Cold Again!

After having a couple of beautiful days earlier this week, we are now back in the deep freeze. Well, not really but the temps dropped and with the wind blowing it feels cold. Makes me really look forward to Spring. Even though one of the first things on the list will be a couple of pond cleanouts, I am still looking forward to it. Cleaning out a water garden is really not all that bad of a job. Moving the fish safely is really the only critical part. Other than that it is simply draining, powerwashing, draining again, and refilling. Pretty simple actually, even though it is a critical step in maintaining a healthy pond.

A few words on filters

A problem that many water garden owners encounter is an underfiltered pond. Remember that fish grow and along with that, their ability to produce waste also increases. When selecting a filter for you water garden, make sure that you consider the maximum number of grown fish that will be living in the pond. Also, stay away from submersible, inpond filters. These must be cleaned frequently and are not easily accessed from the pond edge. I would recommend the gravity feed Biotec filters by OASE as the very best you can get. Next choice would be OASE's pressurized Filtoclear, followed by the upflow waterfall box filters. All have large capacities and come in a variety of sizes to match the individual needs of any water garden.

New!

We are currently receiving our new inventory for this coming spring and summer. We are excited to bring on board this year Microbe-Lift and Easy Pro. The bacterial product lines by Microbe-Lift will be a welcome addition to our pond maintenance lines. Easy Pro manufactures skimmers and filters that are top of the line. I looked at some of the skimmers and filters yesterday and was very impressed. Also, the Atlantic Water Gardens skimmers are new and improved this year. We look forward to being able to offer these products to our customers.

Spring???

Are you ready for spring? I sure am. I am ready for green grass, warm temperatures, longer days, and blooming flowers. I know, I know. Spring is just around the corner and when it finally comes I will be busy, busy, busy getting everything just right. Spring will also bring about some new things business wise for us. Look for a new website from us and some brand new faces! I can't wait!

Ice

We have had a crazy January, weather wise. The sleet, ice, and snow have made things quite unusual for us. We are not used to ice covered roads and such. Schools have been out and businesses closed more than usual for January. However, this has given us a unique view of ponds, streams, and waterfalls. Iced over ponds and waterfalls are truly beatiful to look at. Make sure to snap some pictures of yours--they make great pictures.

Treating Fish

Koi and goldfish are as a whole hardy fish. They can survive in a variety of climates and do very well. Occasionally they do experience health problems, but those are usually easy to treat. Most of the time that these fish experience health problems--exhibited by not eating, clamped fins, and being lathargic and hovering at the bottom of the pond--it is because they are or have been stressed. Stress to the fish results in a decrease in the protective slime coat which results in a less effective system to fight of bacterial or fungal infections. Stress is usually attributed to poor water quality, so if you have sick fish make sure that your pond water tests out ok. Correct poor water quality issues and the fish should take care of themselves. Treating fish with a salt solution relieves the stressed condition and influences a healthy slime coat. Salt will also eliminate most conditions attributed to parasites. A great site to check out for more in depth info on koi and goldfish health is www.koivet.com.

Gravel in the Koi Pond

At Pondemonium last week, I attended one of Dr. Eric Johnson's classes. This particular class was about gravel bottomed koi ponds. Dr. Johnson is a koi vet and a very good and entertaining speaker. Dr. Johnson has a gravel bottomed koi pond to keep his koi. He prefers this type of pond over a bare liner pond. I will add more of his observations/recommendations later.

IT'S HOT!!!!

Here in central Oklahoma the temperature is expected to be over 105 degrees today! Much of the rest of the nation looks to be extremely hot as well.

These extreme temps may bring a few questions/concerns to mind about your water garden or fish pond. The main thing that you need to consider is that the warmer the water in your pond is the less oxygen it holds. This means that it is extremely important that you provide adequate aeration by means of a water fall or fountain or aerator. A moderate sized waterfall usually will provide enough aeration. It is always a good idea to keep a backup pump onhand in the case of a pump failure.

In most cases the water temperature does not become an issue. Sometimes the water temps in above ground ponds in full sun can get pretty high, so if you feel the temp is too high you can do a water change and/or provide some shade.