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| Welcome Back Friends! |
Welcome back to Into the Pond! After a long winter, we are sure you are anxious to get out and care for your fish, plants
and your pond. As you start thinking about changes and additions to your pond this year, remember that we are here to help in
many ways and share in your pondkeeping journey.
First, visit www.TetraPond.com for helpful information and tips on pondkeeping.
You will find frequently asked questions, downloads and How-to videos to guide you throughout the pond season, and beautiful photos
from other pondkeepers that are sure to inspire!
Next, ask our experts! If you've visited our website and cannot find the answer to your particular situation,
please email us at: TetraPondPR@theandersongrp.com. We will answer your question in a
timely manner and you may see it featured in an upcoming issue of Into the Pond!
Lastly, allow us to bask in the beauty of your pond and fish. Send us your photos and stories:
- The Beauty and the Best Pond and Koi Contest
was created to allow others to be inspired by your pond and fish. We know you have fantastic shots of your pond and your prized Koi,
so why not share them with your peers? All photos received will be placed on our
Pond and Koi Gallery. Each month, the winner will receive a TetraPond care package full of food and water care for your pond and fish.
- And don't forget, send us your Fish Tales. We want to hear your
amusing or interesting pond-related stories, unsolvable mysteries, amazing coincidences, or hilarious episodes. Into the Pond will feature a new Fish Tale each month. If your Fish Tale is selected, you will receive a TetraPond care package for your pond!
Details about how you can enter our Beauty and the Best contest and submit a Fish Tale can be found by clicking the links to the left.
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| Don't Feed the Fish, Yet! |
In March of each year, Into the Pond receives this question: "Can I feed my fish yet?" And our answer is always, "Not yet!"
Your fish have had a long winter and need to ease out of hibernation. Water temperature plays a significant role in how a fish processes and digests food.
Remember, pond fish are 'cold-blooded,' i.e. their body temperature reflects that of the surrounding water. In cooler water temperatures
the metabolic rates slow down, making it more difficult to process ordinary pond diets. We suggest feeding your fish a wheat germ-based food
which is high in simple carbohydrates and easier to digest, making it the best choice for temperatures 39° F to 50° F. Wheat germ is also an extremely
digestible source of protein.
Follow a Seasonal Feeding Cycle so you can easily determine the best foods to feed throughout the year as indicated by the water temperature.
When you use a pond thermometer,
you'll eliminate all the guesswork in fish nutrition.
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| Getting a Handle on Equipment |
Spring is a great time to take inventory of your pond equipment and decide what needs to be repaired and what upgrades you may need to make.
There are many new products available to make pond maintenance easier and your pond more efficient.
Consider adding a new pressure filter that is easier to clean and is healthier for your pond. Remember,
UV clarifiers are the best way to combat green water which is a challenge for many pondkeepers. Lastly, if you plan to upgrade by adding a waterfall or stream to your pond this year, consider adding a second pump that can be used only when you want to run the new water feature. This is more energy efficient and will save you money in the long run.
Remember these other tips when opening up your pond this spring:
- Check your pond for any areas that may require repairs (see article below).
- Remove any accumulated debris from the pond.
- Remove and dry the de-icer (if applicable), then store properly for next season.
- Inspect and replace tubing and fittings that are leaking.
- Start up the pump and
filter in shallow water to ensure they are working properly.
- Replace up to 25% of the pond water with tap water. Remember to add a water conditioner to remove chlorine, chloramines and heavy metals found in most tap water.
- Examine fish for activity; ensure they are not struggling and are visibly healthy. Begin feeding according to seasonal feeding cycle (see story above).
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| Patching Your Pond Liner |
Spring is the best time to patch any tears or punctures in your pond liner. Since our pond experts at Into the Pond recommend cleaning out the pond and administering a partial water change each spring, it is the best time to check your liner.
You must first find the source of the leak, and confirm that it is indeed the liner. Disconnect the waterfall (if you have one) to be sure the leak is not occurring in that area. If the pond water continues to lower, check that water is not siphoning back out through the outlet tubing. Always check the pond liner edges that may have settled down to create a lower point. If none of these is the source of the leak, it must be within the pond itself. (Be sure to move fish to a safe holding area while you drain the pond and watch for the leak.)
Once you've identified the hole or puncture, go to your pond supply store for a patch kit or adhesive-backed tape that can repair small leaks. You may need to use heat if the repair area is large. Be very careful and use a professional heat blower (not a hair dryer). For pin or slash-type holes, neoprene paint can be used. Visit your local pond retailer for help and advice. They will be able to check with the liners' manufacturer for more information if necessary.
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Looking Forward to Spring
By Keith R. Heberling, Water Garden Expert |
This particular winter has been unusually cold, the pond being frozen over since early November. All equipment was turned off,
drained and stored indoors. Soon after, I tossed in my TetraPond De-Icer
to keep a small opening in the surface, which allows harmful gasses to escape. Thanks to this yearly practice, in ten years I have never lost a fish
to overwintering. I am always amazed how the Koi can go into a deep sleep and hover motionless above the bottom of the pond for weeks on end
(Note: that's a thermometer in the photo). In March, when the weather warms, they will start to swim again. Soon after, when the temperature rises into the
forties, feeding can begin again (Wheat Germ)
replenishing the fat they were living off of since late fall. Yes, I'm looking forward to those warmer days.
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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.
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!
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