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IN THIS ISSUE:
Mar 3, 2004
|| The Retail Store is Now Open for the Season!!
|| Spring Fish Care
|| Spring Care for Pond Equipment
|| Halloooo?
|| Fun (Pond) Fact!
>>>> THE Retail Store is now open for the Season:
Every single day of the week: Mon - Sat 10:00 until 6:00
and Sundays 10:00 until 4:00
Hours will, of course, expand in April!
We are brimming with new merchandise and more is coming in
daily. The first Goldfish are due to arrive on Thursday.
Come and visit, now is the time to browse and get the coolest
and cutest of everything...before it is gone (the cutest
always goes first)!
>>>> Spring Fish Care
Early spring is a very stressful time in the colder parts
of the U.S., because the fish have been dormant so long and
now have to cope with a lot of water temperature fluctuation!
For this reason, it is very important to really take care
and keep water quality at an optimum at this time of year.
Particularly if Koi or Golden Orfe are present in the Pond.
The digestive system of Koi depends entirely on its
intestine (Koi have no stomachs) and when the water is cold
their intestines do not work at the normal rate. That is
why it is important to feed Koi a low protein diet in the
spring.
Beneficial bacteria have not had time to establish a
sufficient colony to deal with great loads of fish waste,
there again the amount, type and quality of the fish food
is important (like the old saying goes: garbage in--garbage out!).
It is best to start feeding slowly and to measure nitrites
about once a week until the weather stabilizes, especially
in ponds with many and/or expensive fish (or those dear to
the heart)!
Remember, our free e-book "Spring Start-Up" is available
for download on our website!
Products necessary for a good start in the spring pond can
be found here.
>>>> Spring Care for Pond Equipment
It is a good idea to inspect all pond equipment in early
spring before things get going full tilt! :)
Here are a few tips for things to check and things (not) to
do:
1) Check all electrical connections. Any sign of trouble
(frayed cords, popping GFI's, etc.) get it fixed or
replaced. Water and electricity is a mix with which no
chances can be taken.
2) Check hoses, fittings and connections for leaks.
3) Clean and if necessary replace filter pads.
4) Replace UV bulbs (remember not to touch the bulb itself
with bare hands, it shortens their life).
Also, just because the bulb is still burning does not
mean the UV spectrum is still working. If the pond does
not clear up a new bulb may be needed.
5) Check the waterfall for leaks. The freezing and thawing
of the ground during the winter often slightly displaces
rocks and makes the waterfall leak. (Often this can
be fixed with black waterfall foam without having to
take the waterfall apart - available in our online store).
We have greatly expanded our parts selection for everything
from filter pads to pump parts. If you can't find it in our
online catalog, give us a call:
314-894-2894
|| Halloooo?
We have installed a new phone system to serve you better!
This thing is so smart (and persistent) we call it:
"Davy Crockett" after the noted hunter, because if there
is a live staff person with a telephone that is not busy
in the continental United States - this thing will find that
person and ring that phone (business phone...cell phone...
..it does not care!)!
We are delighted (and just a bit flabbergasted)!
>>>> Fun (Pond) Fact
It is almost time for frogs to spawn and we always get lots
of questions! Here are a couple of answers to the most
common ones:
a) Frog spawn is laid in clumps - Toad spawn is laid in long
strings.
b) Frog spawn is not bad for the pond (with the possible
exception of the poisonous Texas frog only found there
- the exact name escapes me at the moment)! As a matter of fact,
it is good for the environment. Frogs eat lots of bugs!
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