I received a question from a reader of mine, based in Warsop, England, who was amazed at how much water his pvc liner pond was loosing, when he didn't appear to have a leak anywhere in his pond.
This is what David wrote ....
"Hi There,
I live in Warsop and have a 200 gallon pvc liner pond that is home to 5 small koi, 3 goldfish and a few parrots feather oxygenator plants. The problem I have is that my pond looses quite a lot of water, almost overnight in some cases. I lost 8 inches of water last Tuesday.
Sometimes when I fill the pond back up the water level remains constant for a couple of days and then disappears again!
I've checked the pond for leaks and can't see anything obvious. Unfortunately I haven't seen the bottom of the pond to see if there is a puncture there. I don't think this is the problem as the guy who installed the pond was doubly careful to make sure that he laid pond underlay down first.
I know that all ponds loose water through evaporation but as you know this summer has been particularly wet with a lot of rain. I read somewhere that evaporation is more of a problem in hot humid weather conditions.
Please can you shed any light on my problem?
Thanks
Dave Milton"
Click the link below to see what I said to David...
http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/Newsletters/QA2_leakingpondarticle.html
Learn how to choose the right pond keeping equipment online, to save money, Guaranteed! Go to http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/ to learn everything you need to know NOW!
September 25, 2010
September 8, 2010
Does Pond Temperature Affect Koi?
I received a letter from Alan who lives in Newcastle in the North East of England. Alan was curious to know how his Koi and goldfish would react to sudden swings in pond water temperature.
My Response To Alan...
Pond fish are to the pond temperature in which they live as well as the quality of the water. During cold winter spells the metabolic rate of your fish drops, resulting in them eating less. This is a survival mechanism that helps them to survive.
As your fish pond starts to warm up so does the Koi's metabolism and other body functions.
Pond water temperature increases gradually
Unlike differences in air temperature that can vary from one day to the next and significantly during the day the pond water temperature in your fish pond isn't affected by such rapid temperature swings. Koi and other pond fish have the significant benefit of their environment (water) acting as a buffer against rapid air temperature swings.
This is due to water taking longer to cool down and warm up. This is particular true in larger, deeper fish ponds that have less pond water volume coming into contact with air temperature.
The longer the warm spell continues, the more likely your fish pond will rise up to those temperatures, but gradually so that your Koi and other pond fish don't experience the rapid temperature changes experienced by us humans due to air temperature.
As with most things in life the better your understanding the better the decision making will be. By knowing the correct pond temperature you will be able to make an informed decision about what type of fish food to feed your Koi and pond fish i.e. a summer fish food or winter based pond food for example.
Despite their resilience to pond water temperature variations they are not as adaptable to changes in pond water quality. Poor water quality is something they do not cope with. This is why the choice of fish food is important along with the amount and feeding occurrence.
Remember to monitor the pond water temperature and feed accordingly. Don't guess! Feeding the wrong food at the wrong times encourages poor water quality which can have an adverse effect upon your Koi's health and immune system.
You should wait until the water temperature has risen to 8-10C and your Koi are actively seeking food before offering them food
If the pond temperature drops will my Koi hibernate again?
Should the pond water temperature drop significantly then your pond fish will start to exhibit typical over wintering behaviour i.e. they will stop eating and stay at the bottom of the pond where the water is warmer.
This is a short term thing however as they will soon liven up once the warmer spring weather reappears.
Water reaches its maximum density at 4 Celsius (39 F). As the pond water cools down it becomes less dense and rises to the pond surface.
For this reason Koi know that by staying in the warmest layer of the pond i.e. the bottom then they are limiting the possibility of tissue damage and subsequent Fish Diseases. This is another reason why ponds should be at least 5 feet deep in order that stratification can take place.
The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/koi_pondtemperature.htm
Learn how to choose the right pond keeping equipment online, to save money, Guaranteed! Go to http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/ to learn everything you need to know NOW!
My Response To Alan...
