Thanks guys - my pond is running!

[Josh]

There is still SOOO much to do, but the hardest part is over, she's
running!

I've added some dechlorinator and once the water warms up (that bottom
drain & skimmer weir were COLD putting in) I'll get some little
goldfish to start with. I'd like to get some plants then too, water
lettuce and water hycanith like was suggested for me on here.

Eventually I want to get an ivy of some sort to take over the rest of
the bank around the waterfall and various plants around the pond
itself. Obviously I still need a ton more rock, I'm planning to raid
construction sites after dark ;-)

Thanks for everyone who helped me with different parts.

http://www.woosworld.net/pond/

(One very happy first time pond owner)
Josh

[Mike Patterson]

On 29 Mar 2004 06:27:16 -0800, (Josh) wrote:

>There is still SOOO much to do, but the hardest part is over, she's
>running!
>
>I've added some dechlorinator and once the water warms up (that bottom
>drain & skimmer weir were COLD putting in) I'll get some little
>goldfish to start with. I'd like to get some plants then too, water
>lettuce and water hycanith like was suggested for me on here.
>
>Eventually I want to get an ivy of some sort to take over the rest of
>the bank around the waterfall and various plants around the pond
>itself. Obviously I still need a ton more rock, I'm planning to raid
>construction sites after dark ;-)
>
>Thanks for everyone who helped me with different parts.
>
>http://www.woosworld.net/pond/
>
>(One very happy first time pond owner)
>Josh

Congratulations, I just got mine started recently, and already
enjoying it.

Stay away from the construction sites at night, that's asking to spend
an evening explaining to the nice men in uniforms what you're doing
and why it has to be done in the dark.

Just walk up the site during the work day and ask for the foreman,
then oh-so-politely ask if you can have some of the rock. Usually (but
not -always-) they have to pay to have it hauled away, so they are
happy to let you take it.

However, I -have- had a guy say that the owner specifically wanted the
rock, so I couldn't have it. Taking it after dark would have been
stealing in every sense of the word.

HTH

Mike Patterson
Please remove the spamtrap to email me.

[Mike Patterson]

On 29 Mar 2004 06:27:16 -0800, (Josh) wrote:

>There is still SOOO much to do, but the hardest part is over, she's
>running!
>
>I've added some dechlorinator and once the water warms up (that bottom
>drain & skimmer weir were COLD putting in) I'll get some little
>goldfish to start with. I'd like to get some plants then too, water
>lettuce and water hycanith like was suggested for me on here.
>
>Eventually I want to get an ivy of some sort to take over the rest of
>the bank around the waterfall and various plants around the pond
>itself. Obviously I still need a ton more rock, I'm planning to raid
>construction sites after dark ;-)
>
>Thanks for everyone who helped me with different parts.
>
>http://www.woosworld.net/pond/
>
>(One very happy first time pond owner)
>Josh

Congratulations, I just got mine started recently, and already
enjoying it.

Stay away from the construction sites at night, that's asking to spend
an evening explaining to the nice men in uniforms what you're doing
and why it has to be done in the dark.

Just walk up the site during the work day and ask for the foreman,
then oh-so-politely ask if you can have some of the rock. Usually (but
not -always-) they have to pay to have it hauled away, so they are
happy to let you take it.

However, I -have- had a guy say that the owner specifically wanted the
rock, so I couldn't have it. Taking it after dark would have been
stealing in every sense of the word.

HTH

Mike Patterson
Please remove the spamtrap to email me.

[Josh]

Mike Patterson > wrote in message >...
> Stay away from the construction sites at night, that's asking to spend
> an evening explaining to the nice men in uniforms what you're doing
> and why it has to be done in the dark.
>
> Mike Patterson
> Please remove the spamtrap to email me.

Hah ;-) Sorry, I do intend to ask (my Dad does construction up North
so it was really his idea saying just that, they pay to have it hauled
away so often they would love for you to take it)

We were supposed to have goldfish in the pond, but my wife got a look
at the koi and now we have 4 to start with. Not nearly enough plants,
I hope some of them get growing pretty quick!

