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  1. I've got more than a few questions. I read with great interest the Q and A's and the articles by Mike White. I'm going to redo my front yard waterfall pond (no fish 4,000 gals) and my back yard pond now about 1,500 gals expanding to about 3,000 (10 Koi, 3 1ft and the rest 8in).

    Back yard (Koi pond) I have a homemade upflow in the back that is fed from a skimmer. the pump I have is in the bottom of the skimmer and I think because I have an inefficient upflow (yes with lava rock!) the pump clogged to regularly for my tastes. The pond at this time is also just two feet deep. I intent to redig and get down to four feet this spring. I'm tired of being concerned that the Heron are going to find my back yard pond too. That is actually why I built the backyard pond. I have it very quiet with just the water from the upflow dumping right back into the pond--no water fall noise! I have a great waterfall in the front and in very plain view for all flying overhead and they sure did eat well!

    #1 — Very good articles by Mike White! Bottom line what type of filtration should I good with. Mike says nothing is perfect, I'm leaning to the verticle pads with brushes? Seems to be the most efficient (although I know not perfect). What would you do? If this seems like the best, what brand? Where is the best place to purchase?

    #2 — I was thinking of looking into becoming a contractor (Company name) to get better pricing. Is this even worthwhile? Are there better prices out there for contractors?

    #3 — Another reason I was going to go to four feet deep was the oppurtunity to place a center drain. I hadn't done that and it sure seems to be worthwhile for overall circulation and filtration. Is it? Is punching a hole in the liner a risk in the Wisconsin climate at 4 ft? Something that is 15 ft by 5 ft should I go with two bottom drains at that length? Do the drains come with a plug or cork type seal for winter to keep the water out of the piping to prevent potenially bursting?

    #4 — If I go with a center drain, what about a leaf basket in-line but outside of the pond to catch debris and make it easy to cleanout from the center drain run? If I go with a center drain, do I really need a skimmer? Wouldn't that center drain and leaf catcher really attract everything from the surface? or is that just not enough suction to retrieve everything?

    #5 — Where best (prices) to get a liner? I'm going to have to get two! 45 mil?

    Now for the front pond! Sorry for the long questions but I'm really trying to plan my spring repairs now and be comfortable with a good plan!

    #1 — I need to place a new liner in the front as well. The front of the pond is only 15 feet away from the edge of the road. I don't want the front yard pond to be more than two feet deep. Parents and their Kids have a way of walking up and I don't want drowning to be an issue. I've certainly seen many times that just the younger kids walk up by themselves as well. Mike White recommends oval for the best circulation and I can reform it a bit to get that shape. The form will be about 15ft oval or rounded.

    #2 — the front pond pump is 7,000 gal an hour. It's a great waterfall!! That is a great amount of suction from a center drain! Again I was thinking that will that amound of suction into a center drain would I really need skimmers?

    #3 — I certainly don't want to run a second pump for filtration. How would I do the filtration. Tap from the center drain with an in-line filter at about 2,000 gallons and then have that reroute back into the waterfall as well. I sure don't want to run the 7,000 24hours. Or, should I just plan on running a second pump that 24/7 and continue to timer the 7,000?

    #4 — Do you think two center drains or would one be enough in a 15 ft round? I would go from about 12ins at the edge to about 24 to 30 inchs max sloped to the center. I was thinking of lily pads to keep it as shaded as possible. It's pretty much full sun in the front.
    (Added 1-30-05)
    —See Bob Passovoy's reply
    .
    (Added 2-19-05) —See Mike White's reply.



  2. My husband and I are having a big discussion over this one! We are building a KOI Pond in our yard and it will be about 3,000 to 3,500 gallons. In order to know exactly what size it is we want to use a water meter while filling it. Our water pressure is a little low so he wants to use two water hoses connected to different water faucets. Can we use 2 hoses at the same time with a meter, maybe using a Y connection? Will this be an accurate reading or will the Y change the accuracy of the meter? (Added 1-30-05) —See reply.


