Well, Winter is here with a vengeance! As a result, pond water temperatures are dropping fast and furiously, and fish no longer need to be fed the quantities they enjoyed in the Summer months. The main reason is that koi go into semi-hibernation when the water temperature goes below 10 degrees, and food does not digest as well as in the warmer months. Our advice is to not feed at all when water is below 10 degrees, as the food ferments in their tummies and could result in death! If the water is say, 13 – 14 degrees, depending on the amount of fish you have, one or two slices of brown bread or a handful of oats daily, is more than adequate. We do however, offer a Winter food of wheatgerm for fish where pond temperatures are more stable, and this food is lighter and more digestible than the heavy Summer food. Call us if you are interested.
Koi keeping is the same as keeping any other animals in a caged condition (Zoo’s for instant). You have to give animals a large area to move about and play. You have to give them lots of attention and care. Imagine a cemented area; say 4m x 10m fenced with 40x puppies in it. If you have proper kennels and wash the floor every day to remove excrement and urine, feed them well and play with them they will be fine. Leave them alone for a month and you can imagine what will happen. They will become sick, diseased, stressed and die. Now imagine the scenario when the puppies become adult, the cleaning process becomes much more intense. Read more »
If you are entertaining the thought of having someone else build your pond read this article before agreeing to anything!
There are professionals who know ponds and there are others who don’t. There are some that are in the learning curve and will become great pond builders one day. As backyard ornamental ponds increase in popularity so do the number of contractors who become overnight experts. Suddenly everyone knows how to build a pond. We know about filtration but every day we learn something new. Don’t ever think you know best, listen and learn from other people. Read more »
The pump room has the following advantages: Keeps all equipment away from the elements especially sun and rain. I have seen pump stations destroyed by sun and rain after 3 years. The equipment is costly and should be looked after. In a pump room the equipment after 3 years looks brand new. When you do your backwashing cleaning of filters etc. you are under roof and in a shady environment. Read more »
We have recently introduced a new solution to water pollution called Clinobrite 814. It consists of a specific type of Zeolite mineral called clinoptilolite (found in igneous rock) exclusively mined in South Africa.
Clinobrite 814 is a direct substitute for pool filter sand. No fuss, no bother – just sparkling healthy pool water with a significantly reduced chlorine demand. It is a true 21st Century filter medium, with unique ion exchange, molecular sieving and particulate filtration properties. Discerning pool owners and industrial filter operators choose Clinobrite 814. Read more »
