I expect that the oxygen in the water is maintained by plants and microorganisms. Things like weeds and algae perform photosynthesis, and thus contribute to the oxygen in the water.I just started a Koi Pond and like to know how often you change the water? Is it good to get a Filter?my grandma has one and she never changes the water. she just ads more when it needs it and has a good filter. she even leaves the fish in there over the winter and the pond freezes over and you can see the fish swimming around below the ice. it's crazy.I just started a Koi Pond and like to know how often you change the water? Is it good to get a Filter?Join the message boards @
http://www.rafflesgold.com/I just started a Koi Pond and like to know how often you change the water? Is it good to get a Filter?Don't change the water, just add to it when it evaporates. Get a good filter, and make sure it's deep enough that they can get away from night-prowling predators. A small fountain is also a good thing to get as it adds extra oxygen to the water, especially in the heat of summer.I just started a Koi Pond and like to know how often you change the water? Is it good to get a Filter?real ponds don't have filters and their water is never changed, why would you want to change the water and use a filter. Lakes / seas and oceans don't have them. Go figure.I just started a Koi Pond and like to know how often you change the water? Is it good to get a Filter?Never!!!
A pond needs some time to get %26quot;balanced%26quot;, meaning the whole eco-system has to adjust within your pond.. This will take a a couple of weeks so be patience ;o)
If you really are serious with your pond and have the patience, here are some tips that will help you from start to finish with a chrystal clear pond -%26gt;
Creating a new pond:
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1) create the pond in an area where you like it, but keep in mind to have some sun as well as shade constantly during the day over the pond.
2) fill the pond up with normal water
3) add about 1 gallon of water you take from another healthy(!!!) pond and add that to your nice size pond.. If you have a smaller one, a little less is already enough..
4) add a biological filter.. The best ones in my experience, are the filters that via a pump push the water to an outside the pond filter and then goes back into the pond. Make sure this filter has a little %26quot;bio-culture%26quot; in it, that you can buy in many stores for ponds.
5) add the water plants.. You can choose all kinds of plants you like, just beware of 2 things: Do not use bamboo -%26gt; the roots are very strong an will eventually penetrate the plastic of your pond, making it leak.. Another thing you have to keep in mind to create a healthy pond-%26gt; add oxygen plants.. My suggestion: more = better (but do not go overboard so it will croud up the pond!)
6) When all steps above are done, let this water with the plants sit for about 2 to 3 weeks, while the pump is running.. During this period, do not take out any leaves or sand that will fall into your pond.. This will help building up the balance as well..
7) add the fish to your pond.
Tip: if you like you can have your PH value checked for your pond and if it's to low/high, they have some nice natural products for it. Do not use any chemicals! Do this after the 3 weeks waiting...
Maintaining it:
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when you already have a pond and it's very dirty, take out 1/2 the water and try to clear the bottom from the leaves and dirt.. However, make sure you do not take it all out, just leave about a 1/4 in it..
Then add fresh water to your pond again slowly..
After this point (and it already was!), your pond's bio-balance is totally disturbed and needs to adjust again..
If you do not have (m)any oxygen plants, add these to the pond..
Again be patience and your pond healthy..
Tip: if you like you can have your PH value checked for your pond and if it's to low/high, they have some nice natural products for it. Do not use any chemicals!
Important notice:
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Do NOT use any chemicals in your pond to make the water clear!.. People love to sell this crap and disturbs your balance big-time.. Yes it will become clear but will not stay clear, so you have to spend a lot of money in it to do this every time.. Besides I do not think it will be healthy over a longer period of time for your fish as well..
The only exception for chemicals I ever used is medicine that fish might need (ick for example)..
Conclusion:
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- Location of the pond
- Use many oxygen plants
- Have a lot of patience and love for your pond
Good luck with it and keep your neighbors jealous with your clean pond with very low maintenance!... ;o)
Techie..
