Blagdon Customer Care – How can we help you?
Water Features
Where can I find details on the Affinity Pools
Click here for further information.
Can I grow plants in planting media on the floor of my Affinity Pool?
No we do not recommend this. The fish will disturb the media which may cause the pump to block. You can use the Affinity Baskets to grow any plants.
General Pond
What is the maximum amount of fish I can have in my pond?
For every sq.metre of pond surface you can have 25cm length of fish (don’t' include the tail in this measurement) Example: a pond with a 3 sq.metre surface area can accommodate 75cm of fish in total - for instance 10 x 7.5cm fish
Why is my pond losing water?
If it is concrete there may be a breach in the substrate, allowing the water to escape. The breach can be repaired using concrete. Once this has cured, then we would suggest a pond sealant be applied, sealing with new concrete. If the breach cannot be located, you may wish to place a liner inside the pond. Also you need to check all hose and hose attachments to make sure that water is not leaking from them. If the liner is damaged you may be able to use a repair kit, available from your local retailer.
Where can I buy your products?
Use our online store locator to find your nearest stockist.
How do I work out the volume of my pond?
The length x depth x width in metres, multiplied by 1000 will give the volume in litres. The length x depth x width in feet, multiplied by 6.23 will give the volume in gallons. Alternatively please use the Interpet Calculator
Where can I buy Blagdon spare parts?
Use our online store locator to find your nearest stockist, who may be able to supply or order for you. Alternatively, visit www.pumpsandspares.com.
Why am I seeing foam in my pond?
Pond foam is caused by surfactants which are attracted to the surface of air bubbles and strengthen the bubble so it does not pop, but creates an unsightly foam. These surfactants may be artificial chemicals such as detergents. However, the most common cause of pond foam is high levels of protein, from the partial breakdown of organic matter, building up in the pond.
There are a number of products available which are effectively wetting agents, which affect the surface energy of the bubbles, causing them to pop, and therefore break up the foam. However, it is also necessary to find the cause and eliminate that also. We also recommend the following:
- Carrying out water changes to dilute the surfactants.
- Removing excess sludge from the bottom of the pond.
- Checking that the fish stocking level is not excessive; only 2”-3” of fish per square foot of surface area.
- Adding Sludge Buster to remove dead organic matter.
Pond & Garden Lighting
Can I get different coloured covers for the lights?
Unfortunately, the lights are supplied complete and there are no alternative colours available.
Pond Maintenance – Pond Monsta
My PondMonsta continues to work when handle is released.
The unit works by a radio frequency and therefore some conditions can affect the signal. Try moving the handle around to enable the signal to improve. Also hold the handle further away from the body.
Why would the PondMonsta not pick up debris?
The PondMonsta is designed to work in water at least 30cm deep. The unit also needs to be slowly submerged to avoid any air locks.
What battery is in the PondMonsta?
The battery is a 12v Alkaline Battery 23A (L1028). They are widely available.
Pond Accessories
How can I check that my Electronic Blanket Weed Controller is still working as the signal light is not flashing.
In order to determine if the signal is still effective, place a MW radio next to the antenna and tune until a strong signal is located; this will be in the form of constant beeping. If this happens, the unit is working.
Pond Aeration
Why do the flappers keep getting little holes in them?
Damage can be caused by the unit operating in a dusty environment. Change the air filter pad regularly.
The output of my Koi Air pump has decreased, where can I obtain spares from?
It is possible that you require an Annual Maintenance Kit, which consists of all the parts you require to get the most from the air pump. Click here to purchase the kit.
Why is my Koi Air pump so noisy?
The Koi Air pumps have a large motor, which will produce more noise than smaller air pumps. If the noise level is unacceptable, housing the unit inside a brick outbuilding, such as a garage, rather than a shed, may be preferable. It is also intended that the majority of the outlets will be utilised. If you only require one or two outlets, we would suggest that our Pond Air 1 or Pond Air 2 may be more suitable for your environment.
Pond Construction
My pond has previously been painted. Can I use V8 Pondseal?
V8 can be used on previously painted surfaces, but you will need to abrade the surface first. If the surface is not prepared in this way, the new coat of V8 will not adhere to it.
Can I use V8 Pondseal or Pond Paint on fibreglass?
No, neither product is intended for using on fibreglass.
Why is my paint peeling?
