koi pond filter is very important because without a filter is like living in a room full of shit
So this article will discuss the best practices in building a koi pond filter systems or a DIY koi pond filter
koi pond filter necessary if you want your koi to reach their full potential. You are probably thinking, “Wait a minute! I’m not sure I want to the amount of breeding that would require me to have to worry about all of this!”
Whether you just plan to sell off your excess koi in order to help to
offset some of the cost of keeping them, or you have grandiose
plans of developing a new variety of Koi right in your backyard
pond, you DO need to worry about aerating and filtering the water in that pond.
The Koi you will be keeping in that pond should be considered as much of a pet as your dog or cat. As such, your fish deserve the best of care.
That includes water to swim in that has been filtered to remove any
harmful material and the waste products from the fish.
What would happen to your pond and to your koi if you decided to do without filtration?
• Your pond will very quickly turn a sickly shade of green due to algae build up in the water.
• Fish parasites enjoy murky, algae-filled water, as do other
creatures that may well harm your fish.
If just one fish in your pond is infected by a parasite or injured by
another creature in the water, the chances are good that all of your other koi will experience the same fate.
• Standing water that is full of algae and parasites really smells
horrible and looks pretty awful, too.
Do you really think your koi could live in all of that muck? Here is a hint – They cannot breathe or live in water like this.
Choose a Good Filtration System
You will definitely have to plan what kind of filtration you will use in your pond.
Do not try to save money by purchasing the cheaper filtration system.
You may well regret it if something goes wrong with the filter and causes you to lose all of your koi.
Most experts recommend that you choose a filter that is able to handle 33% of the total amount of water in the pond.
As an example, a pond that is capable of holding 3000 gallons of
water needs a filter that can circulate 1000 gallons of water.
If you must dip lower than this percentage in order to get a filter
you can better afford, you should not choose a filter that circulates less than 10% of the total water volume.
Your pond filtration system should consist of two types of filtration. These are –
Mechanical filtration
Biological filtration
How Filters Work
Mechanical filtration works by trapping debris and fish waste as
they flow through the water with the use of brushes, pads, sand, or small beads.
Biological filtration involves a natural method that changes the fish
waste into amalgams that will not hurt the fish.
All koi have ammonia in the excretions, and a build-up of ammonia can kill any fish.
Bacteria that are present in a biological filter change the ammonia
and nitrates in the pond water to nitrites, which are safe for koi.
Your filtration system will also need a pump. You have two choices of what type of pump to place in your koi pond.
The types of pumps available are –
Airlift pump
Subersible pump
Recirculating pump
The submersible pump is a good choice for a smaller pond. If your
pond will feature a waterfall, a submersible pump can be used to handle the volume of the waterfall alone.
A recirculating pump is usually what is used for good-sized ponds. They are sturdy and efficient, and most will serve you for a long time.
Does a koi pond need a filter?
You can use a koi pond to grow water plants, but more often than
not, a water garden is an inadequate environment raise koi.
So what exactly do you need to have in a good koi pond? Not much, really.
There are five must-haves: bottom drain, surface skimmer, pump, filter, and ultraviolet light.
What is a biological filter for ponds?
Biofilter, a biological pond filter. A biofilter is a biological filter that provides a pond with water that is rich in carbon dioxide.
Carbon dioxide is very important for water plants.
They, in turn, keep pond water clear and clean.
How does a gravity fed pond filter work?
In principle, a gravity fed filter works in the opposite way to a
pump fed filter system, with the pump drawing water way from the
filter either via a suction hose, or been situated in the filter’s final
chamber.
Because gravity will always keep the water levels equal,
when the pump pulls water from the filter, pond
How does a biofilter work?
Biofiltration is a pollution control technique using a bioreactor
containing living material to capture and biologically degrade pollutants.
Common uses include processing waste water, capturing harmful
chemicals or silt from surface runoff, and microbiotic oxidation of contaminants in air.
How long does a biofilter take to work?
When a new pond is built it will typically take 4 to 6 weeks before the biofilter is working effectively.
Therefore during this period introduce new fish slowly.
How do I make my pond water clear naturally?
Maintain a healthy fish population.
Don’t over-feed your fish.
Create a proper balance of plants.
Choose the right size pump for your pond.
Clean debris from pond before it has a chance to decay.
Choose proper filtration for your pond.
What is the function of mechanical filtration?
The principle behind mechanical filtration is simple. The idea is to physically remove particles, and waste matter from the aquarium water.
Many times a fine medium such as cotton, dacron, and other
synthetic materials are used to trap detritus, dead plant matter, and other debris.
Do nitrifying bacteria need light?
Nitrifying bacteria do not form spores. They have a complex cytomembrane (cell wall) that surrounded by a slime matrix.
All species have limited tolerance ranges and are individually
sensitive to water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen levels, salt,
micronutrients, light, and inhibitory chemicals.
koi pond filters
diy koi pond filters
What is the best koi pond filter system?
XtremepowerUS 10000 Koi Pond Pressure Bio Filter UV Sterilizer. This filter from XtremepowerUS is really powerful. At a rate of up to 10,000 liters per hour, it’s suitable for koi ponds up to about 1500 gallons. It includes 3 layers of sponges for a perfect environment for good bacterial colonies to grow.
Do fish ponds need filters?
The pond owner should be concerned with both of these aspects. While it is true that you can keep goldfish and koi in garden ponds with no filtration, it severely limits the number of fish you can keep. In the wild, fish have large amounts of water so that toxins from their waste do not build up to dangerous levels.
How can I oxygenate my pond quickly?
3 Quick Ways to Add Oxygen to Your Pond
Add a Pond Air Pump. A very simple way to add oxygen to the pond is to add an air pump. …
Turn on Your Fountain or Add One. A very easy way to add some oxygen into the water is to introduce a fountain or turning your existing one on. …
Spray Water in With Your Hose.
Here’s another video of me installing the tarpaulin trapal cheap alternative pond liner
Koi fish can be a beautiful, colorful addition to a garden, which is
why many homeowners choose to incorporate them into their ponds.
If you are considering adding koi into your landscape, find out how
to create an eco-environment for your koi fish.
Introduce a Circulation System
A circulation system is simply the pumps and plumbing, which are
required to provide the appropriate oxygen levels to effectively care
for both the koi fish and plants.
It will also help you to maintain your pond’s aesthetic appeal, as it will create a cleaner environment.
Install an Effective Filtration System
A filtration system should include both a biological and a mechanical filter.
The biological filter will provide a surface area for the colonization
of bacteria, so that it can remove the water’s excess nutrients.
While the mechanical filter will not only feature the pond pump,
but it will prefilter the water and remove debris along the water’s
surface, and can, therefore, prevent the development of organic
materials on the pond’s floor. By doing so, it will create a healthier environment for all organisms within the pond.
Utilize Solar Power for Your Pond
Reduce your pond’s energy consumption and your household bills
by opting for solar power pumps and filters.
The systems will be powered by natural sunlight, so it won’t cost you a penny to run a clean and healthy pond for your fish.
If you are looking for high-quality, affordable circulation and
filtration systems, visit Water-garden.co.uk.
Add Fish for Natural Maintenance
Many people might believe that fish will create a maintenance
problem in a pond, but they can actually do the opposite.
Fish can actually reduce maintenance in a pond, as they are known
to graze on the string algae and bottom feed along the pond’s floor.
So, if you want to add a pond to your garden, you should ensure it’s bursting with life by adding plenty of fish.
Embark with Seasonal Maintenance
Of course, a pond will need a little bit of maintenance to create a
healthier environment for both your koi fish and the planet.
For example, seasonal maintenance will require you to drain your pond completely.
You will also need to scrub your substrate and rockwork with a
pond scraper, or you could use another algae removal device.
Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance can be a lot less laborious than seasonal maintenance.
It simply ensures the effective functioning of your filtration system,
and you’ll need to rinse both the biological and mechanical filter. You’ll also need to remove the pump for cleaning.
For example, you should remove each moving parts for cleaning,
and you should lubricate all gaskets.
As ponds are susceptible to limescale build-up, this can cause a
pump to stall or burn out, which can create unhealthy pond.
You must invest in a high-quality pond pump descaler, which
should be free from harmful acetic acid and chlorine additives. Also, don’t forget to check its pipes and tubing for cracks, leaks, and weak spots.
How much does it cost to build a koi pond?
A shallow 4′ x 6′ or 6′ x 8′ professionally-installed pond, including
excavation, liner, filtration system, and simple rock border might cost $2,000 to $3,500. As a DIY project, the same pond might cost $500 to $1,000. Larger ponds, depending on features and equipment, can easily cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more.
What is the minimum size for a koi pond?
A pond for goldfish or water lilies need be only about 2 feet deep for zones 5 or greater.
Ponds built in colder areas may need more depth to keep the pond from freezing solid.
Ponds built for koi should be close to three feet or deeper to allow these larger fish enough space.
How much space does a koi fish need?
Koi should be stocked based on a reasonable estimate of their full growth, not on their size at purchase.
Most well-maintained ponds will support 1″ of fish per ten gallons of water.
Though some koi in the largest ponds will grow to 36″, we recommend using an average of 21″.
Are koi hard to take care of?
Koi grow quickly and get very large. Keep mature koi in an outdoor pond of at least 3 feet deep, with at least 50 gallons of water per fish. Young koi can be kept indoors in an aquarium of at least 29 gallons.
Are koi carp easy to keep?
Koi carp produce large amounts of waste, and so adequate filtration is a must in order to keep your fish happy and healthy. Koi carp are cold water fish, and do not generally require a heater in their pond, although if the weather is particularly cold for long periods of time, you may need to rethink this.
How much space do koi need?
Koi should be stocked based on a reasonable estimate of their full growth, not on their size at purchase. Most well-maintained ponds will support 1″ of fish per ten gallons of water. Though some koi in the largest ponds will grow to 36″, we recommend using an average of 21″.
Are koi fish hard to keep?
Koi are cold water pond fish, descended from carp. Koi owners may need to bring their prized koi indoors during the winter to prevent death in frozen pond water. Keep koi in large aquariums for a few months at a time. … That is possible, as long as you do not overcrowd the aquarium with too many koi.
How big does a koi fish pond need to be?
Well, at three feet deep, a six foot by eight foot pond will yield 1077 gallons. But these are merely the minimum recommended requirements. Also, the more fish you have, the larger your pond should be. A pond of the aforementioned size will be enough for no more than five average sized Koi.
What do koi need in a pond?
Simply put: koi eat some plants. A koi pond should also be larger because koi get quite large despite the size of the pond, it is recommended that a koi pond be no less than 1000 gallons in volume, the bigger the better. It also needs to have an area of the pond at least 3 feet deep, 4 – 5 may be better.
How often should you feed koi fish?
In much warmer water (76-82), three times per day is not “crazy,”‘ however, you have to be wary of bacterial blooms (cloudy water and low oxygen levels) if you feed heavy and there’s a lot of waste. Fish should be fed for about five minutes per feeding.
Koi fish overpopulation is one of the hardest problems to deal with when it comes Koi ponds.
Once you have to many fish in your pond, severe problems can
occur, and potentially cause death among your fish.
There are a few ways to help prevent koi fish overpopulation. While you
are never guaranteed that it will never happen to you, following a
few simple steps will greatly reduce you chances.
Do Not Overstock
A common problem new Koi pond owners run into is over stocking.
When you first go to buy your Koi, it may come down to deciding
between a number of Koi that is equally beautiful and playful in the
spirit of saving your pond from over stocking.
Talk with your Koi dealer or Pet Store professional about the specifics of your pond.
You should tell them information about what type of filtration
systems you have, what total size your pond is, and where you are planning on placing your pond.
With this information, a professional will be able to adequately
predict the right amount of Koi you can have in your pond successfully.
Do not worry if this number seems small, because the professional
will also be taking into account the fact that Koi grow fast and get rather large.
Some people run into the problem of not being able to turn down Koi from others.
When accepting fish from sources such as other Koi pond owners,
take into account why they are giving you the fish.
Chances are they are giving away fish because they are having
issues with Koi fish over population as well.
Turning down fish does not mean that you are causing any damage
to those fish, it simply means that their owner will have to find a different person to take the fish.
Once Koi Fish Overpopulation Has Occurred
In the event that overpopulation has already occurred in your
pond, there are several ways of removing babies from your pond.
One way is to stop feeding your Koi the minute you realize that spawning has occurred.
You should stop feeding your Koi for no less then three weeks. Do not worry about your Koi starving, as they will focus more on natural foods if you are not feeding them daily.
This “natural” diet includes their young. Koi are not cannibalistic
animals by any means, but they will eat their young when they are
still eggs or if they are small and resemble insects.
Once the baby Koi actually resemble real fish, and the adult fish
recognize this, they will no longer see them as food, so it is
important to start this process as soon as you notice spawning or babies.
While this is a process of nature, you may still find this method to be cruel or unusual. Another way of removing unwanted babies from your pond is to give them away.
First, check with your local pet store. Many pet stores have
programs in which they will accept unwanted animals and give them good homes.
Some may even pay a certain amount for each fish since they sell them, but do not count of this. Local Zoos may also have programs.
If you know of a local Koi society, you may let them know that you have unwanted babies. Alternatively, you can find a message board or group online and post messages there. Who knows, you may even start another person on a Koi keeping hobby.
Will koi fish eat their babies?
Because koi fry have such small mouths, they need smaller sized food.
Koi fry need to eat liquid or small suspended-particle food for their first few days of life. After that, you can work on feeding your koi fry larger and larger solid foods.
Baby koi can eat food out of your refrigerator, such as hard boiled eggs.
Do big koi eat little koi?
Koi are omnivorous and they may eat Koi fry or eggs, but they will leave smaller fish alone.
Medium, large and jumbo sized Koi are priced on a per fish basis
depending on: size, body conformation, skin luster and color.
How long can koi fish go without food?
Many experienced fishkeepers routinely leave their charges for two
to three days without making any provisions for feeding.
Almost any fish can go that long without fish food (more about that later, as well).
However, if you’re going away for longer, some preparation may be needed.
overpopulation of fish effects
Fish Stocking and Overpopulation. … Fish will start fighting over food source and many fish may become stunted.
Too many fish in your pond can lead to a build up of organic
material which will lead to an excessive growth of weeds and algae.
Some signs and symptoms of fish population are water quality, fish
activity, and possible fish sores.
Fish will start fighting over food source and many fish may become stunted.
Too many fish in your pond can lead to a build up of organic
material which will lead to an excessive growth of weeds and algae.
“ Koi pond construction guide.This Koi pond construction guide
will cover the absolute essentials of setting up your first Koi pond
for a few hundred dollars and some honest elbow grease.
In the future, you may become a very successful Koi breeder,
but for now, let’s focus on setting up a functional pond that do well
enough to keep your koi fish healthy and happy.
After you get the pond in place, functioning, and stable enough to support the Koi you buy—then,
and only then, would you be ready to sink into the investment of purchasing the Koi fish themselves.
Video Below is Philippine most common raised koi pond used by Poor Man Koi keepers
Whatever your reason for wanting to start a Koi pond; you may find the range of options to be quite overwhelming.
It is workable to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on your
Koi pond before even purchasing any fish!