  3. (Part 2) Thank you for the insight. Just what I expected from you (based on what those have said). However, now you have me wanting more...

    After some thought, I have realized that perhaps my problem with algae (string in stream and a fine dust-like algae on the bottom of pool) is not the filtration but rather the material causing the wicked chain...excess food, decaying material like leaves and fish waste.

    If I have algae growing and clear water, could increasing my filtration actually cause a bigger problem by allowing more bacteria to take up residence in the bio filter producing higher nitrogen levels and therefore creating a greater algae utopia?

    I'm sure I am missing something but it appears that the fish (both koi and goldfish) sure have enjoyed this environment because they have successfully spawned numerous times during the second year of having the pond. Many ponds that I have seen on the tour (and just visiting) may have a more algae free appearance (being able to see no algae on the bottom or on the rocks), however should I count my blessings (and those of the parent fish) and leave well enough alone?

    Now I'm getting confused. This is such a chicken/egg dilemma. Please help me make more sense. (Added 1-6-05) —See reply
    .



  4. (Part 1) I am taking the winter months to plan a remodeling of my homemade filtration system. I'm considering switching to bio balls from lava rock because I feel it has not been providing the maximum filtration. Can you provide any insight into if the size of the bio balls used will make a difference (1" or 1.25") or will it end up providing the same surface area because of additional smaller balls in the same filter space? Additionally, approximately how many I should use (I know there has to be some sort of formula).

    The demographics on my pond are approximately:

    • ~5700 total gallons
    • ~5125 in main pool for koi and goldfish (remaining gallons in collecting pools and stream)
    • 6-8 larger sized fish (ranging in size 10" - 14")
    • 8-10 medium sized fish (6" - 8")
    • 8-10 smaller sized fish (1" - 5")

    (Added 1-6-05) —See reply.



  5. Hi Bob:

    I have subscribed to the Water Gardening Magazine for the last several years. I belong to the Capital Area Koi and Water Gardening Club in Lansing, Michigan.

    I have had a pond with goldfish for about 30 years. I joined the Lansing Pond Club about 6 years ago and acquired koi. I had water lilies in the pond from the beginning.
    I have a albino catfish who is approximately 20 inches long and alot of koi who are approximately 16 inches long. And some goldfish.

    We put a new pond in this summer (about 2500 gallons) with a falls and stream as the smaller one was getting quite crowded and I didn't want to get rid of any fish. I also have a filter system made from a 100 gallon horse tank, will have two next summer (got the pond in late this summer).

    I know everyone has different experiences with their koi ponds. I wondered what your idea was on keeping the filter and pump running in the winter. I had alway shut the pump off in the old pond and used a small pump to keep a hole open for air.

    Thanks for listening. Any ideas are welcome.
    Sincerely,
    Marilyn (Added 1-6-05)—See reply.



  6. Thank you for your e-mail and advice. We finally "completed" our work in progress pond! It is sitting at approx. 1500 gallons for main pond and approx. 150-200 for secondary, not counting boxes, which should give it an additional 100 gals?! Ahh close enough anyway! Once we get everything settle I will be joining the Koi Society hopefully maybe by summer's end next year!

    1) We actually decided to use a compound system of several components. We have an upper pond of about 3 1/2 feet long by 3 feet wide by 17 inch deep. We have a Tetra Bio Filter for ponds up to 2500 gallons, with 4000 gph pump (on top of liner on bottom). We have a skimmer box with 1500 gph pump and a filter tub with pads. For piping we choose 2 inch all the way around top increase flow, but also not flow too much (none of my fish are small anyway). In total there are two water falls, one for the filter tub dropping into the upper pond, and one for upper pond to lower main pond.

    2) I am purchasing a UV light next spring for the bio filter we loving call R2D2, but wanted to know if it is worth the 200+ dollars? I wanted to know is charcoal bags really worth it? One article said yes 7.5 LB bag per 1000 gal pond another says it is a waste of money?! I was considering putting them in along with pads in the filter tub (skimmer box system).

