| How to Get Rid of Algae in Ponds Posted: 01 Feb 2019 04:00 PM PST A pond can be a beautiful and ornamental addition to a garden or home, but it might lose some of its charm if the water is green and murky with algae. Whether you want a cleaner pond in the long-term with more natural solutions, prefer to use mechanical or chemical solutions to remove algae from the pond, or want to prevent algae from building up, there are several easy options that can help you achieve your goal. EditCleaning Algae with Natural Solutions - Plant aquatic plants in your pond to absorb algae forming nutrients. As a living organism, algae draws nutrients from the water in order to live. Add some more appealing plants, such as lily pads, cattails, or watercress, to your pond that will suck up all of those nutrients and stop algae from being able to grow. This can help keep your water clear and make your pond look more interesting.[1]
- Your local nursery or garden store should have a wide selection of plants perfect for your pond. Ask if you're unsure about the best types of plant to use.
- For best results, cover around 60% of the surface of your pond with plants.
- Avoid overfeeding your fish to stop leftover food from rotting. If you have fish in your pond, you should only feed them the amount of food that they can consume in around 5 minutes. If you feed them more than this, the excess food will drift to the bottom and rot, which can be a catalyst for algae growth.[2]
- If you're unsure about how much to feed your fish, check the instructions on your fish food for a rough guide. You should be feeding your fish once a day with a small sprinkling of food. Watch your fish for 5 minutes after you feed them to see how much food is left over and adjust accordingly.
- Remove the algae from the surface of your pond with a skimmer or algae net. The easiest way to clean algae from the top of a pond is simply lifting it up and off. Use a skimmer or algae net to skim the surface of your pond, pulling the algae free and removing it from the pond. This may take a while, but will give you immediate results when it's done.[3]
- Although this is a very quick solution, it's not one that will work long-term. Removing the algae won't stop it from growing back.
- Add barley straw to the pond to slowly kill the algae. As it rots, barley straw will slowly release small amounts of hydrogen peroxide that will kill any algae growing in your pond. Buy a small bale of barley straw and throw it into your pond when you first notice algae growing in your pond. Over the course of a few weeks, you should notice the algae in your pond disappearing.[4]
- Use of barley straw for every of water in your pond.[5]
- Barley straw should be available from your local pet shop, as it is used for bedding for a lot of small animals. Otherwise, it may be available at a specialty pond store or online.
- The amount of hydrogen peroxide released by the rotting barley straw should be just enough to kill the algae, without killing any other plants in your pond.
- Introduce algae eating creatures to your pond. Similarly to using plants to prevent algae from growing, there are plenty of animals you can add to your pond that will directly feed of algae. Add a few tadpoles or some aquatic pond snails to your pond and keep an eye on them as they grow. They should begin eating the algae in your pond, as well as bringing a little more life to it.[6]
- Tadpoles will also eat mosquito and other insect larvae that may settle on the top of your pond.
EditUsing Mechanical and Chemical Solutions - Install a fine bubble aerator to increase the movement of the water. One of the main causes of algae bloom is the lack of water movement. Purchase a fine bubble aerator and install it in the deepest section of your pond. This will constantly aerate the water, keeping it moving to produce a healthier environment in the pond and prevent harmful algae.[7]
- Fine bubble aerators should be available from a specialty pond store. If you don't have one nearby, there are plenty of online retailers that sell aerators.
- Clean your filtration system once a month to keep the water clean. If your pond has a filtration system installed but algae is still able to grow, you may need to clean the filter inside the system more often. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean your filter at least once each month to prevent algae from forming.[8]
- A pond filter isn't necessary, but can be useful in keeping the water in your pond clean.
- If you have a large mechanical filter, you should be able to clean it by attaching a backwash hose and backwashing the filter until the water runs clear.
- For smaller filters, remove the filter and clean it with non-chlorinated water to remove any obvious grime, gunk, or algae.
- Make sure you clean out your pond filter away from the pond. If you clean it too close the pond, everything you remove from the filter will end up back in your pond over time.
