Today is our day to get the ponds ready,
we pumped out all the water and now hubby is
scubbing the ponds before we fill it..
It will be so nice to have those darn fish in the ponds
I swear they have grown so much over the winter that you
could have a fish fry,
I know it is a bit early , but those water lilies are going in this week, as they are just taking up too much room in my basement, since they are all in pails, all I am going to do is feed them.
since they are hardy ones, they should do ok,
also my marsh marigolds and other native water plants are awake.
so I should have my pond up and running with fish by the end of the week.
We also use a large filter to keep the water clean,
well back to help outside..
Beautiful day here in Wpg..
Pond Cleaning
You are inspiring me, Wilma. I haven't gotten my pond ready yet, thought I'd wait a couple more weeks. I am a little nervous about it all cause I am starting with a brand new pond and first time putting plants in myself. I have waterlilies in my fridge downstairs still. Maybe I'll have to get brave and get going. Good luck with yours. :)
P.S. Raining here in Castlegar.
Donna
go for it your weather is always wamer than mine,
Last year hubby said we but the water lilies in the pond
around April 20th. so I guess I am not that early.
What kind of pond do you have?
Cement or liner or pre-formed.??
We are thinking for next year to redo one of the ponds (liner one) into cement. too darn hard to clean that liner one,
We have a pre-formed one and a liner one..
as we have it set up that one pond flows into the other,
Still have to build our water fall.
Let me know how you are doing with your pond..
Wilma, when we moved in here we had a large circular cement pond. Had fish and some unhealthy looking waterlilies, fountain in the middle and yukky yellow water. I worked all summer long trying to get it decent looking, but finally in the fall, we drained it, gave the fish to an neighbor and filled it with rocks and sand (an enormous job) and banked it up on he backside with boulder type rocks to create a water fall that now drains into a preformed pond. It's a small pond, only 150 gallons, but now I'll be able to control the condition of the water a lot better. Gonna only have a couple of gold fish and some Waterlilies and Hyacinth (sp?) Looking forward to having it up and running. :)
The way our weather's going I think your pond will do great Wilma! Ü
Pam....who won't be as quick getting hers out there. :(
We use a large filter to keep the ponds clean, hubby cleans the filter ever week, and rinse the sponge thing in 3 pails of clean water,a nd then I use this water to water my outside plants they just love all the fish poo,
Guess that is why my plants do so good, hostas just love this pond water.
Donna,
sunds like you have a lovely pond area, you must take a picture and post, would love to see it,
Pam yes I think everything will do great in the pond,
yours will be up and running soon,
What kind of pond do you have?
Many sizes but the main one is big and unfinished (cedar wood is around the side of it)......will be getting barn planks to finish off the top of it.
Lilypond sounds lovely, you too must post pictures of your ponds,,
What do you use to keep the water clear?
Quoted:
Oxygenating Plants
These are the most important plants in the pond. They keep the water clear and pure by absorbing excess nutrients and producing oxygen. They grow under the water and provide a hiding place for fish. For best results, provide one bunch for every 2 square feet of open surface area of your pond. Plant in shallow trays or pots on the bottom of your pond with soil and a layer of gravel on top. If your pond water is very murky or deep, raise the plants closer to the surface. They cannot provide benefits to your pond unless they receive sunlight.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hornwort Ceratophyllum demersum
A stiff, bushy hardy oxygenator that does not need to be planted - just drop it in the water, and it will sink down slowly. Fish do not usually eat this one.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elodea Elodea canadensis
Very vigorous and hardy - it will grow quickly under the right conditions. Available mid to late May - supply limited.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vallisneria Vallisneria americana
A tropical long grass-like plant that can grow up to 24".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ludwigia Ludwigia repens
A tropical plant with bright green leaves.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dwarf sagittaria Sagittaria subulata
I also use barley pellets (my pond isn't always clear).....I feed a lot of lilies and in the spring before the oxygenators take hold I can get good algae growth (algae loves fertilizer). That is why I find pure clay is the best....it doesn't allow as much fertilizer to escape into the water.
Yes I too use oxygenating plants
Will have to purchase some as soon as
they are out at the garden centres..
Thanks for all the info..
will have to look them up..