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Pond Advice

Winter InThe Pond!
Your pond should be crystal clear at the moment, with the short winter days the algae does not have enough light to multiply. Your fish will need a shelter to hide in so large diameter pipes placed in the bottom of the pond will suffice for smaler fish. Try to create something for larger fish with large flat stones like slate. Do not fed your fish when the water temperature is below 10C, please do not be tempted even when they come to the surface on a brigbht sunny day, night time tempertatures are still to cold for them to digest food properly. Leave your pump and filter running as this will help to keep the surface ice free and the water clear of harmfull gasses theat might build up in the colder water. If you can lift the pump up to a shallow shelf so that the deepest part of your pond is not disturbed and the fish can hibernate down there. Check the filter and pump are not getting blocked with dead leaves or other debris that might blow in on a windy day. Realy the winter time is a time to check the pond with out doing too much to disturb your sleeping fish.

Winter InThe Pond!

Your pond should be crystal clear at the moment, with the short winter days the algae does not have enough light to multiply. Your fish will need a shelter to hide in so large diameter pipes placed in the bottom of the pond will suffice for smaler fish. Try to create something for larger fish with large flat stones like slate. Do not fed your fish when the water temperature is below 10C, please do not be tempted even when they come to the surface on a brigbht sunny day, night time tempertatures are still to cold for them to digest food properly.
Leave your pump and filter running as this will help to keep the surface ice free and the water clear of harmfull gasses theat might build up in the colder water. If you can lift the pump up to a shallow shelf so that the deepest part of your pond is not disturbed and the fish can hibernate down there. Check the filter and pump are not getting blocked with dead leaves or other debris that might blow in on a windy day. Realy the winter time is a time to check the pond with out doing too much to disturb your sleeping fish.

Spring Time in the Pond
Now is the time when your pond will start to come to life. The fish and frogs start to move and may start spawning as the days lengthen and start to warm the water. Find a wild pond or canal to take any frog spawn away to as your fish may gorge themselves on the spawn and choke to death. Also if you don't remove it think of all the prospective frogs you could have next year if only a few survive. Think about checking over your pump and filter as parts may need replacing ie, filter mats and ultra violet bulbs. Check that the plants have not died during the winter as rotting plants can cause problems with water quality. Check that your cover net is safe as the herons will be on the hunt soon to feed their hungry chicks. May be think about a net of barley straw going in the pond to stop the green water and blanket weed forming.Pre packed net are available in the shop at Ł3.00. Don't rush to start feeding your fish too soon as we may still get frosts and you don't want you fish dead with rotting food inside them because the water is too cold for them to digest it yet. If they are very hungry because there is no natural food in the pond try feeding a small amount of wheatgerm food two or three times a week to get them started.

Spring Time in the Pond

Now is the time when your pond will start to come to life. The fish and frogs start to move and may start spawning as the days lengthen and start to warm the water. Find a wild pond or canal to take any frog spawn away to as your fish may gorge themselves on the spawn and choke to death. Also if you don't remove it think of all the prospective frogs you could have next year if only a few survive. Think about checking over your pump and filter as parts may need replacing ie, filter mats and ultra violet bulbs. Check that the plants have not died during the winter as rotting plants can cause problems with water quality. Check that your cover net is safe as the herons will be on the hunt soon to feed their hungry chicks. May be think about a net of barley straw going in the pond to stop the green water and blanket weed forming.Pre packed net are available in the shop at Ł3.00.

Don't rush to start feeding your fish too soon as we may still get frosts and you don't want you fish dead with rotting food inside them because the water is too cold for them to digest it yet.

If they are very hungry because there is no natural food in the pond try feeding a small amount of wheatgerm food two or three times a week to get them started.