- Use an ultraviolet light sterilizer to destroy algae. Ultraviolet light is great at sterilizing and damaging a lot of organic materials, including algae. Install a pond filter that has an ultraviolet light sterilizer in your pond to break down and destroy algae as it grows. After 3 to 5 days, your water should be free of algae and clear.[9]
- Filters with UV light sterilizers will be more expensive than other filters, but also a lot more effective. They should be available from a specialty pond store or online.
- This is a very effective way to kill algae in ponds, but may also harm beneficial bacteria and other positive organic material in your pond.
- Treat the pond water with algaecides. If you can't clean your water and remove your algae any other way, you can use algaecides to treat the water and kill the algae. Purchase an algaecide or herbicide that contains copper and spray it over your pond to begin killing off the algae. You should see the algae begin to die off within 3 to 10 days from the first treatment.[10]
- Algaecides and herbicides are made of chemicals that are designed to kill algae, so they will be more harmful than other natural methods used to remove algae. Use algaecides as a last resort. Always consult the instructions on your chosen algaecides or herbicides before using them in a pond with plants or living creatures.
- Make sure you check with local regulations before treating your water with an algaecide. You may need a permit for some chemicals in some locations.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when working with an algaecide. Using more than is required may damage your pond or harm any wildlife living in or around it.
EditPreventing Algae from Forming - Build your pond in a shady area to limit sunlight. Algae needs sunlight to grow, so if you're still in the planning stages of a new pond, consider installing it in an area that only gets a little sun. Try building a pond near a tall wall, or use a shade mat or sail to stop algae from being able to grow.[11]
- You shouldn't rely on shade that comes from large trees, as they may drop leaves into the pond. Fallen leaves will eventually rot and let algae grow, meaning you'll need to clean your pond more often.
- Shade mats and sails are custom-made barriers that will prevent excess sunlight from getting into your pond. They should be available at specialty pond stores or online.
- Add a rim or border around your pond to keep out new water. Water that runs off from your garden may contain nutrients that algae can feed on to grow. Build a slight lip rim, roughly high, around the edge of your pond to limit uncontrolled water from flowing into the pond.[12]
- This will also help keep fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides from getting into your pond through water runoff. All of these can be very detrimental to the health of your pond and the living things in it.
- Color the water with a pond dye to reduce the amount of sunlight absorbed. There are several dyes, normally blue in color, that are designed to be added to a pond to stop sunlight from reaching the bottom, which will prevent the formation of algae. Purchase a pond dye of your choice and follow the manufacturer's instructions to dye your pond. [13]
- Pond dye should be available online or at your local specialty pond store.
- The amount of pond dye needed will vary based on the size of your pond. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid over-dyeing your pond.
- Make sure to properly size your pump, filtration system, and UV sterilizer.
- Some types of algae are actually beneficial for your pond, providing food for fish and controlling nitrate levels. If you're unsure what type of algae is in your pond, look online to identify it and determine if it is harmful or beneficial.
- If the level of algae gets to a point where the fish are dying, drain the whole pond and scrub it all off. Add new water that has been left for 24 hours before returning the fish.
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| How to Become a Babysitter Posted: 01 Feb 2019 08:00 AM PST If you love being around kids and are looking to make some extra cash, becoming a babysitter can be a great idea. However, whether you're 12 or 24, you'll be a better babysitter if you take the time to prepare for the role. To ensure the safety of the kids you watch and the success of your babysitting career, you should evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, get appropriate training and certifications, and make sure you line up gigs that suit you well. EditEvaluating Your Interests and Readiness - Be honest with yourself about your maturity level and readiness. Babysitting may seem like "easy money," especially if you have experience watching younger siblings at home. However, it is a real job that can have very real consequences if you're not prepared or mature enough to handle it. Ask yourself questions like:[1]
- "Am I old enough?" — Most families will be uncomfortable hiring anyone under 11, and may in fact prefer babysitters who are 14 or older.
- "Am I mature enough to watch kids by myself?" — You need to have focus, stamina, and emotional control to be able to successfully babysit kids. Even if you're a young teen, you need to be able to be the adult in the room.
- "Can I dedicate myself to the job?" — Babysitting takes a lot of time and energy, so make sure you can handle the stress and the time taken away from things like schoolwork.