Pond fish are to the pond temperature in which they live as well as the quality of the water. During cold winter spells the metabolic rate of your fish drops, resulting in them eating less. This is a survival mechanism that helps them to survive.
As your fish pond starts to warm up so does the Koi's metabolism and other body functions.
Pond water temperature increases gradually
Unlike differences in air temperature that can vary from one day to the next and significantly during the day the pond water temperature in your fish pond isn't affected by such rapid temperature swings. Koi and other pond fish have the significant benefit of their environment (water) acting as a buffer against rapid air temperature swings.
This is due to water taking longer to cool down and warm up. This is particular true in larger, deeper fish ponds that have less pond water volume coming into contact with air temperature.
The longer the warm spell continues, the more likely your fish pond will rise up to those temperatures, but gradually so that your Koi and other pond fish don't experience the rapid temperature changes experienced by us humans due to air temperature.
As with most things in life the better your understanding the better the decision making will be. By knowing the correct pond temperature you will be able to make an informed decision about what type of fish food to feed your Koi and pond fish i.e. a summer fish food or winter based pond food for example.
Despite their resilience to pond water temperature variations they are not as adaptable to changes in pond water quality. Poor water quality is something they do not cope with. This is why the choice of fish food is important along with the amount and feeding occurrence.
Remember to monitor the pond water temperature and feed accordingly. Don't guess! Feeding the wrong food at the wrong times encourages poor water quality which can have an adverse effect upon your Koi's health and immune system.
You should wait until the water temperature has risen to 8-10C and your Koi are actively seeking food before offering them food
If the pond temperature drops will my Koi hibernate again?
Should the pond water temperature drop significantly then your pond fish will start to exhibit typical over wintering behaviour i.e. they will stop eating and stay at the bottom of the pond where the water is warmer.
This is a short term thing however as they will soon liven up once the warmer spring weather reappears.
Water reaches its maximum density at 4 Celsius (39 F). As the pond water cools down it becomes less dense and rises to the pond surface.
For this reason Koi know that by staying in the warmest layer of the pond i.e. the bottom then they are limiting the possibility of tissue damage and subsequent Fish Diseases. This is another reason why ponds should be at least 5 feet deep in order that stratification can take place.
The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/koi_pondtemperature.htm
Learn how to choose the right pond keeping equipment online, to save money, Guaranteed! Go to http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/ to learn everything you need to know NOW!
September 5, 2010
What Goldfish Need To Spawn In A Pond
Goldfish are sociable creatures and live in small shoals, happily swimming around. When goldfish reach maturity they will spawn spontaneously with the other members of the shoal.
Breeding goldfish in your fish pond is relatively simple if you provide the following basic prerequisites...
Mature Goldfish - The variety or quality of goldfish is not too important as different varieties of goldfish will happily spawn with each other. A sexually mature goldfish will be at least 2 years old and measure between 6 to 8 inches in length. It is advisable for male goldfish to outnumber female gold fish.
Suitable Pond - When it comes to spawning only healthy and goldfish that have been well fed are likely to spawn. It is important therefore to ensure that you feed a nutritious Goldfish Food. The pond will also need adequate Biological Filtration and the water quality will need to be good.
Suitable Number of Aquatic Plants - A densely packed area of pond plants will significantly improve the chances of the small goldfish fry surviving the first few perilous months. The densely planted area acts as a hiding place for the small goldfish fry.
How Do Goldfish Breed In Your Backyard Fish Pond?
Breeding isn't a gentle act in the goldfish world. In fact the rough nature of the male activity will often leave the female goldfish with severe exhaustion or bodily damage.
Female goldfish when ready to spawn release pheromones into the pond water. The male goldfish are unable to resist and will start to chase and collide into any female goldfish (whether carrying eggs or not) in an attempt to get her to release her many thousands of tiny eggs.
As the female releases the eggs they are fertilised by the sperm of the chasing males. These tiny adhesive clear eggs will stick to any available hard surface within the pond including pond plants, pipe work, pond walls, pond pumps etc.
