This month's Southern Living has huge galvinized tubs that have been done up with special finishes. So I consulted Google and came up with a variety of tubs and troughs, both classy and whimsical, for aquaculture. Maybe a good option for your lotus, Helen. Made my brain wheels turn.
2016 Ponding
They're out of order but....1 and 3 are the lotus root I threw in the empty plastic pond, just put some water in to keep them alive until I planted them. They had a mind of their own and are now budding. 2 is the one I put in a waterproof flower pot and filled with water. It's maybe a 12 inch pot, but doesn't seem to mind.
Thanks for the heads-up Laurel. I'll see if I can find that info on line. I have a large lotus pot. Its good to keep our brains turning.
MerryMary your lotus looks like its thriving. Did you put any soil in the plastic pond?
Nope, no soil in either one. The one I put in the plastic pond was a tuber I had (still have! ) for Bonnie. I was just keeping it wet, but got onto other things in my yard, and it spread like crazy. Some leaves fall in, and I didn't scoop them out, but that's it. And a few mosquito fish.
YIPEE, spent all day yesterday cleaning both ponds. Dropped them both down as low as I could and fish still swim a little. Pressure washed them, scooped leaves and mud, vacuumed both skimmers which were really loaded with mud. Washed out all filtration materials and this morning I can see fish clearly to the bottom of both. I am so thrilled and hope it lasts through the summer. I will clean filtration material more often than once a month. Jeff gave me a hug and pat on the back. He has one large platinum that is almost eating out of our hands. Eats like a pig which is a good sign.
OK, today they went to butcher to pick up bull so I am cleaning out freezer as we get 1/2 of 750 pds. of beef. We also have another cow that will be ready to butcher as soon as we wean her calf. I don't eat much beef but I give it away now and then when someone visits. Some people don't like home grown beef but some do. Grass fed has different taste but I sure don't like store bought meat at the price they get for angus. Personally I don't see any difference in kinds of meat. It's another selling tactic to me.
Merry Mary I sure hope you get a chance to clean up your pond. Come visit when you can I'm usually around home.
Just typed a long post about both ponds cleaned up after working on them all day yesterday. Hit the post button but can't find it. Guess out in space.
Wonderful to see all the fish again even to the bottom of the ponds.
Happy ponding all.
So far all I do is feed the the fish, 'there a little bit of algae but the fish eats them. i was kind of worried that they dont have any appetite but Hubby assured me that they are surviving on the algae.
Off course the netting helps.
Belle
Wow Bonnie! I can't believe you got your pond cleaned out! You're always so industrious! I won't have a break from work until next week, and can maybe get cranking on mine at that point. The rains last week helped cool the water a tad and gave me a free refill, but also brought the Cuban Tree Frogs and toads. I took buckets of toads back to the stream in the park behind my house.
Spent all one day drawing down both ponds as low as I could and pressure washed them etc. Now they are both back to crummy looking. Don't know whats going on this year but it sure is discouraging.
Yesterday fell over in garden on pruned shrubs, soooo taking it very easy for a while. Me and crutches don't get along well but I'm trying. X-rays showed small crack in ankle bone.
Weeds will wait a little longer.
Hope everyones ponds are not cruddy like ours here.
So sad to hear about your ankle Bonnie! We just don't heal like we used to, so take it easy. I simply can't clear up my pond this year, it's clear, then cruddy all day, then clear in the evening again. I've added every kind of bacteria and sludge buster on the market. Not worrying about it anymore as long as my fish stay healthy.
On the subject of pond cleaning. Here's before/after pics of a cement pond (built in the 20's) I mucked out in Lake Wales. Must have removed at least a ton of muck and Water Poppy root mass from it....back hurts just thinking about it. Pond could have used some of those 3' koi to munch that Poppy plant back.
Ok Bonnie motivated me to get the pond cleared up. If she can do it with her broken ankle, I can do it too! I drained it all the way down to 8 inches ( I can't move all the fish) and ran a heavy filter overnight in those remaining inches of water. I was hoping the fish could stay wet enough (some are very large and were on their bellies) to suck the muck out. It was crystal clear in the morning, and none were picked off by herons or feral cats, so I began the refill. Because I have chlorinated hose water, I had to stop every several inches and dechlor the whole pond again. Over and over. It's still not filled to the top, but being just under 10.000 gallons is an overly large fill for one water bill. I was hoping our tropical storm would fill it for free, butit would only downpour in wind bands and move on. Not much consistent water. It's still only half filled, but I can see all the way to the bottom (Yay!)