    3) Plant suggestions? We are going with water hyacinths, cat tails, lettuce, and some lilies. My mom loves the grass so we might try some in the pond, but room is an issue sooner or later. Is there some must haves?? We have no bog FYI & can't install one.

    4) Currently we stock about 9 fishes ranging in size, but the largest ones are koi ranging 20 inch, 18, 22, all koi. We do have two smaller koi, which range in the 9 - 14 inch size. I also have two larger goldfish probably 6-8 inches each. The hope of the goldfish was to clean and eating debris. Is it necessary to have more gold fish? Some snails? A catfish? Or is this a pretty good ratio and system as is. Bearing in mind are current pond size, and the size of our fish, is the pond at max capacity still? Do I have room for more fish? I would like a few more koi, but am afraid my koi will be enticed to grow substantially bigger now that they have a bigger home, thus making it impossible?! I know gold fish do that at least... I don't want to entice breading, is there a way to prevent it? I like having control on how many and what kinds! I like playing god in my pond a little!

    The pond cannot be increased in size anymore, as we took up half are back yard in this creation. So, as a result I can't have a problem like we had before, I am forced to learn from my lesson(s), and am now making sure I will be okay this time around!

    5) Rocks?! We have none at the bottom or in the pond, all are currently on the outside. This was by what my mom says your suggestion? Is this correct, I wanted a double check and make sure it was a good way to do it?

    6) I like tetra products for chemicals such as koi vital, which I had to use a lot previously to maintain some balance in are old pond! In the new pond will I need to use these as much? Should I try to avoid the use? Is there better? Is there a rule of thumb?

    7) My mom wants to not have to clean the filters and such every week, ideally once a month would be nice.

    With our previous pond she was doing it twice - three times a week, which drove her nuts, and made her make me get a shovel for the new pond!! She blames me entirely since I own the fish! :)

    8) All in all it took us the best part of 5 full days to complete the pond manually digging and finishing everything ourselves. I must note it really does take up half of our back yard now and looks really good, but my back still hurts from all of the digging!
    (Added 1-6-05) —See reply.


  7. My pond is a .210 gallon in ground pond it has one large water lily. The fish are 2 koi and 6 6 inch comets. my pumps are a 210 gallon an hour with no filtration and a 535 gallon in a box filter . and i change the water every 2 to 3 weeks and the water will stay clear for a bout a week or so than it goes back to beening pea soup green. i have read all the books i can get an it confuse me on what type of filtration I should have What do you think i should do i have been think of buying one of those box filters with uv i saw in doctor fosters catalog .(Added 1-6-05) —See reply



  8. (Continuation of an earlier question)-- Thanks for the well wishes. I took the whole pond apart (15 tons of boulders tossed up on the perimeter of the pond), this past weekend leaving only the gravel in the bottom (6 tones of Alabama pebbles). There surely was a leak - a couple in fact, ripped from the heavy boulders rolled into place under the waterfall. When I rolled the liner back, I noticed that I was able to stick my finger into the moist clay like Jell-O, where as the rest of the pond area was dry and hard so i concentrated on poking my fingers up the wall until the clay/dirt was harder and translated that to the liner and narrowed down the area to located the tear in the liner. I also noticed a build up of water under the liner leaving an ever moving water bubble to work around. The water actually came in handy as I able to move the water bubble around looking for springs to spurt up had there been a hole on the bottom. No holes. We patched the 1/4 - 1/2 rips on both sides of the liner and quadrupled lined the area where the heavy boulders would be placed and replaced all the stones. With both garden hoses running for five and half hours I was able to get the pond running again and as of last night to now, have not noticed a drop in the water level.

    It was a lot of work, but the assurances that it was done right from the mistakes learned will leave to many years of enjoyment. All that is left is tucking the liner properly and landscaping.