- Ask yourself how much you like, understand, and know about kids. This may seem silly, but ask yourself directly: "Do I like being around kids?" If you can't answer with an enthusiastic "yes!" you should find another way to make some money—maybe by doing yardwork around the neighborhood.[2]
- Also ask yourself things like: "Can I change a diaper?"; "Do I know when kids start walking?"; "Do I know how to calm a child who bumps an elbow or scrapes a knee?" If your answers are "no," seek advice from, and opportunities to observe and assist, friends and family with small children.
- Decide whether you have other desirable qualities for a babysitter. Great babysitters all have their own individual skill sets, and different babysitting gigs call for different abilities. However, there are some general qualities that nearly all good babysitters have, including:[3]
- The ability to communicate with kids. Do you know how to speak simply, calmly, directly, and positively with a child?
- Respect for differences. Are you comfortable around people who may have different lifestyles, belief systems, or economic backgrounds than yours?
- A willingness to be a good role model. Can you be someone who kids will look up to and want to emulate?
- Consider your willingness to make decisions and take action. As a babysitter, you must be willing and able to make quick decisions to ensure the safety and well-being of the kids you're watching. Often, the kids won't like it, but you must be able to do what is best for them. In fact, sometimes you must be willing to upset the parents in order to do the right thing.[4]
- For example, if you see signs of potential abuse—for instance, frequent, unexplained bruises; fear of physical contact or undressing; unsafe living conditions—you must be willing to act. You need to confide in an adult you trust and work with them to call a child abuse hotline or the police.
EditGetting Training and Certifications - Check on the laws, regulations, and required certifications where you live. In some places, there may be few restrictions on who can be a babysitter. In other places, you may need to complete specific training programs and be licensed by the appropriate government authority. Before you begin trying to get babysitting gigs, make sure you meet the requirements where you live.[5]
- There may, for instance, be age restrictions in your area that you don't yet meet.
- Ask other babysitters for information on regulations where you live. Also call or check the website of the health, human services, or similar department of your local government.
- Take a babysitting training class from a well-regarded organization. Whether or not a training program certification is required where you live, you'll find it much easier to get babysitting jobs if you are certified. Certification lets parents know that you've put in the time and effort to become a knowledgeable, professional babysitter.
- Look for in-person or online certification programs from reputable organizations, such as (in the U.S.) the American Red Cross.[6]
- You must be at least 11 years old to take the Red Cross babysitting certification course. The course costs around $40-$50 USD.
- Local colleges or universities might also offer certification programs.[7]
- Get First Aid and CPR certifications as well. In some cases, First Aid and CPR certification might be included within your babysitting certification. If they aren't, it's worth your time to get these certifications as well. Doing so will make you that much more prepared—and appealing to potential employers.
- The American Red Cross, for instance, offers First Aid and CPR certifications in conjunction with babysitting certification, but they aren't required. Red Cross First Aid and/or CPR courses cost in the $80-$100 USD range.[8]
- Keep a high-quality babysitting handbook as a valuable resource. You'll probably be given a handbook as part a babysitting certification course. Keep this guide as a handy reference as you look for, and eventually take on, babysitting jobs.
EditFinding Babysitting Gigs - Start by working alongside family members or friends. Before taking on paid babysitting jobs, try helping out a family member or friend with childcare responsibilities. And, if possible, see if you can "tag along" with an established babysitter on one of their jobs. This way, you'll get a feel for the responsibilities involved without yet being the person in charge.[9]
- Make sure you get the permission of the family before "tagging along" on a babysitting gig. If they're willing to pay you a little, great. But expect it to be an unpaid volunteer experience.
- Also keep in mind that you're there to learn, not to hang out with your friend who happens to be a babysitter.
- Determine your specialties, preferences, and limitations for babysitting. Some babysitters focus on watching kids, while others also care for pets, prepare meals, do some light cleaning, and so on. Figure out exactly what type of babysitting jobs you'd like to do by asking yourself questions like:[10]
- "What age range of children would I like to work with?" -- For instance, are you comfortable working with infants?