For many pond keepers, it is the appearance of little olive brown goldfish fry in the warmer weedy margins that provides proof of a successful spawning.
The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/goldfishbreeding.html
Learn how to choose the right pond keeping equipment online, to save money, Guaranteed! Go to http://www.garden-pond-filters.com to learn everything you need to know NOW!
Breeding goldfish in your fish pond is relatively simple if you provide the following basic prerequisites...
Mature Goldfish - The variety or quality of goldfish is not too important as different varieties of goldfish will happily spawn with each other. A sexually mature goldfish will be at least 2 years old and measure between 6 to 8 inches in length. It is advisable for male goldfish to outnumber female gold fish.
Suitable Pond - When it comes to spawning only healthy and goldfish that have been well fed are likely to spawn. It is important therefore to ensure that you feed a nutritious Goldfish Food. The pond will also need adequate Biological Filtration and the water quality will need to be good.
Suitable Number of Aquatic Plants - A densely packed area of pond plants will significantly improve the chances of the small goldfish fry surviving the first few perilous months. The densely planted area acts as a hiding place for the small goldfish fry.
How Do Goldfish Breed In Your Backyard Fish Pond?
Breeding isn't a gentle act in the goldfish world. In fact the rough nature of the male activity will often leave the female goldfish with severe exhaustion or bodily damage.
Female goldfish when ready to spawn release pheromones into the pond water. The male goldfish are unable to resist and will start to chase and collide into any female goldfish (whether carrying eggs or not) in an attempt to get her to release her many thousands of tiny eggs.
As the female releases the eggs they are fertilised by the sperm of the chasing males. These tiny adhesive clear eggs will stick to any available hard surface within the pond including pond plants, pipe work, pond walls, pond pumps etc.
For many pond keepers, it is the appearance of little olive brown goldfish fry in the warmer weedy margins that provides proof of a successful spawning.
The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/goldfishbreeding.html
Learn how to choose the right pond keeping equipment online, to save money, Guaranteed! Go to http://www.garden-pond-filters.com to learn everything you need to know NOW!
September 4, 2010
Not All Goldfish Are Suitable For Ponds
Modern goldfish varieties come in a myriad of colours, sizes and appearance. Who would think that a Lionhead goldfish shares much of the same genetic make up as a Comet goldfish? At first glance you would certainly see no connection.
Goldfish breeders have succeeded in altering the physical appearance of goldfish.
Every possible change in appearance has been experimented with at some stage. Classic examples of the changes and mutations can be seen in the goldfishes eye shape, colour, body shape, tail length, number of tails, fin shape etc.
Which Gold Fish Types Can Live In A Garden Pond?
1)Common Goldfish - Typically a very evenly pigmented fish with short and sturdy fins and tail. Often available in a number of different colour variations where other colours such as white and black appear on top of the original golden colouration.
2)Comet Goldfish - They have been bred so that they have a really long tail fin. In large fish the tail may be half as long as the body. A uniform, singular colour is unusual in Comets. They regularly have red and white patterns that can be seen more easily from above.
3) Shubunkin - Rather than the typical gold colour associated with many goldfish varieties the Shubunkin is blue with a black and orange mottling set on top of this blue base.
Fancy gold fish that are not suitable For Fish ponds
1) Orandas - When viewed from above, their double-tail looks like a butterfly. They can adopt a variety of colours, including calico, which resembles a Shubunkin.
2)Blackmoor - Similar in shape to an Oranda, this black fish has bulbous eyes that project from the head. They are in fact my favourite goldfish variety, despite their quirky and somewhat ugly appearance.
3)Lionheads - These have a development on their head similar to the mane of a male lion. They too have a twin tail, but lack a dorsal fin.
4)Bubble Eyes, Pom-Poms and Celestials - These are all fancy goldfish in the extreme where breeders have selected for wild variations in head and eye developments.