    Thanks again for your advice. It was not fun building the pond twice - by I'll chalk it up to "lesson learned" - the hard way.
    (added 1-6-05) —See reply.



  9. I have been checking on the internet on ways to prevent a large blue heron from eating my koi. I was told the best solution would be to put a Heron Decoy in the pond but I am reading this is not the solution. My pond is 35' x 70' and approximately 3-4 ft. deep in the center. The koi tend to hide in the center at times but this Heron seems to be just waiting. Last year (my pond was new) I had put 3 koi (about 7" in size) in my pond to see how they would do. After about 3 weeks they were gone. This year I was given three new koi and they are doing great and have had about 20 babies. The pond is large enough to handle the number of koi but I am on the constant lookout for the Heron.

    What is the best decoy for Heron?

    Thanks for your help! (added 1-6-05)—See reply.



  10. Hi- we have a 75 gallon outdoor pond and we have a turtle instead of fish -- we somehow have gotten leeches in the pond and need some guidance to find out how to get the pond leech free - can you help me? thanks (added 1-6-05)—See reply.
  11. I am a new pond owner -- 6 months. Kalamazoo, MI. 780 gallons, non-filtered, but with 2 levels separated by a 2.5' rock waterfall and 4 ft streambed for aeration/filtration. 1 koi, 8-10 " by now, and 7 goldfish 3" - 6". 1 lotus, 2 water lilies, 1 pickerel rush, 1 parrot feather, 2 reeds in the short stream bed at the base of the waterfall, 2 huge taros and a couple of papyrus plants - the smaller kind upstairs. Water lettuce so healthy I've been culling and composting non-stop all summer. String alge, but nothing I can't live with. I may as well tell you I've never tested the water, though I have the chemicals to do it -- I have aquarium fish.

    It is the best gardening I've ever done.

    HOWEVER -- Those wretched goldfish spawned twice this summer and left me with what looked like (among all the plant life) literally 100s of fry.

    QUESTION 1 -- How long would it take those babyfish to kill off my pond (i.e. other fish, plants), if I didn't do anything?

    What I did to solve this problem (this might have been rash) was to catch a large-mouth bass of just-legal size (not big enough to eat the parental fish, although I have a couple of frogs I'm worried about) and introduce him to the pond.

    QUESTIONS 2/3 -- Just how rash was that? Have I endangered my domestics?

    The fry are gone, and I mean GONE after a week. My domestic fish, even the koi, who definitely has weight on the bass, if not length, are nervous and hiding behind the plants. They will come out and feed, but it takes them some time of me sitting there with the food floating. I have not seen the bass since I introduced him.

    It seems obvious that I need to get the wild guy out, just to make the others happy. I thought about keeping him and giving him live bait for food, but that now seems like not such a good idea. But it does make me curious what other pond gardeners have done to control their goldfish population. I read the recommendation to pump into a pool, move your desireables, cull, etc. etc., but it seems just as stressfull to the fish and the plants as what I've done.

    Context, observations, beratement, all would be welcome.

    QUESTION 4 -- Is there an organization you are aware of that is closer to me than yours? are you a local or regional group?

    majda (added 9-25-04)—See reply.



  12. We became members on Sunday. just came back from the show and loved it...acknowledging "rule number one" we bought too many new fish. Fortunately we have a large (3000 gallon) pond with plenty of cirulation/filtration(6600pgm). What is the best way to sort/rid/screen our baby koi born this year? Many are ugly brown and we otherwise have too many. We have lotza plants so netting them is way too hard. Is it best to wait until fall when the plants are dying and the fish slowing down? I don't want to stress the others any more than necessary, so I'm hoping for some type of baby fish trap that only allows the small fish to enter, but not leave, and then i could sort/rid. Can't find any thing on the web... —See reply.