If you’re starting, but, you may want to start with something a little
more budget friendly to determine if Koi ponds are right for you.
Steps for Building a Koi Pond
how to build a koi pond (koi pond construction guide)
Below is my video building a cheap koi pond called trapal pond.
how to dig a pond and install fish pond liners
Thorough planning is the key to a successful result
when building a pond, whether using a preformed
pond unit or flexible liner.
Think through all aspects of the project before you start; draw up
detailed plans of the design and planting, and consider
practical matters, such as which materials and tools
will required, and even how to dispose of the large
volumes of excavated earth that will generate
Excavation of a pond site can be demanding.
Although small ponds can be excavating, it may be
worthwhile to rent a small excavator for more extensive
works. Or, some pond suppliers may build the pond
for you.
Soil conditions can have a considerable effect on the
ease of construction.
In sandy areas, for example, the soil is loose and easy to dig, but it
can be difficult to cut clean boundaries; clay soils, by contrast,
are shaping but present much more strenuous digging conditions.
how to build a koi pond using FLEXIBLE-LINER PONDS
Flexible liners are an versatile material for pond construction,
and are ideal for informal ponds and unusual shapes.
Detailed planning of the exact dimensions of the koi pond built is crucial,
to avoid costly miscalculations of the amount of liner and underlay required
how to build a koi pond using (PREFORMED POND UNITS)
Creating a pond using a preformed unit is straightforward.
For a successful and lasting result, but, make sure the site is
well prepared and free from stones or debris,and that the unit is level when installed
Photos from Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond fish D. Alderton
koi pond construction guide Koi pond Pumps and filters
Garden ponds are often stocked with many more fish than would found in a natural pond,
and so enjoy the addition of a filtration system to improve water quality.
This is especially true for koi ponds, where crystal-clear water is desirable
to give the best view of the colors and patterns of the fish.
Filtration systems are drive by electric pumps,
which powers pond waterfall, fountain and other water features.
Pond pumps fall into two main categories: submersible units that function underwater,
and powerful surface pumps for use only in a dry location.
Submersible pumps are generally smaller and often run on a low voltage,
so are most suitable for smaller koi ponds, while external pumps for larger koi ponds
and extensive water features usually run off household electricity.
To work , a pump must have enough capacity to cycle all the water in the pond in two hours,
so calculate the volume of water in the pond before choosing a pump.
Preformed pond units often have their volume marked on the base; or,
when filling the pond, measure the volume by attaching a flow meter to the hose.
The choice of pump also depends on its intended function.
For example, when operating a fountain, the water needs to pumped under high pressure but at a low output,
whereas for the operation of a waterfall— where the water needs to
pumped uphill—a high output from the pump required.
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and get advice from reputable retailers
to be sure that the pump you choose is suitable for your intended use.
koi pond construction guide Maintaining water quality
Most filtration systems use separate pumps to draw water from the pond
and through the filter, although pumps with an integral filter are also available.
There are two main types of pond filter: internal units, which sit underwater in the pond,
and external filters, which sited outside the pond.
All filtration systems function in a similar manner (see box, opposite),
but the filtration media they house varies.
When installing an internal filter, locate the pump as close as
possible to the filter unit, to maintain the flow rate.
By contrast, if the system uses an external filter chamber,
locate the pump as far as possible from the filter outflow,
to ensure that clean water is not pumped straight back through the system.
Ultraviolet systems, located between the pump and filter,
are a further refinement that can used to achieve very high water quality.
Ultraviolet radiation emitted by the unit causes algae
in suspension to form into clumps,
which are then strained out of solution by the filter.
koi pond construction guide how to build a pond To begin, you will need the following five items:
koi pond kits
1.)koi pond liner – put, a koi pond liner will hold the water in your pond.
If you dig a hole in the ground and put water in it, it will absorb into the soil (unless you’re talking about a LOT of water).
Furthermore, you want to separate you Koi’s environment
from outside contaminants as much as possible.
Consider either uPVC or Butyl; both are available
from your local home improvement store.
If your hole has lots of sharp rocks in it, you may want to buy some extra layers or padding to protect the liner.
Since the padding will not come in contact with the Koi,
anything resistant to shredding will work, even an old rug.
2.)koi pond filter system – You cannot have a Koi pond without a filter.
Your filtration needs will depend on the volume of your pond,
which means that if you want to save you should start will a smaller pond.
Unless your skilled in fabricating your own diy pond filter,
you would be best served by purchasing a koi pond filter system in the store.
You need a koi pond filter system to remove debris, bacteria, and toxins from the water.
If you’re working on a budget, take a good look at the filter prices
and their recommended replacement intervals making sure to
factor that cost into your calculations.
diy pond filter watch my video below
3.)Pond Pump – This will work in conjunction with the filter to clean your pond water. Must to your Koi’s survival to have a working pump at all times.
If you can afford it, you should always keep a backup pump on hand in case of a failure. Make sure to check with your aquarium supply dealer on Pond pump efficiency.
A general rule of thumb is that your pump should be able to circulate the entire pond’s volume within a couple of hours.
4.)uv pond filter– This is a special piece of equipment that fits between the pump and the filter.
It uses UV rays to help the filter remove algae from the pond water.
Algae are a special concern in Koi ponds since it is often too small to caught by most filtration systems.
The UV rays will cause algae particles to bond together so that they are large enough to filtered out of the water.
It is workable to remove algae from the pond by chemical methods,
but this considered hazardous to the Koi.
5.)A Test Kit – Even experts need test kits. The quality of your Koi’s water must check.
One of the most dangerous chemicals to your Koi is ammonia, which can detect by neither sight nor smell.
You will need two different types of test kits, one for pH,
and one for nitrate (which will or show filter performance).
Ensuring the quality of your Koi’s water is a major factor in how long they will survive.
Further information about how to build a pond below
koi pond construction guide how to build a koi pond step by step
Photos courtesy of Koi Knowledge
If you had seen any water garden, ratios are, you had seen koi fish.
The debate is how to create the perfect biological system or
the ecosystem for your little friends.
Modern koi pond design made so that it might consider
the most appropriate living demand for koi fishes.
You might find them in the yard behind the house often;
whatever, they can also place in front yards if there is a lot of available space there.
to construct koi ponds, the water & oxygen are the greatest consideration. This will resolute by the size of the fishes.
Landscape gardening plays an important role in Koi ponds. There is an efficient amount of koi pond layouts out there for you to select from.
While you might already have some pre-imagine koi pond design ideas plan on how it might design,
you have to make certain that it set the whole water garden objects completely in a faultless way.
Some of the general points of how to construct a koi pond based on koi pond design and construction
the type of landscape that you have given below.
1. Particular Place.
During you might be an incitement to put your Koi pond at the far limit of your yard,
it is very significant to remember that you must have to uninterrupted check its demand.
You will have to make sure the fishes daily. As well as, you also have to see if the plants are still flourishing or if the fish have already sensual on them.
The position of the ponds should be suitable for the changing weather condition. It would not expose during the hot and cold seasons.
You could always add some more defense for the pond in case you
aren’t confident about how it would prosper in that location. Knowing your yard would help you find out where you could place your Koi pond.
2. Area
Trying to find out the size of a koi pond isn’t like figuring out any customary ponds. This is because of the fishes would get bigger over time.
You would get be astonishing at how much they could grow
especially if you are captivating adequate care of them.
The length of the pond is significant & would, of course, depend on the size of your yard,
backyard koi pond designs direction in your yard & overhanging
trees, which would lower down the amount of available space.
That is why I won’t recommend small koi pond ideas
the small koi pond only works on goldfish and other small fishes, not koi fish
3. Plan of revenue
You required having a budget set apart for explaining a pond for your koi. Take note that some of the fishes & other things for decorations for it don’t come cheap.