The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/goldfishtypes.html
Learn how to choose the right pond keeping equipment online, to save money, Guaranteed! Go to http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/ to learn everything you need to know NOW!
Goldfish breeders have succeeded in altering the physical appearance of goldfish.
Every possible change in appearance has been experimented with at some stage. Classic examples of the changes and mutations can be seen in the goldfishes eye shape, colour, body shape, tail length, number of tails, fin shape etc.
Which Gold Fish Types Can Live In A Garden Pond?
1)Common Goldfish - Typically a very evenly pigmented fish with short and sturdy fins and tail. Often available in a number of different colour variations where other colours such as white and black appear on top of the original golden colouration.
2)Comet Goldfish - They have been bred so that they have a really long tail fin. In large fish the tail may be half as long as the body. A uniform, singular colour is unusual in Comets. They regularly have red and white patterns that can be seen more easily from above.
3) Shubunkin - Rather than the typical gold colour associated with many goldfish varieties the Shubunkin is blue with a black and orange mottling set on top of this blue base.
Fancy gold fish that are not suitable For Fish ponds
1) Orandas - When viewed from above, their double-tail looks like a butterfly. They can adopt a variety of colours, including calico, which resembles a Shubunkin.
2)Blackmoor - Similar in shape to an Oranda, this black fish has bulbous eyes that project from the head. They are in fact my favourite goldfish variety, despite their quirky and somewhat ugly appearance.
3)Lionheads - These have a development on their head similar to the mane of a male lion. They too have a twin tail, but lack a dorsal fin.
4)Bubble Eyes, Pom-Poms and Celestials - These are all fancy goldfish in the extreme where breeders have selected for wild variations in head and eye developments.
The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/goldfishtypes.html
Learn how to choose the right pond keeping equipment online, to save money, Guaranteed! Go to http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/ to learn everything you need to know NOW!
Is Algae On My Pond Walls Good?
I receive quite a few emails regarding pond algae, usually emails regarding how to get rid of planktonic algae (pea soup algae) or string algae.
Today I received an email regarding the pond algae that can be found on the sides of the pond and on pond filters, pumps and other surfaces within the fish pond. The reader wanted to know if this is a good or bad thing.
"Sean,
I've had our pond for about 2 months. All is going quite well. The water is clear the fish are active and content to be near the bottom. There is algae on the sides about 1/4 inch thick. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
The fish are eating it but I was considering getting snails at a friends suggestion.
Any input?
Thanks
Kevin"
My reply to Kevin...
"Hi Kevin,
Thanks for the email and hope you are well!
There are approximately 17000 species of algae. Some affect pond keepers and others don't.
The algae that you mention is perfectly harmless and is in fact beneficial to the pond eco system. Garden fish ponds usually contain one of or both of the following pond algae types ...
The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/Newsletters/algaeonsideofpond.html
Learn how to choose the right pond keeping equipment online, to save money, Guaranteed! Go to http://www.garden-pond-filters.com to learn everything you need to know NOW!
Today I received an email regarding the pond algae that can be found on the sides of the pond and on pond filters, pumps and other surfaces within the fish pond. The reader wanted to know if this is a good or bad thing.
"Sean,
I've had our pond for about 2 months. All is going quite well. The water is clear the fish are active and content to be near the bottom. There is algae on the sides about 1/4 inch thick. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
The fish are eating it but I was considering getting snails at a friends suggestion.
Any input?
Thanks
Kevin"
My reply to Kevin...
"Hi Kevin,
Thanks for the email and hope you are well!
There are approximately 17000 species of algae. Some affect pond keepers and others don't.
The algae that you mention is perfectly harmless and is in fact beneficial to the pond eco system. Garden fish ponds usually contain one of or both of the following pond algae types ...
The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/Newsletters/algaeonsideofpond.html
Learn how to choose the right pond keeping equipment online, to save money, Guaranteed! Go to http://www.garden-pond-filters.com to learn everything you need to know NOW!
