmasterDustin Grahamdustin@pondtrademag.comPrinterSan Dieguito Publishers, Inc.San Marcos, CA.SubscriptionFor yourFree Subscriptionsee ourweb site www.pondtrademag.comor call 888/356-9895Contact infoPOND Trade Mag azinePO Box 1985 • Fallbrook, CA 92088-1985888/356-9895 • FAX 760/418-4606info@pondtrademag.comwww.pondtrademag.comPOND Trade Magazine, ISSN 1949-0585 is a trade publication of TC Publishing, Inc. Material isselected for its interest to the koi and pond industries, and the publishers accept no responsibility for theaccuracy of content. Reproduction rights by written permission only.POND Trade Magazine is published bi-monthly, starting in January, for $36.95 per year byTC Publishing, Inc., POND Trade Magazine, PO BOX 1985, Fallbrook, CA 92088-1985. Qualifiedapplicants may subscribe at no cost at www.pondtrademag.com. Periodical Postage is paid at Fallbrook,CA and additional offices. For new subscriptions, additional copies, and address changes please call760/451-2255 Pacific, or email subscribe@pondtrademag.com6 POND Trade MagazinePOSTMASTER: ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED. Send address changes to: POND Trade Magazine,PO BOX 1985, Fallbrook, CA 92088-1985 © TC Publishing, Inc., 2010Advertising Policies: TC Publishing, Inc. reserves the right to refuse to publish any ad. Submission of an ad toTC Publishing does not constitute a commitment by TC Publishing, Inc. to publish it. Publication of an ad does notconstitute an agreement for continued publication. TC Publishing, Inc. will not be liable for failure to publish an ad asrequested or for more than one incorrect insertion of an ad. In the event of an error or omission in printing or publicationof an ad, TC Publishing, Inc.'s liability shall be limited to an adjustment for the cost of the space occupied by the error,with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correctadvertisement. Under no circumstances shall TC Publishing, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.pondtrademag.com

Publishiers PerspectiveWhat's a white list, and why should I be concerned?Texas legislators are finalizing new laws that dramatically slashthe number of aquatic plants that can be grown and sold intheir State. If you don't sell aquatic plants, and think thisdoesn't impact you THINK AGAIN. Look at the marketing materialsused to sell ponds and pond products, and you will probably seewaterlilies, taro, and other popular aquatic plants. The reason isaquatic plants are a big reason why people buy ponds. If the plantsthey want are no longer available, many will no longer want a pond.Thus, this impacts us all, whether we sell fish or hardware, pondservice or water treatments. We will all see a dramatic drop in sales.Now some of you may be saying, oh Tom. Don't get all dramaticon us. It can't really be that bad. Believe me, IT IS. Here is whatis happening.The Texas Legislature has replaced the long-standing policy ofbanning the sale, of specific plants that are considered noxious orinvasive the "Black List,” with a new yet to be adopted “White List"of plants that will be legal to grow and offer for sale. Aquatic plantsthat are not native to Texas are being classified as exotics, and must beon the white list to sell. The working list to date is conspicuously lackingthe most commercially viable aquatic plants currently being soldin the state such as waterlilies (Nymphaea.) Thus, instead of beingable to offer the thousands of aquatic plant varieties nowavailable, Texas growers and dealers will be limited to only a fewhundred very mundane plants.Marshall Meyer of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council(PIJAC), spoke at NAPP recently, and suggested that industry membersbecome informed and involved now. This legislation is currentlyin the public feedback stage, to be finalized December 31, 2010. It istime for us as members of this industry to inform them, in a positiveway, of how they can fulfill the spirit of their mission of protectingnative flora and fauna, without destroying our industry at the sametime. We need for them to understand that the plants on the BlackList are the problem plants, and there is no evidence that the plantswe rely on for our businesses need to be banned.Rolf Nelson, of Nelson Water Gardens, has been actively workingon providing alternative language to the Texas Parks and WildlifeDepartment, who is charged with creating the bills final language.As an industry we can help by submitting additional informationand suggestions for the committee‚s consideration. You can contactRolf directly at rolf@nelsonwatergardens.com or 281/391-4769 foradditional information.Once these regulations are enacted in Texas, the activists pushingthese new regulations will move on to other states, making this anationwide problem.Our industry organizations are now stepping up their activities tobuild awareness of this threat, like the Pet Industry Joint AdvisoryCouncil (PIJAC), International Pond Professional Contractors Association(IPPCA), International Waterlily and Gardens Society (IWGS,)Water Gardeners International (WGI), and National Association ofPond Professionals (NAPP), and they need your support now. It istime for our industry to circle the wagons, and object to wellintended, but ill-advised legislation like this. Otherwise more badlaws will follow, spreading like, well, noxious weeds.PS: For a more in depth look, please visitpondtrademag.com/leg_alertPublisherTom GrahamMay/June 2010N e w • N e wSee an ad that grabs you,and like to know more?Now it’s easier than ever with ournew INFOCARD system.Sometimes it can be a bitof a hassle tracking downadditional information froman advertisement you see.Now we are making iteasier than ever withINFOCARD.All you have to dois log ontopondtrademag.com/infocard, select theadvertisers youwould like moreinformation from,fill in your info andclick send.We will rush yourrequest to everyadvertiser you select,and they will responddirectly to you – Fast.No more waitingtwo to four monthsto get a responsefrom an old fashioned“snail mail” bingo card.Now everything iselectronic, so you will get aresponse in weeks insteadof months.Give it a try now, and seehow our advertisers canhelp you build your bottomline – Fast!pondtrademag.comWEB Exclusive ArticlesHow to get into Lake Management BusinessLive Product Demo Videos from NAPPTom’s Top Marketing TipsRainwater Collection System InstallationPOND Trade Magazine – Digital Editionpondtrademag.com/digitalPaper or electrons? –Now you get tochoose. Have youseen the all digitalversion of PONDTrade Magazine.Check it out today.POND Trade Magazine7• N e w • N e w • N e w

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y Jennifer ZuriAquascape, Inc.Consumers are likely to have smaller budgets this pondseason so why not offer them smaller water gardens tomatch their budgets? Container water gardens providea great solution for cash-strapped customers who still want toenjoy the pleasure of water gardening.Any vessel that holds water and supports plant life can beconsidered a container water garden. There are a lot ofreasons to have a container water garden, ranging from spacerestrictions to accenting the backyard and garden. Those withlimited space can tuck a container water garden virtuallyanywhere since they come in all shapes and sizes. Somepeople believe thathaving a containerwater garden canadd personality totheir garden.Surrounded bygorgeous perennialsor annuals, they areconsidered apleasant surprisewhen passersby seeor hear the water.Container watergardens, however,aren’t always a replacement for a large water feature. Manyfull-fledged pond owners dot the rest of their landscapes withcontainer water gardens because of their mobility and ease ofmaintenance. They also can be used to accent the currentpond and provide a balance in the landscape.Easy and AppealingAt some point in your water gardening career, you’veprobably encountered a customer who’s hesitant to take theplunge and have a pond installed in their yard. A containerwater garden is a great way to help them get their feet wetwith this growing hobby. Successfully growing aquatic plantsin a small container provides much needed confidence for thenovice. Toss a couple of ruby red fish into the mix and you’veMay/June 2010created a mini ecosystem. Adding a small fountain helps toaerate the water and provides the soothing sound of runningwater that attracts so many gardeners to the pond hobby inthe first place.Garden State Koi in Warwick, New York offers containerwater garden kits for customers, says Chris Buttel, wholesalemanager. For $200, a customer receives an aquatic bowl,three marginal plants, a water lily and two goldfish. Largerkits are available for greater impact in the garden. Chris saysthey display the container water gardens so customers caneasily imagine having one on their deck or patio.POND Trade Magazine9

“Everyone loves them,” claims Chris. “We usually sell onecontainer water garden kit per week.” Many pond ownerspurchase the container kits to complement their existingwater feature, while shoppers who can’t afford a pond willopt for the mini ecosystem.When it comes to the location of the customer’scontainer water garden, the sky’s the limit. The common spotwould be on thedeck or patio, abeautiful focalpoint whilegrilling outsidewith friends orrelaxing after along day of work.Not strictlyrelegated to thebackyard, acontainer watergarden can greetguests at the frontdoor. Instead ofthe common welcome mat, gurgling water with beautifulplants provides a unique welcome to visitors. Many times,your water garden customers become so focused on whattheir backyard looks like that they forget about the curbappeal of a nice container in the front yard.Consider the OptionsContainer water gardens can take on many shapes andforms so there’s no lack of style for whatever your customer’staste might be. A container water garden can be as simple asa decorative pot filled with water and a beautiful lotus, or itcan be more elaborate with stately plants that providevertical impact along with an ornate fountain. Small fish area great addition because they’ll eat mosquito larvae in acontainer without a fountain. If a fountain is used, fisharen’t necessary since mosquitoes like to lay their eggs instagnant water.The type of container used is the first choice that yourcustomer needs to make when designing their miniaturewater garden. The color and size of the pot will influence thetype and number of aquatic plants. Some manufacturersprovide aquatic bowls that already have shelves built in oraquatic plant baskets that easily hang from the rim of thebowl. To make things even easier, you can find these basketspre-planted, taking the guess work out of what plants to use.The main thing to remember when choosing a container isto make sure it’s water tight. If it comes with a drainage hole,simply plug it with a rubber plug, cork, or plumber’s putty andthen seal the inside of the container so it doesn’t leak.If your customer wishes for something truly unique,consider adding a “spitter” to the water garden pump insteadof a fountainhead. Spitters come in an assortment ofmaterials, shapes and sizes. Be sure to consider the style andsize of the container when choosing a spitter.Pumps, spitters and fountains aren’t necessary elementsfor a healthy container water garden. Some people prefer nothaving to worry about plugging the feature into an electricaloutlet. By avoiding the use of a pump, the container watergarden can be placed anywhere the customer pleases.Pretty with PlantsWhile a myriad of plants and flowers are available forcontainer water gardening, a simple rule of thumb helps keepplant selection simple. Once you know the size and locationfor the container, apply the “thriller, filler and spiller”philosophy for adding aquatic plants.Thrillers are plants that create drama from a distance.These provide the focal point and draw attention to thecontainer arrangement. Fillers, such as water lettuce, give thearrangement “body” and fill the center with plants that eithercomplement or contrast the thriller. Finally, spillers are plantsthat break up and soften the edge of the pot by cascadingover the edge. Not using a spiller causes a clear separationbetween the bowl and plants.One thing to remind your customers when encouragingthem to try container water gardening is that they rarely needto water the plants like they do with their soil counterparts.Your customer can go on vacation for a week or two withoutworrying whether their plants will survive their absence.Better yet, there’s no need to hire the neighbor kid to comeover and water the arrangements. Container water gardensonly need to be topped off occasionally due to evaporation.10 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com

