FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I calculate the volume of water in my pond?
- Square or oblong pond: Length x Width x Depth x 7.5=Gallons (example: 10’L x 8’W x 2’D x 7.5=1200gal.) Round pond: multiply diameter by itself x depth x5.9= gallons (example: 8’x8’x2’x5.9=755gal.)
2. What is the benefit of adding salt to my Koi pond?
- There are several benefits to adding salt to your pond: If your Koi are stressed it will help maintain their slime coat. If you have an ammonia problem it will keep them from uptaking the ammonia through their gills. Salt will help eliminate several types of parasites & at a higher dose can help keep algae under control. The recommended rate is 1 1/4 cups of salt per 100 gallons. Make sure you only use non-iodized pure salt.
3. How often & how much should I feed my Koi & goldfish?
- You should only feed your Koi what they can consume in three minutes, once or twice a day. If there is any food left floating or in the skimmer after three minutes be sure to remove it. The number of times per day (once or twice) is determined by the amount of fish in your pond & the size of your filtration. The more you feed the more waste byproducts in the pond. You may also want to try feeding them treats like watermelon, zuchinni or frozen peas. Don’t feed your fish once the temperature of the water falls below 55o F.
4. How many fish can I keep in my pond?
- The general rule of thumb is one inch of fish per every 10 gallons of water. Don’t forget to take into account that small fish will grow & quickly. The size of your filtration system & pump & how much you feed your fish will also play a role in determining how many fish your pond will handle.
5. What is the best way to transplant an aquatic plant?
- If you have plants that grow from a thickened root or tuber like hardy lilies, Sweet flag or Iris you should place the cut end against the pot edge. A shallow wide pot is best. If you have a clumping bog plant like a rush or a tropical lily it should be placed in the center of the pot. There are several types of planting media you can use including: non scented/non clumping kitty liter, pea gravel & top soil. We also offer a bagged aquatic plant media from Microbelift that is preseeded with beneficial bacteria! Remember to fertilize your lilies & flowering plants monthly during the spring & summer months.
6. Why should I test my pond water?
- Water quality is the number one priority in a pond with fish. In an established pond the ammonia & nitrite levels should always be at zero. Higher levels can kill your fish. pH is also important if it drops too low it can kill your fish. Quick dip test strips are easy to use, but liquid test strips are more accurate. Cal now makes pH & Ammonia meters that stay in your pond so you can easily see your readings at any time. A salinity meter is also available for testing salt levels.
7. How do I know how much liner I need for my pond?
- To calculate the liner size you must first know the length, width & depth of the pond. To determine the length of the liner add the length plus the depth x two plus 2 for an overhang. For the width add the width plus the depth x two plus 2 for overhang. (example a pond 10Lx7Wx3D would be 10+3+3+2= 18 for the length & 7+3+3+2=15 for the width or a liner 18×15.) Don’t forget to add additional footage for the waterfall. If the pond has different depth levels always measure from the deepest point