September 2, 2010
Why Goldfish Are So Popular & Widespread
Like many things in life that have survived the test of time the secret to the success of the common goldfish or in this case longevity is its simplicity and low maintenance requirements.
Just like the Coca Cola logo the goldfish is the fish that everyone recognises. Young children even from an early age see this tough little fish on the TV, at the fair or in mom and dads pond or fish tank. The goldfish is the fish against which other fish are compared.
The Goldfish - A Born Survivor ... Why Are They So Popular?
1)Readily Available - The goldfish is readily available throughout the world and is the fish of choice for the newbie pond keeper wanting to learn the responsibilities and skills needed to maintain a healthy pond. Many experienced pond keepers will keep them alongside their collection of much more expensive and harder to keep koi carp.
2)Low Maintenance - What makes the goldfish stand out is its ability to withstand and even thrive in average water conditions, often without adequate filtration and a readily available supply of oxygen rich water. How many other fish could survive in a gold fish bowl for example? The records of colourful fish being kept for their beauty dates back to the T'ang Dynasty in China (AD 700) where they were often kept in ceramic jars without pumps, air filters and air pumps. If it were not for the ability to survive in such conditions then goldfish would not be as widespread and popular as they are today.
3)Breed Easily - A goldfish reaches sexual maturity at around 6" in length and will readily spawn in a garden fish pond, splashing and bumping in weedy shallows, depositing thousand of tiny adhesive eggs within the string algae and weed. What is truly amazing with goldfish is the variety of colours that can result from a natural spawn. The majority appear at first to be brown and it is only over time that some of the fry will develop the traditional colouration of goldfish.
The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/goldfishpopular.html
Learn how to choose the right pond keeping equipment online, to save money, Guaranteed! Go to http://www.garden-pond-filters.com to learn everything you need to know NOW!
Just like the Coca Cola logo the goldfish is the fish that everyone recognises. Young children even from an early age see this tough little fish on the TV, at the fair or in mom and dads pond or fish tank. The goldfish is the fish against which other fish are compared.
The Goldfish - A Born Survivor ... Why Are They So Popular?
1)Readily Available - The goldfish is readily available throughout the world and is the fish of choice for the newbie pond keeper wanting to learn the responsibilities and skills needed to maintain a healthy pond. Many experienced pond keepers will keep them alongside their collection of much more expensive and harder to keep koi carp.
2)Low Maintenance - What makes the goldfish stand out is its ability to withstand and even thrive in average water conditions, often without adequate filtration and a readily available supply of oxygen rich water. How many other fish could survive in a gold fish bowl for example? The records of colourful fish being kept for their beauty dates back to the T'ang Dynasty in China (AD 700) where they were often kept in ceramic jars without pumps, air filters and air pumps. If it were not for the ability to survive in such conditions then goldfish would not be as widespread and popular as they are today.
3)Breed Easily - A goldfish reaches sexual maturity at around 6" in length and will readily spawn in a garden fish pond, splashing and bumping in weedy shallows, depositing thousand of tiny adhesive eggs within the string algae and weed. What is truly amazing with goldfish is the variety of colours that can result from a natural spawn. The majority appear at first to be brown and it is only over time that some of the fry will develop the traditional colouration of goldfish.
The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/goldfishpopular.html
Learn how to choose the right pond keeping equipment online, to save money, Guaranteed! Go to http://www.garden-pond-filters.com to learn everything you need to know NOW!
September 1, 2010
How To get Your Koi To Spawn
I recently received an email from a gentleman by the name of Julio who wanted some further information regarding breeding his Koi and other pond fish.
"Hi Sean:
I have been reading your advice for some time now and had good results in keeping my 500 gal pond free from algae and debris.
Now I have a question of another kind.
How do I go about reproducing my fish? I have some 20 koi and comet gold fish, mostly koi. from 12+ inches long to 5 inches long. The size determined by the date of acquisition.