You Can’t Go WrongIf you’re a pond installer, container water gardens are agreat up sell to your customers. A container water garden atthe front door hints at what’s in store in the backyard. Thesemini ecosystems can also be used as a promotion to sell alarger water feature. Offer a container water garden valued at$300 to your customer if they purchase a pond installationfrom you within a certain timeframe.And if you’re a retailer who carries containers or aquaticplants, container water gardens are the perfect vehicle formoving inventory out the door. In order to be successfuldoing this, you need to always have container water gardenson display at your garden center. Place them in differentlocations with signage that describes the plants and lets yourcustomers know you actually sell container water gardens andthey’re not simply there for decoration. As an added bonus,offer container water gardening classes to show how easy thishobby can be.Water gardening continues to grow and offers a varietyof tempting options for every budget and lifestyle. For thosehesitant to dip their toes into this enjoyable and beneficialhobby, container water gardens provide the perfect solutionfor getting started with what’s sure to be a lifelonglove affair. aAbout the AuthorJennifer Zuri is marketing communicationsmanager at Aquascape, Inc. Read “ContainerWater Gardening for Hobbyists” for moreinformation on container water gardens. Available by callingAquascape, Inc. at 866.877.6637 (US)or 866.766.3426 (CAN).May/June 2010POND Trade Magazine11

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y Rick WeidmanAirmax Eco-SystemsObvious Statement #1In these tough economic times, most businesses arelooking for NEW ways to make money.Obvious Statement #2The most successful businesses are those that oftenbreak out of their comfort zones and look at NEW lines ofproducts that will attract NEW customers and NEW sales.Obvious Statement #3The definition of insanity is doing the same thing overand over and expecting different results.Many of you sat down at the end of the 2009selling season and took a long, hard look at whatyou did right, what you did wrong, and what youdidn’t do at all in 2009, and charted a course for 2010. I’dlike to talk about the latter two (and toughest to recognize,grasp and accept) of these categories…what you can doNEW or DIFFERENT to gain NEW sales in 2010.As a business manager for the first 20 years of myprofessional life, I was always looking for new ways to makemoney, and most important, new ways to have fun and enjoymy job. I’m now well into the second 20 years of myprofessional life. After 15 years of enjoying selling (andeducating businesses on how to be successful selling) ponds,water gardens and water features, I was introduced to aNEW business…one that was so much like what I wasaccustomed to, but much different in many ways as well.That NEW business was ponds…BIG ponds. Not yourcommon, everyday backyard water garden, mind you, but14 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com

large bodies of water that needed as much, or more, attention,than a backyard water feature.The common term used to describe these ponds is farmponds. Some call them earth-bottomed ponds, others call themnatural acreage ponds, while others just refer to them as largenatural ponds and lakes. No matter what you call them, thereare approximately 8 million of them in the US, and most needextensive care and attention.To better understand “big ponds,” let’s take a lookat how these 8 million ponds are used:• Recreation (swimming, fishing, boating and just relaxing)• Decoration• Rain water retention• Irrigation• Livestock and wildlife watering• Fire suppressionThese ponds are owned and managed by a varietyof people:• Rural private pond owners• Lake and Home Owner Associations and Subdivisions• Businesses with Retention and Decorative Ponds• Golf courses• Lake Front Property Owners• Cottage/Vacation Home owners• FarmersWhen I first started talking to retailers and contractorsabout this category, the vast majority said that they’ve gottenseveral requests over the years for large pond solutions, but werealways forced to send them to the local farm or hardware storebecause they had neither the products nor the expertise to solvetheir customer’s problem. I’m regularly asked if this is a difficultcategory to learn. The simple answer is no.To better understand what a large natural pond is, let’sexplore some of the questions I encounter:How big is a large natural pond?The average sized earthen pond is ½ acre to 1 acre and 6´average depth. To put that size in perspective, a 1 acre pondthat is 6´ deep has nearly 2 million gallons of water in it. A largebackyard pond that is 25´ x 25´ and is 2.5´ deep has about11,000 gallons.What’s so different about managing large ponds vs.average backyard water features”?The best way to answer this is to explore the similaritiesand differences between the two types of ponds.First the similarities:• Many large recreational ponds have plants and fish, muchlike backyard ponds.• All ponds need oxygen (water circulation) to stay clean,clear and healthy.• Algae is always an issue, and the number one concern ofmost pond owners•Both provide loads of enjoyment and function forthe owners.Here are some of the most glaring differences:• Large, natural, earth-bottom ponds contain more water,requiring larger dosages of higher potency treatments.• Earth-bottom ponds are more susceptible to excessive,unwanted aquatic plant growth. Many large pondowners are looking for ways to kill aquatic plants,especially those that are considered invasive ornon-native.• Large ponds are usually stocked with higher counts offish per sq. ft.May/June 2010POND Trade Magazine15

pond, but your customer’s pond size really does makea difference in your ability to grow your sales.• Equipment is easy to install and high profits exist forboth the retailer and the contractor.Start with a battery of water quality tests, to establish abaseline, and identify the immediate needs of the pondThe number one thing large ponds need is aeration. Thereare companies that specialize in providing aeration systems forlarge ponds. Get with one of them and they can help you writespecifications for projects, including what equipment torecommend, and where and how to install it.• Koi and goldfish are rarely stocked in large ponds. Gamefish (bass, trout, catfish, blue gills etc) are mostprevalent.• Large fish losses are relatively common due to improperlymanaged large ponds• Many large ponds are designed to handle rain waterrunoff, increasing overall nutrient levels.• Large ponds rarely have waterfalls or streams.• Large ponds very rarely, if ever, have any type ofbox filtration.As you can see, despite the similarities, there aresignificantly more differences between the two types of ponds.The biggest, and most important, question I get is “Can Imake money selling products for, or managing, large ponds andlakes? The answer is yes. Here’s why:• Large pond owners are accustomed to spending around$600 - $1,000 per acre per year to maintain theirponds. Many spend more, especially if they use theponds for fishing or hire professionals to manage it.Proportionately, this may be similar to a backyardIf you’re considered a pond authority in your area andyou’re not addressing natural ponds and lakes, you’re losingsales nearly every day. Make 2010 your year to try somethingnew, that’s both fun and profitable. aEditors Note: Curious about what it takes to get in thebusiness? Read part two titled Getting Started ServicingLarge Ponds and Lakes - What You Need to Know atpondtrademag.com web exclusive articles.About the AuthorRick WeidmanAirmax Eco-Systems, Inc.6135 King Rd.Marine City, MI 48039rweidman@airmaxeco.comwww.airmaxeco.comThe Airmax Ecosystem has revolutionized pondmanagement with a simple 4-step process. This easy tofollow 4-step prcoess will create the perfect ecosystem.16 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com

Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 130 # 129KODAMA’S New Koi Book‰‰Order Now for May Release“This book is an indispensable additionfor any serious koi keeper's library....The title ‘Koishi’ is spot on.Koi Teacher.”– Bob Winkler,AKCA CertifiedKoi JudgeThis beautiful 260 page book exploresover 50 leading Japanese Koi Farmswith information you won’t findanywhere else.“Koi produced by the various farms areskillfully analyzed to better define whatis unique about their characteristics”– Dick Benbow, 30 Year Koi Hobbyist“I would highly recommend readingthis book." – Mark Bodycott, USA Koiwww.usakoi.comMay/June 2010Call for quanity, retail and distributor pricingDistributed by Gardenside PublicationsCall 888/356-9895 • www.gardensidepubs.comtomg@gardensidepubs.comPOND Trade Magazine17

y Ellen KloubecKloubec Koi FarmThe Kujaku is a koi variety that has evolved from thecombination of Shusui with Kin Matsuba andHariwake to become one of the most popular koi inthe Hikari Moyo class. Hikari Moyo you ask? Hikari Moyo isa ‘show class’ of koi. But for the typical koi enthusiast any fishin this group is sure to please. It’s the shine, or luster, or sheenas you’ll hear it described.Hikari describes the metallic skin, and Moyo means ‘ofmore than one color.’However, modern Kujaku rarely display the black, brown,white, red and yellow of their ancestors. A current day Kujakuis basically a Gin Matsuba that has a Kohaku pattern, if thatmakes sense to you.Oh,...so Kujaku is the 5 colored koi, or peacock koi thateveryone is searching for. Yes, it is, although Goshiki is also akoi, which also sports 5 colors. Confused yet? Look for theluster, or sheen. If it doesn’t have a thick metallic Platinumbase, it’s not a Kujaku.In other words, Kujaku is a metallic platinum based koithat has black Matsuba (pinecone) scales, andorangey-red markings like a Kohaku. GoodKujaku usually showcase large platinumpectoral fins that are a superb accent toeverything else the fish has going on.The solid platinum fins are a calmretreat from the very busy darkscalation and hi [red] pattern. A cleanwhite head or face pattern is ideal.The fish should have good metallicluster, evenly colored pineconescales, a clean clear head and apleasing pattern. Five or six rowsof scales with dark coloredcenters is acceptable.With so much goingon, a Kujaku is sometimesmistaken for a Kin Showa, butKujaku do not have large blackpatches like a Kin Showa.As if our heads were not alreadyspinning, Kujaku also comes in aDoitsu variation. On a Doitsu Kujaku18 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com