  13. My husband and I have a small hilly farm in West Virginia. A few years ago we had two farm ponds made - a fairly large one (60' x 40'? a guess) and a smaller one (20' x 25' ?). We stocked them (with bad advice from a "consultant/supplier") with koi and goldfish. For the past 4 years or so, the pond has been very muddy and the banks are being chewed into, the damage is getting to be significant and we are concerned that in a few more years the "dam" side of the pond (catches runoff augmented by a small spring) will be weaken and break through. Neither pond has a liner. Reading your article points out that we probably shouldn't be trying to raise exotic fish in a wild setting, for the many reasons you mentioned.

    We probably have around 15 large koi (16-18 "?) and numerous smaller koi. With them we have a number of small gold fish. The pond doesn't seem to be overpopulated, but it is difficult to know because the water is always muddy. We are only feeding them occasionally. We are not fish experts and don't really know the best step to take. We would be willing to have the fish removed and taken to a good/better home... —See reply.


  14. Hi All. I saw your email address in the Midwest Koi and Pond Society web site. We are definitely at the "low end" of the intensity of Water Gardens, but have a problem this year that is threatening out entire population of Koi and Goldfish. We have Furunculosis (Hole In Side) based upon my very limited knowledge of koi diseases, and due to observations off various pictures of diseases off the web.

    Briefly, it must have been due to the difficulties in keeping our water quality... it has been a large battle all year. No new fish introductions this year whatsoever. I've had horrible problem with Alge (Green water), as well as Ph fluctuations. Amonia and Disolved Nitrites have not been a problem this year (For the most part).

    I have been testing (Ph, Salt, Amonia , etc.) and attempting to make non-radical corrections all year. including ~ 75% water replacement if extreme levels were observed. We have two outdoor "ponds" of roughly 125 gallons each.

    We have been treating with "Tea Extract" bought from a local store, and running our salt content towards the "High Side" of recommended levels. This in some cases appears to be helping (appearing to reduce some of the ulcers", and most of the fish affected are extremely active in normal activity, however seem to have severely reduced appetites (floating food).

    We have had fry this year in both tanks, with the larges fry now showing the disease. Our goldfish and koi (All about 6-10") are showing signs of the disease now, with at least 3 severe cases. ANY SUGGESTIONS on treatment (specifically in this region of the country... temperature, etc.) would be appreciated.

    Since we are small scale hobbyists, we are not interested in "Expensive" treatment, and would put down the entire stock if there are no hopes, however most of the fish have been with us for about 4 years, and hence the request at any thoughts to save them.

    Thanks in advance for any ideas. Please drop me an email to both my work email and home if any of you have time to respond.(Added 8/17/04) —See reply.


  15. Hi Bob,
    Thanks for answering. Are hair algae and string algae the same thing? The salt concentration reading I got was .02 and I guess it is supposed to be .10% . Would solar salt be ok to use for this? I can divert the water so it does not go into the pond, and I have pump and blossom head spray I can keep running to arreate the water. so this could be a closed system for as long as I wanted. I do have 2 small bundles of barley straw in now , but I guess it takes some time to work. Do you think I should add more salt? Also,. if I block out the sun, would this help? Thanks again for your help. If you don't like me sending you these questions, let me know!
    Hal (Added 8/11/04) —See reply.


  16. HI, I have a problem and am not sure what to do. My pond is 7' wide by 14' long and average depth is 3 &1/2 feet , containing about 2500 gallons. It is spring fed with water coming in over a waterfall and going out the overflow. I built it , with a rubber liner, a year ago and put in 6 Koi and 2 water lilies. Early this summer it was full of string algae, that kept rising to the top in mats.I had the bottom covered with fist sized stones and they were all covered. This was so bad I drained the pond, took out all the stones and cleaned them and the rubber liner and started over again. I filled the pond and yesterday, 2 weeks later added 10 water lilies, parrots feather, water cress, water lettuce and 10 Koi and 6 gold fish about 4" long. Now, today I notice the algae is starting to cover the stones and the sides!