[Josh]

Mike Patterson > wrote in message >...
> Stay away from the construction sites at night, that's asking to spend
> an evening explaining to the nice men in uniforms what you're doing
> and why it has to be done in the dark.
>
> Mike Patterson
> Please remove the spamtrap to email me.

Hah ;-) Sorry, I do intend to ask (my Dad does construction up North
so it was really his idea saying just that, they pay to have it hauled
away so often they would love for you to take it)

We were supposed to have goldfish in the pond, but my wife got a look
at the koi and now we have 4 to start with. Not nearly enough plants,
I hope some of them get growing pretty quick!

[Nedra]

Hi Josh,
Your pond and waterfall look very nice.
I'm worried about how many gallons of water you have though?
4 Koi will need lots of water!

Nedra
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/4836
http://community.webshots.com/user/nedra118

"Josh" > wrote in message
om...
> Mike Patterson > wrote in message
>...
> > Stay away from the construction sites at night, that's asking to spend
> > an evening explaining to the nice men in uniforms what you're doing
> > and why it has to be done in the dark.
> >
> > Mike Patterson
> > Please remove the spamtrap to email me.
>
> Hah ;-) Sorry, I do intend to ask (my Dad does construction up North
> so it was really his idea saying just that, they pay to have it hauled
> away so often they would love for you to take it)
>
> We were supposed to have goldfish in the pond, but my wife got a look
> at the koi and now we have 4 to start with. Not nearly enough plants,
> I hope some of them get growing pretty quick!

[Nedra]

Hi Josh,
Your pond and waterfall look very nice.
I'm worried about how many gallons of water you have though?
4 Koi will need lots of water!

Nedra
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/4836
http://community.webshots.com/user/nedra118

"Josh" > wrote in message
om...
> Mike Patterson > wrote in message
>...
> > Stay away from the construction sites at night, that's asking to spend
> > an evening explaining to the nice men in uniforms what you're doing
> > and why it has to be done in the dark.
> >
> > Mike Patterson
> > Please remove the spamtrap to email me.
>
> Hah ;-) Sorry, I do intend to ask (my Dad does construction up North
> so it was really his idea saying just that, they pay to have it hauled
> away so often they would love for you to take it)
>
> We were supposed to have goldfish in the pond, but my wife got a look
> at the koi and now we have 4 to start with. Not nearly enough plants,
> I hope some of them get growing pretty quick!

[Josh]

I thought everyone said 1000 gallons for the first + 100/koi after
that (meaning 1300 gallons for 4) -> my pond is 14' long x 9' wide x
2'+ deep giving me about 1900 gallons(actually more, as my specs were
2 feet deep but she's running more around 2.5 giving me closer to
2300), I should be fine shouldn't I?

I put salt in last night along with 2 different things the pond store
gave -> one to help my lilies grow and the other was like a bacteria
shot, I meant to write down the names for here(I also got water
hycanith and a barley bale). I don't nearly have enough plants
though, so I hope they get growing pretty quick!

This morning the blue jays were eating my water hycanith, is that
normal of the little buggers?

"Nedra" > wrote in message et>...
> Hi Josh,
> Your pond and waterfall look very nice.
> I'm worried about how many gallons of water you have though?
> 4 Koi will need lots of water!
>
> Nedra
> http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/4836
> http://community.webshots.com/user/nedra118
>
> "Josh" > wrote in message
> om...
> > Mike Patterson > wrote in message
> >...
> > > Stay away from the construction sites at night, that's asking to spend
> > > an evening explaining to the nice men in uniforms what you're doing
> > > and why it has to be done in the dark.
> > >
> > > Mike Patterson
> > > Please remove the spamtrap to email me.
> >
> > Hah ;-) Sorry, I do intend to ask (my Dad does construction up North
> > so it was really his idea saying just that, they pay to have it hauled
> > away so often they would love for you to take it)
> >
> > We were supposed to have goldfish in the pond, but my wife got a look
> > at the koi and now we have 4 to start with. Not nearly enough plants,
> > I hope some of them get growing pretty quick!