the scales appear only along thedorsal line, or backbone, andpossibly along the lateral lines.Look for the dark centeredscales and clean Platinum skinto identify the Doitsu Kujaku.Due to the diverse lineageof Kujaku culling its offspring isquite a challenge. Not only dothe young Kujaku resemble‘pond mutts’ at an early age,many of their siblings are ofvarious varieties. We can alsofind Ogon, Kikusui, Kohaku,Aka Matsuba, Gin Matsuba,Asagi, Hariwake just to name afew from a single pairing ofKujaku breeder koi. Then addin the variable of Doitsu scalesand the task of culling100,000+ babies is not for thefaint of heart.Some possible varieties found within a Kujaku spawn.Making Beautiful Babies...At Kloubec Koi Farm we generally designate two or threemud-ponds to hold the enormous number of Kujaku fry thatwe hatch most every year. (Photo 1 of three-day-old Kujakufry) Nursery mud-ponds are prepared to receive the young fry.Each pond is drained and cleaned of any remaining fish. TheThey’re Alive! …(Now get to work!)A first culling is done around the 45-day mark. It is duringthis stage when we begin to see which little fish will exhibit agood metallic sheen. Any fish with defects are discarded duringthe first cull. Notice the different varieties. Not only are wereviewing every Kujaku, we have to evaluate the others todetermine if they are worthy of stocking back into a mud-pond.Some of the koi are obvious at this age, but many are not. Atthis time any inferior fish will not make the cut. Back to themud-pond they go. After restocking the koi are fed three to fivetimes per day.At the second cull you can definitely see the vast assortmentof varieties. This sample of culled fish is ready to go back intoa mud pond. Before long it will be time to cull them again.1. Kujaku frypond bottoms will be dredged if necessary. Filtered water willre-fill each pond, and fertilizer added to produce the perfectbloom. The fry are stocked out into the ponds at dusk. Thenwe take a sigh of relief before we start to anguish over theiruncertain survival.May/June 2010POND Trade Magazine19

Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 120 # 145‰‰Soon we’ll end up with only the bestfish to keep and grow. At this stage we’relooking for koi with the highest sheen,consistency in the Matsuba scales and thepotential to grow very large. If they havehigh luster on the head it is a goodindication that the entire body will havethe same consistency of the shine. Wealso evaluate the scales. We want uniformcenters on them. Patches of uneven sumi(black) on the scales can indicate anunfavorable amount of pigment. It mayspoil the appearance of the scales, and20 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com

educe the value of the koi. Having a pretty little white nose isdefinitely a plus! Now, back into the mud-pond to growsome more!At the end of the season we are happy with our shiny andplump 6˝ koi. The fish are up to size, and ready for harvest andEllen Kloubec culling frybe shipped to koi stores and pond contractors. The Kujaku havethe shine that we've been expecting and a great start to growinginto the Kujaku (Hikari Moyo) of our dreams. aAbout the AuthorEllen Kloubec, co-ownerKloubec Koi Farm in Amana, Iowa.Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 151 # 147‰‰Ellen and her husband, Myron,began their aquaculture businessin 1981, and their farm consists of80-acres of mud-ponds. Togetherwith their son, Nick, they raiseand supply healthy & hardy koi towholesale customers throughout the USA and Canada.Ellen loves all things koi. She enjoys Koi Shows &Watergarden Tradeshows where she has built lastingfriendships. Many hobbyists and celebrities have relied onEllen when looking for the perfect koi. Ellen hand-selectedthe Kloubec breeder fish while in Japan. The koi spawningseason is her favorite time of year when the breeders areindoors in the hatchery. "Experimenting with differentpairings is a passion. It's so rewarding to harvest beautifullittle koi and see your vision come to life." Additionally,Ellen enjoys being with her family and their dogs, you'lleven find pictures of them on the Kloubec website!www.kloubeckoi.comShipsStandardGroundPlease refer to our website fora current list of our distributorsEllen can be reached at ellen@kloubeckoi.com or319/846-2077May/June 2010POND Trade Magazine21

Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 132 # 121‰‰22 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com

NAPPby Tom GrahamPublisher, POND Trade MagazineThe National Association of Pond Professionals (NAPP)held their first national event–Water Feature Conference& Expo–at the beautiful Stone Mountain Resort,Georgia recently, and report being happy with the results.Stone Mountain Resort sits on a beautiful large lake,surrounded by forest, and situated in a National Park. It couldnot be more beautiful.But like most conventions, we all spent the majority of ourtime indoors at the various seminars, and prowling the corridorsof the Trade Show. It snowed briefly one day, but nobodynoticed. Conversation with friends, however, was in abundance.In selecting an out of the way hotel, the organizers created anHolds Its FirstNational Showenvironment that encouraged meet-ups in the lobby, the bar,and the restaurant, that were both pleasurable and productive.Thus mission accomplished.The breadth of the seminar topics was good, andattendees stuck around and participated in discussions duringand after the close of the sessions.I was delighted to be able to present the first POND TradeMagazine “Product of the Year Challenge” awards to those whowere in attendance, including representatives from AquaFinn,Ecological Labs, and Atlantic Water Gardens.I expect events of this caliber to continue to grow in yearsto come. Congratulations to the members and staff of NAPPfor their superb first event. aTo learn more about NAPP see their web site at www.nationalpondpro.comMay/June 2010POND Trade Magazine23

y Kelly Billing, Rowena Burns, Tish Folsom, and Jim PurcellKelly BillingMaryland Aquatic Nurseries, Inc.1st SelectionPlant Name: NelumboPlant Common Name: LotusI’ve been falling in love with lotus formany years. It is the plant that keeps on giving. I have grownto love it through my children’s eyes as well as my own. Wehave cultivated it, admired its beauty, folded its flowers,played games with it, worn it,eaten it and more. It is theeasiest and most captivatinggem in my garden, requiringlittle care with stunning rewards. Lotus is a highly versatileplant with a broad range of sizes and colors available.Admired by many it has endless character, rich history andcultural importance. The physical properties, food andmedicinal values make it one of the most researched plants inthe world. See page 46 for a picture of Kelly’s son, Matthewwith this great plant.“I begin to feel ‘The Lotus Quest’ was just a sketch or thesmallest sample of the true enormity of Nelumbo.” - MarkGriffiths, referring to his recent documentary.2nd SelectionPlant Name: Iris laevigata ‘Variegata’Plant Common Name: Variegated Rabbit Ear IrisA stunningvariegated iris thatholds the creamywhite splashes on theblades throughoutthe summer. Eachleaf appears to bepainted by handindependently onthe front and backsides. The subtlevariations in colorcommand a closerlook especially whenilluminated by thesun from behind.Mild mannered and slow growing it isn’t particularly tolerantof dry conditions. It is a true aquatic iris that thrives in asmuch as 6˝ to 8˝ deep of water; often confused with Irispallida ‘Variegata,’ which is not aquatic and prefers dry soil.The flowers are absent any color other than the crispviolet/blue and white; the perfect complement to the boldstriped foliage. This iris is not so easy to find but well worththe search.3rd SelectionPlant Name: Orontium aquaticumPlant Common Name: Golden ClubGolden Club is like skunk cabbage in that it is up andawake very early in the spring; a clear sign that warmer, sunnyspring days will soon arrive. It is always a welcome sight.24 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com

A stream, creek orriver dweller,golden club loves acurrent. It isperfectly suited togrowing in a streamamongst the rocksor planted in acontainer snugglyset in the path ofmoving water. It suffers from little or no insect pests ordisease and requires little care. My own have been in onegallon containers for five years with no attention paid tothem at all. They are completely carefree, tolerant and quitebeautiful. They are often a tough sell because it takes them acouple of years of growth to be in their glory. They grow bestin 6˝ to 8˝ deep of water with a half day of shade eithermorning or afternoon.Kelly Billing (author, The Lotus Know It and Grow It)Maryland Aquatic Nurseries, Inc.3427 N Furnace RoadJarrettsville, MD 21084877-736-1807 toll free410-557-7615 Fax 410-692-2837Kelly@MarylandAquatic.comwww.MarylandAquatic.com • www.AboutTheLotus.comMay/June 2010Rowena BurnsBurns Water GardensCurrent Treasurer of IWGS1st SelectionPlant Name: SagittariamontevidensisPlant Common Name: Aztec ArrowheadFor me, Aztec Arrrowhead is one of the most elegantplants in the pond, with a mature plant producingcontinuous blooms for months. In cold climates if the plantis put in a greenhouse for the winter season, it will bloom allyear except for a few weeks in midwinter when the days arevery short. A mature Aztec Arrowhead constantly produceslarge substantial bloom spikes. The flower is striking,consisting of three white petals, with a scarlet patch at thebase of each petal. By midsummer, the graceful AztecArrowhead will be at least two feet tall with a spread as wide.The arching leaf stems display broad arrow-shaped leaves,which provide a handsome background to the flowers. Thisplant is easy to grow if well fertilized in a good-sizedcontainer, with plenty of sunlight and warmth.2nd SelectionPlant Name: Hippuris vulgarisPlant Common Name: MarestailI think Marestail is one of the most unique lookingplants in the water garden. The numerous vertical stemsheavily covered with narrow leaves, resemble a grove ofminiature Christmas trees in the pond. It likes to travel, notbeing very concerned that its roots are in soil, and the verticalfuzzy stems can popup a good distanceaway from itsoriginal pot,standing straight forup to a foot inheight. It is veryversatile, able togrow in wet mud,shallow water andeven in water acouple of feet deep.In deep, fast flowingwater, the fine leaveslengthen to 2˝ to 3˝,and the stemsbecome soft and wavy. It can actually be used as anoxygenator, and may make a great filter plant. This uniquenative plant deserves to be more widely known, and enjoyedfor its unusual charm.POND Trade Magazine25