    I tested the water and the PH is 7.3, the Ammonia was 0, Nitrite was 0, salt level was 0.02% and water temp. is 55 degrees all the time. The pond is in full sun about two thirds of the day.

    I don't want the algae to get ahead like it did before. Any help you can give me will surely will be appreciated. Thanks so much, Hal (Added 8/10/04) —See reply.



  17. ...Right now I have 2 large comet goldfish, 2 small comet goldfish and 6 Koi, approx. 4.5 inches long. I am keeping them for now in a 100 gallon tank outside with 80 gallons of water in it (down so they don't jump out).

    I need to know how to make a home made Bio-Filter. Right now, all I have is a submersible pump with small filter on it, (filter is only two inches by 2 inches) that pumps the water from bottom of tank and back in a water fall at the top. 210 GPH pumped.

    I give them a limited amount of three choices of goldfish food twice a day. I also clean the small filter daily and change 20% of the water daily. I also am adding 1.5 tablespoons of aquarium salt per 16 gallons of water changed daily although the carton says to use 3 tablespoons per 15 gallons. Salt is "Evaporated Sea Water", manufactured by "Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Inc". I also have 1/2 of tank covered for shade from hot sun. I keep reading about adding so much more salt? A lot more salt?

    (1) Is it okay to change 20% of the water per day? They seem more happy since doing it and it is keeping the Algae under kind of control without using chemicals? Key words are KIND OF................

    (2) Is it okay to use a minimal amount of aquarium salt all the time? I have been through Ich and Cotton disease before using it? Again they seem healthier now that I am using it?

    (3) Could you tell me how to make a Bio-Filter cheaply?

    (4) I live in northern Alberta, Canada. If I bring them in for the winter, they would be at house temperature, do I continue to feed them the same amount?

    (5) If I placed them in an above ground 300 gallon tank and used floating tank heater (for livestock), would they be better off than in the house but cut back on feeding? And if cut back on feeding, by how much? They would not have any filter system if outside in the winter as the water fall would freeze?

    (6) Does salt control fish parasites, worms, flukes, etc.? If not, do I treat them a couple of times a year for such parasites as they came from a Pet Store where other people say the fish come with such problems?

    (7) I printed out any of your Questions and Answers pertaining to me. Two things that scare me. Question 19 states 1 inch of KOI per 20 to 25 gallons??? I understood when they were still small, it was 1 inch of fish per 1 gallon? Second was a Q and A that says Goldfish are okay wintering in an Aquarium but Koi shouldn't be??? They should be in a tub??? I really wanted to be able to enjoy them in an aquarium for the winter??? I thought a 77 gallon to a 90 gallon for this winter and hopefully the next. In the spring, I would relocate them to a 300 gallon horse tank??? (Added 8/4/04) —See reply.



  18. Hello, I've set up my first pond and it is a small one. 100 gal. I'm having a problem with the green algae (pea soup). I've been using Pond Care Algae Fix at times double dose with little or no results. I've tried the water changes from doing only 10% to doing 60%. I do have some live plants with no fertilizer spikes.

    The filter is one that can handle up to 450 gal. at one ft. high and is cleaned every 3-5 days. The fish are doing fine but I would like to see them more than at feeding time. I used to feed 2-3 times a day (very small amounts but have cut back to once a day ( larger amount). The pond is in mostly sun but now I have been putting up an umbrella to cut back on the sunlight to only late in the day. Still I can't see more than 3" into the pond.

    I am on city water. Geneva, IL. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Please (Added 8/3/04) —See reply.



  19. We are building a new pond and want to line part (not all) of the edge with round wood posts like you see in Japanese garden ponds. My question is what type of wood is used? I know not to use treated lumber, as it will give off toxins. My pond will ultimately be 15,000 gallons.Also, how are the posts are installed? (Sent to Anderson Japanese Gardens. Added 7/14/04) —See reply.



