Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Monitoring the Healthcare of Your Tropical Pond Fish

You have a beautiful outdoor pond stocked full of the fish that create a wonderful kaleidoscope of color in your backyard. If you aren't careful, though, you can come outside one day to find most of your habitat dieing or in poor health. Let's take a look at some of the ways you can monitor the health of your outdoor pond fish.

* Your tropical fish live in that pond, but so do their waste, food, oxygen and everything else from nature that may drain into the pond. It's important to keep on top of pond maintenance to keep up the well-being of your fish. One of the regular maintenance items on your list should be to take the pH level of the pond at least once a week. Know what pH level is appropriate for your fish and if you notice an increase or decrease try to find and resolve the problem before it affects the health of your tropical fish.

* Maybe you just moved some of your favorite species from the indoor aquarium to the outside pond and they just don't seem to be doing so well. It could be "new tank syndrome" as they are getting over the shock of being transported to a new environment. Tropical fish are very susceptible to stress, and moving definitely applies stress to the poor fellows! Try to introduce them gradually to the pond, and always make sure they spend at least 24 hours getting used to the temperature of the new pond before releasing them.

* Don't crowd them out! You may think you have a big pond, but you still need to keep space considerations in mind. Too many fish in the pond will quickly turn the water toxic and could potentially kill off the entire pond. Start out small and keep a record of how many and what species you have introduced to the pond. Not only does this help plan out how many fish you can add, but if you notice a sudden change in health of the fish after adding a certain species you will have a record of where and when to help you isolate it.

* Keep on top of pond cleaning and maintenance. If you notice your fish losing their color, or becoming bloated it could be because there is too much algae, carbon dioxide or other parasites in the water. It's hard to control all the variables in an outside setting, but there are a number of additives you can put in the water to at least control the parasites. Although an outdoor pond requires you to keep an eye on it a bit more than your indoor aquarium you will find that with just a little bit of extra work you can have a tropical fish setting that will please you for years to come - not to mention add that special touch to your outdoor landscaping.

About the Author
The Author, Graham Wardle, offers tips and advice about the hobby of keeping fish both indoors and outside at http://beta-tropical-and-pond-fish-news.blogspot.com and also at http://tropicalpondandfreshwaterfishnews.blogspot.com

Pond Aquarium Plants: More than Just Decoration

What is a pond with plants in it? Just another hole in the ground with water! Well, maybe it isn't that bad, but you will find that by adding plants to your outdoor pond you can greatly help not only with the visual aspects of the pond, but also help your fish breed better and the pond keep itself healthy for your fish. Let's take a look at how aquatic plants can help spruce up your outdoor pond. * Different tropical fish like different types of aquatic plants.

There are a large number which to choose from and it is important to pick types that your fish will enjoy and those that will help your pond. Most pet stores and tropical fish handbooks can give you an idea of what types of aquatic plants will work well in an outdoor environment. If your pond is large enough you may even want to consult with your local greenhouse which may have a selection of aquatic plants available.

* Aquatic plants serve many purposes in a pond. They not only provide a place for fish to hide, rest and breed, but they also help keep the Carbon Dioxide levels in the water regulated as well as help control algae production. Without aquatic plants you would need to use chemicals and other methods to control the environment.

* Freshwater ponds also benefit from having aquatic plants in them to control the environmental conditions of the water itself. Water lilies not only look beautiful, but they also provide a cool area for fish to hide out during particularly hot days. Many plants also attract bugs and other small insects to them which can provide a great secondary food resource for your tropical fish friends.

* If you are interested in trying to breed your fish, then adding some water-loving plants can also provide a habitat for your fish to breed and raise their young. Fish often lay eggs and want to do so in a place they think is safe. Plants provide the natural covering necessary to help in this process. Finally, as with everything else in your pond, your aquatic plants will need periodic maintenance. Don't let them overtake the entire pond - some are nice, too many can be deadly to your fish. Also, as plants die out over the course of nature be sure to remove them so they don't add contamination to the pond as they decompose.

About the Author
The Author, Graham Wardle, offers tips and advice about the hobby of keeping fish both indoors and outside at http://beta-tropical-and-pond-fish-news.blogspot.com and also at http://tropicalpondandfreshwaterfishnews.blogspot.com

Choosing Fish for an Outdoor Pond

Although you may have favorite tropical fish for your indoor aquarium, when it comes to setting up an outdoor pond you may have to adjust your selections a bit. What works inside may not work outside where the environmental conditions can be harder to keep under control. Let's take a look at some of the more popular pond fish for outdoor habitats.