3rd SelectionPlant Name: Aeschynome fluitansPlant Common Name: Giant Water Sensitive Plant orBotswana WonderGiant Sensitive Plant is a horizontal vine that covers largeareas of the pond surface with its dainty leaves and brightflowers. This astounding plant can grow 10´ or more even ina Northern summer, with sturdy reddish-brown stemsbranching as itspreads across thepond. Thenumerous ovalleaves line up oneither side of leafstalks, whichsprout frequentlyon either side ofthe stems. Itblooms fairly constantly, with sturdy yellow flowers muchresembling that of the pea family. The leaves close veryslowly when touched, charming both children and adults. Itsamazing growth and showy appearance make this absolutelyextreme plant justified by its nickname of Botswana Wonder.I feel that the unusual appearance of Giant Sensitive Plantgives the pond a magical touch.Tish FolsomSpringdale Water GardensFormer President of IWGS1st SelectionPlant Name: Sagittaria ‘Crushed Ice’Plant Common Name: Crushed IceThis is a favorite plant because it isa seedling I found while weeding sagittaria out of other pots.I asked Keith if it was worth saving and he agreed we shouldsee what happened with it. We spent a whole winter a fewyears later writing names on the refrigerator door trying tofind just the right name. It grows really well in a lot of shade.Rowena BurnsBurns Water GardensRR # 22419 Van Luven Road, BaltimoreOntario K0K 1C0 Canada905-372-2737 Fax 905-372-8625Email: info@burnswatergardens.caPlant Name / Common Name Type FlowerFlowerBloomsAeschynome fluitans / Giant Water Sensitive Plant w yellow ContinuouslyAponogeton distachyus / Water Hawthorne w white Spring to FallCaltha polypetala / Giant Marsh Marigold b/shallow w yellow Spring, some fallHippuris vulgaris / Marestail ws/b/w very small Not NoticeableIris laevigata ‘Variegata’ / Variegated Rabbit Ear Iris ws/b/w violet-blue 2 wks SpringLugwegia sediodes / Mosaic Plant w yellow SummerNelumbo / Lotus w several colors SummerNymphaea ‘Pink Grapefruit’ / Waterlily ‘Pink Grapefruit’ w Peachy Pink w/yellow center May to SeptOrontium aquaticum / Golden Club w yellow w/white stem 3 to 4 wks SpringSagittaria ‘Crushed Ice’ / Crushed Ice b white Jun to AugSagittaria montevidensis / Aztec Arrowhead b/w white w/red spots 10 monthsThalia geniculata / Red Stem Thalia b/shallow w purple Summer to Fall26 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com

2nd SelectionPlant Name: Lugwegia sediodesPlant Common Name: Mosaic PlantThis has to be oneof the most uniquefloating- leaved plantsaround. The whorls ofleaves create a mosaiclikepattern on the watersurface. Very easy togrow when the watertemperatures arehigh enough.3rd SelectionPlant Name: Nymphaea‘Pink Grapefruit’Plant Common Name:Waterlily ‘Pink Grapefruit’I love the flower colorand the way the flower sitsabove the water surface. Ialso love the way the name issimilar to the flower color.Jim PurcellOregon Aquatics, Inc.Current President of IWGS1st SelectionPlant Name: Caltha polypetalaPlant Common Name: GiantMarsh MarigoldIt is a very pretty, very earlyblooming cold and shade tolerant aquatic. Marsh Marigoldhas been around for a long time, but Giant Marsh Marigoldis larger, much more heat tolerant in summer, and usually rebloomsin the fall. In hot climates, position in shade andrunning water.Tish FolsomSpringdale Water Gardens340 Old Quarry LaneGreenville, VA 24440540/337-4507www.springdalewatergardens.comtish@springdalewatergardens.comHeight SpreadShade toSunZone Cost Comments4 in. 10 ft. S 9 to 11 $$ Dainty leaves and bright flowers< 1 in. clumping PS to S 5+ $$ Extremely popular when in bloom12 in. clumping PS 2 to 8 $$ Early bloomer, cool to Moderate Heat1 ft. 1-2 ft. PS/S 3 to 9 $$ Versatile - grows in wet mud to 2´ of water.24-30 in. 1-2 ft PS to S 4 to 9 $$$$ Stunning variegated Iris, slow growing< 1 in. 3-4 ft S to SH 10 $$ Grows well in warm water, unique floating leaves6 -48 in. varies PS to S 3 to 10 $$$$$ Expensive but definitely worth it2 to 4 in. 3-5 ft. S 4 $$$$ Flower color like a pink grapefruit12-24 in. 12-18 in PS to S 5 to 10 $$ Loves a current, carefree, quite beautiful18-24 in. clumping PS to SH 6 $$ Mottled green&white foilage, grows best in shade2-3 ft. 1-2 ft. PS/S 8 to 11 $$ Continously blooms for months, bloom spikes6 -12 ft. vig. Clumping S 9 $$$ Larger showy bloom spikes, likes hot climatesMay/June 2010POND Trade Magazine27

2nd SelectionPlant Name: Aponogeton distachyusPlant Common Name: Water HawthorneGrows similar to a waterlily, but is smaller, with long,narrow floating leaves. Abundant blooms very early in thespring, andflowers smelllike vanilla.Tends to godormant in hotsummerweather, butexcellent forspring and fall,before andafter waterliliesare at theirpeak. In ourmild Oregonclimate, theyusually bloom year round; in hot climates, they bloom infall, winter and spring.Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 123 # 148‰‰3rd SelectionPlant Name: ThaliageniculataPlant CommonName: Red Stem ThaliaLarge and strikingspecimen plant, withbright red stems whengrown in full sun. Grow inlarge pot for full effect.Jim PurcellOregon Aquatics Inc.90760 North Prairie Rd.Eugene, Oregon 97402Wholesale OnlyContact: Verena Liechti,President541-461-5537Fax: 541-689-3980andSouthwest Aquatics LLC.20634 Avenue 256Exeter, California 93221Wholesale Only559-594-4939 aFax: 559-594-493028 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com

Editors Note Re:My FavoriteAquatic PlantThis article was more difficult then weoriginally thought it would be. Wecommend the authors from around NorthAmerica– Kelly Billing (Maryland),Rowena Burns (Canada),Tish Folsom (Virginia),and Jim Purcell (Oregon) for sharing theirfavorite aquatic plants with us. It wasdifficult to select just three plants,because plants have so many differentuses. For some they selected what theyfeel is one of the more interestingplants.All four of these authors are activemembers of the International Waterlily &Water Gardening Society (IWGS).IWGS’s 26th Annual Symposium will beheld in San Angelo, Texas this year –September 16 to 19.See the IWGS web site for moreinformation about IWGS Waterlily Festival2010. www.iwgs.orgRequest info/ # 138‰May/June 2010Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 112‰POND Trade Magazine29

Convert ThatSwimming PoolHave you consideredconverting a swimmingpool into a rainwaterharvesting system? Mike Garcia,Enviroscape, converted his swimpond recently, and we have theexclusive story Online right now.With today’s emphasis on water conservation, a sufficientinterest created an event out of this project. The City Mayor,the news media, and manyinterested pond contractorsand prospective new customersdescended on Mike’s suburbanhome to see how it was done.Now you can offer homeownersa green solution, savingwater, and eliminating anexpensive swimming pool.Convert it! Read the storyOnline, along with the otherexclusive web articles at pondtrademag.com aRequest info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 144 #150‰‰30 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com

Koi are excellent sales representativesNote from Editor: This article is the second in a series byMr. Kodama. The first article, How to be Successful Selling JapaneseKoi, was in the Nov/Dec 2009 issue. This second installment wasdelayed, due to Mr. Kodama's work on his upcoming new book,"KOISHI." If you would like re-read the first article, you can findit at www.pondtrademag.com.by Mamoru KodamaKodama Koi FarmKeeping your koi alive and healthy, may require a changein how you think about them.There are two key factors -• Koi Sell Themselves• Your Staff are Fish DoctorsKoi Sell ThemselvesWho often are the best koi salesmen? The koi themselves.When people buy a puppy at a pet shop, they usually find whatthey like by looking at the puppies that are running aroundcheerfully – not by listening to what the salesperson says.That applies to koi as well. People buy koi if they lookbeautiful when they are actively swimming around in theholding tanks and display ponds. Therefore, a koi makes itsown excellent sales representative.When a koi dealer is looking for a salesperson to hire,most of the people who apply for the job usually havesome sales experience. Therefore, they can sell koi with littleproblem. If they have a little bit of knowledge about koi, theymay even have or will develop a better koi sales reputation.However, that could be a blind spot. Dealers will train the newperson to become a better koi salesman, but dealers must trynot to forget the fact that koi are better sales representativesthan any salesman.In the salesman’s mind, his job is only to sell koi. It is notlikely that they are thinking about caring for the koi. It maybe the lack of this thought, caring for the koi and focusing onsales that might become the reason koi die.Displaying Koi – Take a look at picture A; you can’t askfor this much friendship from any salesmen. These friendly koiwill be what the customer will fall in love with and will love tohave. However, if the koi are tired or sick, they wouldn’t beable to show this friendliness to the customers.I truly believe that it is more important to provide the rightcondition for your koi, as they make naturally good salesrepresentatives, than training salesmen to be excellent. The jobfor the staff is to ensure the koi are in a lively condition like inpicture A and B (on next page).The place where koi will get sick the most is in the koidealer’s tanks. In the tank, the koi are always being watched bycustomers and chased around by nets to be scooped up. Theyoften are injured, tired and stressed by this. Stress causes themto get sick.Feeding – Please look at picture B. Koi dealers usually feedtheir koi only a small amount of food, once a day after the storecloses. This is because they want the water in the tank not toget dirty from feeding. However, not feeding enough can makethe koi weak and sometimes causes them to become sick.May/June 2010POND Trade Magazine31

