How To Select A Koi Pond Filter by John Marston
Having a Koi Pond is a great attraction and a beautiful addition for any yard. There is just something very relaxing about watching Koi swim peacefully in a small pond. But to enjoy your Koi Pond you need to use the proper filter to keep the pond clean and healthy.
Selecting the proper size and type of filter is vital to making the pond a healthy environment for your Koi. Like most fish, Koi can live in various types of ponds; in fact, they can live in a pond that is so dark with algae and silt that you cannot even see them swimming by. But by the same token, a crystal clear pond can contain toxicity levels that are harmful to your Koi.
Make sure that the filter you select for your Koi pond is correct for the job. Some people use swimming pool filters for their Koi pond and find out later that this is the wrong type of filter. Typically a Koi pond filter needs to run continuously, 24 hours a day, whereas a swimming pool filter is only required to run intermittently to keep a swimming pool clean. Homeowners who opt for a swimming pool filter are dismayed at the additional cost of operating the incorrect type of filter.
When it comes to purchasing the correct type of filter, it helps to find a knowledgeable supplier. Many nursery centers and big box stores do not fully understand the requirements of a Koi pond filter and inadvertently will recommend the wrong type of filter for your pond. It is best to utilize a supply center that specializes in fish pond filters. In fact, a successful pond supply center will have a Koi pond that demonstrates the effectiveness of the filters they are selling.
About the Author
To learn more about building a water pond or fountain your yard, please go to http://www.riparian.best-info-online.com. For the best supplies and best prices for constructing your water garden, see our Water Pond Supplies.
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
Friday, 10 August 2007
Choosing Fish for an Outdoor Pond
Although you may have favorite tropical fish for your indoor aquarium, when it comes to setting up an outdoor pond you may have to adjust your selections a bit. What works inside may not work outside where the environmental conditions can be harder to keep under control. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular pond fish for outdoor habitats.
* First, before you even think about putting fish into your pond you should make sure that you turn on the pump and filtration device and let it circulate for at least 5-7 days. This allows for everything in the pond to neutralize out and also lets you test your equipment. Better to find out before you put your expensive fish in the pond that something isn’t right! Don’t forget to test the pH as well at the end of the 5-7 days.
* Next, the golden rule of thumb is you should allow 24 square inches of pond for every 1 inch of fish. Goldfish and Koi Carp are two of the more popular outdoor fish that people place in ponds. However, if you want to spend a little bit more money you can also look into getting Japanese Koi and Israel Koi which can add some welcome variety to the pond.
* Once you’ve made your selection it’s time to introduce them to the pond. This is a multi-step process, and a bit more involved than adding them to an aquarium. First, float the sealed bag for at least 2-3 hours. This allows the temperatures to come up and match in both the bag and the pond. Next, open the bag and add some pond water to the bag and reseal. Re-float the bag for another 2-3 hours or overnight. Finally, after checking the overall health of the fish, you can release it into the pond.
* Based on what fish you chose, be sure to introduce some aquatic plants to your pond to help them feel more at home. An added benefit is the plants will also help to balance out your pond ecosystem. Again, don’t crowd the pond out with plants but make sure that you have enough to help reduce algae and provide a habitat for the fish. You may also find that over time Mother Nature may also add some of her own plants to the environment!
* Finally, with your new pond up and running and stocked, be sure to monitor how your fish are reacting. Some will take to their new home with ease, while others will require a longer getting acquainted period. The simple truth is some fish just don’t do well outdoors, and you may find that you have to change your plans as you learn what species work well outside and what don’t.
* First, before you even think about putting fish into your pond you should make sure that you turn on the pump and filtration device and let it circulate for at least 5-7 days. This allows for everything in the pond to neutralize out and also lets you test your equipment. Better to find out before you put your expensive fish in the pond that something isn’t right! Don’t forget to test the pH as well at the end of the 5-7 days.
* Next, the golden rule of thumb is you should allow 24 square inches of pond for every 1 inch of fish. Goldfish and Koi Carp are two of the more popular outdoor fish that people place in ponds. However, if you want to spend a little bit more money you can also look into getting Japanese Koi and Israel Koi which can add some welcome variety to the pond.
* Once you’ve made your selection it’s time to introduce them to the pond. This is a multi-step process, and a bit more involved than adding them to an aquarium. First, float the sealed bag for at least 2-3 hours. This allows the temperatures to come up and match in both the bag and the pond. Next, open the bag and add some pond water to the bag and reseal. Re-float the bag for another 2-3 hours or overnight. Finally, after checking the overall health of the fish, you can release it into the pond.
* Based on what fish you chose, be sure to introduce some aquatic plants to your pond to help them feel more at home. An added benefit is the plants will also help to balance out your pond ecosystem. Again, don’t crowd the pond out with plants but make sure that you have enough to help reduce algae and provide a habitat for the fish. You may also find that over time Mother Nature may also add some of her own plants to the environment!
* Finally, with your new pond up and running and stocked, be sure to monitor how your fish are reacting. Some will take to their new home with ease, while others will require a longer getting acquainted period. The simple truth is some fish just don’t do well outdoors, and you may find that you have to change your plans as you learn what species work well outside and what don’t.
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