* First, before you even think about putting fish into your pond you should make sure that you turn on the pump and filtration device and let it circulate for at least 5-7 days.

This allows for everything in the pond to neutralize out and also lets you test your equipment. Better to find out before you put your expensive fish in the pond that something isn't right! Don't forget to test the pH as well at the end of the 5-7 days.

* Next, the golden rule of thumb is you should allow 24 square inches of pond for every 1 inch of fish. Goldfish and Koi Carp are two of the more popular outdoor fish that people place in ponds. However, if you want to spend a little bit more money you can also look into getting Japanese Koi and Israel Koi which can add some welcome variety to the pond.

* Once you've made your selection it's time to introduce them to the pond. This is a multi-step process, and a bit more involved than adding them to an aquarium. First, float the sealed bag for at least 2-3 hours. This allows the temperatures to come up and match in both the bag and the pond. Next, open the bag and add some pond water to the bag and reseal. Re-float the bag for another 2-3 hours or overnight.

Finally, after checking the overall health of the fish, you can release it into the pond.

* Based on what fish you chose, be sure to introduce some aquatic plants to your pond to help them feel more at home. An added benefit is the plants will also help to balance out your pond ecosystem. Again, don't crowd the pond out with plants but make sure that you have enough to help reduce algae and provide a habitat for the fish. You may also find that over time Mother Nature may also add some of her own plants to the environment!

* Finally, with your new pond up and running and stocked, be sure to monitor how your fish are reacting. Some will take to their new home with ease, while others will require a longer getting acquainted period. The simple truth is some fish just don't do well outdoors, and you may find that you have to change your plans as you learn what species work well outside and what don't.

The Author, Graham Wardle, offers tips and advice about the hobby of keeping fish both indoors and outside at http://beta-tropical-and-pond-fish-news.blogspot.com and also at http://tropicalpondandfreshwaterfishnews.blogspot.com

About the Author

The Author, Graham Wardle, offers tips and advice about the hobby of keeping fish both indoors and outside at http://beta-tropical-and-pond-fish-news.blogspot.com and also at http://tropicalpondandfreshwaterfishnews.blogspot.com

Getting New Koi Fish Used to Your Pond

It is important to acclimate any new fish to its new pond environment, and koi fish are no exception. This process of acclimation begins the moment you buy the fish and are handed the plastic bag containing both the water and the fish. One thing to check is that the bag is sealed with an elastic to cut down on oxygen loss. If you have some sort of blanket, this is good to cut down on light entering the plastic bag and bothering the fish.

When you get home, make sure you do not immediately dump the fish and water into the pond. It is imperative that you float the fish in the bag on top of the pond for at least twenty minutes. And it should be longer than this if the temperature differences between pond and fish water are large. Once both water temperatures are about the same, find a good sized bowl to release the store water and fish into. Then, take a handling net to scoop the koi fish out of the bowl. Never dump the store water into the pond water because by this time there is most likely ammonia in the water from fish waste. Ammonia is poisonous to fish and should be kept out of the pond water as much as possible. The store water should be dumped down a drain.

Unless you are totally positive that the fish you bought are healthy (you really never can be 100% sure), it will be necessary to have extra supplies separate for the new fish. Extra supplies should include a sufficient sized fish tank, with good aeration and filtration. The new fish will need to be kept in there for two to three weeks to observe its health and adaptability. Any equipment you use to handle and care for the new fish should not be used in your other tanks in these first few weeks. Going back and forth with equipment could contaminate your other tanks if the new fish happens to be sick. Your new fish may not eat for the first couple of days in its new home, but this is normal and nothing to worry about.

After the initial period of quarantine, you can introduce the koi to the pond where it will be living. Keep in mind that koi are cold water fish and the depth of the water should be at least one meter deep to account for warmer periods of the year when the water temperature will increase. In climates that have severe winters, it would be wise to have water that is at least one and a half meters deep so that the pond will not completely freeze. Make sure that you keep the pond water aerated and filtered at all times. Also, avoid any dramatic temperature changes in the water as this is very stressful to the fish.