When breeders ship koi, they stopfeeding the koi for four to five days. Thisis because, for shipping, it is moreeconomical to put as many koi aspossible in one bag.However, for a typical koi dealer theynormally ship a few koi a short distance;therefore, it isn’t necessary to stopfeeding them. Actually, they should feedthem regularly. For instance, they canfeed them 50% of what they usually feed.This is very important.Here is a little tip. Koi are not afraidof human beings and are very tamecompared to other fresh water fish.However, they are not as friendly asdogs and cats. In picture A the koi areswimming toward the people becausethey are hungry.Therefore, it is best if you couldensure the koi will be fed whenever theyRequest info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 105 # 100‰‰Your koi should be lively eaterscome to you, and yet keep themcomfortably hungry. The koi in picturesA and B are in that condition.Your Staff are Fish DoctorsStaff members are fish doctors inthat they diagnose health problems andkoi diseases. There is a good possibilitythat your customers may have to dealwith these problems.In the U.S. there are someveterinarians that can help customerswith their koi; but, in Japan, koi dealersare the ones that deal with koi healthproblems. In Japan when a koi becomessick, a customer will come back to thedealer to ask questions. The koi dealerwould then give them some advice justlike a doctor for koi.In the US veterinarians are notalways available, so you and your staffshould be familiar with basic koi health.Customers will turn to you for advice.32 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com

Staff should learn to clean thefiltering system and keep it clean.Filter System – The Staff wouldn’tdo anything they don’t know, or theyare told not to do. That is commonsense. Therefore, you have to teachthem clearly.To sell koi is to keep koi in a healthyand friendly condition. You need tomake sure to teach the staff to keep thewater clean, as koi like clean water.Going through this work, the staffpersonnel will learn how to care for koinaturally, and they will be able to talk tocustomers from their experiences.The filtering system that the dealerhas is a good example for customers.Many customers will actually use thesame filtering system. The staff personnelwho learned about and are experiencedwith the filtering system, and trainedabout koi disease, will be able toconsult with the customers who have koihealth problems.Koi dealers’ filtering systems vary,however they still have to maintain thesesystems. Therefore, this is a great way tostart new staff. In picture C you see oneof the staff cleaning filter brushes.There are some dealers that checktheir water quality everyday. That wouldbe helpful when a koi dies, however itwon’t be helpful to teach the staffpersonnel how not to have a koi die.It is better to have the staff personnelto learn how to maintain the filteringsystem to keep koi in a friendly goodcondition.Caring for Sick Koi – The koidealers’ tanks is the place where koi willget sick the most often.Therefore, koi dealers’ tanks are thebest place to treat for koi diseases. If koiare put in a separate tank, the staff caneasily observe a koi’s condition after themedication is given. They can learn thatthe treatment depends on the koi’scondition as well. The customers willappreciate knowing that the informationyou give them comes from salespersons’experience. Therefore, there will be morepeople coming to the dealer, and after all,the koi dealer’s koi won’t easily die.You have to train staff personnel tobe specialists for koi disease by lettingthem take care of the sick koi.Customers will appreciate a salespersonwho can help them when theyhave questions. When they havequestions, it is most likely when their koiAbout the AuthorMamoru Kodama is an expertin the Koi industry, an author, andthe owner of Miyoshiike Co., Ltd. Hehas been invited to speak as a guestlecturer several times byinternational Koi clubs within theUnited States, Singapore, Malaysia,Thailand, etc. He was a guestspeaker at the AKCA seminar 2002,Concord, California and AKCASeminar 2009, San Diego, California.His approach to the beauty ofKoi inspires and enlightens manyKoi hobbyists and dealers aroundthe world.His profound knowledge andexpertise is now compiled in twoare sick. It is best if the staff is trained askoi health specialists. That way, manycustomers will come back to theirpreferred salesperson.Start medicating as soon as a healthproblem is diagnosed and provide atank for only sick koi. This way youcan observe to see if thetreatment is working.ConclusionThe koi are great representatives thatcan often sell themselves. The staff arekoi doctors. Teach your staff how to carefor sick koi. Understanding the care ofkoi will reduce and help keep koi alivewhile they are waiting to be sold. aMUST-read books! Theyare available under thetitles, Kokugyo andKokugyo II. Mr. Kodamahas assembled a wealthof information andexperience in these twobooks that will educatebeginning Koi hobbyists as well as theseasoned professional.Note – The author is offering a classwhere he teaches the technique of managingthe koi he has for sale – Kodama Koi Academy.Why don’t you join us to study aboutdealing and managing koi.Kodama Koi Farm (USA) • 808-354-7031www.kodamakoifarm.comMay/June 2010POND Trade Magazine33

y Vicki VaughanKOILABFish live in water–simple fact. Fishare dependant on the quality ofthis medium just as air breathinganimals need clean air in order tosurvive and flourish. Very low levels oftoxins can cause sudden mortality orallow immunosupression leaving theindividual open to secondary bacterialand or fungal infections that would notordinarily be a threat to a healthyanimal. It is imperative as hobbyists andpond maintenance contractors toaddress the needs of the fish anddetermine if they indeed have “good”water to live in.There are myriad water quality kitson the market from simple colorimetricdropper kits to mini spectrophotometers.Most address the standard waterparameters such as pH, ammonia,nitrite, hardness. These are all importantto monitor on a regular basis. There aretrace elements, however, in most watersupplies that can be problematic toWater that is safe for humanconsumption may be toxic to fish.aqueous species. Water that is safe forhuman consumption may be toxic tofish. Fish live in the water. We merelyingest it and expel most of it. Thebiggest threat to the livelihood of yourfish is not easily measured. Specializedequipment is necessary in order todetect very low levels of trace elementssuch as heavy metals that tend toaccumulate in the internal organs offish. This accumulation leads toimmunosuppression. Often we see fishthat are suffering from bacterialinfections for no apparent reason. Weoften find that initial water quality isoptimum but low levels of copperand/or zinc are present. Metals are mosttoxic in low alkalinity and pH. Thisallows for a higher concentration ofmetal to remain dissolved. Theaccumulation over time immunosuppressesthe fish and allows thenormal pathogenic bacteria to gain theupper hand leading to ulceration andpossible septicemia (bacteria in thebloodstream).Clinical signs of heavy metaltoxicity can be mortality, ulcerations, finrot, fungal involvement, and lethargyfor no discernable reason. If heavy metaltoxicity is suspected it is advisable tosubmit samples to the appropriatelaboratory for analysis. CommerciallyMetals are most toxic inlow alkalinity and pH.available kits are not sensitive enough todetermine ppm (parts per million) tothe levels necessary for an adequatediagnosis. For example, the acceptablelevels of copper and zinc in soft waterare .006 and .005 ppm respectively. Alab capable of atomic absorptionspectroscopy analysis can detect theselow levels. KOILAB can run 16 traceelements (aluminum, boron, cadmium,calcium, copper, iron, magnesium,manganese, molybdenum, nickel,phosphorus, silica, sodium, and zinc) aswell as pH and hardness. As previouslymentioned it is important to assess pHand hardness to determine theacceptable levels. Heavy metals are moretoxic in soft water and low pH. Lowlevels of heavy metals might be of noconsequence if your water comes from alimestone aquifer.Sources of heavy metals vary. Oneof the most common are heat exchangesthat have copper or bronze elements.Municipal water supplies can harborheavy metals. As aforementioned waterthat is suitable for human consumptionmay not be safe for your pondinhabitants. Galvanized metal, zincfrom roof shingles, copper supply pipesare all possible sources. Several years agoSources of heavy metals...heatexchanges withcopper/bronze elementswe had a case of pond liner that provedto be toxic. It turned out to be roofingliner that was permeated with zinc.Many wells have high levels of heavymetals, particularly iron. Iron oxideprecipitates in the gill tissue whenanaerobic water from a well is exposedto air.I think these issues are particularlyrelevant to the pond contractor andthose involved with pond maintenance.The contractor should suggest to thepond owner that a “pond physical” isnecessary in order to establish a baselineand determine if any adjustments arenecessary to ensure the correct waterquality parameters. Hardness can bemanipulated as well as pH. Heavymetals can be removed with specializedfilters. Chelating agents such as EDTAcan be utilized as well. Many of thedechlorinating agents will removeheavy metals.How to Collect andSubmit SamplesOur lab requires about 100 mls ofwater. A drinking water bottle is asuitable container for this purpose.Drink the water or pour it out and rinsethe bottle several times with the water inquestion. I prefer to test the pond andthe source water to determine the34 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com