- "How many kids am I willing or able to care for at once?" -- For a new babysitter, one kid can often seem like plenty!
- "Am I willing to care for pets as well?" -- If so, just cats and dogs, or more exotic pets like birds or reptiles?
- "How far am I willing to travel to babysit?" -- How are you going to get to your gigs, and how much will it cost you in time and/or money? If you don't drive yet, you may need to rely on a parent or someone else to get you to your jobs.
- "How late can I work, and which days of the week can I work?" -- You might want to limit yourself to weekends and no later than 11 pm, for example. If you're a teen, this is also something you'll need to work out with your parents.
- Create a babysitting resume. A babysitting resume can be a simplified version of a full career resume, and usually only needs to be a single page long. List your contact information at the top, then categories like "Education," "Certifications," and "Experience." Print out a copy of the resume to bring to each interview you do.[11]
- Use word-of-mouth to identify potential babysitting gigs. Rely on your network of family friends, neighbors, your parents' work colleagues, and other people who already know you to get your first babysitting jobs. If you need some help finding leads, talk to older siblings or their friends who are babysitters.[12]
- Especially if you're a pre-teen or teen, you should not try to advertise your services online or by posting flyers around town. It can be unsafe to share your address and/or contact information publicly.
- If you're 18 or older, you might consider signing up for one or more of the several websites that help connect babysitters with jobs; for instance (in the U.S.), https://www.sittercity.com/babysitters or https://www.care.com/babysitters.
EditInterviewing with a Family - Be polite, friendly, prepared, and on-time. All parents want their children to be watched by a babysitter who is trustworthy, mature, and reliable. So, when you have the opportunity to interview with a potential employer, put your best foot forward by arriving on-time and ready to chat.[13]
- It's fine to dress in age-appropriate clothes, but make sure they're clean and relatively modest. You want to look a little mature for your age, but not like you're trying to pretend you're an adult already (unless you are one!).
- Show some enthusiasm for the job by being friendly and engaging. If you're nervous, take a few deep breaths before knocking on the door.
- Ask specific questions and get specific answers. A babysitting interview should definitely be a two-way interview. That is to say, you should also be asking questions, not just answering them. Make sure this opportunity and this family is right for you by asking things like:[14]
- "Will you always be back by 10 pm, or would I be expected to work past that sometimes?"
- "Would I be giving the children baths and putting them to bed?"
- "Would I need to feed, watch, and let out the dog as well?"
- "Are there foods or snacks that are off-limits for your kids?"
- "Is your youngest child fully potty-trained yet?"
- Negotiate your pay rate before accepting the job. The average pay rate for babysitters in the U.S. is around $15 USD per hour, but this can vary widely by location. Ask other babysitters in your area how much they charge per hour. Use this information to determine how much you want to charge, as well as the minimum amount you're willing to accept for the gig.[15]
- If you have to travel a fair distance to get to the job, factor in things like travel expenses as well. You might want to ask for $5-$10 per shift for fuel, for example.
- If you're new to babysitting, expect to start at a lower rate than experienced babysitters. After you prove your reliability, you can ask for a raise.
- Confirm the key details on hours, payment, and emergencies. You may want to get these key details in writing—at the very least, make sure you and the parents are completely clear and in agreement on them. You might want to ask them directly: "So, I'll work every Friday and Saturday from 6-10 pm and not later, you'll pay me $15 per hour in cash each night, and I can reach you at any time at 555-555-5555. Is that right?"[16]
- Make sure they provide you with a backup number (for a relative, neighbor, etc.) if they can't be reached for some reason, and clarify when it would be appropriate for you to call emergency services.
- Spend time with the kids and observe the family at home. During or right after the interview, ask if you can meet the kids and spend a little bit of time with them. Even better, ask if you can drop by for a couple hours sometime and observe the family in action at home. Doing so will help you get a good impression of the kids and the expectations the parents have for their care.[17]
- Not all kids and families are going to be the best match for you. If the kids seem like they're more than you can handle, or if the parents seem too demanding (or even not demanding enough), consider looking for another gig.
- Be self-confident. Carry yourself with self-assurance, smile, and be sure of your decisions to show that you're mature and independent.