I can see them! Hooray!
Good news MerryMary.
You have a nice size pond. Mine is probably 1700 gallons. A mini pool compared to mine. You must have a large flirtations system and pumps to match.
Your fish a very pretty. I'm glad you can see them now.
Ponds are still pea soup. I can see tiny pieces of green floating in them. Will clean filters more often and do water changes. I can only hope.
This heat is oppressive. I work outside at the crack of dawn and then stay inside most of the day. Thank God AC is running good. I'd better not brag cause with these thunder storms the lightning alrady hit our fuse box and put well pump out for a few minutes. Also lost 2 fans on a stand. Oh well that's what living in the lightening capitol is like.
M.Mary are your ponds cleared up? Take care, Bonnie
I drained my pond and started with new clear water. It was doing great until I had to go out of town for 10 days. My husband isn't a pond guy, so his only responsibility was to feed the fish. I had to turn the skimmer off while I was gone, which took it's toll, so back to green water again. I'll get back to the daily filter cleaning to get it back into shape. Once I get the pavers put in, I'm thinking about installong poles to hang shade cloth and hanging flower baskets. I've lived in Florida a long time, but I honestly don't remember high temps like this as normal day to day weather. My water just can't cool down, even at night. The rain hit's Lake Apopka and splits north and south, leaving me with none. I was hoping for a few tropical rain storms for free water that I don't have to de-chlorinate!
I am very lucky to have a hubby that takes care of cleaning the filters. The other day He mentioned that there are algae and so IO add3ed salt peroxide and baking soda. Don't ask me why, I had been doing this for years and it dies slow down algae. The fish eats them too.
Belle
Hi All,
My ponds only stayed clear for about 2 days after all that cleaning. This is really an unusual summer. I can't seem to get myself going in this oppressive heat so I'll just wait for cooler weather. Fish don't seem to care and are happily swimming around.
The rain showers we have been getting have really made plants grow plus the weeds but they can wait until I get some energy.
Hope all are well and I'm looking forward to having M. Mary visit as it has been years.
Happy ponding!!!
Well did another drastic water change, vac both ponds, cleaned all filtration materials and it's been clear for 2 days. Wonderful to see bottom of ponds again, just hope it lasts. I had to get in little pond and put some large rocks back in place and fish let me pet them so I told them not to crud up their pond again. Just hope they listened. Wonderful while it lasts.
Happy ponding to all.
That's a lot of work Bonnie! Make sure you're taking care of yourself while you're out in this heat!
Had a terrible lightening storm last night, flooded the back yard because we don't have anything in place yet (like pavers or grass) Oh well, the local rains have moved around us for 2 months, not a drop, so it was a welcome free watering!
Hi All,
Happy to say pond clear to the bottom. Been like that for about 2 weeks. Wonderful to see all the fish again. Both ponds are crystal clear. I didn't put a thing in them except new water and summer dose of salt.
Other fish forum I get on is great for seeing all the different ways people build ponds. A friend up in Pa. signed me up for it. Not once have I seen one alike. Very interesting. Also, some sell fish on there and related pond products.
The lightening ruined 2 of my fans plus burned up 2 fuses in the outside fuse box. Could have been worse.
Mary, with this heat I haven't even been going out to work at all and the gardens show it. I put robot into pool and keep it clean cause Jeff & fam. when here that's the first place they hit. Their new house is coming along VERY slow. So many problems with this or that. He argued and 2 things torn out and redone. Builder has wife health problems and doesn't get over very often so subs goof off until they meet Jeff. Water meter is in but long ditch has to be dug to hook up. We could do it faster ourselves. County couldn't give him well permit do to his closeness to water system. $3,500 to get meter put in. Elec. is underground and near to side of house but licensed electrician has to do that. Makes me sick. I just keep praying it will wind up soon as Jeff is getting sick over it and it's not worth it. Every way he turns somebody has their hand out for extra. Elec. was $600. I keep telling him it will be worth in when they are able to move in which I'm sure won't be for another 2 months or so.