My pond is concrete, square edged walls and bottom with pebbles in most of the bottom. Some aquatic plants in plastic containers, mostly water lilies, a tetra biofilter and tetra 500gph pump.
I tried planting hydrilla, easily acquired locally intending it to oxygenate the pond and , as it is planted at the bottom, serve for the eggs to adhere to its leaves and at the same time, serve as hiding place for goblins (baby fish). The problem is that the fish eat the hydrilla.
I do want the fish to reproduce!
I could use floating water hyacinths whose long roots could serve my purpose but for the problem of mosquitoes breeding at the bottom of their leaves.
What do you advise???"
My response to Julio!
"Hi Julio
It sounds like you have a great set up and good conditions for your Koi and other fish to breed. One thing that does bother me however are the pebbles at the bottom of the pond; these encourage areas for food and pond sludge to become trapped and generally encourage the build up of unwanted bacteria. The pebbles also make it harder to vacuum up pond sludge and other organic debris.
Anyway that isn't what you are asking. So here goes...
This might sound obvious but you do have a mixture of male and females I hope! Judging by the size of the Koi I would assume that they are mature enough to breed.
First things first I would like to point out that I am by no means an expert when it comes to breeding Koi but am aware of the basics, which I will point out for you in the following sequence of paragraphs. I also want to make you aware of the actual spawning process and it's pros and cons.
Breeding Koi is stressful to the female Koi
Far from being polite suitors male Koi are quite aggressive in their mating behaviour and will readily charge into and bash the females in order that they will release their eggs. Many female Koi are injured and become extremely exhausted as a result of the aggressive male Koi breeding behaviour.
The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/Newsletters/Koi_breeding_advice.htm
Learn how to choose the right pond keeping equipment online, to save money, Guaranteed! Go to http://www.garden-pond-filters.com to learn everything you need to know NOW!
"Hi Sean:
I have been reading your advice for some time now and had good results in keeping my 500 gal pond free from algae and debris.
Now I have a question of another kind.
How do I go about reproducing my fish? I have some 20 koi and comet gold fish, mostly koi. from 12+ inches long to 5 inches long. The size determined by the date of acquisition.
My pond is concrete, square edged walls and bottom with pebbles in most of the bottom. Some aquatic plants in plastic containers, mostly water lilies, a tetra biofilter and tetra 500gph pump.
I tried planting hydrilla, easily acquired locally intending it to oxygenate the pond and , as it is planted at the bottom, serve for the eggs to adhere to its leaves and at the same time, serve as hiding place for goblins (baby fish). The problem is that the fish eat the hydrilla.
I do want the fish to reproduce!
I could use floating water hyacinths whose long roots could serve my purpose but for the problem of mosquitoes breeding at the bottom of their leaves.
What do you advise???"
My response to Julio!
"Hi Julio
It sounds like you have a great set up and good conditions for your Koi and other fish to breed. One thing that does bother me however are the pebbles at the bottom of the pond; these encourage areas for food and pond sludge to become trapped and generally encourage the build up of unwanted bacteria. The pebbles also make it harder to vacuum up pond sludge and other organic debris.
Anyway that isn't what you are asking. So here goes...
This might sound obvious but you do have a mixture of male and females I hope! Judging by the size of the Koi I would assume that they are mature enough to breed.
First things first I would like to point out that I am by no means an expert when it comes to breeding Koi but am aware of the basics, which I will point out for you in the following sequence of paragraphs. I also want to make you aware of the actual spawning process and it's pros and cons.
Breeding Koi is stressful to the female Koi
Far from being polite suitors male Koi are quite aggressive in their mating behaviour and will readily charge into and bash the females in order that they will release their eggs. Many female Koi are injured and become extremely exhausted as a result of the aggressive male Koi breeding behaviour.
The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/Newsletters/Koi_breeding_advice.htm
Learn how to choose the right pond keeping equipment online, to save money, Guaranteed! Go to http://www.garden-pond-filters.com to learn everything you need to know NOW!
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