IPPCA Certification

[Keith N]

I just found this site and was curious to see what the scoop is on this certification and this community. It looks like it can help your credibility and skills.

[Stonehenge]

I remember that site coming up several years ago, and at that time I don't recall having much of an opinion either way - they were still pretty new at the time, if I recall.

Hmm... took a look at the forum. Not that this site is huge by any stretch, but I would expect a membership larger than 500 after being around since '04.

But you bring up an interesting point and idea - if there were some sort of certification program here, would it be viewed as a credibility builder?

[WaterWerks Design]

I think the aquascapes certification is the biggest joke, the guy who invented aquascapes is a marketing genius..To become a member you have to by all aquascapes supplies and build a pond according to their specs..which does not work..every aquascape pond I've worked on is always in horrible overall condition and fish health is poor..most ponds look like someone dug a hole and backfilled it with rocks...the only way to improve creditibilty is to do a good job within budget..and word will get around...

[Keith N]

Agreed, but all ponds need some maintenance to stay healthy. Most think that you install it and forget about it than complain about it looking bad. This being directed at ALL manufacturers. With anything in the green industry you have to spend time maintaining the landscape.

[WaterWerks Design]

I got a bunch of customers like that..when I install a pond, I use skimmers,bottom drains, external filters...everything to make it easier to maintain...but I guess emptying the leaves outa the skimmer is to hard for people to do...yet they have time to feed the fish 3 times a day...

[Fine Edge]

I've actually talked myself out of a couple of ponds because the client was too lazy to take on a little bit of maintenance and decided it would be too much hassle. It wasn't like I painted a bad picture, they just thought they wouldn't have to do a thing except look at it.

[Keith N]

I've actually talked myself out of a couple of ponds because the client was too lazy to take on a little bit of maintenance and decided it would be too much hassle. It wasn't like I painted a bad picture, they just thought they wouldn't have to do a thing except look at it.

That's when I sell them on a maintenance program, but it's easier said than done. If they don't want any maintenance, than sell them a pondlesss waterfall which will still have some maintenance time to stay looking good. The best is when you can combine one property into 2 or more maintenance accounts if you provide the services.

[LandArts]

Here's another one to consider:
NAPP - National Association Pond Professionals (http://www.nationalpondpro.com/service_view.aspx?id=1535)