M. Mary are you back to work now at the school? I was hoping to see you during the summer. Our schools started back last Wed.
Take care all and enjoy your ponds.
Bonnie Davis
Bonnie, Monday starts school for us, but I don't have to go in during the day very much. I usually go in at 2:00. But, for the first few months I don't have to do that every day, so am looking forward to swinging by your house for a visit. I have the grandkids a great deal over the summer, to help my daughters out, so now ill have a bit more fee time! The oldest one that came over with my the last time, is actually a blast to hang out with, and helps me out whenever I need it. He's such a sweetie pie and I told him we needed to stop over at Ms Bonnies. He was ready to go, we just never made it. But now, the time will be on my side for a short while, so really AM looking forward to stopping by and catching up! Do you need any fish? I have a few to give away. The water has been clearer lately. Not sure the cause, but happy as a clam!
Everyone else, how have you been doing? Haven't heard many updates from you all.
Look forward to seeing you again been a long time. I remember you grandson, he was a sweetheart. Could put some fish in the small pond if they are small. Can't wait for Jeff to get his pond built and take his big fish. Then I will have more room to move fish that have grown in small pond to larger one. Wait until you see the bluish one you gave me years ago. You will be surprised. He is a beauty.
If you would like to come when you can bring kids to swim my pool is crystal clear. Had no problems with it this summer. Ponds are still clear also thank God.
Give me a buzz to make sure no dr. apmts. They are a pain but have to keep drs. happy.
Take care, Bonnie
Can you believe ponds are both still clear and fish seem very happy. Their appetites seem to be gaining. Still behind on pulling weeds but that's ok. I do very little outside now. I'm waiting for winter. WooHoo.
I'll accept a healthy Fall with lower temps! 80-85 is ok with me, but this continued mid 90s is making me get zero done. I work in the sun, so don't want to come home to it as well!
The pond was staying clear until we had a tree die. The trees guys cause a lot of saw dust and leaves blowing around. The skimmer is working on it, so it should clear up again soon.
I also found a bacteria block on amazon. So instead of the tablets or liquid, it's about the size of a small kids sandpail. I've had it in there for 2 months now, and it still hasn't dissoved all the way. Maybe only half is gone. I think I paid $60 for it, so it's definitely worth the money instead of constantly reordering it the other way. It may or may not be the reason for my clearer water, but I'll assume it had something to do with it! :)
I just have too many fish....
Very happy to report ponds still clear. Sliced up a seedless watermelon yesterday and the pigs ate 8 slices by afternoon. All I took out was the rinds. Both ponds had only rinds left. This was after their regular koi food. Not sure if I have fish or pigs. LOL
M. Mary only have a little room in small pond for any fish. Are the ones you want to cull out small? Looks like it will be quite a while before Jeff can build a pond at his new house (if it ever gets finished) then I will have plenty of room. Big fish in larger pond will be 1/2 gone. I joined another forum called World of Ponds. Too much arguing on Koi & goldfish one. Some foul language which I don't care for.
Sad.
Due to all that rain we got my yard looks like a jungle again. I am very far behind on weeding and pruning but as it cools I will get to it. I am making sure I keep all the filtration clean on the ponds. Soon the leaves will start falling and here we go again. I am definitely going to get a smaller spaced net this year.
Look forward to seeing you again. Tomorrow garden club group starts up for the year. Sure enjoy that.
Take care and come when you can.
Bonnie,
I have 8 inch fish and some bigger fish to get rid of....and oddly, some of my fish spawned this morning, so I'm sure new fry are on their way.
Had to take down my huge sycamore tree which provided all of my shade over the pond. It got some sort of borer, I'm so bummed, but luckily (by chance!) we had it taken down 2 days before the tropical winds came through! I guess it will mean less leaves, but also less shade, which I really needed.
MM
Too many fish !!
how big is your pond?
Belle
I could take some of the small ones and put in smaller pond. Honestly I don't know anyone that has fish that spawn as often as yours do. I'm beginning to think this extreme heat has something to do with it.
We are getting like Wild Kingdom.