- Show good manners to the kids and the parents. This includes being respectful of a family's privacy by not going through closets and personal possessions.
- Make sure you know what to do when there's an emergency. Don't freeze up.
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| How to Enjoy the Super Bowl when You're Not a Football Fan Posted: 01 Feb 2019 12:00 AM PST The Super Bowl, played between the top 2 NFL teams in the U.S., is held every February and is a huge event all across America. If you're not a big American football fan, though, you might be feeling disinterested or even left out of all the celebration. By learning to enjoy Super Bowl Sunday in your own way, you can look forward to the game just as much as the biggest fans out there. EditEnjoying the Food and Friends - Head to a party for the full Super Bowl experience. Just because you don't like football doesn't mean you should keep yourself from the festivities! If your friends or family are throwing a Super Bowl party, you can go just to talk to the other guests and eat some great snacks.
- If you don't know anyone throwing a party, host one yourself! Invite over a few friends and ask each person to bring an appetizer for a low-key party.
- Bring treats or an appetizer to share. Easy finger foods like chips and dip or cookies are the best dishes to bring along to a Super Bowl party. You can even bring the ingredients to the party and make it there, lessening the time you have to spend in front of the TV. Some great snack options include:[1]
- Guacamole and a bag of tortilla chips.
- A veggie platter with carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, and ranch dip.
- Hummus with baked pita chips.
- Football-shaped sugar cookies or cupcakes.
- Spend lots of time in front of the food spread. If you're not interested in the game, don't force yourself to crowd around the TV with the diehards--unless you're eager to learn! There will be plenty of people hanging out in the back by the food and drinks that you can talk to instead.
- If there's no one else near you for a second, you can still look occupied by simply eating what's on your plate, or turning around for more food.
- Talk to other people who aren't into football. There are bound to be some other people at the party who aren't into the game either, whether they're disinterested in the sport like you are or simply aren't fans of the teams playing. They're likely to hang out near the back or around the food. You can chat with them about the game, the food, the commercials--or anything else that's going on in their life!
- For example, you can say something general like, "This game is crazy so far." Depending on their answer, you'll be able to tell if they're not a big football fan at all, or just don't like either of these teams.
- If you know they're not into football, make casual conversation about whatever you want. You could say something simple, like, "How's your week been going?" or mention something about the party, like "These quesadillas are so good. Have you tried them?"
- Sit on the outer edge of the couch to make quick getaways. If you want to get comfy during the long game, try to pick a seat on the outer edge of the viewing area. This will make it possible for you to easily get up if you get bored. If you choose a seat in the middle of the couch, you might get caught up in a conversation or feel stuck between a few big fans who are talking across from you.[2]
- If you do end up sitting in a good viewing spot, try to pay attention to the game. It could annoy other guests if you have a prime seat for watching the game but you're on your phone the whole time!
EditEntertaining Yourself with Commercials and Games - Play Pick-a-Player to have someone to root for in the game. Write the names of the key players on both teams on small slips of paper, one player per slip, then mix them around in a bowl. Ask everyone to contribute $1-$5 to play and pass around the bowl, asking each person to pick one slip of paper. The person who draws the MVP of the game (announced during the post-game celebration) wins the pot![3]
- Look up the key players online before the game, or ask a friend who is familiar with the teams.
- It's best to draw names before the game starts, but since your guests are picking at random, it's okay to get a late start too.
- Have a game of Pass the Cup to get invested in each play. Ask one guest to start by putting a dollar (or any amount you want) into an empty cup and saying a football play, like "field goal." If the next play is not a field goal, they pass the cup to the next person, who contributes the same amount of money and again passes it on if a field goal isn't kicked. The person holding the cup when the play is made gets the money![4]
- The winner of that round gets to start the game again by choosing the next play, such as "touchdown," "interception," or "first down," and putting in the first dollar.
- Don't worry if you're not familiar with many football terms. Everyone else will be watching the game closely and will definitely let you know when the named play happens!
- If you don't want to play with money, you can use candy, chips, or even fake coins.