  20. Hello, I'm not a member, but have just found your website.
    I have a small pond, approx. 250 gallons, with Shibunkin goldfish that I have had going for about 8 years. I have never had any major problems with my pond, or maintaining a healthy pond, even tho I am not well versed in the biology of it all.
    My brother also has a smaller pond, and earlier this year all of his fish died off mysteriously. I had no answers for him, other than to check the nitrate levels, which were slightly elevated, but not bad. Now, all of of a sudden, about a third of my fish died, after about three days of non-movement in the water. They have been just sitting near the top, not gasping for air or anything, but just like they were sleeping. My pond looks normal for this time of year - just like it has looked for the past 7 or 8 years. I'm wondering if something external to the pond is going on, like aerial spraying for gypsy moths, etc. Have you heard of this happening anywhere else in the area?? I live in Woodridge, my brother lives in La Grange. (7/14/04) —See reply.


  21. My pond is 12,000 gallons and is in full sun. Every year my water turns green and stays that way from July on with no visibility. I have a bio falls filter from Aquascape and a large sand filter with a u.v. light. A friend of mine says he will put in a bog (free of charge..can't beat the price). I can't keep any plants within the pond as Koi pull out as fast as I can plant. By the way, my pond does NOT have any shelves, just a straight drop off to 5 and 6 feet. I think a bog would be very helpful and a nice eye pleasing addition. my friend says he will put in IF I come up with the plan. I have looked thru back issues of the Newsletters and other litature available, but nothing on bogs. Bob, can you help me with advice as where I can find information for my size pond? Thanks A Bunch. (Added 5/25/04) —See reply.
    (sent later)
    Now I am so eager to get started, my poor "friend" has no idea what he volunteered for. One final question, and I promise not to "bug" you (at least for 24 hours). I have always said my U.V. light was not adequate, but my last pond guy always disagreed with me. Within the last 24 hours the light has burnt out and the unit is leaking a good amount of water. Great timing! As now is the time to replace the entire unit. For my volume of water (12,000 gallons) what size unit do you recommend?(Added 5/25/04) —See reply.



  22. HELP! Can you all put your heads together for a minute or two and offer some suggestions as to why I have gold/amber/brownish colored water? I realize that you don't have any details to base your opinion on---but give me some ideas on what could cause it.
    Please.
    Briefly, the pond is about 6 years old. Aprox 4000 gal. average of 4 ft deep. Last year the water turned this color for the first time. I pressure wash the pond spring and fall. Water changes during the season. Most people tell me it is the filter media used, so I changed it. I went from small pea gravel to the long strands of plastic ribbon, now I am trying the kitty litter in baskets. After cleaning this spring, things started to look better, even though there was a slight amber color to the water I could actually see my fish throughout the whole pond. However over the last 2 weeks it has reverted back to golden/brown and I can no longer see the bottom of the pond. Any guesses? I am getting so frustrated that I am about ready to fill the thing in and have a really nice rock garden--with expensive fertilizer. I will appreciate any ideas or thoughts that you have. Thanks so much! (Added 5/14/09) —See reply.



  23. We are relatively new members of the MPKS and have a question about our new pond. The surface area is 25 X 50. Last night the pond was filled to just below the skimmer overflows, all the pumps were running so all the waterfalls were working. This morning the water level is 4-5 inches below our marker rocks. One skimmer is getting ready to suck air. What is the evaporation rate for this size pond in this area that might result in this much of a water level decrease or do we have a leak? I hope you can help us out. I can't see adding this much water to this pond every day. (Added 5/13/09) —See reply.



  24. I own a small par 3 golf course in Delavan, Wi. and have a small retention pond that I can fill with a well or rainwater. The retention pond feeds my watering system on the course. It fills with algae and is located right next to my parking lot and becomes a eyesore. Keeping in mind that I water the course with this water, is there anything I can do to kill the algae??? This time of year I have considered putting weed killer in the water and water the course for the broadleaf weeds. Just kidding. Any help would be appreciated. (Added 5/11/09) —See reply.



