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Healthy Fish = Healthy Pond
Just as what you eat affects your overall health, the same is true for fish. What they consume and the quality of their food
has a lasting impact on their health and the health of the pond. We get dozens of questions monthly about what to feed pond fish, when to feed pond fish and how often to feed pond fish
(see this month's Ask the Expert question). To understand what to feed, you must first appreciate how food affects the health of the entire pond.
Simply stated, feeding a highly digestible food
will result in clearer water. When water temperatures rise above 50 degrees, there are many feeding options from pelletsto
flakes
to sticks.
We recommend a food that softens quickly on the surface. Remember, Koi and goldfish do not have teeth nor do they have true stomachs.
Therefore, by choosing a food that is easily digested, you are also choosing a food that will metabolize efficiently and will ultimately minimize
excreted waste. Remember, because fish will absorb essential ingredients from quality foods, they will produce less waste to pollute the water.
And, food that is easily digested by the fish will produce less ammonia, which will put less pressure on the biological filter.
By minimizing fish waste, filtration systems can operate at their optimum level creating a clear and healthy ecosystem.
For optimal fish health and nutrition, we suggest following a seasonal feeding cycle that uses proper feeding formulas for each season and
promotes a balanced diet. Fish should be fed one to three times daily and only as much as they can consume within five minutes.
Your Green Pond
June's Green Pond Reminder: As hard as it is to believe, on average, Americans use 40 to 60 percent of their total water consumption on their landscapes, maintaining lawns and shrubbery. In order to maintain all the lawns in America, it would take approximately 200 gallons per person per day. Adding a pond will help your family conserve water all summer long!
Filter Maintenance
Remember, your pump,
filtration system and
UV clarifier work together to ensure clean,
clear water and a healthy ecosystem. Regular filter maintenance is critical to your system running efficiently. One clear indicator
that your filter needs to be cleaned is a change in water flow. If you notice a reduction in water flow, it is time to clean your
external filter and/or the prefilter on your pump. The methods for cleaning a filter will be different from filter to filter.
Consult your owner's guide for specific information.
Remember: don't use untreated tap water to clean the filter
Untreated tap water contains chlorine and chloramines that can kill beneficial bacteria colonies. Use a bucket of pond water that should have already been de-chlorinated to rinse the filter pad or other media.
Loving Your Pond?
Then take some pictures! Now is the perfect time to preserve the beauty of your pond through photography. Take lots of pictures from all different angles,
close up and far away. Create an album that you can write notes in to help you remember what you liked most about your pond throughout the year.
Especially note the names of the flowers and plants you've added this season; you may need a reminder next pond season!
And don't forget to email those photos to Into the Pond for our
Pond Gallery and to be entered in our Beauty and the Best Pond and Koi Contest;
you may win a wonderful prize like our March winners, Ron and Joan, who wrote:
We were so surprised when your newsletter featured our pond as the March 2010 Beauty and the Best contest winner. When we sent the photos, we simply wanted to share our
pond with others through the Pond and Koi Gallery.
When our pond was chosen as a winner, it was a surprise and made my husband feel proud that he had created a pond that was chosen.
We had actually forgotten about the gift that was to come. When our package arrived this morning, we were amazed to find a fantastic prize inside.
Thank you so very much for this great gift.
Pond Pointer: Trim Your Hose Clamps
It's always good practice to check any hose connections that are in the pond. If stainless steel hose clamps have been used, be sure to trim back any excess band that protrudes after it is tightened. File the edges smooth, or better yet, also fold the tab under, so no sharp edges are exposed that can damage your precious fish as they swim by.
Get Out and Mingle By Keith R. Heberling, Water Garden Expert
If you're thinking of creating a water garden and are looking for inspiration, need some new ideas for your current creation,
or simply want to share what you've learned with others, get out and mingle this pond season. Many regional water garden
retailers have begun to sponsor "pond tours." Talk to them and see what's happening in your area; it's a fabulous way to
spend an afternoon. You can also expand your horizons by joining a regional club, society or organization.
Check out the US listing at http://www.watergardenersinternational.org.
And if you're into Koi, take a look at http://www.akca.org/joomla/index.php. According to the Associated Koi Club of America, there are now 104 individual Koi clubs across America that are registered. Over 32 clubs have Koi shows during the year, and many clubs hold pond tours and events that are open to the public. I personally have attended Mid Atlantic Koi Club's annual show in Maryland, and I can tell you that my wife and I had a blast. So get out there and see what it's all about!
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.
Are you planning to change your email address?
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!
