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Koi are a wonderful addition to your ornamental pond but also consider adding certain types of goldfish and aquatic plants.
To be continued....
Aquatic Features : Maintaining Water Quality
The Key to Clean Water
Maintaining Water Quality
Most water gardeners are aware of the importance good quality water plays in a pond habitat. Not knowing how to get or
keep water quality can prove challenging to some pond owners. Your water may be perfectly clear, but your fish may not be
acting like you're used to seeing, which can tip you off that something might be a little off in your ponds water. Before
you make any rash decisions on treating your water garden, ask yourself the following questions:
How many fish should be in my pond?
If you have more than the total of 10" of fish for every 100 gallons of water, you may have too many fish and should
consider finding some of them a new home or building a second home for some of them.
How much should I feed my fish?
No more than once per day is recommended and no more than they can eat in 2 to 3 minutes then remove all excess, leftover
food.
How many plants should I have?
At seasons peak, you should have no more than 40% to 60% of the surface area of your pond either covered or shaded by
plants. Too many plants can cause oxygen deficiencies at night due to the photosynthetic process, where the plants take in
oxygen and give off carbon dioxide.
How do I know if my pump is the correct size for my pond?
You should be turning over, or circulating, the entire ponds volume a minimum of once every hour. Make sure your pumps
flow isn't restricted by debris or trying to pump water higher than it was intended. Every pump has its flow limitations.
See the side of your pump box for information.
What does it mean if there is a lot of decaying debris on the bottom of my pond?
Decaying debris, combined with fish waste and leftover fish food, can cause ammonia levels to spike in your pond. Clean
out your pond and add beneficial microbes (Contact Us For Product Information).
What type of filtration should I have?
Your filter has to match the size of your pond. Remember, most manufacturers rate their filters based on ideal circumstances,
and if you exceed those, your filter will become less effective. Always up-size your filter so that it can filter more than
the capacity of your pond.
How often should I clean my filter?
Most filters need to be cleaned no more than once per year. Refer to manufacturers instructions for details on your specific
filter type.
What should my ponds water temperature be?
Water exceeding 75º F has a more difficult time retaining acceptable levels of dissolved oxygen. This is why it's important
to have your pond shaded by aquatic plants, which should provide shade cover to 40% to 60% of the surface area of your pond.
It's also why you need adequate circulation in your pond.
We hope this information will help keep your Aquatic Ecosystem Working Well if you have any other concerns / questions
please contact us.
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Wild Bird Feeding Habits
Curious Fact:
At our Ridge Rd Location we use a few types of Premium Bird Seed to feed the wild birds that visit us. What was very
interesting to me was that the Blue Jays tend to prefer the dried corn over the other premium seeds. As we learn more we
will provide more information regarding the local feeding habits of our areas wild birds.
1-28-09
Herbs Are More Than A Food Source...
Here in WNY we have the choice of both Perennial and Annual Herbs some of which are very decorative. For example the Variegated
Oregano Herb is mostly an Annual but can be brought indoors for winter protection and replanted in the Mid to Late Spring.
The amazing contrast of its variegated leaves are breath taking but some believe it is the fragrance that entices, I myself
am partial to the Variegation :)
Consider the Variegated Oregano Herb as a lovely & functional accent to your Landscape. To be continued....
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