possible cause of the contamination.Keep the water refrigerated until itcan be submitted. Send samples on acold pack to:KOILAB3831 Flat Rock RoadWatkinsville GA 30677Include a processing fee of$75.00 per sample and contactinformation. Results will be e-mailedin approximately 3–4 days uponreceipt of the samples. For moreinformation contact:Vicki Vaughan706/247-6274Vicki@flatrockkoi.com aSee web article - Koi Lab on our website www.pondtrademag.comAbout theAuthorMS Vaughan isowner and administratorof KOILAB LLC. KOILAB isa full reference laboratorydedicated to improving the health andcare of aquatic species, primarily Koi.KOILAB offers a full range of diagnosticsas well as consultation and veterinarycare in association with Dr StevenDivers. Ms Vaughan has been involvedin aquatic medicine for 15 years asresearch coordinator at The College ofVeterinary Medicine at the University ofGeorgia. She is the developer of andowns the patent for a potentiated antibiotic,Tricide Neo. As a microbiologist shehas been instrumental in the characterizationof KHV and the development ofvarious diagnostic tools to combat thisdisease. Ms Vaughan is also owner ofFlat Rock Koi LLC which imports andbreeds Koi. She offers an annual KoiHealth Seminar in Athens in early spring.For more informationwww.koihealthseminar.comNewPond Vacuum IIThe Muck Busterfoornew lowfor new low Call lprice !!Cal2H.P.Blue Thumb Dist., MI------------ 888-619-3474Castle & Carmel, CA-------------- 866-422-9445Discount Pond Supply, VA------- 800-979-0999EasyPro Pond Products, MI----800-448-3873For Products and your local dealer information:MATALA USAwww.matalausa.comwww.hakkoairpumps.comThe #1 filter media for Koi PondsThink Progressive !VersiFlowHigh Flow ”Versatile” PumpNow availableBiosteps 10 & WaterfallStainless Steel UVCWater PumpAerationDiffuser BaseEz Bio!!!e!w priceGeyserFlowGeyserHi-FlowPond Wise, AL-------------------- 256-859-0123Patio Ponds, MD----------------- 301-874-8440Sea Life Designs, CA------------- 949-376-3550Water Landscape Supply, IA---- 515-266-8181MATALA WATER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Tel:+886-4 2630-4015 Email:info@matala.com.twRequest info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 126 # 111‰‰To contact KOILAB706-247-6274 or 706-769-8951vvaughan@uga.eduMay/June 2010POND Trade Magazine35

How do you know if they are effective? Areyou sending the right message? Are theyprofessional? How many are being markedSPAM? How many are acttually being read?Let’s start off with what you are sendingout. Here is a big list of big “NO’s” insending email campaigns:The dos and don’ts of writing an email campaignby Pam GreinerThe Green PenPerhaps some of you remember the old-days; you knowwhen you picked up a pen and a piece of paper towrite a letter to someone. Not type. Not email. Nottext. But actually wrote a letter. It seems as if this is a practicethat has become a distant memory for most people. But Iremember that excitement of going to the mailbox andgetting a letter from a friend or relative to tell me all the newand exciting things they had going on in their lives.Today most of us are overwhelmed with messages.Thanks to email and cell phones, sometimes gettingcorrespondence is more of a nuisance than a welcomed formIt is estimated that over 2 millionemails are sent every day and that of those72% are SPAM and/or contain a virusof communication. It is estimated that over 2 million emailsare sent everyday and that of those 72% are SPAM and/orcontain a virus. That means that the majority of informationin our inboxes is comprised of stuff we don’t want.On the flip side, if you are a business owner you seeemail campaigns as an affordable solution to communicatewith your customers. But it can also leave a lot of questions:1. Do not send an email campaign toseveral recipients and list those recipientsin the ‘to’ or ‘cc’ line. It is just BADetiquette. Again we are all receiving way toomuch SPAM and no one wants their emailaddress passed around so that it can be used by someone elsethey don’t know.2. Do not send an email to an address you haveinformally gotten from someone. SPAM is becomingserious business legally and you can get yourself intohot water by sending unwanted emails to someone. You cansend email campaigns to people if they fit the followingcriteria:a. They have given you their email address andconsented to receiving email communications (inwriting) whether at an event or on your website.b. You have done business with the recipient in the pasttwo years and they have given you their email addressfor communication.c. The person has given you a business card for thepurpose, and with the understanding, thatcommunication would occur.3. Do not use fake or inaccurate information.By being misleading with your company name,email address, or heading you are violating the law(CAN-SPAM Act*) and are risking the reputationof your business.4. Don’t ignore people who opt-out of your emaillist. Process requests in less than a week to avoid campaignsfrom your email address as being reported as SPAM.36 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com

5. Do not send an email campaignas an attachment. There is nothingmore annoying than getting a fileattached to an email which is in a fileformat that my software doesn’tsupport and/or is large and takes hoursto download.6. Do not disguise your sales pitchas a newsletter. Taking up your reader’svaluable time with all your productsand services and the great deal you canoffer them is not providing ‘news’. I’mnot saying you can’t send sale orproduct information, but don’t say youare sending out a newsletter when youreally are not.Successful emailcampaigns are a challengeMaking an email campaignsuccessful can seem easy, but is reallyquite challenging. Here are some tipson how to get your email opened andhave it be well-received:1. Your subject line is your firstintroduction – make it a good one.When you meet someone, your firstsentence isn’t a long story or filled withbold letters. Neither should yoursubject line. Be concise, keeping it toabout 40 to 60 characters (less than halfof a Tweet, if you will) and avoid usingbold statements and capital letters.SALE, ACT NOW, LIMITED TIMEand/or OFFER can all send up red flagsalong with percents and exclamationpoints. Just like a lot of what I tell youmarketing should be, KISS (Keep ItSimple Stupid). Also, don’t berepetitive. Let me say it again in adifferent way… If you are sending outmultiple campaigns with the samesubject matter, create subject lines thatare similar but not the same, whileavoiding the word ‘reminder’ (a subjectline red-flag). If someone thinks theyare getting the same email again, theyare more likely to not open it.May/June 20102. Be brief. It’s a newsletter,not a novel. I HATE long-windednewsletters. So do your readers. Wemay be able to sit mindlessly surfing theInternet for hours, but thecommunication we are looking atshould be short and sweet. If you needto elaborate on content, then take theopportunity to update your websitewith the information (something youshould be doing anyway… hint, hint…)and link to your site from thenewsletter. Which leads me to…3. Create, what I call, your ‘OnlineCircle of Life.’ It starts on your website– it looks professional and you arealways updating it with great content (Idream that this stuff happens…); thenyou create a campaign that combinesgreat and useful information that linksto your website; the newsletter alsolinks to your social media; your socialmedia links to your website; and all ofthese communications can create aconversation between you and yourmarket which is expanded when they‘Forward to a Friend’ or ‘Suggestsomeone becomes a Fan of yours’ or‘Share This’ on their own with Digg,Twitter, Linked In, Facebook, etc…Regardless it’s all connected and allcreating communication that should(when done right) create opportunityfor you.4. Focus on what your audience/market wants to hear – not what youwant to say. You may think it’s greatthat you went to a conference and gotan award or that you went to a seminarwith company big-wigs, but yourconsumers don’t care about that. It canbe a nice sidebar item or comment onyour website News page, but what yourreaders really want to know is whatmatters to them and affects their life.Information about plants, fish, wateringrestrictions, care, maintenance, anditems that will enhance their outdoorliving space are things they can, and aremuch more likely to, pay attention to.Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 108POND Trade Magazine 37‰

5. Develop professional looking campaigns. Try to keepthem consistent with your branding initiatives. The moreprofessional the communication, the more likely it will bewell received. Additionally, as it is part of your ‘Circle ofLife,’ it should all carry the same message of who you are andthe work you do. (The exception to the rule: If your websitelooks unprofessional, it should always be a priority to fix thatfirst and have it as the basis for your onlinecommunications.)6. Track your success. While there are lots of companiesout there that offer campaign services, cost should not bethe biggest factor. Look at what they can do for you to helpyou create the most effective campaigns possible. Youshould be able to track your campaign’s success, be able tolook at your statistics across several campaigns, and be ableto see who has opened your campaign – including howmany times and at what times. Looking at these trends willhelp you decide when to send out future campaigns, what isbeing looked at, and who is paying attention.7. List management and opt-in/opt-out services are alsoservices to look for. You should be able to link your emailsign-ups to a service that allows you to manage your mailinglist. When someone signs up, you should use a double opt-in,which means that they are sent an email confirming that theywant to receive email from you. Every campaign absolutelymust have an opt-out option so that if they do not want toreceive email from you, they can be taken off the list. A goodservice should provide this automatically. Along with listmanagement, it is good to define your lists so that you cantarget your campaigns to specific audiences. For example,existing clients will be more interested in care andmaintenance products, services, and helpful hints whilepotential customers want information that will help themlearn about what you do and the benefits associated withworking with you.8. Test your campaign. Whatever service you use shouldgive you the option (most likely for a fee) to test how yourcampaign reads and performs in different email readers, ondifferent browsers, and whether it gets through certain SPAMfilters. This will help improve the way you develop yourcampaigns and reach a larger audience. Also, be aware thatwhen campaigns are opened on different platforms, not all ofyour content may perform the same or even be visible.Gator - 24”INSIST ON THE BESTASK YOUR SUPPLIER FORA PURITY POOL NET9. Include links. Links are good in that they help create acall to action and can be used an extra way to see if peopleare engaged in the content you provide them. Make surethat if you are including any links in your campaign, thatyou have checked to make sure the address is correct andworks properly.Red Baron - 20”Pro-Lite - 18”Ultra-Lite -18”Spa Scoop -14”Red BaronPelican16” to 18” The Premier Manufacturer ofProfessional Service NetsCelebrating 50 Years of Dedicationto Quality Without Compromisewww.puritypool.comRequest info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 139‰10. Always include your company information. Yourbusiness name, website address, email address, physicaladdress, and phone number. This will help keep you frombeing flagged by SPAM filters and add credibility to yourcampaigns.To determine how successful you are with yourcampaigns, just look at your numbers. Average open rates forour industry are between 25% and 35%. My clients are oftenabove 40%, which is above the average across the board inany industry. To calculate your average open rate, divide youropens by the amount sent minus bounces (emails that werenot delivered). Additionally consider the fact that some ofyour recipients may not open the campaign, but will view apreview of it or have an email reader that does not supporthtml and/or they may only read a text version, which alsodoes not get recorded as an “open.” Do not be discouraged ifyour numbers are around 30% – that is average. Frustrationmay mount, however, as your list grows and your open rate38 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com