A neighbor down the road had a foal get attacked by what looked like a panther. Hurt it pretty bad from what I'm told. Down on SR33 a women said she had a momma bear and 2 cubs in a shed in her backyard. I do know Game & Fish released same combo. not far from her. Hope they all stay away from here as we have 2 little baby calves. Charlie would flip if he lost them.
I am hoping for cooling weather soon. Had enough of this heat.
Hope to see you soon Mary. Been a long time.
Hi All,
Ponds are still clear. Not bragging cause leaf drop hasn't happened yet. Thank heavens it is cooling down some.
Was in Lowe's yesterday and found 2 marked down large plants. pink mussaenda and chaste tree. Both pots have 2 plants in them so will split and make more.
How is everyone's fish doing. So far so good around here.
Bonnie D.
My water has been much clearer as of late, but I've also been overly diligent about cleaning the filters non-stop. Almost done tearing down the smaller pond, I never realized how diligent I was when I built it! IIt could have been used as a bomb shelter! Between the cement block walls and my rhuem athritis, it's a slow process, but chugging along. Once it's finally done, I have to fill up and hole and let it settle so I can get the pavers put in. I never would have guessed that my weekend project would turn into a 5 year ordeal. Sheesh.
My fish are hungry and my water is clear. I pruned over grown plants from in the water and around the pond. Looks much better. I then flushed out the filter - haven't done it in over a year. Re-inoculated with dry bacteria and everything seems good.
What kind of de-cholorinator does everyone use when adding new water? I use Sodium Thiosulfate (Pentahydrate) crystals, about a tablespoon, for an approx. 200gal change. Does that sound right? I am guessing. Thanks.
I use the same thing because it's so darn cheap (from ebay) but I also guess at the measurement. I know you're supposed to put it into water first, then measure the liquid into the pond. I just throw about a 1/4 of a cup in whenever I add water. My pond is just under 10,000, so it's only a guess, but so far has worked when I add 4 or more inches to top it off.
I use well water some how our pump gets clogged easily so DH cleans it every other day. Right now i I have 17 kois , a couple are at least 18 inches. I do not have the so called designer koi. I am afraid to buy real expensive ones for fear that I will be heart broken if the die. LOL
Happy ponding!!Q
You're right! A heron can eat an $800 fish as easily as a $20 dollar fish! :)
Bell,
I have well water also but don't have to clean filters that often. If I did I'd get rid of the ponds. That's a lot of work every day. Poor hubby.
I bought 8 very large fish from old man that had to get rid of his pond and it was only about $250. Most I spend at koi show is $25. and usually get small ones that look like they have great potential for growth and coloration. Can't really afford $1,500. for a fish that could become a herons buffet or worse yet die with illness. The fish farm we sometimes visit is also pretty reasonable on prices. That is where I once bought a beautiful water lily which the koi ate in an afternoon. Watermellon and green peas are more affordable and they really eat them up.
Glad hurricane Matthew didn't come inland strong. We dodged a bullet. I really feel bad for those folks in Hatti. They really got hit bad. I pray for them all.
Happy ponding and gardening all.
Bonnie Davis ( try to remember to sign full name as there is another Bonnie on forum)
Bonnie
We lost power for almost 24 hours. We just got it.
The kois are okay!!!
14 ladies from Greenbrier were supposed to leave for Nags Head to play golf but it was raining so hard that we are postponing it till tomorrow.
We have reservations at the 2 country clubs there.
Yes we are all lucky that we didnt have a lot of damage.
Belle
nagWe were supposed to go to nags head with
Glad to hear all of you are doing well after the storm! We did well, nothing a chain saw couldn't take care of the next day. The pond is slightly raised on 2 sides, so as it filled to the top, it also drained out, so no fish loss. Lots of mud, but no loss. My daughter had a very difficult baby delivery before the storm, with a c-section and 2 more surgeries the same day. They released her the day of the storm, so we brought them here, as the baby had to stay on a 24hour a day bilirubin blanket for very bad jaundice. The baby also had some breathing issues. Both are doing well now, so I'm overly thankful and feeling very blessed.
I'm happy to hear everything went well for all of you, with out much damage or issue.
MM
What a good news that Baby and Mom are doing well