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Q. How many fish can I
have?
A. The general rule is 1" of fish for every sq. foot of pond
surface area. Use the figure with the fish at a mature size. Also,
remember that they will multiply. Example: A 10' X 10' pond will be 100
sq. feet and the maximum amount of fish will be 10 - 10" fish or 20 - 5"
fish. Remember that this is just an estimate.
Q. When can I put my
plants in?
A. Anytime is fine, but it is best in spring and summer so
you can see the plant or flower color. Fertilizing in the late spring and
summer will make flowering plants bloom more often.
Q, What if my pump quits?
A. This usually will not happen, but before calling for a
service call, follow this check list first.
Check the power supply. The breaker may have blown. Unplug the
pump and plug in a radio or hair dryer to see if there is power. If no
power is at the plug, check reset on the GFIC breaker and check the fuse
breaker on the main fuse panel in the home or business. If you have
power, move to the next step.
Check to see if water is low in the skimmer. This will also burn
up a pump. The cause will be a dirty net in the skimmer or low water in
the pond.
Next, unplug and see if something is blocking the pump opening,
such as a stick, frog, or turtle.
If none of these work, call your contractor.
Q, What about my auto fill?
A. The auto fill is the part that adds water to the skimmer,
as it is needed. It may look like a toilet bowl float or a plastic box
type. This is attached to the water supply of the home or business.
Reminder: the auto fill should be disconnected in the winter around the
first freeze, to keep from bursting. The pond will need to be filled
manually at this time. Cover the connection with a baggie or cork to
keep trash out.
Q. How do
I keep leaves out of my pond in the Fall?
A. We recommend the use of a bird net over the pond. The
leaves can be blown off the net or remove the net on one side and dump the
leaves, then recover the pond. The net can be removed after the leaves
have fallen. You use the same technique for a stream or waterfall.
Q. When do I clean my
filter?
A. The skimmer has a filter pad that may be cleaned 1 - 4
times a year as needed. The waterfall filter only needs to be "hose
cleaned" in the spring. Remember to add bacteria daily for the first two
weeks after the filter cleaning in the waterfall, as you have washed the
bacteria away.
Q. When do I add bacteria?
A. The first two weeks daily and then once per week
afterwards. Remember to treat your pond for two weeks daily after
cleaning the filters. Liquid bacteria works faster than dry.
Q. Do I need plants in
my pond?
A. Yes, the average pond needs 50 - 60% plant coverage. Use
some oxygenators in the bottom and other various plants throughout the
pond. The plants thrive on the same nutrients that feed algae, so use
plants to eat algae's food and keep a clean pond.
Q. Why is my water green?
A. Quite simply, there is too much food available and algae
will thrive. Algae are airborne and will be seen more readily after
rain. The best way to fight algae is to make an unsuitable environment in
which to live.
Add plants to eat the food source.
Add bacteria that will help fight the algae.
The pond may be new and the ecosystem has not developed. It will
take time. Be patient.
Green string algae are "mother nature's" own food. When this is
seen, the ecosystem is usually good and water will be clear.
Q. What and when do
I feed my fish?
A. Fish only need to be fed when the water temperature is
above 52 - 55 degrees. In the spring and fall, use a spring and fall
food, summer in the summer and let the fish live off the pond in the
winter, as they know what to eat at the right time. If you insist on
feeding the fish in the winter, use only Wheat Germ food. This is the
only type food that can be digested in a cold-blooded fish's stomach at
that time. Use only a very little amount. In the other months, feed only
what they can consume in about five minutes.
Q. What if my lights
quit working?
A. First check the timer to see if the clock is off due to a
power shortage. If so, reset the clock. Next, press the manual switch to
see if the lights work. If not, the bulb is usually blown and can be
purchased at a home fix-it store.
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