goes down. This is normal too. Thelarger the list, the more likely it is thatyour open rate will decrease.While keeping yourcommunications from being put into aSPAM folder is important, the mostimportant thing is really getting outgood information that is useful andwelcome. Maybe even recreating thatold-days feel of going to the mailboxwith anticipation for communicationthey want to get.*For email campaigns designed anddedicated to the Green Industry, visit:http://sendgreenmail.com*For more information on theCAN-SPAM act, please go to the FederalTrade Commission’s website:http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/ecommerce/bus61.shtm aRequest info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 136 # 106‰‰About theAuthorPam Greiner founded The Green Penfive years ago as the result of a passionfor gardening and the environment.Focused on providing online, and off,marketing solutions, our active client listincludes several contractors, retailers, anddistributors across the country. Our adviceis regularly sought by many othercontractors and businesses in the GreenIndustry, as well as other industries. Ourservices have included developing a varietyof marketing materials for our clientsincluding brochures, newsletters, as well aslogo design, branding initiatives, and Webdesign & development. Additionally, wehelp our clients develop cost-effectivemarketing and e-marketing plans.Pam can be reached atpam@thegreenpen.comor 215-313-0183May/June 2010POND Trade Magazine39

Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 124‰Upcoming EventsFor a complete list see our web site.May 4 –6National Hardware Show/Lawn andGarden WorldLas Vegas, NevadaLas Vegas Convention Centerwww.nationalhardwareshow.comMay 13 – 16Interzoo 2010Nurnberg, GermanyInternational Trade Fair for Pet SuppliesThe top Event Worldwide Exhibition CentreNuremberg www.interzoo.comJune 1 – 13California Grown & Nursery MartCosta Mesa, CAwww.CaliforniaGrownShow.comJune 15 – 17National Lawn & Garden ShowColorado Springs, COwww.nlgshow.comJune 26 – 27BKKS 35th National Koi ShowStafford, Englandwww.staffscountyshowground.co.ukJune 26 – 27New England Water Garden andOrnamental Fish ShowWest Springfield, MAwww.pioneervalleypondclub.comJuly 22–23EasyPro Pond Products Open HouseGrant, Michiganhttp://www.easypropondproducts.com/form/2010openhouse.htmAugust 20–2218th Holland Koi ShowArcen, The Netherlandswww.hollandkoishow.nlSeptember 16 – 19IWGS Symposium 2010San Angelo, TXThe International Waterlily & WaterGardening Society (IWGS) www.iwgs.orgSeptember 24 – 26Koi America 2010Westminster, MD • Koi, Goldfish, Vendors,and Speakers • www.makc.comSeptember 29 – 30Holmes Farm, Inc. Annual Trade ShowMacungie, PAWater Gardening and Pet Product LinesTo register: 877-412-3276For complete listing information andadditional events see our web sitewww.pondtrademag.com aRequest info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 10940 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com‰

For more information aboutThe Marketplace go towww.pondtrademag.com/advertise/marketplace/WantedProofer for POND TradeMagazine. Contact Cindy atcindy@pondtrademag.comPublicationKoi Collector’s PocketGuideThe Koi Collectors Pocket Guide,a handy compact fan folded,laminated card, featuring photosand descriptions of the majorkoi varieties. Sell or great gift.Call 760/451-2255.www.gardensidepubs.comRequest info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 153‰The New American Pond TM"A Better Way to a Better Pond"info@marylandaquatic.com www.floatingwetlands.comRequest info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 156‰GreatSales ToolRequest info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 114‰KOI Collector’sPocket Guide• Photos and descriptionsof over 40 topvarieties• IllustratedGlossary• PronunciationTipsDimensions are 24" wide by 9" tallRequest info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 154‰Order online atgardensidepubs.com/dealerpricingor call 888-356-9895Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 135May/June 2010‰Request info at www.pondtrademag.com/infocard/ # 133‰POND Trade Magazine41

Trade NewsGreenCleanFX, a Liquid Algaecide forPonds-BioSafe SystemsGreenCleanFX’sprofessional strengthformula and low applicationrates (1-2 teaspoons per 50-gal of water) makeGreenCleanFX a highly effective and affordable solution toalgae problems that plague a wide variety of backyard waterfeatures, including ornamental ponds, pond-less waterfallsand fountains.Available in 16 oz., 32 oz. and 1 Gallon Tip N’ Pourcontainers, GreenCleanFX is easy to precisely measure andapply to ponds and water features of all sizes.BioSafe Systems, LLC., (888) 273-3088 toll-freewww.biosafesystems.comPro Ceramic Biological MediaBlagdon Pro Ceramic Bio Media is idealfor multi chamber filters, shower/trickle filters,and box and pressure filter systems.• Designed to support high fish stockingdensity. • Enables high growth rate feedingregime. • Very high surface area ceramic biomedia. • Extreme porosity. • Size: rib length27mm/1.063in. width 31mm/1.22in.Innovative Aquatics, LLC.,253-875-1113/877-875-1113,innovativeaquatics@q.comSummit View Koi • www.svkoi.comNew Look for EasyPro WaterTreatments...The entire line of EasyPro water treatments hasundergone a major revamp for 2010 with all new packaging,lower prices and uniform sizing.There also is a service center display available free withqualifying order!For more information or a free catalog call us atEasyPro Pond Products 800-448-3873www.EasyProPondProducts.comPressurized (Sinking Pellet) FiltersPSP (Pressurized Sinking Pellet) Filters deliver effective heavysolid-waste and biological filtering.Exclusive FilterClay Media combines size, weight and shape tohelp eliminate media-packing inside the filter. Additionally,FilterClay’s porousskin and core makefor ideal bio-filtrationconditions.Six-WayMulti-Port FilterValve that simplifiesoperation and allowsfor quick and easycleaning. Available insizes up to 240 GPMfor water features upto 40,000 US gal.Emperor Aquatics Inc., 610-970-0440www.emperoraquatics-pond.comHolmes Farm, Inc. ExpansionAnnouncing theexpansion to ourdistribution facilities.New offices and a2500 sq ft, with over500,000-gallonquarantine fish room. We have added the importing of JapaneseKoi to our fish program. We will have over 100,000 Koi availableranging from 10˝ and up.Holmes Farm, Inc., 117 Cronrath Rd., Barto, PA877-412-3276Pro Series Fountain BasinsWhether installing a bubbling urn, rockcolumns or a disappearing fountain – the ProSeries Fountain Basins incorporates thefeatures, strength, and ease preferred bytoday’s professional. Its one piececonstruction provides exceptional strengthwith seven molded cones to support the top panel. Built-inchannels allow plumbing to be run on top of the basin tosimplify the installation while recessed pockets accept Atlantic’snew Triton 3-Way Diverter - adjusting the water flow tomultiple pieces has never been easier!Atlantic Water GardensAllen Beech, National Sales Managerallen@atlanticwatergardens.com1-877-80-PONDS (7-6637) x 17www.atlanticwatergardens.comPlease send Press Releases toPR@pondtrademag.comSubmissions are posted atpondtrademag.comas they are received.Salinity TesterA cost effective Salt Tester from New Technology in the UK. Simplyfloats and measures the Saline Gravity, no recharges or calibration. Easy to use.RSP $29.95United Aquatics LLC, New Jerseywww.unitedaquatics.com42 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com

New Water TreatmentProductsBiocuda Pond TreatmentsWater treatment product line includescleaners, flocculent, dechlorinator andbeneficial bacteria.Biocuda Pond Treatments features threevarieties of pond cleaners. Clarity-Blast+,Eco-Klean Oxy Pond Cleaner, and, Eco-Solv9Complete Pond Cleaner.Also offered in this treatment line ofproducts, Quick-Clear Pond Flocculent,Re-Vive Dechlorinator Liquid, Bio-Max+ AllSeason Beneficial Bacteria, and Bio-MaxBeneficial Bacteria.Atlantic Water GardensAllen Beech, National Sales Managerallen@atlanticwatergardens.com1-877-80-PONDS (7-6637) x 17www.atlanticwatergardens.com“Pond Resources”POND Trade MagazineA new tab has been added to our website for Pond Resources. First resource nowavailable - Regulated Noxious AquaticWeeds complied by Kelly Billing, NurseryManager, Maryland Aquatic Nursery.Did you know that Lythrum salicaria,(Purple Loosestrife) is banned in 33 states.Download this important list now.If you have a resource, send it tous and we will add it to our web site.cindy@pondtrademag.comwww.pondtrademag.comContractor Grade Black Foam Gun Kit -PondBuilder, Inc.Customers will be able topurchase a FOAM GUN and Caseused to foam seal stones duringwaterfall construction. Each steelFoam Gun comes shipped in afield-ready durable case makingstorage simple.This foam gun solves contractorscomplaints by allowing thumbflow control, extension capabilitiesand a steel shaft that brakes downeasily for cleaning and storage.Foam kit case comes with extrablack foam, gun cleaner and tools.PondBuilder. Inc.Aaron ScarlataBusiness Development866-921-3779email: aaron@pondbuilder.comwww.pondbuilder.comTrade NewsIon-Gen System -Aquascape, Inc.IonGenSystem is anelectronic waterclarifier solution forponds, Pondless®Waterfalls anddecorative waterfeatures. TheIonGen is simpleto install, safe forfish and plants, not toxic to any animals that may drink from thewater feature, and eliminates unsightly water conditions withoutthe use of chemicals.The IonGen automatic control panel sends signals thatslowly dissolve a replaceable, self-cleaning metal probe, anddrastically reduces the need for traditional pond chemicals. Easyto-usetouch pad for adjusting ionization.Aquascape866-877-6637 (US) or 866-766-3426 (CAN)www.aquascapeinc.comMars Fishcare fills new role ofPond Specialist withMia KeskeAnnounce with great enthusiasmour new Pond Specialist Mia Keske.In her new role Mia will focus on theNorth American pond businessdirectly supporting Territory Managers.Mars Fishcare, North America Inc.(formerly Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Inc.), a member ofthe Mars group of companies, has been a leader in the petindustry for more than 40 years, manufacturing hundredsof quality products for aquariums and ponds.MARS Fishcare North America, Inc.215/822-8181www.marsfishcare.comRemote Astro TimerFocus Industries, Inc. NEWproduct announcement – Control 1or 2 transformers from this easy touse REMOTE ASTRO TIMERcontrol device! 2400 W (20A) at120V. Compatible with all types oflighting transformers. Plug and Playˆ no wiring required. Includes 2ground receptacles, and features:automatic sunset/sunrise activation, setting based on latitude andlongitude coordinates, 2 program modes for night settings andpre-dawn settings and more. Automatically adjusts for DaylightSavings time. Never needs reprogramming! In Stock Now.Focus Industries, Inc.Toll free: (888) 882-1350 ext 126Direct Line: (949) 421-0539www.focusindustries.comMay/June 2010POND Trade Magazine43