You may want to limit your expenses and make sure you are not overspending for it.
Other not-so-important parts and materials adding it later on
when you have supplementary resources.
Remember, room wasn’t built in a day, and neither should your pond.
4. Preliminary koi pond design plans
above ground koi pond design
backyard koi pond designs
There are several designs of koi ponds obtainable to seen online.
There should be a considerable range of fishes, styles & plants,
with many of them varying from the traditional to the unique & good, depending on the prior the right owner.
The biggest thing about constructing a koi pond is that you could
use a preliminary plan or design it so that act likes praise not only the rest of your yard but your home.
You could have a square, curving or round & as a part of the whole landscape garden.
When you have looked at these things, it would be the time to create your koi pond. You have your choice of doing it all by yourself if you have the capability for it.
If not, there are specialists koi pond builders near me out there that
might construct the pond as stated to your personal preferences & tastes.
Professionals pond contractor services recommended that koi ponds
should installed first before the rest of the landscape.
Problems would be hinder especially if the pond required be extending or expanding.
Once you finished, you would understand that the building,
planning, and expenses are worth it all. Your koi fish would agree.
how to build a koi pond above ground
Famous Trapal Koi pond in the Philippines
This is the easy and less work koi pond since you will no longer dig the earth to build it.
You build a frame right away, some made up of woods others are bricks and hollow blocks,
Add aquatic plants as soon as possible after constructing the pond or water garden.
Many aquatic plants are great at using up the nutrients that would otherwise feed the algae.
Some of the most effective plants include Anacharis, Water
Hyacinth, Parrot’s Feather, and Bacopa.
Water lilies and other plants with surface leaves can added to
provide shade to approximately 66% of the surface area if in full sun. If less than full sun then less coverage is acceptable
As well as enhancing the look of a pond, plants help to maintain
waterquality, providing a healthy environment for the fish.
The choice of plants will partly depend on the style of pond—a
naturalistic pond looks best when planted around the edges so that
it blends into its environment, while a contemporary look may be
best achieved with more minimalist planting
A well-balanced, healthy pond must contain two types of
plant: oxygenators which release oxygen into the water, and floating
plants which provide shelter from sunlight.
Without these, or an efficient filtration system, the water in the
pond can become overgrown with algae, which not only turns the
water green, but can also affect the health of some fish species,
such as Sterlets
Plants in the body of the pond also absorb nitrate—the product of
the breakdown of fish waste—which lessens the burden on the filtration system.
Incorporating plants into a koi pond is not straightforward,
partly because of the depth of water, and also because koi
have a habit of digging up plants and browsing on the growing
shoots.
Most koi ponds, so, incorporate a few tall marginals, and some
water lilies, whose leaves help to protect the fish from sunburn in the clear water.
Planting
In a new pond, wait several days after filling before putting
the plants in place, to allow the water temperature to rise
to that of the environment.
Pot plants as necessary having first inspected them for any signs of disease or pests.
In temperate areas, spring is the best time to introduce new plants
into an existing pond, because aquatic plants start to grow now.
If the pond is large, you may need waders to put plants in place,
and special pond gloves should always worn.
These reach up to your shoulders and provide protection against
waterborne diseases, such as Weil’s disease a serious condition,
spread by rodents, which causes jaundice.
Types of koi fish pond plants
Plants for the pond can divided into four categories, based
on their growing habits and where in the pond they are to found.
Oxygenating plants,water lilies, and floating plants are aquatic,
growing in or under the water.
Marginal plants are a useful addition to the pond, not only as a
decorative element, but also to provide an excellent habitat for insects.
Oxygenating plants
grow underwater, releasing oxygen during daylight hours.
Water lilies have
attractive flowers and large leaves, which provide shade and protection for the fish.
Floating plants
can spread across a pond, and their growth may need to restricted
Marginal plants can
be cultivated in shallow water or boggy conditions around a pond’s edge.
How deep does a koi pond need to be?
A pond for goldfish or water lilies need be only about 2 feet deep for zones 5 or greater.
Ponds built in colder areas may need more depth to keep the pond from freezing solid.
Ponds built for koi should be close to three feet or deeper to allow these larger fish enough space.
What size pond do you need for Koi?
Well, at three feet deep, a six foot by eight foot pond will yield 1077 gallons.
But these are merely the minimum recommended requirements. Also, the more fish you have, the larger your pond should be.
A pond of the aforementioned size will be enough for no more than five average sized Koi.
How deep does a pond need to be for fish to survive the winter?
Koi Pond. Koi ponds should be at least 3 feet deep. The ideal depth
of a pond that supports a population of koi is 48 to 60 inches, although koi can survive with a minimum depth of 36 inches.
Do koi grow to the size of the pond?
Jumbo sized Koi grow up to 34 to 36 inches long. Does the size of the pond hinder a Koi’s growth?
The size of a pond will not stop a Koi from growing.
The size of the pond, along with other factors like health, feeding,
water temperature and water quality affect the speed of their growth.
build koi pond
A pond for goldfish or water lilies need be only about 2 feet deep for zones 5 or greater.
Ponds built in colder areas may need more depth to keep the pond from freezing solid.
Ponds built for koi should be close to three feet or deeper to allow these larger fish enough space.
How much does a koi pond cost to build?
A shallow 4′ x 6′ or 6′ x 8′ professionally-installed pond, including excavation, liner, filtration system, and simple rock border might cost $2,000 to $3,500. As a DIY project, the same pond might cost $500 to $1,000. Larger ponds, depending on features and equipment, can easily cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more.
How big does a koi pond need to be?
Well, at three feet deep, a six foot by eight foot pond will yield 1077 gallons. But these are merely the minimum recommended requirements. Also, the more fish you have, the larger your pond should be. A pond of the aforementioned size will be enough for no more than five average sized Koi.
How deep should a koi pond be winter?
Koi Pond. Koi ponds should be at least 3 feet deep. The ideal depth of a pond that supports a population of koi is 48 to 60 inches, although koi can survive with a minimum depth of 36 inches.
First off, take time to breathe. You pride and joys are probably fine. They may be somewhat traumatized by the whole experience, but that would be any pet caught in an unusual situation.
Unless extreme damage was done, their health probably is not an
an issue, but their home may be in need of some repairs.
You may have been completely prepared for the storm, or the storm may have taken you by complete surprise.
Whatever the case may be, you must jump into action as soon as
you physically can to ensure that no further damage is done to your pond.
First, you must undo all of your storm precautions to survey the possible damage.
If you netted your pond, clear as much debris off the net as possible and remove the netting.
Once you removed the netting you will be able to survey the damage and the condition that your fish are in.
If high waters were expected and your sand bagged the area around
you pond, as long as the water level is normal, remove all sand bags so that you can easily access your pond.
Do not get discouraged if things seem out of place, and it may not be as bad as it originally looks.
Once you have removed all netting and other precautions, take time to look at the area.
If any debris is present, remove it by skimming and netting. If plants or decorations are uprooted or out of place, replace them to their rightful area.
If you find major damage to your pond, it is important to remove your Koi as soon as possible.
Proper bagging and transporting techniques may be needed if the
damage done will take a large amount of time to fix, but there are
several temporary options available if damage can be fixed quickly.
You may want to consider using a children’s pool to house your Koi.
If nothing is available at the time, get into contact with your local
pet store or zoo, as they may have program available to help you house your Koi until maintenance can be done.
Once you have decided that only small repairs are needed, then you must focus on the water quality.
You water may seem cloudy or murky due to the storm and the amount of extra water from rainfall.
If the storm lasted for a long amount of time, you may be facing ammonia issues as well.
Test your water for Nitrates. If Nitrates are present, add the proper amount of salt to the water.