About the Author
For more information about Koi, Koi Pond or koi Fish, please visit Azlan and Irda website at http://www.myownkoipond.com

A Beginners Guide To Pond Supplies

Have you ever dreamed of creating a backyard oasis? Someplace where you can relax and enjoy nature, even if you live in the middle of a big city? If so, then a pond may be just what you have been looking for. While building a pond is not necessarily difficult, there is more involved than simply lining a hole in the ground and filling it with water and some fish.

Before you start the pond building process, you must first gather your pond supplies, decide on the size and the location for your pond and, of course, how deep your new pond will be. The depth will depend on where you live and whether or not there will be fish sharing your new oasis with you.

The easiest way to build a pond is to start with a pre-formed plastic pond liner. These types of liners come in a variety of shapes, sizes and depths to fit any homeowners needs.
You will often find this type of a liner in a pond kit. However, if you prefer more of a do-it-yourself approach to pond building, you also have the option of digging your pond free-form and lining it with heavy gauge pond plastic. This comes in a roll and is laid inside the hole and cut to fit.

When you are digging the hole for the new pond, it is a good idea to include shelves and maybe even shallow caves. These will come in handy when you are decorating with plants to give height and depth to your new addition and provide a sheltered place for any fish you might add.

If you will be adding any type of animal life to your pond, it is extremely important for their survival that you dig the pond deep enough so that all of the water doesn't freeze. In most parts of the United States this depth is between a foot and 18". The reason is that fish, frogs and turtles all need some liquid water throughout the winter. Sufficient water movement is also essential to their survival.

You will need a filter, especially if you choose to add fish, frogs or turtles to your completed pond. It is very important to get the best filter that you can afford, as you will need to clean up anything that the filter leaves behind. The better the filter, the less there is to clean up. There are a couple of different styles to choose from in filters.

You can get a submersible or an outside filter for your pond. A submersible filter sits under the surface of the pond and sucks water from the bottom through a filter surface putting clean water back in. An outside filter sits on the edge of the pond and gets its dirty water from the pond at a depth of about 18" or so. Traditionally, both kinds are hooked up so that the water is deposited back into the pond via a waterfall or small stream.

Now that you have the pond dug out, lined and a filter selected, it is time to fill it up, decorate it, add fish (if desired) and enjoy.

About the Author
Daniel Roshard is an interior designer fascinated by outdoor architecture, he is currently studying public parks and outdoor design. Daniel is writing articles about home improvement and landscaping issues. You can read his latest work on Ponds here.

The Basic Essential Supplies You'll Need For Your Koi Carp Pond

"Over The Garden Wall With Oaky" Today we'll briefly delve a little into the basic supplies you'll need for your Koi Carp pond, and why you'll actually need them. Just because you've built your perfect Koi Carp pond and is the perfect scene of utter tranquility, this isn't the end of things.

You'll need certain supplies to maintain it and keep everything in tip top contition, thus providing the best healthy environment for your fish. A stagnent pond can quickly become a breeding ground for disease, and depleted oxygen levels through not installing a reliable pump to ariate and circulate the water regularly can mean the loss of your entire stock of Koi.

Installing an ornimental fountain can be very relaxing and drowns out much surrounding sounds giving you the tranquil place in your garden, but is also the most efficient way to put oxygen back into the water and is often called ariation.

As a new Koi pond owner, you may be overwhelmed with the amount of supplies needed to properly maintain your Koi pond. While the importance of the majority of these items cannot be denied, the feeling of being overwhelmed by the amount needed should be disregarded. Simply knowing the function of each item can help you understand why they are needed.

There are certain items that you need to have on hand at all times. Because you pond is outdoors, emergency situations do occur. Nature is simply unpredictable at times, and you do not want to be caught in a situation where an item is needed, but they is no way to obtain it.
Filters- Having a working filter is essential for removing unwanted pollutants, and maintaining proper water quality. If you do not have a proper filter, water quality issues can occur, which in turn will cause your fish to have health issues.

Pump- A pump is essential to the health of your pond. If you water is not moving, there is no way the system can process the water. Moving water can also be from waterfalls, fountains, and other water features, but in no way should completely replace your pump.

Dechlorinator- Tap water contains chemicals that can potentially harm your fish. When adding new water for any reason, you must add Dechlorinator to eliminate these chemicals.

Test Kits- You will need to have ammonia and nitrite test kits on hand at all times. You will need to perform weekly water tests on your water to ensure proper water quality. Emergency tests may also be needed in the event that you notice discrepancies in your Koi behavior or in the water.

