Since 1992, Texas has allowed stocking of triploid grass carp, a vegetarian fish native to Asia, with a permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. This biological control method can be very effective for certain types of plants. For more information on this control method and the permit application process, see our triploid grass carp section.

It's just a few minutes away. Hidden Hills is clearly visible from Chimney Rock (and vice-versa.) Besides the fantastic view, there are also nice hiking trails up there. Getting to the top is a 26-story elevator ride. We can sure relate to that one. When we get a chance to stay at the cabin we tend to stay on the property most of the time. It's a great place to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The number of plants is totally up to you. However, it is recommended to have enough plants to cover 50-60% of the water surface to deter algae growth.

A new pond should not be stocked too soon - at least a year after pond construction - for the initial decomposition of organic matter in a basin may eat up oxygen and produce gases toxic to fish. In addition, several months are required for establishing a natural food chain in a pond, and it is important not to stock before ample feed is available, either naturally or through supplemental feeding.

That depends on a couple of factors. First of all, feeding small poundage or numbers of fish is a futile effort if the water temperature is low. Most importantly, do not initiate a feeding program unless you intend to continue it.

Whatever you want! In general, it is recommended that you have 60% of the pond surface covered with plants, this includes upright plants like iris and cattail as well as plants with floating leaves like waterlilies and true floaters like water lettuce and water hyacinth. Floating plants and plants with floating leaves help reduce algae by shading the water, and also using nutrients from the water for growth. Algae needs lots of sunlight and warmth to thrive.

Check with your state fish and game agency. The laws vary from state to state. We sell triploid grass carp to properly permitted individuals or agencies in Florida only.

The recommended amount of plants is to have 30-50% of the surface covered. You want to have a good mix of plants. You don't want to have all of one type of plant. Put in a mix of marginal, Oxygenators, and lilies. You'll want to have more of the first two types of plants more than the lilies.

Generally, there isn't any problem. If you consider the pounds of fish as compared to the volume of water, it is unlikely that you will see any fish unless something is wrong.

Oxygenators (Marestail) help take up excess Nitrogen and add Oxygen to the water. Water celery, Water Hyacinths, and Parrots Feather also help to naturally filter the H2O.

Some vegetation is desirable; however, too much can be a nuisance. Pond managers use a variety of mechanical, environmental, chemical and biological techniques to control undesirable aquatic plants. For more information, see our online brochure about nuisance aquatic plants or try the links on our private lake management page.

The easiest way to answer this question is to consider aquatic plants to fall into four functional groups with similar characteristics. Algae - simplest plants that are microscopic (plankton) or have single or branched filaments (filamentous). Some forms of algae are attached to the bottom, have branched stems, but no true leaves. Submerged aquatic vegetation - These plants have stems and true leaves. Almost all the plant is submerged.

Bog and marginal plants are planted in soil in special pots and placed on "ledges" or areas within your pond's water. Bog plants are placed in areas where there is approx. 4-6" of water. Marginal plants are also planted in pots with special soil and are placed in the pond at depths of 18-24". We carry Aquatic Plant Soil specially designed for planting aquatic plants in water gardens as well as different size of pots you need.

Besides adding beauty to the pond, aquatic plants also provide welcome shade, which reduces algae growth, and natural filtration, which helps clean the water. After the bacteria in your filter break down harmful pollutants, plants are able to absorb and remove them from your pond. For optimal growth, remember to choose plants suited to your climate and to keep plants a reasonable distance away from moving water.

Yes you do! You cannot use typical garden soil as it will cloud your pond water and if there are any chemicals or fertilizers in your soil, you will be adding them to your pond. Special pots may not be totally necessary but pots that are designed for ponds and water gardens have "slotted" sides that allow for water passing through.

Several kinds of fish such as Koi, Comet, Fancy Gold Fish, Shubunkins, as well as snails, frogs and turtles.

You can almost always add plants to your filters where the Koi can’t get to them. If that’s not possible or not enough plants will fit in the filter(s), consider adding an Active Bog, a shallow gravel-filled planting area at the perimeter where water pumped in from the pond flows through roots that pull the nutrients from the water column, effectively starving the algae.

Usually about two-thirds of the water surface is good to have covered. Also, plants that float such as Hyacinths, Water Poppy, Water Snowflake, and especially Fairy Moss help achieve this.

Yes, you can add any water plant you want; however you must dechlorinater the water before adding any fish. This takes adding a dechlorinater to the water or waiting a few days before adding any fish to a newly filled pond.

TrueGreen Sports, utilizing the services of one of the area's most respected landscape companies, Providence Lawn and Landscape of Manassas, is able to provide you with any landscaping design and installation service your project might require, including natural stone retaining walls, ponds, patios, waterfalls, and all varieties of plantings.