[Josh]

I thought everyone said 1000 gallons for the first + 100/koi after
that (meaning 1300 gallons for 4) -> my pond is 14' long x 9' wide x
2'+ deep giving me about 1900 gallons(actually more, as my specs were
2 feet deep but she's running more around 2.5 giving me closer to
2300), I should be fine shouldn't I?

I put salt in last night along with 2 different things the pond store
gave -> one to help my lilies grow and the other was like a bacteria
shot, I meant to write down the names for here(I also got water
hycanith and a barley bale). I don't nearly have enough plants
though, so I hope they get growing pretty quick!

This morning the blue jays were eating my water hycanith, is that
normal of the little buggers?

"Nedra" > wrote in message et>...
> Hi Josh,
> Your pond and waterfall look very nice.
> I'm worried about how many gallons of water you have though?
> 4 Koi will need lots of water!
>
> Nedra
> http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/4836
> http://community.webshots.com/user/nedra118
>
> "Josh" > wrote in message
> om...
> > Mike Patterson > wrote in message
> >...
> > > Stay away from the construction sites at night, that's asking to spend
> > > an evening explaining to the nice men in uniforms what you're doing
> > > and why it has to be done in the dark.
> > >
> > > Mike Patterson
> > > Please remove the spamtrap to email me.
> >
> > Hah ;-) Sorry, I do intend to ask (my Dad does construction up North
> > so it was really his idea saying just that, they pay to have it hauled
> > away so often they would love for you to take it)
> >
> > We were supposed to have goldfish in the pond, but my wife got a look
> > at the koi and now we have 4 to start with. Not nearly enough plants,
> > I hope some of them get growing pretty quick!

[BenignVanilla]

"Josh" > wrote in message
om...
> I thought everyone said 1000 gallons for the first + 100/koi after
> that (meaning 1300 gallons for 4) -> my pond is 14' long x 9' wide x
> 2'+ deep giving me about 1900 gallons(actually more, as my specs were
> 2 feet deep but she's running more around 2.5 giving me closer to
> 2300), I should be fine shouldn't I?

Assuming you have proper filtration, you should be fine. Technically you
could keep a koi in a couple gallons of water and call it a Betta, if you
had the proper filtration. The 1000+100per limit is a general rule of thumb
that in general provides enough buffer for swings in ammonia, nitrites, etc.
With this buffer you are able to having rising levels without instant fish
kills. It's akin to being in a burning house, or near a burning a house. You
make the choice which would be easier to tolerate. LOL.

> I put salt in last night along with 2 different things the pond store
> gave -> one to help my lilies grow and the other was like a bacteria
> shot, I meant to write down the names for here(I also got water
> hycanith and a barley bale). I don't nearly have enough plants
> though, so I hope they get growing pretty quick!

What are you treating for? There are 2 or 3 of us on this group, that don't
fix it, if it ain't broke. Additives? What for?

> This morning the blue jays were eating my water hycanith, is that
> normal of the little buggers?

Nature is a funny thing.
<snip>


--
BV.
www.iheartmypond.com

[BenignVanilla]

"Josh" > wrote in message
om...
> I thought everyone said 1000 gallons for the first + 100/koi after
> that (meaning 1300 gallons for 4) -> my pond is 14' long x 9' wide x
> 2'+ deep giving me about 1900 gallons(actually more, as my specs were
> 2 feet deep but she's running more around 2.5 giving me closer to
> 2300), I should be fine shouldn't I?

Assuming you have proper filtration, you should be fine. Technically you
could keep a koi in a couple gallons of water and call it a Betta, if you
had the proper filtration. The 1000+100per limit is a general rule of thumb
that in general provides enough buffer for swings in ammonia, nitrites, etc.
With this buffer you are able to having rising levels without instant fish
kills. It's akin to being in a burning house, or near a burning a house. You
make the choice which would be easier to tolerate. LOL.