Pond Salt and Baking Soda- Pond salt and baking soda are used to regulate kH and Nitrate levels in the event that you find a discrepancy. Pay close attention to the amounts you are suppose to add to your pond, which depends on size and the issues you are currently having.
Bags- You must have the proper bags on hand to transport Koi. Do not attempt to transport your Koi in trash or regular plastic bags, as they are not designed for this, and may cause damage to your Koi. Unless you remembered to keep the bags you brought your koi home in originally, you will have to make a trip to your local pet store. Make sure to get bags sizable enough to hold your Koi.

Rubber Bands- You will need quite a few rubber bands for each bag you buy. Make sure that your rubber bands are good quality, as you do not want the pressure from the water to pop the rubber band in the middle of the transport.

Net- You will need to have a net sizeable enough to compete with your Koi. You will never need the net to pull the Koi out of the water with, but you will need it to lead and direct your Koi into the place you want them. Nets can potentially damage your Koi, especially as the larger they get.

Paint Bucket- A paint bucket is a better option for catching your Koi, as they cannot hurt your Koi like a net can. Make sure that your bucket is sizable enough to hold your Koi.

Koi Staple Food- Like any other pet, Koi need to be fed daily. Talk with your local pet store or Koi dealer when picking foods for your Koi, as different seasons may dictate the type of food you need to be feeding. Koi have even been known to eat out of their owner's hand, so make sure to get food in which you are able to do this with.

Koi Treats and Snacks- Like other animals, Koi delight in treats, and will respond in a playful manner to them. Specific Koi treats are available at your local pet store. If you do not mind feeding "human" food to your pets, you may even consider feeding your Koi veggies, fruit, and bread.

Until we meet again "Over The Garden Wall" it's back to my potting shed for me. An Amateur landscape Gardeners work is never done, no matter what time of year it is.

Here's to your Koi Carp pond success

John

About the Author
John Elliott aka Oaky Wood together with Luella May co-founded http://thecorner4women.com and are great believers in the relaxation and stress relief properties of having your own Koi Carp Pond somewhere in your landscaped garden. John has been an avid Amateur Gardener for over 25 years

Pond Landscaping

Adding a pond to your yard can help you add a place to relax. Landscaping this area can help to make it an extension of your home.

Landscaping around your pond is a something that you can accomplish with your entire family. Ponds can help to add beauty and interest to any backyard, no matter what size yard that you have. You can easily find a pond that will fit the size and feel of your yard. Landscaping around your pond is easy and fun to do. If you need a place to rest and relax, then you can add fish and plants to your pond area to make it into the refuge that you need and want.

Pond Planning When starting your pond planning, you may want to consider purchasing one of the many pond kits that contains everything that you will need to install your pond or you can decide to create your own pond that meets your specific needs and purchase the supplies on your own. You need to keep in mind certain things before you begin digging your pond. Finding the right location for your pond is the most important part of planning.

You need to choose a site for your pond that gets at least four to six hours of sunlight each day. Water plants usually need full sun to thrive, so keep that in mind. To eliminate leaves and debris from your pond, you may want to place the pond away from trees. You also want to stay away from electrical sources for obvious reasons.

Viewing Your Pond When you are trying to find the right place for your pond, make sure that you choose a place where you can enjoy it from inside of your home, too. This will give you a focal point that you can enjoy even when the outside weather is not conducive to being outside.
The Shape of Your Pond There are many different shapes that you can consider for your pond landscaping design. You will want to ensure that it fits your space and your desires to increase your satisfaction. If you want a formal landscaping area, then a square or rectangle shaped area is best. A more casual, informal styled pond would include more unusual and curved shapes in its design.

Landscaping Around Your Pond After you have installed your pond, then you want to consider how you are going to landscape around it. The landscaping around the pond will be dependent upon your personal tastes and desires, but there are many different ways that you can landscape it. You will find that there are many different landscaping ideas for this area, including brick, stone, or even flowers.

Finishing Touches Adding fish and plants to your pond can help to increase that relaxing feel that you want. It is important that you add these things carefully though, because your fish will reproduce and your water plants will grow. If you don't consider that now, then your pond could quickly become overloaded.

This project may take you quite a bit of effort and time, but you will find that it is well worth the effort. Your pond and landscaping will be a place that you will enjoy for many years to come.

About the Author
Andrew Caxton is the editor of many articles on lawn care published at http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com . For additional information on pond gardening or landscaping subjects have a look at his web.