Summer in the pond!
You have looked at your pond and thought how good it is looking with all the plants in bloom and the fish active, feeding well, maybe they have spawned and you have lots of fry swimming around. Please do not be complacent and think that there is nothing to do except feed your fish. Filters will need regular checks to see they are not clogging up,pumps will need checking, plants wil need weeding and you should be doing regular checks on the levels to see if you need to replace any water lost through evaporation. Remove any excess blanket weed, maybe treat with an algicide if neccesary, keep an eye on your fish for damage caused during spawning. Look for bruising or fungus growing on the fish, usually it grows where there is an open wound. If you see any damage treat with a general antiseptic like acriflavin. If you see any tiny white spots on your fish this maybe white spot or ich. They are like pin pricks on the body and scales of the fishes. This is caused by a parasite and cures can be purchased readily. It is better to treat the whole pond rather than single fish as this prevents spread to the other fish in your pond. This is the time of year when your pond should look its best so do remember to enjoy it.

Summer in the pond!

You have looked at your pond and thought how good it is looking with all the plants in bloom and the fish active, feeding well, maybe they have spawned and you have lots of fry swimming around. Please do not be complacent and think that there is nothing to do except feed your fish. Filters will need regular checks to see they are not clogging up,pumps will need checking, plants wil need weeding and you should be doing regular checks on the levels to see if you need to replace any water lost through evaporation. Remove any excess blanket weed, maybe treat with an algicide if neccesary, keep an eye on your fish for damage caused during spawning. Look for bruising or fungus growing on the fish, usually it grows where there is an open wound. If you see any damage treat with a general antiseptic like acriflavin. If you see any tiny white spots on your fish this maybe white spot or ich. They are like pin pricks on the body and scales of the fishes. This is caused by a parasite and cures can be purchased readily. It is better to treat the whole pond rather than single fish as this prevents spread to the other fish in your pond. This is the time of year when your pond should look its best so do remember to enjoy it.

Autumn in the pond.
The water is getting colder and the fish are not feeding as well as they did in the balmy summer days. Slow down with the feed or change to a wheatgerm food as the water cools. This will prepare your fish for their winter period by flushing out all the high protien food that can cause problems for them when their metabolism slows and they are not digesting any food. Remenber they are cold blooded animals and any food will stay in their body if the water gets below 10C. This will start to rot and will kill your fish. Feeding should stop once the water temperature is 10C or below. Do not be tempted to start feeding even if they come to the surface on a bright sunny winters day. Remember winter nights are very cold and one or two days of winter sunshine is not enough to warn all the pond water. Plond plants that have died back need to be trimmed so that there is no rotting vegatation which can be detrimental to the pond. Sludge in the bottom of the pond need to be removed before it start to rot as this can lead to methane gas being formed. This will be noticed by a smell of sulphur or rotten egs when you disturb it. This gas will be absorbed by the water and not oxygen which the fish need. Filters should be checked and cleaned before the water gets too cold and then left undisturbed during the winter. Ponds may freeze in the colder nights, Please do not be tempted to break the ice as the shock waves from this may cause the fish damage. If you move your pump from the deepest part to the shallow area and leave it working the filter will remain active all winter and you will have a headstart next spring. Also the water movement will help to keep the pond ice free. Remove any barley straw filter that you have left as the rotting straw will not be of any benefit during the winter. UV filters can be left on as they act on any bacteria in the water like they act on the algae in the summer. This will help your fish next spring when the water warms up. Your pond should clear up during the winter as the days shorten and darken so that by Chrismas it should be as clear as gin!

Autumn in the pond.

