Why the emphasis on water quality and chemistry?
Water is the life blood that keeps ponds, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs alive. Developing and maintaining good water quality is the key to successful aquatic resource management. Almost all problems common in aquatic resource management – excess weeds, poor water color, offensive odors, rapid sludge accumulation, fish kills – can be traced to water quality problems. Because of the tremendous effect of water quality on aesthetics and fish health, proactive management should be the primary concern. Aqua Sierra can make the best recommendations starting with a simple water sample collection and analysis. Our full laboratory water chemistry analysis will provide you with information on 23 parameters that are necessary for successful fisheries management. The list of parameters tested includes but is not limited to: conductivity, calcium, chloride, hardness, magnesium, iron, pH, phosphorous, sulfate, nitrate, alkalinity, total dissolved solids and many more. Understanding your water quality is the first step to creating an effective management plan and realizing lasting solutions.
Why should I choose Aqua Sierra Inc. even if my water isn’t in the Rockies?

Our clients from around the United States and across the globe can all attest that if you are looking for lasting solutions based on sound science while receiving exemplary professional service it is worth your while to contact Aqua Sierra.

Why do fisheries biologists or fisheries technicians do Aqua Sierra’s fish stocking?
Unlike others who back up a truck to your water, lift the gate, and dump your fish, we have professionally educated and trained fisheries professionals stocking fish in your resource. By gradually tempering your fish to the temperature and chemistry of your water we maintain a mortality rate of less than 1%. In addition to receiving vigorous, healthy fish, you receive the added benefit of having a trained fisheries professional on site to assess your water and answer questions!
What is the benefit of pond-raised fish vs. raceway-raised fish?

trophy-fisheryMost commercially available game fish today are raised in concrete race ways. This enables fish famers some level of bio-security, as well as maximize fish densities as they pump them full of fish chow to help pack on the pounds. While these fish are generally available at a competitive cost, it is common for raceway raised fish to have abrasions, torn fins and gill plates, or even a missing eye. Pond raised fish on the other hand have more room to grow, learn at a young age to avoid predation, and may supplement their diets with both insects and other small fish naturally occurring in the pond. This produces a more vibrant, aggressive fish that will ultimately temper more quickly to its new home in your pond or river. There is benefit to both raceway and pond raised fish, so if you are interested in exploring stocking your water please contact the team at Aqua Sierra today for a free quote!

I want to build a new pond. How can Aqua Sierra help me?

Aqua Sierra’s team of biologists and engineers can manage every aspect of assessment, design, and construction oversight to build the water of your dreams. Unlike terrestrial landscaping, when you build a pond you are in essence creating a living organism that will age and mature. Creating a design based on a resource specific biological, chemical, and physical components enables us to design a healthy balanced ecosystem. Whether you want a trophy fishery, a crystal clear swimming pond, or an aesthetically stunning lake, contact the professionals at Aqua Sierra to help make your vision for your water a reality.

Can’t I just spray the aquatic vegetation with herbicide myself?

If you are applying herbicide to your own water, you are allowed to do so with chemicals specifically labeled for aquatic use. The label is law when applying herbicide and pesticides, and there are significant legal and ecological ramifications when chemicals are not applied correctly. Substantial fines can be leveled against those incorrectly applying herbicides and pesticides, not to mention the accidental death of fish or non-target plant species. For any and all “for hire” chemical applications, a licensed and certified applicator must be employed. If you would like to explore chemical algae or vegetation management tools, call Aqua Sierra today and talk to our licensed professionals to see which tools would be best for your water.

My pond/lake/stream is a mess! Where do I start?

If you are on Aqua Sierra’s website and reading this page you are in the right place! Just like when you visit an emergency room, we need to triage your water to determine what the factors are causing the “mess”. Click on the contact line below and tell us a little bit more about the problems plaguing your pond and one of our biologists will connect with you to discuss the next steps and solution track. When your water is sick; call Aqua Sierra where the pond doctor is always in!

How do I know what type of fish will do best in my pond or how many fish to stock?

There are a number of factors that determine what type of fish will do best in any given water. Surface area, maximum and average depths, temperature, elevation, water chemistry, dissolved oxygen levels, available forage, the water’s location in regards to threatened or endangered species, what fish are already in the resource, and your goals for the water are all taken into account. To learn more about different species and determine what fish would do best in your water contact the team at Aqua Sierra for free stocking recommendations.

How do I know if grass carp will be effective in managing my aquatic vegetation issues?

Similar to people, grass carp have feeding preferences. Vegetation such as duck weed or pondweed rank fairly high as a grass carp’s favorite food, while filamentous algae is lower on their list. Stocking recommendations for grass carp are based on many factors including, but not limited to, types and density of vegetation present, resource size, location and designated use of the water body. When guided by the factors listed above, stocking grass carp can provide proactive aquatic vegetation management for a number of years. Special consideration must be taken when stocking grass carp because some aquatic plants can spread from fragmentation during feeding activity, and too many grass carp can remove vital habitat, stir up silt, and impair water clarity. If you would like to explore if grass carp would be an effective management tool in your water, contact the team at Aqua Sierra today to learn more and receive a free stocking proposal.

What is the difference between Aqua Sierra Inc.’s aeration technology and that of their competitors?

There are many companies selling aeration from catalogues of equipment and backing their systems with flowery promises of improved water quality and increased dissolved oxygen levels. Simply stated, what separates Aqua Sierra and our systems from those of our competitors is that our claims of industry best mixing rates and oxygen transfer are all backed by independent, third party testing and sound scientific data. At Aqua Sierra we are scientists first, interested in understanding the root of problems ailing our clients’ water, and engineering lasting solutions specific to each resource. We encourage anyone exploring the use of aeration in the management of their lake, pond, or treatment facility and to ask prospective vendors to prove their claims with real, impartial data. Our commitment to hard science and systems that provide quantifiable results has enabled Aqua Sierra to thrive while other fly-by-night aeration vendors have disappeared. To learn more about Aqua Sierra’s aeration technology and if it is right for your water, contact our team today!

To view the independent study proving our best in industry oxygen transfer and mixing potential click here.