Knowledgebase
Welcome to the BTL Knowledgebase. Ever since we started lining ponds, creating covers, and helping people with their projects, we've gotten asked a lot of questions. Many of these questions are repeatedly asked, so we put together the BTL knowledgebase to help answer any questions you had about a particular subject. We are adding new questions every month, so continue to check back often!
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Is tap water OK for ponds?
Whether you’re filling a new pond for the first time, conducting a periodic water change or simply topping it off during a hot, dry summer, the easiest source of water is often your own tap.
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What does pond muck look like?
Pond much is the dark brown or black sludge that collects at the bottom of your pond.
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Why would you dredge a pond?
Over time, all ponds will collect silt, soil and other material carried in from any number of sources, including local waterways
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How do you keep pond water clear without filter?
While it’s theoretically possible to keep an ornamental pond clear without using an actual filter, it’s unclear why that would be advantageous.
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Why does my pond smell fishy?
There are several conditions in an ornamental or a farm pond that can cause obnoxious odors.
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How long before tap water is safe for pond fish?
Letting tap water sit for 24 hours or so before adding to your fish tank was the custom from years ago, while you simply waited for any chlorine to evaporate.
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Can I put goldfish in my outdoor pond?
In general, goldfish can survive quite happily in outdoor ponds across the US, but there are a number of practical and legal considerations you should examine before you dump “Bubbles” and all her friends in the backyard.
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How do you make pond water safe for fish?
Whether you've got a brand new pond or one that's harming fish, there are useful steps to take.
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What are the best fish to stock in a pond?
There are almost always some great options for fish that will thrive in your pond. But first, it’s necessary to define your goals.
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Do black crappie reproduce in a pond?
Black crappie easily reproduce in ponds, sometimes even to the detriment of other species.
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How do I get rid of bullheads in my pond?
Challenge a group of 12 anglers to describe the best way to eradicate bullheads from your pond and you’ll get at least 14 answers
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What are algae raceway ponds?
Raceway ponds are an innovative and affordable type of algaculture system that takes advantage of natural sunlight.
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What types of open algae pond systems are there, and what are their advantages?
Open algae pond systems are exposed to air, which gives them several natural advantages.
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What types of closed algae systems are there, and what are their advantages?
Closed algae systems cost much more to install and maintain, but they do come with a variety of advantages that can’t be replicated in an open algae pond.
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How is algae harvested from algae ponds?
While factors like available light, nutrients, and the risk of contamination can pose difficulties, by far the biggest challenge when producing algae will be harvesting it on a commercial level.
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Can you use sugar to feed algae?
For most varieties of algae, you’ll need to feed something nitrogen based with plenty of phosphorus, but there are a few varieties out there where sugar may be required for optimal growth.
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How can you maximize available natural lighting for an algae pond?
Most types of algae require some amount of light, and because artificial lighting can be expensive to run, it may be best to do what you can with the available sunlight that you have.
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Can you connect algae ponds to other types of aquaculture?
Algae ponds can be extremely useful if you’re producing fish, prawns, and other types of aquatic life.
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How do you manage algae ponds for aquaculture?
For aquaculture, rather than growing just any type of algae, you’ll need to consider the types of algae to culture and you’ll need to produce a quality product.
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What does an algae pond need to thrive?
Algae ponds require plenty of sunlight along with vital nutrients to flourish.
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Can you pair concrete liners with flexible liners to build an effective algae pond?
It is possible to pair concrete liners with a flexible liner like AquaArmor, and there are a few good reasons why you might want to do this.
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Do pond liners contain algaecides that will interfere with algae growth?
Some flexible liners are treated with algaecides, which means you’ll need to choose the right liner for your algae pond.
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What is required to properly maintain an algae pond?
There are several things you’ll need to take care of as part of routine maintenance for your algae pond.
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