The water is getting colder and the fish are not feeding as well as they did in the balmy summer days. Slow down with the feed or change to a wheatgerm food as the water cools.
This will prepare your fish for their winter period by flushing out all the high protien food that can cause problems for them when their metabolism slows and they are not digesting any food. Remenber they are cold blooded animals and any food will stay in their body if the water gets below 10C. This will start to rot and will kill your fish. Feeding should stop once the water temperature is 10C or below. Do not be tempted to start feeding even if they come to the surface on a bright sunny winters day. Remember winter nights are very cold and one or two days of winter sunshine is not enough to warn all the pond water.
Plond plants that have died back need to be trimmed so that there is no rotting vegatation which can be detrimental to the pond. Sludge in the bottom of the pond need to be removed before it start to rot as this can lead to methane gas being formed. This will be noticed by a smell of sulphur or rotten egs when you disturb it. This gas will be absorbed by the water and not oxygen which the fish need.
Filters should be checked and cleaned before the water gets too cold and then left undisturbed during the winter. Ponds may freeze in the colder nights, Please do not be tempted to break the ice as the shock waves from this may cause the fish damage. If you move your pump from the deepest part to the shallow area and leave it working the filter will remain active all winter and you will have a headstart next spring. Also the water movement will help to keep the pond ice free. Remove any barley straw filter that you have left as the rotting straw will not be of any benefit during the winter. UV filters can be left on as they act on any bacteria in the water like they act on the algae in the summer. This will help your fish next spring when the water warms up.
Your pond should clear up during the winter as the days shorten and darken so that by Chrismas it should be as clear as gin!

Choosing Your Pond!
The first decision you have to make is what sort of pond do you want? Is it a decorative garden feature or a utillitarian fish keeping pond? Both have totally differnt parameters for you to decide about. If you want to keep plants then the latter is not for you. If you want to keep koi then don't go for the decorative garden feature unless you want a large pond.Koi need quite a decent depth, at least a metre if they are going to grow and over winter properly. Find a place that does not get the sun all day, that is fairly level and can accomadate the size of pond that you want. Is there power nearby for the pump and UV filter? You don't want long cables trailing around the garden. Can you dig the hole required or will you need mechanical assistance? Is there access for any digger you want? Where are you going to place the earth removed from the hole? Do you need to dig any footing if the sides are to be raised above the present garden level? Plan well before you even think of putting in the first spade cut.

Choosing Your Pond!

The first decision you have to make is what sort of pond do you want? Is it a decorative garden feature or a utillitarian fish keeping pond? Both have totally differnt parameters for you to decide about. If you want to keep plants then the latter is not for you. If you want to keep koi then don't go for the decorative garden feature unless you want a large pond.Koi need quite a decent depth, at least a metre if they are going to grow and over winter properly. Find a place that does not get the sun all day, that is fairly level and can accomadate the size of pond that you want. Is there power nearby for the pump and UV filter? You don't want long cables trailing around the garden. Can you dig the hole required or will you need mechanical assistance? Is there access for any digger you want? Where are you going to place the earth removed from the hole? Do you need to dig any footing if the sides are to be raised above the present garden level? Plan well before you even think of putting in the first spade cut.

Flexible Liner pond
Don't underestimate the size of liner you will need, It is worthwhile outlining the shape of pond you require to gain the exact measurements you require. Irrespective of the ponds shape or configuration there is a very simple way to calculate the size of liner needed. First find the length, width and maximum depth of the pond. Then add double the depth plus 30 cms(12 ins) to each of the length and width. This will allow for the sides, steps and a 15 cm (6 ins)overlap all round the pond. Try to design your pond with large open curves and flowing lines. Avoid narrow gullies as they will not benefit from water circulation.

Flexible Liner pond

Don't underestimate the size of liner you will need, It is worthwhile outlining the shape of pond you require to gain the exact measurements you require. Irrespective of the ponds shape or configuration there is a very simple way to calculate the size of liner needed. First find the length, width and maximum depth of the pond. Then add double the depth plus 30 cms(12 ins) to each of the length and width. This will allow for the sides, steps and a 15 cm (6 ins)overlap all round the pond. Try to design your pond with large open curves and flowing lines. Avoid narrow gullies as they will not benefit from water circulation.

Installing the pool liner
1 Use the outline of the pond marked earlier as a guide to remove any turf and all of the soil down to the first shelf level of around 23 cm (9ins). Level the sides sloping inwards at an angle of 20 degrees from vertical to prevent the soil from falling in in winter,when the pond freezes, avoid this causing damage to the liner.


