Building a Pond
A very sunny site may cause excessive algae growth.
Leaves from trees may foul the water.
A pond in a dark corner will remain cool and prevent good
water-lily growth.
Partial shade during the day is desirable, though not
essential.
Liners of PVC Type materials are easiest to fit and the
least expensive.
After digging the hole, or building a raised pond, arrange
shelves for plants.
The liner is protected by layer of sand before the liner is
put in.
Secured at the edge then filled with water.
Stocking Your Pond
Plants: Most 'pond' plants tolerate a wide range of conditions.
The label on the plant will inform you of its needs and how it
grows. Lillies dislike cold and dark positions and should be kept
away from turbulent water.
Fishes: Providing the fishes can find shelter in an area of
deeper water i.e. 50 cms or more to over winter, there are few
problems in maintaining them.
Goldfishes and varieties of goldfishes such as shubunkins
and comets are easy to keep, colourful and live to thirty or more
if well cared for.
Orfe can be introduced for variety, but koi carp need deep
water and large ponds if they are to reach their full potential. |
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Pond Maintenance
The 'ART' of fish keeping in a pond is based on
water quality, the water can look like 'pea-soup'
(and often does) but the fish thrive, yet it can be
clear as Gin and poisonous.
Filters and chemicals may all be used to keep your
pond clear. External filters are powered by a pump
submerged in the pond and are sized according to the
volume of the pond and the pump. Chemicals kill the
algae but do not remove it from the pond. New ponds
filled with tap water, will contain all the chemicals
that protect us from Bacteria, but a fish bred in a
pond in China or Israel is not used to being dumped
into Chlorine or any other chemicals.
Spring is the most difficult time of the year for
pond fishes. They have laid dormant for several
months, the sun comes out and warms the water, and
the fish start to move around.
Feeding starts when the temperature of the water
reaches 10oC (50oF) the bodies of the fish have
warmed up and digestive systems can function
properly. Parasites and Bacteria already in the pond
also build up at this time and weak fish succumb. A
simple pond treatment is recommended at this time,
once light feeding has started.
There are many safe water test kits and water
treatments. All of them simple to use and are
available, along with our range of filters and
suitable food, at both garden centres. |
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Some Reminders- De-Chlorinate Tap Water.
- Few fish added over a long period
- Check the Ammonia levels each time you add
fish
- Check the Acid/Alkaline content with a
PH kit
- Green water is a natural phenomenon it
can be treated, but it takes time, sometimes
months.
Two Very Important Points- Do not add treatments for one problem
whilst treating for another.
- No two ponds are alike. Your neighbours
pond will not re-act like yours.
Take your time and satisfaction can be
guaranteed.
Dates for your Diary |
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- Saturday 30th June & Sunday 1st July
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- Saturday 18th August & Sunday 19th August
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