|
|
| Feeding Fish for Growth |
As the water temperature rises above 50°F, it is time to start feeding your fish a protein-rich diet to grow and thrive.
As with all animals (and humans!), a nutritionally-balanced diet will help fish stay healthy. Their bodies require the
correct amounts and quality of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins. Proteins are used for tissue formation,
and because they cannot be stored in the body, young fish need to obtain large quantities on a regular basis. This is a
good time to introduce a food high in protein and vitamins to ensure growth. Be sure to feed your fish the
highest quality food for overall pond health.
|
As you plan your summer vacation, don't forget your pond fish and their needs while you are out of town.
There are
slow-released vacation foods available to feed your pond fish for up to seven days!
|
|
|
|
| An Invitation |
TetraPond has created its own Facebook page! We invite you to join us there and ask questions about the hobby or
our products. Share your own stories, photos and tips, and then get inspired by those of others in between
issues of Into the Pond. Visit our page and become part of our water gardening community:
http://www.facebook.com/TetraPond
|
|
| Clear Water = Happy Pondkeeper |
We talk about clear water a lot. Most of our Ask the Expert questions each month are about how to control algae
and ways to keep the pond healthy for your fish. There are a few simple ways to help your pond water stay clear and healthy:
- Filtration is critical to maintaining water quality.
Filters must be kept clean to ensure it does not stagnate and prevent the nitrifying bacteria from converting ammonia and nitrite into nitrates.
Poorly maintained filters will quickly deprive the biological media of oxygen, leading to a build up of dissolved waste
(nitrite is particularly likely to rise). Regular cleaning of mechanical filter media is recommended.
- What you feed your fish directly impacts filtration
and the quality of the water. It is important to recognize that a source of waste in a pond equates to the quality of food being used.
The digestibility of a diet depends on the quality of ingredients and manufacturing processes used to make it. If a diet is not well
digested, not only will the fish receive less nutrition but also greater amounts of solid waste will be produced.
- Use a UV clarifier.
Suspended, microscopic algae are so tiny that they pass through even the finest filter. To combat this potential problem, add a UV clarifier
which uses ultraviolet light to destroy the reproductive ability of algae. The dead algae then clump together in particles large enough to
be removed by mechanical filtration (the sponge or pads in your filter). Be sure to change your UV clarifier bulb after every twelve months of
use, usually in the spring (if using the UV only five to six months per year, replace bulb every two years).
- Control string algae and green water by using an algae water treatment.
Some algae water treatments can be very effective at combating green water, string algae and blanket weed. Check with your water garden expert for details.
|
|
| Pond Pointer: Fertilizing your garden with pond water |
|
Pond water is rich in nutrients and can be used to water other plants in the garden. This is also a great way to conserve water by eliminating the use of the garden hose. Simply dip a watering can into the pond to care for other plants and trees throughout the yard.
|
|
A Pond Has More Benefits Than You Think
By Keith R. Heberling, Water Garden Expert |
Most homeowners create a pond to add beauty to their yards or to increase their home's living space by adding an outdoor living room around the water garden. Ponds create a solace from the world and a haven for prized Koi and other wildlife. However, few realize the countless environmental benefits from maintaining a pond or water garden. Here are just a few examples:
- Homeowners spend countless hours and thousands of gallons of water each year watering their traditional lawns; however, a pond is refilled by rainwater and an occasional top-off due to normal evaporation.
- Pond water is high in nutrients and can be used to water and fertilize other plants in your garden. Algae and sludge removed from your pond can also be used to help your garden grow.
- Pond plants add beauty to your landscape without the need for watering.
- Less mowing means less use of gas and carbon monoxide emissions.
- Less lawn means less pesticides and fertilizers which can be harmful to children and pets. Unfortunately, they can also create run-off that ends up in our water supply.
If you are a pond owner, you can feel good about doing your part to help the planet. And if you are considering a pond this year, I hope these extra benefits give you the incentive to dive in.
|
|
| 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!
|
|