This can happen if the concrete isn't fully dry. For every 2.54 cm (1") depth of concrete, you will need to allow 30 days of drying time. It is also important that each application of paint is dry before the next one is applied. If the paint is peeling, you will need to abrade with a wire brush before starting again.
Can I use Pond Paint on an existing concrete pond or surface?
No. Pond Paint is only designed to be used on new concrete which has fully cured. If the surface is not completely cured, the paint may peel/wash off.
Can I apply Pond Paint or V8 Pondseal to a surface that has previously been painted with a sealant?
Pond Paint can only be used on new, untreated concrete. V8 Pondseal can only be applied if the surface has been abraded first.
Pond Treatments, Medication and Test Kits
Why is my water hardness high and how can I resolve this?
Alkalinity and water hardness have quite a complex relationship, but in simple terms, alkalinity closely reflects temporary hardness. This is because temporary hardness is caused mainly by bicarbonate ions, which are also chiefly responsible for the water’s alkalinity. If you are doing regular water top-ups, the water hardness will increase, since when water evaporates, it leaves behind calcium carbonate, which will contribute to the water hardness level. If your tap water is also very hard, then the problem will continue to escalate. Collecting rainwater and using this for water changes or top-ups may alleviate the problem, since rainwater is naturally soft.
Pond Disinfectant
Do I have to remove fish from my pond before using Pond Disinfectant?
Pond Disinfectant is not designed to be used with livestock. It is used to clean a new pond before filling, when carrying out complete pond clean-outs, after disease wipe-outs or to disinfect plants and/or equipment before using in the pond.
As with any chemical product, it is important that the instructions are followed carefully and the product does have to be diluted before being used either to clean the pond or disinfect plants and equipment. If used undiluted, the product cannot be removed adequately; it could then be harmful to the fish, when they are re-introduced into the pond.
Duckweed Buster
Why is Duckweed Buster not killing my duckweed?
Duckweed Buster is a liquid formulation containing a selected range of bacteria which have been stabilised and will remain dormant until they are introduced into water which contains dissolved oxygen. It acts as a natural control agent, which preferentially takes up key nutrients which are important in the growth of Duckweed. In this way it very specifically modifies the chemistry of the water in a pond without having a negative effect on the fish and other plants.
Although Duckweed Buster works well under most conditions, it must be remembered that it will not kill existing Duckweed and it is important to remove as much of the existing weed as possible before applying the product.
It is less effective in ponds where there is a substantial build-up of organic matter at the bottom of the pond. Although the Duckweed plants get their nutrients from the water, as these are used up, further nutrients will be released from the bottom mud and silt, where they have been bound up in the organic matter. This makes it very difficult for the selected bacteria in Duckweed Buster to change the water chemistry and thus suppress the growth of the Duckweed. To remove organic matter, we would recommend the use of our Sludge Buster product.
Anti Ulcer
Why is my fish not getting better with Anti Ulcer?
What we do know is that when fish are healthy, their skin produces mucus which sloughs off parasites. When the fish develop ulcers, they have an open wound. This means that there is no mucus being made and consequently, the parasites have got a convenient eating place. Consequently, the Anti Ulcer may be working in eradicating the bacterial disease, but the parasites are preventing the wound from healing. We would suggest treating with a course of Anti Parasite. After you have completed the 5-day course, you should wait 7 days and then revert to the Anti Ulcer treatment.
Blanket Weed Buster
How long does it take to clear the algae?
As every pond environment is unique and the product is a natural, bacterial product, it is not possible to say how long it will take to clear your pond. However, you can use the product more frequently to "kick-start" the process. You can also try adding the required dose to warm tap water and leaving overnight before putting into the pond. This will encourage the bacteria to incubate and be more effective more quickly.
Medication
Is it safe if my dog/cat drinks from the pond after I've added a medication?
Yes - once a treatment is diluted in the pond it is perfectly safe for domestic animals or wildlife to drink from the pond.
I have used a pond medication but the problem has not cleared up, can I redose?
Yes - you can start a new course of treatment straight away, unless you have sensitive fish such as Orfe, Tench or Rudd in the pond, in which case you must wait 10 days before re-dosing. We would also suggest using Pond Guardian Tonic Salt to reduce the stress levels of the fish and testing the quality of the water using a Master Test Kit.
Can I use 2 pond medications at the same time?
