1. Lower the water levelIt rains much more in autumn and winter, but with cooler temperatures your pond will evaporate less. You’ll perform fewer filter cleans, and water changes too. The result is that your pond can overfill with all that rainwater, and overflow.If you have a backwash facility on your filter, use that to pump some of the water out of the pond. At this time of year pum...
An aquarium or pond is a thing of beauty, and fish, plants and corals, a miracle of nature. But without testing the water that our aquatic creatures live in, it can all go horribly wrong…The basicsAll fish produce invisible waste products that they release into water, 24 hours per day. The key one that we test for is ammonia, emitted by fish via their gills, and when they go to the ...
Catching fish can be really tricky. Here’s a few pointersEvery pond and aquarium owner should have a net, as you never know when you might need to catch your fish. If fish are sick or injured, and need to be moved to a hospital tank, you’ll need a net. If fish are fighting and you need to separate them, you’ll need a net. If you’re moving fish, stripping down a tank, or even ...
Surface skimmers are a very worthwhile addition to any pond filtration system. Whereas a typical pond pump only removes debris that sinks down to the bottom, a surface skimmer will remove any surface debris that won’t sink, aiding water quality, and improving viewing.Surface skimmed water is healthier because any oils or residues are removed, meaning better gaseous exchange. Pollen, petals,...
Do you need a pond filter, and if so, which one? We show you your options in this easy to follow guide.You need a pond filter in order to achieve one or both of the following things: Clean, clear water, or a healthy environment for fish. Pond water often goes green, and the combination of a pond filter and an ultra violet clarifier can prevent this. Pond fish also produce waste, but are not e...
It’s every pond owners’ nightmare – perfecting your pond, getting it all set up with your beautiful fish, and then some pesky bird coming through and attacking them. But how do you stop them? There are lots of products available on the market, but do they really work? The products out there all have their pros and cons, but which is right for you?The most advanced option, and therefore t...
So last week we looked at parasites in the pond specially, but that’s not the only thing that can cause problems for your fish. It’s worth knowing other diseases that make your fish sick, and it’s important to be able to identify them to ensure they don’t run riot and cause any serious devastation in your system.UlcersUlcers are usually very obvious, and are first noticeable as an ...
Parasites in your pond can be a major cause of concern. They can quickly spread and cause devastation to your system. Recognising the signs and symptoms can save a lot of disruption and heartache. We’ve put together a group of common pond parasites to watch out for. Next week, check back for other common health issues for fish in ponds, followed by health concerns for aquariums too.White Spo...
Air pumps in ponds – do you really need one? What purpose do they serve? In fish tanks, air pumps have become more a visual feature than a required piece of kit, blowing nice bubbles, which although obviously helps in the tank, most modern internal or external filters would cope perfectly well without.So does this go for ponds too? No is the answer. Air pumps can make a dramatic difference t...
It’s that time of year. Everything is blooming, growing, breeding. From the lambs dancing in the fields, the influx of insects, and the first butterfly you spot, all are signs of the new season. Nature knows what it’s doing, but sometimes it can do with a helping hand. Here’s some tips of what you can do to help out nature near your pond. Have a pondFirst, just having a pond...