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In this Issue: Feb 28, 2003
|| Pond Weather Problems
|| How to re-start the Filter
|| Benefits of UV
|| Fun Pond Fact
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>> POND WEATHER PROBLEMS
We sure have had some awful weather in parts of the U.S.
Here in St. Louis we have had snow about every third day for
a couple of weeks and no end in sight.
That reminded me to list some of the do's and don'ts of
winter weather for the garden pond:
1) If your pond is covered by snow and ice, sweep off some of
the snow. The snow on top of the ice keeps the pond dark and
any plants (algae is a plant) will start taking oxygen out
of the water and can deprive your fish of it!
!! Observe all necessary precautions not to
fall in the pond!!
2) Be sure the pond is not completely frozen for any length of
time (how long varies with pond size and fish population). We
do not let our ponds freeze completely at all, opting instead to
use de-icers to keep them open.
3) Do not beat on the ice to break it. The resulting sound
waves can harm and/or kill the fish!
4) Sometimes we get sudden, very warm days. This can be a problem
if the water is heated to quickly by the sun. Koi in particular are
very sensitive to sudden temperature changes. If possible start a
pump to help keep the water evenly heated at all layers. The pump
should be about midway in the depth of the water (for example, if the
pond is 3 feet deep, submerse the pump intake at about 1 1/2 feet).
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Complete Spring Start-Up Kits available NOW!
In our "Seasonal Department"
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>> HOW TO RE-START THE FILTER
Pretty soon it will be time to start the pond filter if it
had been disconnected for the winter. Here are some hints and tips
to get it started quickly:
1) Clean all filter material that is in good condition, but replace
material that is worn.
2) For outside-the-pond filters all hoses and seals should be
checked for worn spots and leaks.
3) Replace UV bulbs if the filter has an Ultra Violet Light.
Do not run the UV light for about the first two weeks though, to give
the beneficial bacteria time to build a colony in the filter.
4) It is a good idea to add a live bacteria product to the filter
(and the pond water) at the start of the season to give the pond
a head start. Pour 1/2 the recommended dosage directly in the filter and
the other 1/2 in the pond.
5) Let the filter run for about 2 weeks before starting to feed
the fish.
Beneficial bacteria, replacement filter material, etc...
Pond Store
>> BENEFITS OF A UV (ULTRA VIOLET CLARIFIER)
The most obvious benefit is the pretty immediate elimination
of green water algae (a good filter must be present to catch
the algae killed by the UV).
This particular use of the UV is the reason most pond owners
aquire them.
There is another benefit, though, especially where expensive
fish are present:
Sterilization of the water! Although beneficial bacteria are
needed in the pond, there are also bad bacteria and an
Ultra Violet Clarifier greatly reduces those and other
pathogens that can harm the fish.
Since the UV will kill bacteria, it is important to start the
colony in the pond and in the filter before the UV is
plugged in. This will leave enough bacteria in the pond (on the
liner, in plant pots, etc.) and in the filter to do their
job, while greatly reducing those that will harm the fish.
Ultra Violet Clarifiers must be sized correctly to do the
job! When in doubt, use the bigger size!
Ultra Violet Clarifiers, with or without filters.
>> FUN (POND) FACT
There are about 5000 different varieties of feshwater snails!
Chances are some will find their way into your pond!
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