NO - it is not safe to mix medications. However, you can use ONE medication with any of our water quality treatments.
Treatments
Can I use more than one pond treatment at the same time?
Yes - any water quality treatments can be used together. You can, however, only use ONE MEDICATION at the same time as using any of our water quality treatments
What is the minimum temperature you can use treatments?
We recommend that it should be above 10°C to be effective, as the metabolism of the fish does not respond well below this temperate
Is it safe if my dog/cat drinks from the pond after I've added a pond treatment?
Yes - once a treatment is diluted in the pond it is perfectly safe for domestic animals or wildlife to drink from the pond
Fresh Start
I have used Fresh Start - how long do I have to wait before adding the fish?
You can introduce the fish immediately.
Green Away
Why has my water turned red/brown colour after using Green Away?
The most likely reason is that the pH is not between 6.5 and 8.5. Test the pH of the water using an Interpet pH Test Kit and then the Interpet pH Adjuster to bring the pH back into the safe band. You will need to locate the source of the high/low though. If the pH is high, this could be high nutrients or calcium leaking from concrete in or around the pond. If there is any untreated concrete, it can be sealed using V8 Pondseal. Nutrients can be used reduced by carrying out a series of partial water changes. If the pH is low then the possible causes are rotting vegetation, inefficient filtration and overstocking.
Why is there no difference to my pond after I have used Green Away
Try putting a couple of drops of Green Away into a 1/2 litre of pond water. You should see the green water algae clump together and sink out of suspension. If it does, this shows that the product is working and capable of clearing your pond. Check that you have dosed correctly. We would also suggest dosing early in the day when the pH is naturally at its lowest.
Sludge Buster
How often can Sludge Buster be used?
Sludge Buster can be used fortnightly to maintain low waste levels. It is also ideal for using after any algae control products.
Pond Balance
I have just used Pond Balance, but my pond has gone milky
This is not a problem - it will dissipate over time. This can happen depending on the individual pond's water chemistry.
I am using Pond Balance - can I use a larger dose or more often?
You can continue to use every 10 days indefinitely and can use every 5 days if the problem is particularly severe, but we do not recommend the dose be increased.
What size is the spoon in the Pond Balance pack?
There is a 10 ml spoon in the pack
Powersafe Pond & Garden Electrics
Why is the Blanket Weed Controller not having any effect on the pond weed?
The Controller can take up to 90 days to start to eliminate the weed. After this time we would suggest that you check pH and nitrates are OK. If the pH is high, then you will need to locate the source, which could be high nutrients or calcium leaking from concrete in or around the pond. If there is any untreated concrete, it can be sealed using a pond sealant. Nutrients can be reduced by carrying out a series of partial water changes. You could also try turning the unit off for a week then turn back on. The unit works in cycles and this can sometimes be enough to kick-start the system again.
Why has the remote for my Powersafe Remote Switchbox stopped working?
The signal could have been lost between the remote and the Powersafe box. Please view the re-setting instructions on our Blagdon downloads section.
I have bought 5 Photech lights and have two 3-way connectors How do I set these lights up?
The 5-way connector offered very limited flexibility and therefore, by using two 3-way connectors, a wider configuration could be offered to consumers.
The configuration with two 3-way connectors are:
- 3m of cable from the socket to the transformer
- 5m of cable from the transformer to the first 3-way connector
- 5m of cable from the first 3-way connector to each of two lights, ie: 10m from transformer
- 5m of cable from the first 3-way connector to the second 3-way connector
- 5m of cable from the second 3-way connector to each of the three lights, ie: 15 m from the transformer.
Recent feedback has indicated that consumers are delighted with the additional flexibility this gives them.
Can I get advice on installing my electrical products?
As detailed in all our instructions, it is extremely important that electrical products should be protected by a residual current device (RCD). However, under new EU legislation, we are obliged to advise that all electrical work on garden lighting and power installations must comply with part P of the Building Regulations and should be carried out by a competent electrician, who is registered under the Part P self-certification scheme. If this is not the case, then your local Building Control Department must be advised. It is a criminal offence if you do not comply with this.
Why does my Electronic Blanketweed Controller not work after the power is turned off?
There are two possible causes: the antenna connectors are by necessity a very tight fit and from experience, we know that if these connectors are not properly engaged, then effectively there is a ‘break’ in the circuit and the signal light will not flash, indicating a problem.