Typically you would add 3/4 to one pound of salt per 100 gallons of water.
But, if your fish are especially shocked by the situation, or seem to
have sustained any type of injuries, it may be a good idea to add more.
If you have plants in your pond, it may be a good idea to remove them before adding the salt into the water.
Your fish should be the most important issue at this point, not your plants.
If you are having KH issues (especially if it is below 100) you will want to add baking soda to your pond.
Typically you can add 1 cup of unpacked baking soda per 1000 gallons of water.
This will protect your pond from a future pH crash.
Yes, I was out fishing on Monday, but it was not for stripers. Fishing anywhere along saltwater on October 29 was simply impossible today due to the enormous surf, high tides, wild winds, and closed roads.
As most of you know, I have made a career out of fishing in nasty weather in both saltwater and freshwater. So, when I knew we were in for a real bad day with hurricane winds and driving rain, I just had to get out fishing. And, the best bet today would be to fish for carp in a protected spot in freshwater. The three largest carp I have ever caught (36 lbs., 36 lbs. 8 oz, and 40 lbs. 8 oz) were all taken on stormy and nasty days that were similar, though not as severe as this. I will tell you that carp just love this weather and usually go on a feeding binge during these events. It was last year during a big storm that I landed the biggest freshwater fish ever taken in Rhode Island waters, a 36 lb. common carp.
During Hurricane Sandy I was in a very safe spot to fish, away from blowing trees and debris as safety is always a concern on these types of days. In fact, the wind was at my back and I had a great view of the storm while watching my rods. The rain was coming down horizontally in sheets and the wind was blowing the trees in the distance sideways as branches were coming down.
And, yes, the carp were hitting as I expected they would. The first fish I landed was a 12 lb. common. Next, was a 20 lb. common carp. Next fish was the surprise of the fall for me. It was a large mirror koi that was a bright red with black spots all over it. It was a rare gorgeous fish, and this fish was only the second koi I have ever landed! Finally, the day ended with a 21 lb. common. All the fish fell for pineapple-flavored Pescaviva fished on a hair-rigged hook and fished ahead of an oatmeal-based method ball.
With fully charged seas and rough and nasty weather expected for the next few days, I will keep my attention geared to freshwater, where I know I can fish. It might be upwards of a week before the ocean clears up and striper fishing resumes.
Here is also a sad story about koi lost in hurricane
Laura Irish of Middleburg, FL lost her Koi fish during Hurricane Irma. You won’t believe how she found one of them. Story from the local newspaper below.
In some ways, it’s another story stemming from Hurricane Irma, but it really starts about five years ago. Laura and her husband Joel have lived on their Scenic Drive property for about eight years. After nearly losing their house to Tropical Storm Debbie in June 2012, they decided to build a new, higher house on the same parcel, which backs out onto Black Creek.
“Built this house a lot higher, probably six feet higher,” as Laura began the story on Friday, talking with First Coast News.
The couple currently has four hens, three dogs, and a rescue cat, but their menagerie expanded less than a year ago after they discovered a natural spring next to their driveway. They decided to build a Koi pond, knowing the constant flow of pristine water would mean added beauty with minimal maintenance, eventually stocking the pond – complete with waterfall – with 17 Koi fish and a turtle.
“Super healthy,” she described the fish, “I mean, most of them are about this big,” she said, holding her hands about a foot apart.
Then came Irma. Laura figured that the creek would rise.
It did, not just the roughly 14 feet to the driveway and Koi pond, but another 9 feet, almost enough to reach the sub-floor of the elevated home.
“Part of our prep was to put a net over my Koi pond,” Laura said, having figured the netting would keep the fish and turtle in their home.
It didn’t. Several days after the water ebbed, the Irishes removed the debris-laden mesh.
“So, finally we managed to get the net off and looked in. And, nothing, nothing left,” she said with a sigh.
All seemed lost. In this rural area where mountains of waterlogged possessions still line the road, awaiting pickup, it’s hard to figure that any of the fish would have survived wherever nature left them. It’s unfathomable to imagine that any would have been found, but one of them was, several days later, when a friend came by.
“He goes, ‘You’re not going to believe this but there’s a Koi in a swimming pool two blocks over.’ And I said, ‘That’s got to be my Koi’,” Laura said.
Indeed the Koi had somehow floated and swum across at least a quarter-mile of road, forest, and other waterways, ending its hurricane-driven journey inside the in-ground pool at a home on Laurel Road.
Laura and Joel know the family who lives at that home. “So, we went and looked at it, and sure enough it was Dreamsicle,” she said, identifying the fish by name.
what happens to fish during a hurricane
Fish and other ocean creatures face deadly conditions during a hurricane— sometimes the extreme weather strands them on land or far out at sea.
Hurricanes can generate massive waves, so most sea creatures — including dolphins, whales, and sharks — avoid the rough surface water and swim to calmer seas
How does a hurricane affect fishing?
How does a hurricane affect marine life? Larger marine animals such as sharks seem to be barely affected.
They can detect tiny changes in pressure as larger waves at the surface approach, as well as the reduced surface pressure associated with the storm itself, and they also swim deeper or leave the area.
Do fish survive hurricanes?
Hurricanes can be death sentences for coral and sea creatures that are territorial, meaning they won’t leave their homes to flee to safety, or for creatures that are slow swimmers, such as the seahorse, researchers told Live Science. Other animals, such as sharks and some fish, simply swim out of danger’s way.
https://youtu.be/pK4Ga0yGB4wMe building trapal pond tarpulin fish pond
how to build a koi pond made up of tarpaulin fish pond (trapal)
how to build a koi pond. (trapal pond)is the Favorite choice of poor man’s koi fish keeper and koi fish breeders here in the Philippines.
It is easy to build though it won’t last long at least you can enjoy using it for years if proper maintenance and care are done.
Pro Tip on how to make your Trapal koi pond last long.
Make sure it will not have direct sunlight install roofing to your trapal koi pond the best roofing material is plastic cover in order for the sunlight can penetrate but will not damage the trapal koi pond.
If possible the koi pond should be dug not above the ground it will protect the trapal koi pond from sun damage and unstable temperature that will make it deteriorate fast
Make sure that the water level should be at the topmost level of the pond the water protect it from harmful sunlight rays that will deteriorate it faster.
Here is another video of my trapal koi pond that I built with bamboo frame.
Here below is the photo of trapal that are used as pond liner for most koi keepers and other fish keepers in the Philippines.
How to build trapal koi pond
Build the trapal koi pond frame it is up to you what materials are you going to use bamboo or wood. You can also dig the ground if you prefer not to build trapal koi pond frame. I highly recommend this since it will make your trapal last longer than raised koi pond design.
After you are done with the frame or dug a hole in the ground check the grounds if there are any sharp objects like stones, nails, roots of the trees etc and then add protection like carton or newspaper.
Now layout the trapal in the frame or earthen hole koi pond fold each edge to ensure that there are no sides that are stretching
After they are now in place secure them with u nails to stick them if you are using bamboo or wood frame for the earthen koi pond place stones to each edge to hold the trapal.
add water and then install also your filtration system my suggestion is used airlift filtration system it is cheaper in power consumption, your safe for any electrical shock and does not clog up like the submersible pump.
After your filtration system is installed run it for a week before adding your koi fish.
Here is the video on how to properly fold the edges of the trapal to make it smooth and no hanging parts on its side watch here
Here is a video of a simple demonstration how the airlift pump works you can google to find designs in airlift filtration system in the meantime check out my video below
Tarpaulin pond for profitable fish farming Fishes are raised in an aquatic environment. Fish can be cultured anywhere there is water.