2 Use a plank and spirit level to make sure the hole is level. Check for any stones or tree roots that could puncture the liner. 3 Mark out the position of the deeper section using string or pegs as before and dig out the inner section making sure the bottom is level. 4 Spread a layer of damp sand approx.5 cms(2ins) thick over the bottom and ledges and then cover with liner underlay. Alternatively carpet make a good backing for your liner.

2 Use a plank and spirit level to make sure the hole is level. Check for any stones or tree roots that could puncture the liner. 3 Mark out the position of the deeper section using string or pegs as before and dig out the inner section making sure the bottom is level. 4 Spread a layer of damp sand approx.5 cms(2ins) thick over the bottom and ledges and then cover with liner underlay. Alternatively carpet make a good backing for your liner.


5 Position liner evenly over the hole letting it warm in the sun briefley to make it more flexible and easy to handle and make sure the centre touches the base of the hole. 6 Place bricks or other weights around the overlap and begin to slowly fill the pond with water. The liner will stretch and mould itself to the shape of the pond. Adjust the liner and the weights if necessary as the liner settles.

5 Position liner evenly over the hole letting it warm in the sun briefley to make it more flexible and easy to handle and make sure the centre touches the base of the hole. 6 Place bricks or other weights around the overlap and begin to slowly fill the pond with water. The liner will stretch and mould itself to the shape of the pond. Adjust the liner and the weights if necessary as the liner settles.


7 When the pond is full leave it for 24 hours for the edges to settle. Then trim off any excess liner leaving an overlap of at least 15 cms( 6ins). This surplus can be hidden under rocks, turf or paving slabs. Paving slabs should protrude slightly to hide the liner from veiw.

Installing the Filtration
An external ultra violet and biological filter is the ideal choice for any pond. This will make pond care so much easier, tackling the problems of cloudy water and preventing harmfull build up of toxins. The ulta violet part of the filter will also keep away unsightly green water, leaving the pond crystal clear. This is installed above the water and can be easily disguised by the mound of soil resulting from the pond excavation and some well placed plants or rockery stone. The pump is immersed in the pond and feeds water to the filter, the return to the pond perhaps trickling down a small cascade made from the excess pool liner. Make sure that all the electrcal components are installed correctly, if in any doubt get a professional electrician to install them. Any electricity and water combination can be lethal. Before you cover up any piping or wiring with stones, earth or tiles, take a photo, it may help in the future.

Installing the Filtration

An external ultra violet and biological filter is the ideal choice for any pond. This will make pond care so much easier, tackling the problems of cloudy water and preventing harmfull build up of toxins. The ulta violet part of the filter will also keep away unsightly green water, leaving the pond crystal clear. This is installed above the water and can be easily disguised by the mound of soil resulting from the pond excavation and some well placed plants or rockery stone. The pump is immersed in the pond and feeds water to the filter, the return to the pond perhaps trickling down a small cascade made from the excess pool liner. Make sure that all the electrcal components are installed correctly, if in any doubt get a professional electrician to install them. Any electricity and water combination can be lethal. Before you cover up any piping or wiring with stones, earth or tiles, take a photo, it may help in the future.

Filter Medium!
A new product has just come onto the market to replace all those black plastic tubes in your filters. It's called Aquaplaz and it could not be easier to use. It comes packaged in a net so that it is easy to remove and clean, it has a very large surface area to house all the nitrifying bacteria and it very resonably priced as an alternative to other filter mediums. It comes packaged in its own 10 litre bag that you can put straight in to your filter. For bigger filters you can put multiple bags and the best part is the price of only £5.00 per net.

Filter Medium!

A new product has just come onto the market to replace all those black plastic tubes in your filters. It's called Aquaplaz and it could not be easier to use. It comes packaged in a net so that it is easy to remove and clean, it has a very large surface area to house all the nitrifying bacteria and it very resonably priced as an alternative to other filter mediums. It comes packaged in its own 10 litre bag that you can put straight in to your filter. For bigger filters you can put multiple bags and the best part is the price of only £5.00 per net.