  25. ...First, why can't I keep any of my water plants alive? I have a filtration system that has the regular old white filter and a charcoal filter.

    Second, I have been using algicide blocks(cubes), yet I still have tons of algae.

    And finally, I love my backyard pond (and fish), but I just don't think I know enough about it to keep it healthy. Can you suggest a good book to get me going on the right track as far as learning the basics (i.e., how often to empty and re-fill, when to add salt, etc.)?

    I don't know if you need the stats on the pond itself, but, just in case: ~4ft deep (with 3 shelves around the perimeter at ~2ft deep), 3x5ft (WxL). It sits in FULL SUN (hence the algae problem). —See reply.



  26. Have a couple of questions for the Newsletter I've been dying to ask.

    A. Why are partial water changes recommended for ponds, especially since a fair amount evaporates and if you use a regulator, it's replaced a little at a time on a regular basis? Does the need for water changes depend on how well the pond is oxygenated, e.g., whether you have a waterfall and fountains operating?

    B. How often should a pond be emptied, washed down, and refilled? If you have a stable pond, and clear water, does this throw your pond out of whack and create problems with restabilizing the pond?—See reply.



  27. I would like to know what the formula of salt per 100 gallons of water is. I have some stressed fish... —See reply.


  28. I moved into a house that has a small fish pond. It is so dirty and I want to clean it out but I know nothing about fish ponds nor fish. I found 4 goldfish in the pond they look about 5 inches. Do I take the fish out and put them in a bucket while I clean the little pond? Do I use tap water in the bucket and in the water to replace the old water? I don't want the fish to die but they will I would think if I can't get the water changed. —See reply.


  29. I am thinking of digging a farm pond on my property. The pond would be for our enjoyment but also to possibly raise Koi for resale. Also, could I put other fish (Cat, Bass, or panfish) in the pond? Would the Koi co-habit with these fish? —See reply.


  30. Many of my fish are 'swimming' up to the hole in the ice which the heater has kept open all winter. I'm not sure what is happening. —See reply.



  31. My goldfish pond is about 1 foot deep and about 4-5 feet wide, holds about 150 gallons. What can I do about keeping the water temperature high enough to keep the fish from hibernating? —See reply.



  32. I was wondering if a normal domestic koi fish I bought from the local koi shop for $4 would ever grow to win a Koi competition if the color is nice and its healthy, or does it matter about the history of where my koi came from and how much I bought the koi for? —See reply.



  33. I have an outdoor pond and want to take the goldfish out while I clean it. I have a large plastic box ( the type that can be used on pick-up trucks or for storage). I want to know if it would be okay to keep my fish in there for a few days or could it be toxic for them. —See reply.




  34. This is my first year of owning a pond. I am not sure how to winterize. I would appreciate your assistance or let me know where I could get assistance. —See reply.



  35. Some of my young koi are losing their scales. I am already treating them for both bacteria and parasites. They don't seem to be having any problems with it but do the scales grow back? —See reply.



  36. I have a small fish pond in Canada with koi fish that have grown to a pretty good size. They are too big to bring inside, so I would like to keep them outside. Will they freeze or hibernate or something or will they die? —See reply.



  37. Our pond water has a cloudy green cast to it.  What is causing this and how do we get rid of it? —See reply.


  38. What are acceptable water testing levels for pH, ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, oxygen? —See reply.




  39. I have heard about adding salt to my pond. What is the purpose and when should I do it? Also, how much do I add, what type of salt is used and is it harmful to my plants? —See reply.



  40. How many fish can I have in my pond? Is there a size to gallons of water formula? —See reply.



  41. What is causing a white foam on top of the water? —See reply.



  42. I have both Koi and Goldfish in my pond - I wish to only have Koi. I am obviously an amateur - I can't tell the difference between the two - in the next few weeks I'll be getting my pond going for the warmer season and want the Goldfish "outta here". —See reply.