Constructing a Small Fish Pond in the Garden: Our home garden hosts a lot of money … I have purchased a water-proof tarpaulin of 6 ft x 9 ft size.
Do you want to have a koi pond but don’t have lawn space outside to build your koi pond? You can still build a koi pond indoors. There are much cool designs you can choose just search at google image. Having indoor koi pond is the best choice for koi keepers that live in cold climate areas. For koi owners in temperamental climates, indoor ponds offer peace of mind, especially for long winters. Also, indoor koi pond is best for koi keepers that live in an urban area that doesn’t have enough space to build an outdoor koi pond. indoor koi pond tends to be smaller so it is important that the water levels are correct. Otherwise, the strong pressure could make your koi fish sick or could even be fatal. Install a high-quality water pump and koi pond filter to help keep water levels and pressure safely. I recommend using airlift pump it serves as a protein skimmer too. The efficient filtration should be able to pump the entire koi pond volume of water through the filter in one hour The smaller size of indoor koi pond also affects the water and gas exchange. And koi fish need plenty of dissolved oxygen in the water. So my advice is to use diy airlift pump it serves a dual purpose. Airlift pump can lift water and aerate the water at the same time. Koi fish don’t need to rise to the surface to breathe oxygen. You need also to install a drain in the koi pond.
You can also buy a cheap add-on bottom drain to the place at the bottom of the indoor koi pond indoor koi pond will build up humidity inside your home. This can be a good therapy for those who suffer from cold and dry winter climates. If added humidity is not for you, install a fan to circulate the humidity throughout the house to fix it. You can also add to try a dehumidifier. You can add lighting to your indoor koi pond Koi fish do better in natural lighting it can bring out their natural beautiful colors. Many koi keepers who take the indoor koi pond add picture windows or other means to allow natural light into the home. You can also install incandescent lighting with UVA and UVB bulbs. These will also help any koi pond plants to grow. You also need to keep an eye for any indoor koi pond leaks. Leaks inside a home can cause plenty of damage, so it’s best to always catch them early Find for pooling water on the floor by the koi pond or any other odd moisture. Cheap leak detectors can provide some peace of mind once installed. You can also check out my koi pond construction guide article as your guide on how to build koi pond Do you have an indoor koi pond? Send us a photo via our contact form!
indoor pond ideas
Explore Nicole Spence’s board “Indoor Ponds” on Pinterest. | See more ideas about Indoor pond, Ponds and Water feature. here
indoor koi pond ideas pinterest collection of Nicole Spences
WELCOME TO KIM’S PONDS. Kim’s D.I.Y. pond kits come complete with everything you need to create a beautiful water garden, in about an hour, without ever lifting a shovel.
Available in sizes from small to large you can build a patio pond and water garden, install a fish pond on your deck, or add tranquility with water features in a garden or yard pond! Build the ultimate indoor pond for Goldfish or Koi with any of Kim’s above ground pond kits.
Build a Koi Pond with Kim’s partial in ground pond kit.
Beginning with Kims’ first pond built for her autistic son Zachary’s growing pet Koi, a fish called Molly; Kim wanted to create pond kits that anyone could easily set-up themselves.
Today over 1,000 pond enthusiasts across Canada and the USA have enjoyed the super easy setup, low maintenance, strength, and beauty of Kim’s elegant handcrafted artisan built ponds! Pre-built, then boxed and shipped to your location, you simply re-assemble and add water. We invite you to explore our website to find a pond sized to fit into your space, and built to meet your needs.
keeping koi indoors
Koi grow quickly and get very large. Keep mature koi in an outdoor pond of at least 3 feet deep, with at least 50 gallons of water per fish.
Young koi can be kept indoors in an aquarium of at least 29 gallons. Put the aquarium in a quiet area out of direct sunlight and drafts
Can koi fish live in a tank?
Koi are cold water pond fish, descended from carp. … Keep koi in large aquariums for a few months at a time.
If you live in an apartments, you may have to keep koi in aquariums for their entire life.
That is possible, as long as you do not overcrowd the aquarium with too many koi.
Should I bring my koi inside for the winter?
In northern locations with extreme winters, some people opt to bring their koi indoors for the winter.
Although koi and goldfish can survive harsh winter conditions, if you have relatively few koi, or if you have a large tank inside to house your fish, you might want to consider bringing your fish inside.
What size tank do koi need?
This is the approximate number of fish of a given size you can keep safely in the tank. So, if our 125-gallon tank will hold 1.25 12-inch koi, then it will hold 11 6-inch koi (1.25 X 9 = 11).
It is essential to realize that as the koi grow, you will have to remove fish from the tank to maintain the proper load balance.
Can you keep koi indoors?
Keeping Koi Fish Indoors. Koi fish thrive in outdoor conditions, making koi ponds the preferred area; however, for some enthusiasts an outdoor koi pond is impractical or impossible. .. . Much like outdoor koi ponds, indoor koi tanks have some special considerations to take into account.
indoor fish ponds
We’ve been keeping our fish indoors for the winter and have filtration. Do we need to use any chemicals? | Decorative Ponds & Water Gardens Q & A
Q: We’ve been keeping our fish indoors for the winter and have filtration. Do we need to use any chemicals? Shiela – Norton, VA A: No doubt your finned friends are enjoying the cozy indoors during the chilly winter season. With your tank’s filtration system turned on, you’re mechanically cleaning the fishes’ aquatic abode – which is a great first step – but there are a few more things you can do to make their stay inside a pleasant one. Here’s what we recommend.
indoor koi pond designs
Photo from decoist.com
Asian-style interiors instantly evoke an image of serenity and tranquil calm.
With most of us engrossed in a fast-paced urban lifestyle, it helps immensely when we can come back home to a peaceful learn more
indoor fish pond Open MenuLow Cost Indoor Pond by drum303 Step 1: Initial Design Decide where you will put your pond, and how big you want it to be. I chose to make mine 4′ X 4′. The actual frame is 16″ tall, but the water is only 8″ deep, and raised up 8″. One thing to consider is that 1 gallon of water weighs about 8 pounds. Here is a link to a good pond calculator. My pond holds about 70 gallons (560 pounds). If you place your pond on an upper level of your house, you should try to place it along a load bearing wall. A larger pond should be placed on the ground floor. Please make sure your floor will be able to hold your pond. Nobody can be held responsible for any catastrophies but you. Do your homework. This link is a good place to start. FYI, a waterbed holds ALOT more water than this! leanr more here https://www.instructables.com/id/Low-Cost-Indoor-Pond/ koi fish care indoor Koi grow quickly and get very large. Keep mature koi in an outdoor pond of at least 3 feet deep, with at least 50 gallons of water per fish Young koi can be kept indoors in an aquarium of at least 29 gallons. Put the aquarium in a quiet area out of direct sunlight and drafts. What size tank do koi need? This is the approximate number of fish of a given size you can keep safely in the tank. So, if our 125-gallon tank will hold 1.25 12-inch koi, then it will hold 11 6-inch koi (1.25 X 9 = 11). It is essential to realize that as the koi grow, you will have to remove fish from the tank to maintain the proper load balance.
Photo from https://www.petsmart.com/
koi fish indoors Should I bring my koi inside for the winter? In northern locations with extreme winters, some people opt to bring their koi indoors for the winter. Although koi and goldfish can survive harsh winter conditions, if you have relatively few koi, or if you have a large tank inside to house your fish, you might want to consider bringing your fish inside. How do you keep koi alive in the winter? The snow, ice, and surrounding earth will help insulate your pond from the frigid air. De-Icer: If your pond threatens to freeze completely, you may need to install a de-icer to keep at least part of the water above freezing. Your fish will need a few feet of liquid water in the pond throughout the winter.