- Tune in for every commercial break for funny advertisements. For a lot of people, football fans included, Super Bowl ads are the best part of the game. If you're just can't get into the game, or any party games to do with it, just relax and chat with other guests until the commercials come on. There are lots of time outs and breaks during football games, so you'll never have to wait long.
- Play Super Bowl ad bingo to make commercials even more interesting. Look online for a "Super Bowl ad bingo" card and print out one for each of the guests before the game. When the commercials come on, watch closely and mark off any squares you can. Get a small prize, like a cupcake, or have each guest contribute a dollar for the winner.[5]
- You can also make your own bingo boards. Watch some Super Bowl ads from the last few years to get an idea of some popular themes. For example, there could be squares for "puppies," "car crashes," and "a character crying."
- Make sure that the squares are arranged differently on each board so that everyone doesn't hit bingo at the same time!
- Enjoy the halftime show for mid-game entertainment. The Super Bowl halftime show is a huge performance, usually starring pop and rock stars that everyone has heard of and can enjoy. Grab a snack as the first half winds down and get a good seat around the TV--other guests often use this time for a bathroom break, so there should be plenty of room for you!
- Keep your eyes peeled for the performer to bring other stars onstage to sing with.
- Tune in for the Puppy Bowl before the game. If you're looking for something to do before the game, turn on Animal Planet for the ever-popular Puppy Bowl. It features adorable puppies rolling around on a mini football field, as well as a "kitty halftime show" and a human "referee" to calm things down. The show is cute and funny, and a great way to perk up your mood before the game.[6]
- Look up basic football rules if you're unfamiliar with the game. If you don't know the rules of football but want to follow some of what's going on, quickly look up a few basic points on your phone. You won't be an expert right away, but at least you'll be able to understand some of the big plays. This can also keep you entertained and focused on the game! Set a goal to understand the major points before the end of the fourth quarter.[7]
- For example, you'll want to know that the most important player on the team is the quarterback, who throws passes down the field or hands it off to the running back.
- The aim of the game is to get the ball into the endzone to score a touchdown, earning 6 points. A team can also kick the ball between 2 upright posts, scoring a field goal and getting 3 points.
- Know a few key players from each team. Listen to the announcers and pick up on the players they talk about the most, who will also be on the screen most often. You can also use your phone or computer to quickly look up the most important players on either team. You can focus on these players when they're on the field, giving you something to concentrate on when the rest of the field gets confusing.[8]
- You can also mention these players in conversation to show your working knowledge of the game. Keep your comments vague, like "Johnson is all over the field today," or "No one can catch Simmons!"
- The key offensive players will probably be the quarterbacks from both teams, the running backs, and a wide receiver or tight end.
- From the defensive side, key players are often linebackers, cornerbacks, or safeties.
- Ask a good friend questions about the game. If you don't mind owning up to the fact that you don't know much about football, you can just ask a friend or another guest to explain a few key points to you. Ask someone who's not too invested in the game and who won't mind taking their eyes off the screen for a few minutes to explain different points to you.
- Don't be nervous or embarrassed to ask for some pointers. Your friend will probably be excited to share their knowledge and help you get enthusiastic about the game.
- Watch how other people react and copy them to blend in. If you don't want to learn the complicated rules but would rather not stick out at a party full of football experts, just pick a team to cheer for. Look around the party to see who's wearing that team's colors, then simply copy their reactions to different plays.
- Avoid cheering too hard, or people might ask you questions about the game that you won't know how to answer. Keep your reactions relaxed and slightly indifferent, like you're just a casual fan.
- For example, if your team scores a touchdown, just smile and clap. Avoid jumping up and down or yelling anything about the actual play.
- If someone does ask you why you're pulling for a certain team, just say, "I don't care much either way, but I just wanted to cheer for someone."
- If you don't want to watch the game at all, invite other friends who aren't football fans to an anti-Super Bowl party. If you aren't a big football fan, chances are that some of your friends aren't either. A few days before the game, tell them you're hosting a party for people who don't want to watch the Super Bowl, and invite them to bring over food or games to play. Getting together with friends will help you avoid feeling left out of Super Bowl celebrations, and you'll have a better time than you would at a Super Bowl party!
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