Spring 2007/2008

Be Gentle With Your Fish
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Your fish will slowly become active as soon as the water temperature reaches 50+ degrees. Don't rush out and feed them heavily. They are just re-acclimating themselves to their environment and their metabolism is still a little slow. Only feed them a small amount of a vegetable or Wheat Germ diet for the first 2-3 weeks. It is easier on their digestive system and you don't need the fish waste that a high protein diet will produce. Try not to show your enthusiasm by jumping in the pond to clean it, just yet. Remember your fish have been sitting near the bottom of the pond throughout the winter and their immune system can be weakened. They have been living on stored fat and are susceptible to parasites and other infection. It is a good time to add Pond Salt to your pond or Pond Stress Coat or AquaSafe both of which will replace the natural slime coat on your fish. In additon, Microbelift Pond Fish Protectant is a new product that can be used to replace the slime coat and as a preventative for ick parasites, fungus and bacteria before they cause problems. Wait a couple of weeks before starting a serious spring clean to give the fish an opportunity to rebuild their immune system.

You might also notice that you are experiencing algae growth, especially string algae. This is not uncommon even in a well balanced pond. The algae will start to grow as soon as water temperatures permit which in some cases can be in the 40 degree range. It is still to early for the biological filters to be functioning well, if at all, at these temperatures, therefore it gives the algae a jump start with no competition. In addition, the sunlight is increasing due to longer days and the combination sets the stage for pond algae. You may experience a losing battle for a while but if you take care of these items now, you will have your pond under control again shortly. GreenClean is an extremely effecient EPA approved fish and plant safe algaecide which will help you control the string or filamint algae. AlgaeFix by PondCare works best with green water or pea soup algae. If you don't have a test kit, now is the time to invest in one. Water chemistry is the key to clear water and healthy fish. All you really need is a simple test kit and a Thermometer. Whether you use simple Pond Test Strips or the liquid Master Test Kit, you will find spending less than 5 minutes a week will pay dividends for your pond. This is one of the best investments you can make for your pond. This year CalPump has indroduced both an ammonia and pH test monitor that gives you accurate readings for a full 30 or 90 days. THe device floats in your pond.

It's Time for Spring Clean-Up
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After a couple of weeks of spring like weather you should remove any dead or decaying debris that has accumulated in your pond. Use a pond net for leaves, or a Mini-Vac (with a silt sock) or Muck-Vac. These great little devices work well for removing dirt and debris. Our handy E-Z Reach or E-Z Prunner will get you several feet closer. For serious pond owners, the OASE new and improved PondOVac 3 is the most advanced vacuum in the US market. It is a 110v powered vacuum that filters debris laden ponds. Finally, there is a product that can easily remove dirt and debris even in ponds with rock bottoms. Be sure and read more about this innovative unit in the item description.


An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
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Check your filter and pump. It is time to clean or replace any filter material. We carry replacement media for most pond filters. If you have a UV filter, lamp efficiency declines with age and use. It is better to replace it before it goes out. Just because the UV light is on, it does not mean you are getting the full benefit of it. Always replace your UV bulb annually. We carry UV lamps for most of the name brand units. Be sure and check the electrical cords and plugs to be sure there is no wear or fraying. Test your GFI to make sure it works. It could save your life someday. If your pump has a pre-filter, clean or remove it. Many pumps have easy access to the impeller. If you did not clean the impeller in fall, be sure that you do so now. Small lodged pieces of algae or small stones can cause serious damage to a pump.


Springtime is Planting Time
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Check your aquatic plants. It is time to trim off any decaying leaves and transplant any plants that have out grown their container. It is much easier to work with a pair of arm length Aqua Gloves . The Microbelift Aquatic Planting Media is pre-colonized with beneficial bacteria for stronger and healthier plants. Plan on using it when you transplant or split your water lilies and lotus plants. You should also Fertilize all of your flowering plants now and monthly throughout the blooming season. Order new oxygenating and floating plants early so you can get the most from these beneficial plants this season. We have added dozens of new Water Lilies this year to the site. If you plan on ordering a Lotus , order early as they do go quickly. We stop shipping Lotus plants by mid May. Speaking of lilies, the Nycon Underwater Plant Stand will give you an opportunity to place one nearly anywhere in your pond and not limited to shelves and pond bottoms. It is also a sure cure for those extra deep ponds.


Beneficial Bacteria - Jumpstart your Pond
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Beneficial "good" bacteria needs a jump start when the water temperature is above 55 degrees. Check out Microbe-lift Spring/Summer or Microbe-lift PL This company has brought out an entire line of products that will improve your fish heath and better clarify your pond water. Many pond owners have found that all natural Barley Straw Extract (available with or without Peat) works more quickly than Barley Pellets or Barley Bales. Both products are a quick convenient way to introduce this natural algae preventor to your pond without the mess of straw barley bales. Wait until you have cleaned or replaced any filter media to add your beneficial bacteria or barley products.


It's All in the Water
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After you clean your pond it is a good idea to exchange up to 20% of your pond water each week until you have exchanged all of your water. Don't add city water without adding a dechlorinator. Remember, chlorine can kill your fish, even in small quantities. Aquatic plants do better in dechlorinated water as well.


You Are What You Eat
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Check your supply of fish food. We carry the complete line of Nishikoi Pond Food, the number one fish food in the UK, as well as MIcrobelift Legacy Pond Food with probiotics to our already extensive list of fish food. For super premium Koi food Saki-Hikari Professional Koi Food has consistently produced Grand Champions in Japan. No matter what brand you prefer, use either a wheat germ or special Spring food for your fish until growing season begins and then switch to a high protein food.


Lights, Camera, Action
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Replace any burnt out bulbs in or around your pond. Low voltage bulbs and transformers are available for most pond lights. Pond lighting brings a new experience to any pond. It is easier to replace your bulbs annually during the spring clean so you don't have to do it again during the year. If you don't have night lighting in and around your pond you are missing a whole dimension of your pond. This year LED pond lights are offered by several manufacturers in addition to their Halogen light kits. Check out other new pond lights available such as Floating Lily Lights, Pondmaster Floating Solar lights and the CalPump Splash Dance which is a fountain and light show for your pond that dances to music. Also, don't forget to add a night blooming lily to your pond. It is a sight to behold.


Using these Spring pond tips as a basic to-do list will benefit both you and your pond. There is a direct relationship between having a balanced pond and spending a little more time in the spring to prepare for it. Like most things in life, you only get back what you put into it. Be sure and check our site for new pond products. We have added many new products again this year. If you need an item we do not carry, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you. Please email us. We love hearing from you. We would also love to post a picture of your pond in our Gallery-of-Ponds. It is free. Look for the gallery submission on our home page.


Happy Ponding

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