Aquatic Effects

All went well, was completed in a timely manor, no fish were lost from stress. They weren't the cheapest. By the care and service that was provided was worth the extra cost. Would recommend    

Excellent. Aquatic Effects doesn't deserve an A, they deserve an A++. I have had a fish pond for 20+ years that was looking tired, needed a new pump and filter etc. Steve not only upgraded this. He took what I had, redesigned the rocks and layout, added underwater lights and brought the look to another level. He is an artist with a great eye as well as knowing the mechanics of what should be done and why. He is also very knowledgeable on fish. He is the BEST there is and I recommend him to anyone that currently has, or is considering adding a fish pond. I also thank Angie's list. This is the third time I have used them and I would never again hire someone without checking this website first, Without them, I would have never found out about Aquatic Effects and wouldn't have my new little 'oasis' in my back yard,

It went very well. Steve and his workmen worked diligently and tackled the problems that arise when you work on a natural pond.

.

Steve is very professional, knowledgable about water features and works with the client to insure their expectations are met. He and his crew did a wonderful job transitioning a mediocre rock fountain to a beautiful center piece for our garden. The final product exceeded our expectations. I would certainly recommend Aquaitic Features to others.

Before leaving on our honeymoon, we had a very limited window to move our saltwater fishtank from one location to another. Stephen was able to fit our move into his schedule and accommodate our needs, and he truly delivered. Steve arrived promptly and we began breaking down the fishtank. I was only expecting a saltwater move however Steve not only moved the tank but cleaned everything as well. He arrived with all necessary supplies and even provided a few lessons on aquarium maintenance. Saltwater tanks are by in large one of the most difficult things to move, his knowledge and expertise made this move easier than I had ever imagined. I only have amazing things to say about this Steve and Aquatic Effects. The tank move wend amazingly well, the fish appear to be happier in their new home and we are truly thankful for all the hard work provided to make this move a reality!

When we originally built the waterfall and pond in our backyard almost ten years ago, little did my wife and I know how much we would come to enjoy it. The relaxing sounds of running water can be very soothing as it blocks out all surrounding neighbor noise, and the beauty of the fish swimming around can erase some of the strains of the day. However, each year we've watched the pond literally fall apart as the smaller rocks around the perimeter seemed to disappear into the pond, and the larger rocks imploded as the foam that held them in place aged and disintegrated. We've enjoyed it so much, we decided to start over and rebuild. However, this time we were a little more knowledgeable in approaching the process. We knew about the hassles of filter box cleaning & maintenance, the disadvantages of the skimmer type pump vs alternatives, and that while it may be cheaper to simply stack the rocks and use foam, it's not the same as a masonry setting of mortar. The first step was to distinguish between a landscaping company (LSC) that will build a waterfall and pond, vs. a company that only builds waterfalls and ponds. The setup we're replacing was built by a LSC, and while it was very nice on day one, it was held together by spray foam, the rocks were too small, and the top skimmer fed box created variety of issues including not being able to have smaller fish. We discussed the project with several LSC's, and after getting several quotes, we realized it appeared we were simply getting another version of what we already had, and most likely a repeat of the same exact problems. Then we had Steve from Aquatic Effects come out and offer a quote and opinion on how it could be improved upon. It immediately became apparent that Steve was literally an expert in the area of ponds, waterfalls, fish, and associated plants and landscaping of water features. What he outlined was not simply a liner and pond kit that many LSC utilize, but rather, a custom package that was extremely comprehensive and much in depth project than we originally anticipated. However, as we really thought it through the differences became crystal clear, from his knowledge of filtering systems for e-z once-a-week maintenance, to his understanding of the construction aspects, to the mortar setting of stones vs foam and stacking, the choice was obvious who we wanted to handle the undertaking. It started on Day 1 with setup, and removal of our fish from pond and the placement of them into tanks where they would reside throughout the several weeks of construction (happy to report all survived the ordeal). Next the dismantling of the current pond and waterfall with careful laying out of how all the large stones were positioned in another area of the yard. As they got done to the old liner and we could really see what was there, Steve discussed several options and recommendations as to how he thought it could even be enhanced to another level with some minor tweaks. We left it in his hands, as the ideas he shared sounded really interesting. Throughout the project, Steve and his team were professional, punctual, and most important of all, Steve really knew his stuff! As he changed the pitch of the waterfall levels, power-washed area's for aging visual, and chiseled rocks to alter the water flow to get the most dramatic effect, we could really see the artistic side of the pond building trade. It's way more then a liner, filter, and a few rocks. When the job was complete, my wife and I were blown away. It looks so natural and rustic you would think it's been there for years and was created by nature. The mortar setting it is so solid there's no doubt it will far more durable and will look almost the same tens years from now. The more attractive visual of plumbing all be embedded into mortar, out of site, and beautiful lighting making it dramatic in the evening. The new filtration makes maintenance nothing by comparison to what we used to do, and it so realistic it literally looks like something you might see at a zoo as a display with wild animals. We couldn't be happier, and the fish appear to feel the same way! Suggest anyone looking to either build a pond for the first time, or if you've become a pond lover and are rebuilding, contact Steve, and simply have him out to discuss your project. We're pretty confident you will see the same difference my wife and I did.

Steve Fowler of Aquatic Effects had built a pond for us in 2012.  The first review combined the experience of building and later maintenance done in both 2012 and 2013. The price originally posted of $400 was for our latest work which was done this year.  The original work - that of digging the pond, installing the water and electrical works, creating the stonework, supplying and installing the pump and filters was done in 2012.  The cost was approximately $40,000.  Sorry for any confusion.

See previous review.

Steve is the ultimate professional and an artist to boot!  Our pond - there is an upper feeder pond with five waterfalls and a spillway into the lower and much larger pond with places for birds to bathe  and drink and caves, etc for frogs and fish to hide.  The entire pond has a concrete bottom and the sides are stone lined.  The filtration system and pump are external - in our case, hidden in the garage.  The system installed by Steve allows us to backflush the filter out the garage door into the adjacent alley.  Except for rinsing the filter screen there is nothing messy about keeping the pond clean and the water clear.  Steve also helped design the surrounding gardens including installation and mulching the entire yard!  He is very responsive to suggestions and will discuss the whys and whynots of any ideas - no matter how outrageous they may seem. (He obviously has a great sense of humor.)  He is very very easy to work with despite the fact that he is a real perfectionist.  The whole job went smoothly and in a timely manner, given the weather.   He has, on our recommendation, completely re- built a neighbor's pond and tall waterfall and will, this year, design and build a water feature for a neighbor whho is a well known artist.  That should be something very special!