Trade NewsMars Fishcare Launchs New Websitewww.marsfishcare.comThe new lookand feel of the site isuser friendly, offersinformation anddirect links to thefour brands andthree internationalheadquarter locationsthat make up MarsFishcare. The sitedisplays in Englishand French andinforms users oftheir principleobjectives as a company.MARS Fishcare North America, Inc.215/822-8181www.marsfishcare.comClearview Pond Cover NetsExactly the way it sounds "CLEAR"• Unobtrusive, low visibility pondcover. • Provides protection from predatorssuch as herons and cats. • Prevents leavesfalling into the pond and causing waterquality problems. • Stops fish fromjumping out of the pond.• Complete with fixing pegs.Innovative Aquatics, LLC.,253-875-1113 • 877-875-1113innovativeaquatics@q.comSummit View Koi • www.svkoi.comRainwater System in Colombia,South AmericaA team of AquascapeFoundation volunteersinstalled a 10,000-galrainwater harvestingsystem at La Rosa de SaronSchool in Barranquilla,Colombia. The waterproject paired theRainXchange® rainwaterharvesting system byAquascape, Inc. with Genieye’s Eye-Nizer water purificationsystem. The rainwater harvesting system provides clean drinkingwater for approx. 400 school children year-round and creates theability to prepare one hot meal per day. The Aquascape Foundationworked with I.N. Network to locate a school in need of cleandrinking water.Aquascape Foundation • www.aquascapefoundation.comGenieye’s water purification systems • www.genieye.comTo see complete list of trade news go tohttp://www.pondtrademag.com/tradenews/Cooling Headwear –Blubandoo®Cooling headwear continues todeliver quality and value by offering anewly expanded line of fashionable, yetfunctional cooling caps, hats, visors,neckbands, doo rags, and headbands.Blubandoo ® cooling headwear andaccessories contain non-toxic polymer crystals that expand to a gelwhen immersed in water. Blubandoos ® quickly dry to the touch, butstay hydrated, keeping the wearer cool for up to three days beforecompletely drying and returning to their original shape. They arereusable again and again. Simply re-soak them in water for justfive minutes.Blubandoo ® has been designing quality cooling accessories since1993. All Blubandoo ® products can be logo name-dropped.Blubandoo ® Cooling Headwear & AccessoriesDealers and distributors: Contact760-639-4388 • info@blubandoo.comwww.blubandoo.comMedo USA New Websitewww.medo-water.comShowcasing its LA Series of linear piston air pumps, Medo USA(www.medousa.com) has launched a new website (www.medo-water.com)dedicated specifically to the onsite wastewater treatment and koipond/water garden markets.LA Series pumps are ideally suited for water-based applications. Siteprovides a more focused resource on the technicalaspects of the products and uses. The pumps are “…much quieter thanother pumps, have longer service life expectancy, and consume lessenergy than alternative aerators.”Medo’s unique,patent-awarded linearmotor driven freepiston system designeliminates the wearcomponents typicallyfound in conventionalair compressors andvacuum pumps. Theonly moving part isthe piston. Alsoeliminated is the need for any lubrication.An interactive online form provides users the opportunity toreceive detailed application assistance.Medo USAwww.medo-water.comSign up for our news feeds.Go tohttp://feeds.feedburner.com/PONDTradeNews/http://feeds.feedburner.com/PONDTradeArticles/and stay update with the latest trade newsand articles.44 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com

Advertiser’s by CategoryAquatic and Terrestrial PlantsASR – Aquatic Systems &Resources, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .39877/277-9376www.ASR4ponds.comEcoGroline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12800/637-4823www.ecogroline.comFourth Generation Nursery . . . . . .20www.fourthgenerationnursery.comEquipment DistributorsCoastal Pond Supply . . . . . . . . . .30800/782-6179www.coastalpond.comInMotion Aquatics . . . . . . . . . . . .22909/920-1944www.inmotionaquatics.comMatala USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35949/376-3550www.MatalaUSA.comWater Garden, LLC, The . . . . . . . .13866/948-1479www.watergarden.com/ptEquipment ManufacturersAirmax Eco-Systems . . . . . . . . . .32www.airmaxeco.comAlpine Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . .3877/710-0162www.alpine4u.comEasy Pro Pond Products . . . . . . . .13800/448-3873www.EasyProPondProducts.comEcoRain Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . .30818/905-7145www.ecorain.comGC Tek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22866/712-7007www.gctek.comLitek Composites Corp. . . . . . . . . .2888/591-4901www.frpfiltertank.comMulti-Duti Mfg., Inc.– Sequence . .17800/447-8342 x 22 & 23www.mdminc.comPolyTank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39800/328-7659www.polytankco.comPondliner.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20866/219-3561www.pondliner.comPurity Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38800/257-1961www.puritypool.comExtend Your National Visibility – ADVERTISE in POND Trade MagazineCall Paul Cohen 619/564-6916 or pcohen@pondtrademag.comMay/June 2010United Aquatics, LLC . . . . . . . . .21856/985-9339www.unitedaquatics.comFood ManufacturesAquatic Nutrition, Inc. . . . . . . . . .35352/357-0902www.aquaticnutrition.comMazuri . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover800/227-8941www.mazuri.comKoi & Koi BreedersBassinger Fisheries . . . . . . . . . .37817/366-1746www.texasdesertkoi.comBlue Ridge Fish Hatchery, Inc. . . .29800/334-5257www.blueridgekoi.comKloubec Koi Farm . . . . . . . . . . . .40888/564/4692www.kloubeckoi.comKoi HealthAqua Finn, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32800/955-0221www.minnfinnmax.comAqua Meds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47888/864-6919www.aquameds.comPlant FoodHighland Rim AquaticPlant Fertilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28614/496-0711www.highlandrimaquatics.comPublicationsKoi Collector’s Pocket Guide . . . . .41760/451-2255www.gardensidepubs.comKoishi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17760/451-2255www.gardensidepubs.comPOND Trade Magazine . . . . . . . . .29888/356-9895www.pondtrademag.comProfessional ServicesGreen Pen, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28215/313-0183www.thegreenpen.comWater ProductsBio Safe Systems . . . . . . . . . . . .40860/290-8890www.biosafesystems.comClear Pond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21www.clearpond.comDrTim’s Aquatics . . . . . . . . . . . . .8www.drtimsaquatics.comAdvertisers’ IndexAdvertiser’sAlphabeticalID number for Online Info Cardwww.pondtrademag.com/infocard/‰100 Airmax Eco-Systems . . . . . . . . .32102 Alpine Corporation . . . . . . . . . . .3103 Aqua Meds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47105 AquaFinn, LLC (MinnFinn) . . . . .32111 Aquatic Nutrition, Inc. . . . . . . . .35106 ASR – Aquatic Systems& Resources, Inc. . . . . . . . . . .39108 Bassinger Fisheries . . . . . . . . .37109 Bio Safe Systems, LLC . . . . . . .40112 Blue Ridge Fish Hatchery, Inc. . .29151 Clear Pond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21144 Coastal Pond Supply . . . . . . . . .30115 DrTim's Aquatics, LLC . . . . . . . .8117 Easy Pro Pond Products . . . . . .13118 EcoGroline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12150 EcoRain Systems . . . . . . . . . . .30120 Fourth Generation Nursery . . . . .20121 GC Tek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22123 Green Pen, The . . . . . . . . . . . .28148 Highland Rim AquaticPlant Fertilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . .28132 InMotion Aquatics . . . . . . . . . .22135 Koi Collector’s Pocket Guide . . .41124 Kloubec Koi Farm . . . . . . . . . . .40129 Koishi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17127 Litek Composites Corp. . . . . . . .2See Page MarketPlace Ads . . . . . . . . .41126 Matala USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35141 Mazuri . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover130 Multi-Duti Mfg., Inc.– Sequence Pumps . . . . . . . . . .17136 PolyTank, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .39138 POND Trade Magazine . . . . . . .29145 Pondliner.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .20139 Purity Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38147 United Aquatics, LLC . . . . . . . .21142 Water Garden, LLC, The . . . . . .13POND Trade Magazine45

Finishing Up – Just Another Day in Mom’s GardenMatthew Billing enjoys a day in his mom’s garden.Kelly Billing is a regular contributor toPOND Trade Magazine, including the articlestarting on page 24, “My Favorite Aquatic Plant.”Hmm, do you think Lotus is one of their favorite plants?46 POND Trade Magazine pondtrademag.com

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