Photo from https://www.dickslandscape.com
koi fish indoor cheap indoor pond
Photo from Shroomery forum posted by smack31
Just wanted to share my indoor cichlid pond if anyone is interested. The necessity arose when my Oscar started reaching 9″ and had officially outgrown his 40 gallon home. I had originally planned on setting up a 125 gallon aquarium, but after sketching some ideas out and talking to the Mrs, she gave me the okay to go ahead with the indoor pond. 😀 The pond itself is roughly 150 gallons and about 7ft long. The water return from the filter is in the narrow end, which creates a current that empties into what I call the pooling end. The idea was to simulate on a micro scale a stream emptying into a lake. The natural habit of the fish in the pond varies, and this way they can all come a little closer to “home.” The pond is inhabited by a 10″ Oscar named Ludo. With him are 2 female Jack Dempseys (both around 6-7″), a Firemouth Cichlid, a Firemouth x Convict hybrid, a small family of Convicts, and 5 Silver Dollars. rapidly growing varieties of koi—may grow to a length of 36 in (90 cm) by five years of age in this environment. Constructing an indoor pond is very similar to creating a pond outside ), but its location in the home must be carefully considered (see box, below). Raised ponds are the most popular style indoors, especially if small fish are to be kept there, and broad edging provides an opportunity to sit and view the fish at close quarters. Always consider the safety of your design , especially if young children are likely to visit. It is important to have an efficient filtration system in an indoor pond, to maintain the quality of the water; partial water changes are also necessary, because, unlike an outdoor pond, it will not be periodically flushed through with rainwater. Evaporation will reduce the water level, so you will need to top off the pond regularly with fresh, dechlorinated water. On to the build..! read the full article here small indoor fish pond
Achieving healthy plant growth in an indoor pond, such as this well-established conservatory pool, may need overhead lighting to maintain the plants through the winter, especially in temperate areas. Extra heating may also be necessary, depending on the plant species you choose to grow. An indoor pond can be a striking focal point in a contemporary room design. This Asian-style koi pond by architects Dransfield Owens de Silva, can be crossed via stepping stones to reach another room. INDOOR POND CONSIDERATIONS
Always seek professional advice if you wish to build a large indoor pond.
Screen the windows in a conservatory to prevent large water temperature fluctuations
Provide adequate ventilation to prevent condensation problems and mold growth.
Incorporate a means of draining the pond with no risk of flooding the area.
Can you keep butterfly koi in a tank?
If you live in an apartments, you may have to keep koi in aquariums for their entire life.
That is possible, as long as you do not overcrowd the aquarium with too many koi.
Obtain an aquarium that is large enough to contain the number of koi you have. Koi need a large volume tank to thrive.
Ponds need regular maintenance if they are to provide fish with a
healthy and safe environment.
Problems are most likely to arise in the first year, before the pond
isestablished, and are typically caused by overfeeding or overstocking.
Frequent monitoring and an awareness of seasonal changes will
help avoid the major pitfalls.
Spring checks As fish begin to stir out of their period of winter
dormancy, spent in the depths of the pond, they are very
susceptible to minor illnesses, such as bacterial infections, which
can rapidly overwhelm their weakened immune
systems.
Thorough inspection of individual fish will help identify and treat
illnesses in their earliest stages .
Once the water temperature increases, fish regain their appetites and become
A well-kept pond that has healthy planting and good water quality
is an attractive addition to any garden, and will provide a healthy habitat for pond fish.
Seasonal koi pond plant care
Plants around the pond may benefit from a layer of leaf mulch to protect them in winter.
Plants in the pond itself that are vulnerable to freezing weather
must be transferred indoors before the first frost.
Although the winter pond may look bare (below left), the plants can
be returned to the pond in spring and will grow quickly over the summer (below right).
better able to fight infections.This surge in appetite, and the
resulting increase in waste products, causes a rise in ammonia
levels in the water, so now is a good time to maintain and
service filtration equipment.
The beneficial bacteria in biological filters are inactive during cold
weather, and such filters may need to be reseeded with bacterial cultures.
Live and freeze-dried cultures are available from suppliers of pond
equipment.
The addition of zeolite, a chemical that absorbs ammonia directly
from the water, may also be beneficial until the filter is fully functioning again.
Pond fish begin to show spawning behavior in late spring,
when new plant growth provides surface cover for the fish
and for any eggs and resulting fry in the pond.
Check regularly in case any fish have become trapped in reeds or
Removing leaves in the fall is easier if netting is placed over
the surface of the pond.
other plants, or any females have been driven out of the pond by over-energetic males.
During the summer,the increased temperature of the water and
greater activity levels of the fish result in lower oxygen levels.
If not controlled, plant and algal growth also reduces oxygen levels
in the water.
To maintain oxygenation, fountains and other water features
should be left on overnight, or special aeration equipment should be installed.
Preparing for winter
Pond plants begin to die back in the fall, and excess foliage
should be removed.
Falling leaves should not be allowed to accumulate on the surface of
the pond, because they decompose in the water and can harm the fish.
Covering the surface of the pond with netting keeps leaves out of
the water, and allows them to be collected easily.
If there are delicate fish in the pond, or any young from a late
spawning, they should be caught and transferred to an aquarium
for the winter to ensure their survival.
When the water temperature falls below 43°F (6°C), the remaining
fish may enter an almost completely motionless state, and will
not require feeding until spring.
Below around 39°F (4°C),a warmer layer of water will develop in the deepest part of
Algal blooms—sudden flushes of algal growth—can be a problem in warm weather.
Removing any dying or dead leaves from plants around the pond
will help limit algal proliferation.
Blanketweed is a type of filamentous alga, which can trap fish.
It should be removed regularly using a stick.
Duckweed grows rapidly, and will entirely cover the surface of a pond.
It can easily be controlled by scooping it off the surface.
Regular Pond Maintenance Tasks
Check to see if fish are showing signs of ill health or behaving strangely.
Ensure that the filtration system, if present, is functioning correctly.
Feed the fish, according to their appetite, several times during the
day, except in the winter or in very hot weather
Note the water level in the pond; sudden falls indicate a leak in the pond liner.
Check the ammonia and nitrite levels, especially in a newly established pond.
Weekly
During the growing season, remove faded flowers of marginals, unless seed is required.
Top off the water level in the pond if the evaporation level is high,
using water treated with a dechlorinating product
Test the oxygen levels in the water, especially in hot weather.
Check for any signs of plant pests, such as aphids, removing them
from the vegetation where necessary.
Monthly
Check the nitrate level of the pond water. It should not rise above 50 mg/l.
Remove blanketweed so that it cannot choke other plants and pond fish.
Prevent any build-up of algae on bridges or decking, which could make them slippery.Remove it by scrubbing the surface of the wood with a clean brush.
Watch for any signs of moss growing on the surface of paving or
stepping stones close to and surrounding the pond.
Rather than stocking the pond to the greatest capacity at the outset,
add further fish gradually over the spring and summer months.
the pond, where pond fish spend the winter. If there is a submersible pump installed, position it more than 6 in
(15 cm) from the bottom of the pond, and switch off water
features, such as waterfalls or fountains—otherwise, these
will circulate and cool the water by mixing the colder surface
layers with the warm layer below.
In mild areas, a pond heater can help to prevent the surface
of the pond from freezing over in the winter.
It will stop the area around the heater from freezing, allowing
noxious gases produced by decomposing plant matter to escape
from under the ice.
If ice has formed on the surface of the pond, never try to smash it,
because the shock waves will traumatize the fish and may even prove fatal.
Instead, melt the ice slowly by carefully holding a hot saucepan on the surface of the pond.
During the spring, place a net over the surface of the pond
or stretch it across a framework to protect exhausted fish
from opportunistic predators.