When the mains is switched on, the power light will come on, then a diagnostic self-test is initiated, causing the green light to flash on start-up. When this initial self-test is complete, the green light will initially turn off, before beginning to “pulse”. We have occasionally found that as the green light goes off, the owner believes the unit is not working, when this is not in fact the case.
What size and type of hosing should I use with the Electronic Blanketweed Controller?
- There should be no metal in the pipe, around which the antenna is wrapped (sometimes found in flexible hosing)
- The diameter of the pipe should be less than 2”, to ensure good contact with the antenna
- The wall of the pipe itself should not be thick, as this could affect contact
- Only half the volume of pond water should be pushed through the system once every hour.
If I have more than one remote-controlled switch box in my garden, do I just use one handset?
No, each handset has its own frequency, so you can control each unit with its own handset. This also means that if your neighbour has one, they can't switch yours off with their handset!
Pond Filtration, Bio Media & UVC
How do I clean my pond filter?
NEVER clean your pond filter with tap water as this kills essential bacteria. The simple way is to rinse the filter media in a bucket of pond water to remove the heavy organic waste - they do not need to be sparkling clean.
How often do I need to change my ultraviolet bulb?
UVs are needed to keep pond water clear. The bulb has an effective life of 6 months, as most ponds require UV for only 6 months a year, in late spring, summer & early autumn. The bulb should be changed once a year, preferably in spring. Check to ensure that the quartz sleeve is not dirty or needs de-scaling.
Do I need to keep my pond filter on all of the time?
Yes - as turning it off will destroy the bacteria and the filter will no longer be effective.
Which size filter should I buy?
The correct size filter is dependent on the size of your pond, its location, depth and the stocking levels. For further assistance, please contact your local Blagdon retailer, as detailed on our Store Locator.
How can I check if the UV in my filter is working?
Remove the inlet hosetail and hold a piece of white paper up to the end of the UV chamber. A dim reflection should be seen. This is best done in the evening as the reflection cannot be seen during daylight hours.
Midipond Filters
What is the black, oblong rubber part for?
This should be placed on the end of UV bulb for protection against it breaking.
Cyclone Filter
Why is there water inside the Quartz Sleeve?
It is likely to be because the o-ring has perished and requires replacing. To purchase a replacement please contact www.pumpsandspares.com.
Pond Pumps
All pumps
Why has my pump stopped working?
Check the impeller - if there are strands of pond weed in the pump, this may stop the impeller from turning correctly. Check the electricity supply i.e. the fuse, or connect to an alternative power supply. If the unit still fails to operate and it is within the guarantee period, you should return it to your retailer, who will be able to assist you further.
Why has the flow rate from my pump decreased?
Check the impeller - if there are strands of pond weed in the pump, this may stop the impeller from turning correctly. Also check the fountain if there is one - if the holes are blocked, the water flow will be reduced. Ensure the pipe work is not blocked, leaking or is laid so that it gets crushed/kinked. Remove hosing directly from pump outlet to check the flow rate, as it may not be the pump.
Do I need to turn my pond pump off during the winter?
No, pumps and filtration systems work best if they are kept running through out the year. This will maintain the life support system the pond needs during the seasons. In winter it is best to lift the pump off the bottom and onto the marginal shelf as this allows the lower layer of water in the pond to remain still for the fish. Waterfalls should be bypassed in winter to avoid excessive chilling of the pond water.
What can I do to prevent my pond from freezing over in winter?
The water needs to be aerated to stop it freezing, this can be achieved by using a pond airpump or pond filtration pump
Is the transformer of my All In One waterproof?
No, the transformer is weatherproof only.
Why do you not offer a guarantee on pump impellers?
Unfortunately, the impeller is a moving part and is therefore a ‘consumable’ item. The pond environment is unique and there may be sand, grit or debris in the pond which gets sucked into the pump and can in itself affect the life and workings of the impeller. This cannot be covered under guarantee.
Amphibious Pumps
Where can I obtain technical advice about my Amphibious pump?
Advice is available from Circulating Pumps on 0845 6021102.
Can the Amphibious pumps be used in salt water?
No, as they have copper parts.
What fittings are supplied with the P8000 and P9000
These units are not supplied with any fittings.
Force Hybrid Pumps
Can the Force Hybrid pumps be run externally?
Yes, a kit is available to allow this application. Please contact www.pumpsandspares.com