Product Review

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: PondBuilder Elite Biological Waterfall Box 40-in.
Product Rating:

Review:
These are big waterfalls. I did a job where I redid the waterfall and put two of these bad boys in. I really like how they came with matala media so I didn't have to replace the usual junk that comes in the filters. It was big enough that I was able to add to large bags of media to each filter. If you need a big waterfall filter, this is a great choice

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Tetra DynaMag Pumps
Product Rating:

Review:
I see this one a lot in ponds I treat. It's fine for a little fountain, but don't try and use it as your main pump for filtration, its just not big enough unless your pond in under 100 gallons. But if you have a complete filter system and you just want a nice little effect of a fountain, then this can be a nice little set up.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Pond Care AlgaeFix
Product Rating:

Review:
I use this a lot for algae. Perfectly safe for the fish and really knocks back the algae quickly. Just be ready to scoop out the dead stuff of the problem will come right back.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: TetraPond Algae Control
Product Rating:

Review:
Its one of the few products that is safe for both fish and plants. AlgaeFix is another one. This is more expensive then algaefix and one bottle doesn't treat very much.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Microbe-Lift Bio-Blue Pond Colorant
Product Rating:

Review:
I still don't see why people use this stuff. Its supposed to block light to algae, but it doesn't work. Don't use it.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Sludge Remover - Toss & Treat
Product Rating:

Review:
I usually leave my customers with these because of the ease of application. The little packs make it easy for them to just drop in and they don't have to think about it. Product works very well.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: KoiRx De-Tox Plus
Product Rating:

Review:
I love how 1 gallon treats over 7500 gallons. You just won't find that kinda of concentration anywhere else and not for the price of this. Very comparable to Ultimate it quality, but cheaper and treats more..

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Tetra - UV 2
Product Rating:

Review:
I have run into these quite a few times. For crappy little pieces of junk, they sure do last a surprisingly long time and don't have too many troubles.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Zapp Pure ZP-5
Product Rating:

Review:
This is a big step up from the little plastic UV's out there. Its very solid and one of the best UV's made. Its the only UV I have seen with an on/off switch. Very easy to change the bulbs, which last a good long time anyway.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Aqua Ultraviolet Twist Series
Product Rating:

Review:
This is the exact same UV as the classic series only it has a union in the main body. That union makes it easier to install but also easier to crack the sleeve. But with care this is a very nice little UV. The Aqua UV line of UV's is the best plastic body UV on the market.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Pondmaster 40-Watt UV
Product Rating:

Review:
for a small plastic UV this one is pretty good. fine for smaller ponds, I would rate this one for ponds UNDER 2000 gallons, maybe even 1500. As with most pond items, you need to cut the recommended numbers in half for them to truly work properly.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Microbe-Lift Spring /Summer Cleaner
Product Rating:

Review:
A lot of my customer use this every Spring and it does seem to help. It definitely won't hurt anything. Not sure its the best bang for the buck though.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: AquaMeds Sludge Remover
Product Rating:

Review:
This product really works very well. Far better then any Microbe-lift product available. Its a bit harder to find and you usually have to order online as most pond supply places don't even stock it. But you can find it online and its worth the shipping cost. You won't find a better sludge reducer out there and this is one of the least expensive.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Microbe-Lift Sludge Away
Product Rating:

Review:
Per gallon treated this product treats less for the dollar spent and its not as effective as some of the other products out there. So its not my first choice. But its also a lot easier tof ind at the local pet store, so if that's all you have available it will work.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Jump Start
Product Rating:

Review:
another very good bacteria product for getting a new pond started. I saw ponds cycle in as a little as 1-2 weeks with this product.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Microbe-Lift Gel Bacteria
Product Rating:

Review:
I had no luck with this stuff. It did stick to the pads, but the cycling took every bit as long as ponds that i did nothing to and used no bacteria.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Fritz Zyme 7
Product Rating:

Review:
Very effective bacteria for new ponds and great to add in the spring to get things going again.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Little Giant Skimmers
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Review:
One of the few skimmers that actually does give you some bio filtration and is not just a skimmer.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Tetra 2-inch Vacuum Drain
Product Rating:

Review:
Be sure to weight it down. They will float if not filled with gravel. But these work very well if you want to use a bottom drain without cutting the liner. But not as effective as a true bottom drain.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Aqua Art Retro Bottom Drain
Product Rating:

Review:
effective for small liner ponds. Don't install in high flow applications. But they are a good way to get debris from the bottom of the pond using an external pump.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Teton Dynamics Pumps
Product Rating:

Review:
cheap little pump. Don't ever let it clog or it will burn up. Better for aquarium applications, not so much for a pond.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: PerformancePro Artesian
Product Rating:

Review:
Probably the most expensive pond pump you can find. But its also one of the best. If you use one it will probably be the last one you ever need to buy. These pumps just never die. They are also super quiet and handle high head applications very easily.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Oase Universal
Product Rating:

Review:
Its a nice well made pump. I have seen these in operation for over 10 years, so you get your monies worth. The prefilter needs some help and will clog easily if put directly in the pond. But otherwise a nice pump.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Sequence 1000 Series
Product Rating:

Review:
One of the most reliable pumps on the market today. It has a well built, Made in USA, motor. Too many pumps use cheap China parts. But there are well built and that means they are going to be a bit more expensive. But you get what you pay for and they are still cheaper then some of the other top brands. That's why I almost always install these pumps for my customers.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Evolution ESE Series
Product Rating:

Review:
These are attractive because of the price point. They will also run for many years. I have had them online for over 3 years and they are still going strong without a single problem. Not sure I believe their claims of low wattage, but I have never tested to be sure. The numbers just seem too good to be true. Heard the same from others as well.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: EasyPro External Pump
Product Rating:

Review:
They are quiet and reliable. They are designed to be low head pumps, so consider then when purchasing. If you have a high head application, then this is not the pump for you.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Laguna PowerGlo
Product Rating:

Review:
I had problem with the base breaking off, but the light itself works great and gives very bright LED lighting for very low watts. They are a good buy and I have used them many times for my customers.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Savio Radiance Halogen Lights
Product Rating:

Review:
One of the best made submersible lights available. I hardly ever see one of these leak or short out.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Pondmaster 1000 and 2000 Submersible Filters
Product Rating:

Review:
clogs VERY easy. Also the little snap on the side break and then you have to wire it shut. Its a fine filter for a couple goldfish, but that's really it.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Laguna PowerFlo Mechanical filter
Product Rating:

Review:
I was not happy with the design. Its hard to clean and the water only comes in through the top. That means any debris that is sitting on the bottom of the pond won't ever be removed by the filter.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: AquaMats
Product Rating:

Review:
silly little things that don't do anything. save your money.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Fish Mate Clear Water Pond Systems
Product Rating:

Review:
These work best when installed as a gravity system rather then a pressurized filter. Kinda cheaply made and don't expect the fittings to last more then a year.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Tetra ClearChoice
Product Rating:

Review:
cheap little things that are very hard to clean and not very effective. I guess if you had one or two goldfish then this filter will be ok, but really its far to hard to clean to be worth using. Also the bio media they use is inefficient and does not offer good surface area per cu ft.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Nexus Eazy 210 and 310
Product Rating:

Review:
If you have the space and ability to install them, they can be great filters. Best to install them as gravity fed and pump return, rather then the other way around. Well made and probably the easiest filter to clean on the market.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Oase Filtoclear Filters
Product Rating:

Review:
Once again, these small filters are only good for smaller ponds with a couple koi. But this is one of the better ones on the market. Well made and easy to clean, it should last you a few years.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Pondmaster Pressurized Filters
Product Rating:

Review:
I like these. I have installed dozens of them on my smaller pond projects or when somebody wants to put a few koi in their goldfish pond. For smaller pond applications they work very well and are built solid. Easy to clean but they do need to be opened up and washed out at least twice a year because the backwash doesn't get everything.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Wave Pressurized Filters
Product Rating:

Review:
This item worked great for the first year, but then i found it to clog quickly and back washing it wouldn't clean it which meant I had to open it up every time, that was a pain. The inside screen is poorly made and doesn't last and it broke because I had to keep opening it up to clean it. The replacement parts were too expensive and the warranty was no good so i ended up just removing the entire thing.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: HozeLock Bioforce
Product Rating:

Review:
Like many of these smaller filters, this one comes with a built in UV which is a nice upgrade. Only use this on smaller ponds with a few fish. Don't try using this on a big pond with a heavy fish load unless you plan of adding additional filters. Its pretty easy to clean and well made.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Alpine Bio-Pure
Product Rating:

Review:
I have worked with a lot of these small filters over the years. Most are adequate for smaller ponds. This Apline for example will work fine if your pond is under 1000 gallons and doesn't have more then a couple koi and goldfish. Don;t expect it to last more then 2 -3 years.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Aqua Plus
Product Rating:

Review:
The first time I installed one of these I had a tough time getting it all straight. It comes in 100 pieces all labeled and its a bit of a puzzle getting it together. Also it was installed only 10 inches above the water level and I still had a heck of a time getting it to prime. It's really a trick making sure every valve, and there are a few of them, is set correctly when you are back washing.

BUT, once you get the hang of it and all the valves settings are memorized, then it becomes a truly wonderful filter system that will provide excellent water quality for very large and heavily stocked ponds.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Bio Wave Plus Filter
Product Rating:

Review:
The bio wave plus is a much better filter the the bio wave. The bottom drain valve is a great feature and main valve is well designed.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Bio Wave Filters
Product Rating:

Review:
cheap little filters, not worth the price. They work ok but are missing some of the nicer features found in even less expensive filters. For example a site glass, almost standard, but not found here. Also, I found the valve to bee low quality and I don;t expect ti to last very long. The blower is a nice upgrade, but it still doesn't backwash very effectively.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: AquaBead Bio-Filtration Systems
Product Rating:

Review:
One of my favorite filters and one of the best filter companies out there. Very well made filter, excellent filtration for both mechanical and biological. The way it can separate the solid waste before it reaches the bio media is genius.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Laguna Feeding Ring
Product Rating:

Review:
works great for smaller koi, and keeps the food out of the skimmer. But large koi will just bump it and all the food floats out.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Hecht Rubber
Product Rating:

Review:
I have worked with this on numerous ponds. Very effective and long lasting. Take care with application though, usually best to hire a pro. If you do it wrong its a real mess and its very expensive.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Fido Shock
Product Rating:

Review:
These don;t work well. Constantly shorting out and there is no way to tell without touching. An indicator light letting you know its active would be a useful upgrade.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Stowasis Spheres
Product Rating:

Review:
I just recently finished building a pond with one of these at the top of the waterfall. Easy to install, they come will all the parts you need and they look great.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Dolphin AV-50 Pond Air Pump
Product Rating:

Review:
A lot of people get these because they don't cost much. I have used them on my own pond and found them to be much louder then the higher end pumps. They also don't hold up as well when left outdoors completely exposed. But for the money they are a decent pump.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Air Tech 75 Air Pump
Product Rating:

Review:
I have used these on several ponds. Its a UK company and they make a very solid air pump. I normally go with Hakko, mostly because I have a good relationship with them, but these pumps are every bit as good. You can expect many years of good reliable air from these pumps.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: HAKKO Linear Air Pumps (HK-40 HK-60 HK-80)
Product Rating:

Review:
Whenever I set up a new pond that needs an air pump, I always go with Hakko. I know my customer will be happy for many years. Good reliable pumps and if there ever is a problem I know Hakko will be excellent to deal with and get a replacement. That only happened once though in all my time installing them and it was my fault, but they still sent a new one.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Shinju Koi Food
Product Rating:

Review:
The key to any koi food is digestibility. High digestibility will ensure good water quality and development. Shinju is one of the most digestible foods available and it a premium formula so the koi really get a lot with every bite.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Ogata Performance
Product Rating:

Review:
Another very good color food. Spirulina is the best thing you can use to enhance the colors of the koi. This food uses plenty of top quality spirulina for the money.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: TomiGai Spirulina
Product Rating:

Review:
Because of the very high protein content, this should only be fed is warmer water. But it will make the colors explode and you will get huge growth.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: TomiGai Tategoi Premier
Product Rating:

Review:
Its a new food on the US market, but I already love it. Excellent formula, very little waste and you will see huge development in the koi.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Toyoma Premium Pro
Product Rating:

Review:
A great low cost alternative tot the premium Dainichi koi food. The Dainichi food is one of the best out there but its expensive. This is made by the same company and its the same food without their vitamin coating. So its a good way to save some money on a really food formula.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Pond PhosGuard
Product Rating:

Review:
If you have algae problems, test for phosphates. If you have phosphates this is the product for you. It very quickly removes phosphates from the pond. I have used it on several ponds with endless phosphate and algae problems and within 2 weeks the algae all died off.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: BioMate Foam Filled
Product Rating:

Review:
I don't like these at all. I had to clean out a pond that had a container filled with these and the owner wanted to save the media. Every ball was clogged and it was impossible to clean out the foam inside.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Japanese Filter Mat
Product Rating:

Review:
These are great filter pads. Most of the ones that come with your filters will clog and fall apart. Not these. They will last for decades and work very well. Using several of them can be enough for a complete stand alone filter system.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Bacti Twist
Product Rating:

Review:
This stuff works fine, but you can cut the cost in half by using pallet strapping. Basically the exact same thing.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Nursery Pro BioBlox
Product Rating:

Review:
Save your money, these things are a mess. They fall apart and float all over the place. You are better off going to the 99 cent store and getting a bunch of scrubbie pads and cutting them up. It will be cheaper and last longer and work every bit as well.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Matala Round Coils
Product Rating:

Review:
I have always been a big fan of the matala material. The rounds are limited in their application, in that they can only be used in a cylinder chamber that fits the size of the round exactly. But when used correctly they are highly effective.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Laguna Biospheres
Product Rating:

Review:
I have worked on a lot of ponds that use these. Laguna makes nice little filters that use this media. The media gives plenty of surface area and cleans out easily during backwash. Its also sturdy enough to last many many years even with heavy cleaning.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Pond Care Pima Fix
Product Rating:

Review:
I would put this product in the category of a preventative tonic. Its not going to resolve any issues you may have, but it helps to keep things like fungus from taking hold. It definitely won't do any harm.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Easytreat Fungus
Product Rating:

Review:
Not as effective on parasits as it is on fungus, in my experience. But I had a pond with significant fungal issues and within 4 treatments this product had everything cleaned up.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Pond HealthGuard
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Review:
This is a good general tonic to keep parasites away. I add it most every spring to safeguard against parasites and infections. Do not overdose as it can have some damaging effects.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Kordon Pond Rid-Ich+
Product Rating:

Review:
I have used this several times and it works very well. It is effective at killing a wide variety of parasites very quickly. However I like the AquaMeds product better.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: PraziPond
Product Rating:

Review:
This is the best fluke treatment on the market. There are other liquid versions but this is more effective and costs less. But of course its still very expensive if you have a large pond.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Hikari Pond Solutions PraziPro
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Review:
This product works, but I gave it a low rating because there is a far superior product on the market called Prazi Pond.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Neocide 3
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Review:
A very effective dip and I keep it on hand at all times. Easy to use and highly effective.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Kordon Permoxyn
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Review:
I used this when I needed something quick and the local aquarium shop was all i had to choose from. I was actually impressed at how well this works. It doesn't treat very much for the money, but it works well and I have started using it on a semi regular basis.

Koi Builder (Installer) on Tuesday 18 January, 2011
Product Reviewed: Bifuran (Koi Care Kennel)
Product Rating:

Review:
This can be a very effective product. it will turn your water bright yellow, but thats a small price to pay. Also it is very hard to mix into the water, its best to mix it is a separate container, then pour into the pond. But if you are having pond wide bacterial infections, this is a very useful tool.

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