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  • Pond pumps preparation for winter .... Remove any submersible pumps for waterfalls or filters to give them a thorough clean and overhaul, even gently scouring away any build up of lime or silt on fins and bearing surfaces. Put the pump back at a level less than 30cm(1ft) below the surface so that only the surface water is in the cyclical flow of water in the pool. This is so that the water at the bottom of the pool, if left undisturbed, is more likely to remain at a more even temperature. The pumps can be left in operation until it gets really cold sump pumps

  • UV light for green murky water control ... The most effective method of planktonic algae control is ultraviolet sterilization. The many advantages of UV sterilization make it a very attractive option for algae control. First, it is a physical treatment, so it does not change the water chemistry of the pond. Second, it is very easy to install. Third, the treatment takes place outside the pond, away from the fish and plan. Chemical treatments can be successful, but they can be expensive, temporary and potentially harmful to plants and fish ultra violet lights for pond algae

  • Autumn pond preparation for winter ... Remove fallen leaves. Net pond and stream. Remove tender aquatics. Clean pumps and raise them up to the marginal shelf level so they only circulate surface water. Only feed fish low protein food below water temperatures10C down to 7C. Stop feed altogether at 7C. Maintain a hole in any ice that forms on the surface for more than 3 days. Cleanout any filtration system once the temperature approaches freezing and close it down. Keep the pool topped up especially in areas where there is a high water table. Treat any fresh water with pool conditioning chemicals. all about water garden fountains

  • Pond pumps preparation for winter .... Remove any submersible pumps for waterfalls or filters to give them a thorough clean and overhaul, even gently scouring away any build up of lime or silt on fins and bearing surfaces. Put the pump back at a level less than 30cm(1ft) below the surface so that only the surface water is in the cyclical flow of water in the pool. This is so that the water at the bottom of the pool, if left undisturbed, is more likely to remain at a more even temperature. The pumps can be left in operation until it gets really cold sump pumps

  • To buy two pumps, if selected correctly, is often no more expensive than buying a single larger pump. However being able to switch off the waterfall pump (normally the bigger of the two pumps) can save an enormous amount of money over the lifetime of the pond. The fish do not mind the waterfall being switched off most of the time and if you are at work you cannot enjoy the sights and sounds of the waterfall - so why waste electricity. Furthermore if one pump does break down you can keep your biofilter alive by using the second (spare) pump. In one of my calculators you are shown how to calculate how much you will be able to save by using two pumps in your pond. In the example I use in the calculator $309 is saved over 3 years http://www.practical-water-gardens.com/art2pumps.htm all about pond pumps

  • Do not buy fish food with more than 10% ash in it unless you know why. Read the label. If no label BE CAREFUL of quality. Gold fish food or koi food bought in stick form is normally money wasted and offers no real benefit to the fish. It is the analysis of the food that is important not the physical shape. Gold fish food or koi food in stick form was developed before pellets could float - this is the reason gold fish food or koi food sticks were invented. pond pump selection

  • Bio filter starter bacteria ... Think carefully before buying any so called bacteria starter or bio starter. In general do not add anything to a pond unless you understand why you are doing it and are sure of the benefit to be gained. If no obvious, proven, financial or fish health benefit then Do Not Add to your pond. Many commercial pond products are a total waste of money and time. It is because many people do not have biofilters that products have been "invented" to compensate for this inadequacy. Manufacturers are quick to see opportunities to add to their turnover. biomedia for pond filters

  • Filamentous algae and blanket weed. Attached filamentous algae can be seen growing on the rocks of a waterfall or on the sides of the pond. The growth of filamentous algae results from high levels of nutrients, carbon dioxide and the catalyst, the suns energy. Methods of controlling filamentous algae include increased shade, reducing the frequency of fish feedings, practical water changes, and the use of chemicals or plecostomus (algae-eating fish) during the summer months. High pH levels suit algae growth of this kind. This is one reason chalk stream or spring creeks tend to have blanket-weed and are very clear. blanketweed in fish ponds

  • Oygenators, pond plants ... All plants that live happily under water can be described as oxygenators. Out of these plants there are bound to be one or two that are the best for the job we need them to do. There is no doubt they are specialised. Roots tend to be merely for anchorage and the nutrition absorption and gaseous exchange occurs on the surface of the plant directly to each cell. The plant therefore has very thin walls and thin leaves to allow this to happen. This makes the plants floppy, which in fact becomes an advantage under water as they are able to bend with the eddies in the water. Two plants that have made this a real speciality and thrive in streams are Water Crowfoot, the true Water Buttercup (Ranunculus aquatalis) and Curly Pond Weed (Potamageton crispus). all about garden pond plants

  • If you are sick and tired of looking at debris on the bottom of your pond then consider buying an electrically operated vacuum cleaner. Just make sure that it is safe for pond use. OASE make the one that is best known. The latest version is Pondovac 2. For people who do not like to get their hand too mucky when cleaning out a pond there are specially made long length gloves extending right to the shoulder. If the water is a little too cold then the fishermen amongst you could easily use those waders to enter the water if cleaning has to be done. fountain pumps

 

Never switch off your pond pump for more than about 60 minutes

Make sure the delivery pipe from the pond pump is not kinked

Must the UV be placed before the biofilter?

A waterfall adds oxygen to a pond by creating a large surface area

Submersible pond pumps can operate against a closed valve

It is a good idea to pump out about 10% of your pond water

Lighting in and around ponds creates a brand new dimension

Sick and tired of looking at debris on the bottom of your pond?

Do not feed more food than what you fish can eat

Pond Links and Tips

 

 

 

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