Decoys are available to deter birds, but they are unlikely to stop raccoons or cats.
CLEANING OUT A POND
Over time, sediment accumulates in the pond, and plant growth
proliferates, inevitably reducing the area of water that is accessible
to the fish.
At intervals of a year or so, it is a good idea to unertake a major clearout.
The best time is in early spring, because the pond will have time to
reestablish itself in the warm summer months.
If any cases of serious illness have occurred within the pond, it may must disinfection.
Some preformed pond units can be lifted out of the ground to make this task easier.
Before starting the clearout, catch the fish and move them to a location where they will be safe.
Siphon or bail out the pond water, removing other aquatic life, such as snails or dragonfly larvae.
Divide and repot water lilies and marginal plants.
Remove the silt using a spade or scoop, and hose out the base of the pond. The used silt can be dumped on flowerbeds.
Refill the pond, adding a suitable volume of water conditioner.
Allow the water temperature to rise before returning the fish and plants to the pond.
Remove the fish before cleaning, watching closely for small fry;
transfer the fish to a safe container.
Re-introduce the fish only after any replanting is complete; allow
the fish to settle without further disturbance.
The surface of a pond can become choked with aquatic vegetation (top).
Clearingout the pond, by thinning or cutting back the plants and
removing dead matter, provides the fish with a larger swimming
space, and makes the area neater, safer, and more attractive (bottom).
For many homeowners around the world, the garden or the lawn is
their favourite spot in their property.
Several people use their garden to relax and enjoy a great time with the family members.
For kids it also serves a great purpose for recreational activities. For
elders, it is a nice place to unwind, chill your heels and enjoy the
sight of flowers, koi fish and the plants around and breathe a fresh air.
If you are lucky to have a nice indoor koi pond garden in your home, you can
enhance the beauty of your beloved spot by adding a fountain pond in the garden.
No doubt, the fountain pond makes the garden look more visually alluring.
Plus, the sight and the sound of flowing water can be therapeutic and relaxing too.
If you wish to get fountain pond in your garden, you can transform
the simple fountain into something more alluring and entertaining
by adding the right type of lighting.
The combination of the flowing water and the light reflection will
add a great theatrical value to your otherwise ordinary looking fountain.
Here are a few important tips to choose the right type of light to your fountain pond.
One of the most popular types of lights that most homeowners buy
for their fountain is the submersible light.As the name itself suggest, these lights are designed in a way that
they can be installed under the surface of the water, which means
that you need not worry about the wires hanging loosely around the
fountain, which would affect the beauty of the centerpiece of your garden.
The submersible lights not only creating a shimmering light but
also, make the fountain look quite magical.
Depending on the kind of feel you want to create around the koi pond fountain, you can use colored lenses that constantly change colors.Another significant advantage of these lights is that they are easy to
install and make the surface of the water glow from above.
The kind of blubs you use for the lights also play in important role
in making or breaking the beauty of the fountain. Typically, most people use the LED lights.These lights durable and they are also healthy for the pond; these
lights do not emit strong light and therefore do not impact the temperature of the water in the pond.
Not to mention, the LED lights are much cheaper than halogen lights.
If you have a large pond and a big fountain, a halogen light would
be a better choice illuminate the fountain area in an effective manner.
Another important factor to consider while choosing the best
lighting for the fountain is the surrounding area.
You need to decide the kind of mood you want to create around
the fountain pond; if you want to use the garden area for relaxation
, you certainly would not want the light to be too strong and
overpowering the other surrounding.
The best way to light up the fountain area is to create the right mood.
Apart from the design, the type of the bulb and the mood that you want to create, you also need to pick the right wattage.
The king of light you pick must be based on the overall size of the
fountain base, if you have a small pond, a 5 to 10 watts bulb will be
sufficient; for larger koi ponds, 20 to 40 watts bulb will create enough illumination.
Last, but certainly not the least, to create a unique look for your
fountain and highlight the beauty of the flowing water, it is best advised to play with angles of the light.
You can get fountain pond look to become the centerpiece of the
garden by placing the lights at different heights and make the water
flowing visibly from all directions.
What is the best pond fountain?
Danner 02088 Large Aqua Belle Pond Fountain… …
Smart Solar 24402R01 Aquatic Range Floating… …
Solar Fountain,HiJi 1.6W Solar Powered Bird Bath Fountain Pump for… …
Pond Boss PROFTN51003L PRO… …
Daonanba Decorative Pool Fountain Rectangular Waterfall Pool Fountain… …
FLF 1 HP Floating Fountain.
How does water fountains work?
The water forced from the pump is delivered to the fountain head
where it is sprayed into the air through a fine nozzle or where it is
allowed to flow down the outside of the structure of the fountain. The water that is sprayed into the air will fall back onto the fountain and drain back into the reservoir.
Presence of algae is one of the greatest potential problems you are likely to find in your koi pond.
There are various species of algae. In the light of pond
management, the types of algae are divided into suspended and filamentous.
Suspended algae is primitive minute single-celled species that
appears as an algal bloom in the pond to resemble pea soup.
On the other hand, filamentous algae come in kinds such as
Blanketweed, Silkweed, and Mermaid’s hair.
Read on to discover how to cope with algae in your garden koi pond.
Presence of algae in your pond does not mean that it’s unhealthy.
However, it comes with considerable distress and ruining of your pond’s visual appeal.
Suspended algae create a very unpleasant bloom during the spring.
It occurs mostly in temperate areas where the growth of higher
plant life in winter becomes non-existent.
The water in the pond becomes green as it warms up. Primitive
unicellular algae appear immediately and continue to wreck more
havoc until more developed plants take over.
Here’s the catch
As growth begins with the submerged plants utilizing the nutrients
in the water, they have to compete with more primitive algae.
The plants are more likely to decline to make the water become clear.
During the year when green algae bloom, it disturbs the natural balance of your pond.
If your pond is new, the aquatic plants will have less time to
establish because of troublesome suspended algae.
You have to be patient to give the plants time to get established. The pond will eventually clear if you strive to create a balance between the plants and fish.
How to handle algae in your pond
There is a high temptation to empty the water in your pond and refill it with fresh water.
This can alleviate the algae from your pond for some time. However, after a few days, you are likely to come face to face with more algae after a short while.
The fresh water from a tap has mineral salts than enrich the water for more algae growth.
Changing the water in your pond will not make lasting results
unless you properly balance the pond.
A wonderful idea is to buy fountain for pond with aeration ability
to protect your fish and manage the growth of algae in your pond.
Filamentous algae is very persistent and troublesome.
It forms huge floating mats where the lower parts might begin to decompose because of lack of light.
This creates an unpleasant smell and black mess in your pond. However, an aerator fountain helps to prevent accumulation of
algae debris and foul smell from happening in your pond.
The aerator regularly turns the water to allow free movement of oxygen from top to bottom.
There’s more
Installing a fountain in your pond is the ideal solution to keep algae at bay. It helps to mop up nutrients in the water and promotes the smooth flow of oxygen to sustain fish plus other aquatic life. Removal of excess nutrients from the water deprives algae of the opportunity of such plants from growing.
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how to remove algae from pond without harming fish
How do you keep pond water clear?
7 tips below to help keep your pond water clean!
Maintain a healthy fish population. …
Don’t over-feed your fish. …
Create a proper balance of plants. …
Choose the right size pump for your pond. …
Clean debris from pond before it has a chance to decay. …
Choose proper filtration for your pond.
Is algae bad for fish in a pond?
The Good: Algae is not harmful to your pond or water feature. Algae actually performs a necessary and important role, just like
any other plant in your pond -that is to absorb nitrates, which is
what’s left in the water after your pond’s beneficial bacteria are
finished degrading fish and plant waste.
