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| Guarding from Predators |
While ponds are beautiful and relaxing, most ponds draw a variety of nature's creatures to your backyard. This can be a delight...unless they are
hungry herons or other predators.
Herons are extremely interesting, magnificent birds that can unfortunately wipe out your entire fish population.
Each day, an adult heron needs about 13 ounces of food, the equivalent to three 6-inch Koi or ten 2-inch goldfish. Herons take twice this amount when feeding
their young. Generally shy birds, herons visit ponds in the early morning or evening, when all is quiet.
For round the clock protection from backyard predators,
consider a motion-activated sprinkler that scares animals away with a short, startling burst of water. When it ripples across the pond, the spraying water
also obscures fish from sight, increasing the chance for fish to evade predators. It's an attractive alternative to netting and other barriers, and it
is conservation-friendly, using two to three cups of water per deterrence for approximately 1200 sq. ft. Other safe ways to take measures against this
protected species is to use netting, perimeter wire, or a plastic heron.
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| Your Green Pond |
July's Green Pond Reminder: Into the Pond has long advocated incorporating a pond into your landscape.
In addition to adding beauty and tranquility, ponds are an environmentally friendly option, as they do not require fertilization.
When it rains, fertilizer is carried from our lawns to our groundwater.
Did you know?
Once groundwater is polluted, it can stay that way for several thousand years!
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| Understanding Biological Filtration |
There are two basic methods to filtration: mechanical and biological. Mechanical filtration uses filter pads to trap dirt and debris,
while biological filters use the natural biological process to improve the water. Biological filtration converts harmful ammonia into
relatively harmless nitrates by way of the nitrogen cycle. These types of filters contain media such as
open profile bio-activators, plastic balls or rings that have massive
surface areas for beneficial bacteria to colonize. Water containing impurities comes in contact with these beneficial bacteria.
The beneficial bacteria consume the impurities and discharge relatively harmless nitrates. The nitrates can then be absorbed by plants.
Many filters contain both mechanical and biological filtration.
Just Testing the Waters...
Another way to make certain filtration systems are working properly is by testing the pond water's ammonia and nitrate levels regularly.
Accurate and easy to use, test strips enable you to monitor your pond's critical water parameters.
Remember, always test after doing a partial water change to ensure optimum water quality.
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| Pond Pointer: Using Black Foam |
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Black foam quickly seals gaps and spaces between rocks for ponds, streams and waterfalls. It looks natural, is safe for your fish, and is easy to use! If you are adding to your pond, adding a stream or waterfall, try black foam; it will make your construction easier and more effective!
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| All About Algae |
Controlling algae is the single biggest challenge for pond keepers. The good news is that it doesn't have to be! Once you understand how to
control it, you can manage and even prevent algae from growing in your pond.
The two most common types of algae are single-cell algae (green water) and string algae (long, hair-like). The presence of algae does not mean your pond is unhealthy, but it can obscure your colorful fish and, if left unattended, it can grow dramatically and deplete valuable oxygen needed for the health of your fish.
Try these three simple steps:
1. Add plants: In a natural setting, fish produce nutrients that are absorbed by plants, leaving very little for algae.
Therefore, increase the number of oxygenating plants below the surface of the pond. Add these submerged plants that release oxygen to the water,
such as Anacharis and Parrots Feather. As a guide, one bunch of 6-7 strands of an oxygenating plant can be added to every 2 square feet of water
surface. Floating plants, such as water lilies, hyacinth and lotus, provide shade and reduce direct sunlight to control algae growth
2. Water treatments: Water treatments
added to the pond water are an excellent option where algae problems already exist. There are many to choose from, so be sure to ask your local retailer to make a recommendation.
Some water treatments work specifically to combat green-water algae,
while others quickly clump algae, so they can be removed by filtration
or a mesh net. If string algae are plaguing your pond, our first recommendation is to remove as much of it as you can, using a sharp stream from a garden hose nozzle
and a stiff brush. Remove string algae from the pond with a net, or use your hands.
3. Ultraviolet (UV) clarifiers: UV clarifiers
combat green water by exposing suspended single-cell algae to very high levels of ultraviolet light, which destroys algae's reproductive ability.
Remember, UV clarifiers are very effective against green-water algae, but they do not control the growth of string algae.
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What type of Koi is that?
By Keith R. Heberling, Water Garden Expert |
I've always been fascinated by the many varieties of Koi. There are so many colors and patterns, and there are exotic names for all of those combinations of colors and patterns.
Unfortunately for us Koi-keepers, no "Westernized" names have been developed, so we have to adhere to the traditionally accepted varieties of names and classifications1.
I must admit I've had a difficult time trying to memorize them, let alone pronounce them properly. There are a number of great reference books available that go into great detail and also include photos. There is also information on the web; however, here a few of the more common varieties to get you started:
Kohaku – White Koi with red markings
Taisho Sanke – White Koi with red and black markings
Showa Sanshoku – Black Koi with red and white markings
Bekko – White, red or yellow koi with black markings
Ki-Goi – Single colored non-metallic Koi
Tancho – White Koi with a single red circular marking on top of the head
Hikarimono – Single-colored metallic Koi
Now, next time someone asks you, "What type of Koi is that?"...you'll know!
1The Tetra Encyclopedia of Koi
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| Visit www.TetraPond.com Today: |
- LEARN: For more information and frequently asked questions about building your pond and pondkeeping.
- DREAM: Become inspired by our Pond Gallery of photos submitted by pondkeepers (like you!) across the country.
- CREATE: For a step-by-step video guide on how to design, build and care for the perfect water garden, visit www.tetrapond.com.
- WIN: Enter your pond photos in our monthly contest to win free TetraPond products.
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Be sure to visit www.tetrapond.com to register your new email account to receive Into the Pond. You won't want to miss an issue!
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