> I put salt in last night along with 2 different things the pond store
> gave -> one to help my lilies grow and the other was like a bacteria
> shot, I meant to write down the names for here(I also got water
> hycanith and a barley bale). I don't nearly have enough plants
> though, so I hope they get growing pretty quick!

What are you treating for? There are 2 or 3 of us on this group, that don't
fix it, if it ain't broke. Additives? What for?

> This morning the blue jays were eating my water hycanith, is that
> normal of the little buggers?

Nature is a funny thing.
<snip>


--
BV.
www.iheartmypond.com

[Nedra]

Yep, Josh! Sounds like you have plenty of Water ...... LOL

Nedra
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/4836
http://community.webshots.com/user/nedra118

"Josh" > wrote in message
om...
> I thought everyone said 1000 gallons for the first + 100/koi after
> that (meaning 1300 gallons for 4) -> my pond is 14' long x 9' wide x
> 2'+ deep giving me about 1900 gallons(actually more, as my specs were
> 2 feet deep but she's running more around 2.5 giving me closer to
> 2300), I should be fine shouldn't I?
>
> I put salt in last night along with 2 different things the pond store
> gave -> one to help my lilies grow and the other was like a bacteria
> shot, I meant to write down the names for here(I also got water
> hycanith and a barley bale). I don't nearly have enough plants
> though, so I hope they get growing pretty quick!
>
> This morning the blue jays were eating my water hycanith, is that
> normal of the little buggers?
>
> "Nedra" > wrote in message
et>...
> > Hi Josh,
> > Your pond and waterfall look very nice.
> > I'm worried about how many gallons of water you have though?
> > 4 Koi will need lots of water!
> >
> > Nedra
> > http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/4836
> > http://community.webshots.com/user/nedra118
> >
> > "Josh" > wrote in message
> > om...
> > > Mike Patterson > wrote in message
> > >...
> > > > Stay away from the construction sites at night, that's asking to
spend
> > > > an evening explaining to the nice men in uniforms what you're doing
> > > > and why it has to be done in the dark.
> > > >
> > > > Mike Patterson
> > > > Please remove the spamtrap to email me.
> > >
> > > Hah ;-) Sorry, I do intend to ask (my Dad does construction up North
> > > so it was really his idea saying just that, they pay to have it hauled
> > > away so often they would love for you to take it)
> > >
> > > We were supposed to have goldfish in the pond, but my wife got a look
> > > at the koi and now we have 4 to start with. Not nearly enough plants,
> > > I hope some of them get growing pretty quick!

[Nedra]

Yep, Josh! Sounds like you have plenty of Water ...... LOL

Nedra
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/4836
http://community.webshots.com/user/nedra118

"Josh" > wrote in message
om...
> I thought everyone said 1000 gallons for the first + 100/koi after
> that (meaning 1300 gallons for 4) -> my pond is 14' long x 9' wide x
> 2'+ deep giving me about 1900 gallons(actually more, as my specs were
> 2 feet deep but she's running more around 2.5 giving me closer to
> 2300), I should be fine shouldn't I?
>
> I put salt in last night along with 2 different things the pond store
> gave -> one to help my lilies grow and the other was like a bacteria
> shot, I meant to write down the names for here(I also got water
> hycanith and a barley bale). I don't nearly have enough plants
> though, so I hope they get growing pretty quick!
>
> This morning the blue jays were eating my water hycanith, is that
> normal of the little buggers?
>
> "Nedra" > wrote in message
et>...
> > Hi Josh,
> > Your pond and waterfall look very nice.
> > I'm worried about how many gallons of water you have though?
> > 4 Koi will need lots of water!
> >
> > Nedra
> > http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/4836
> > http://community.webshots.com/user/nedra118
> >
> > "Josh" > wrote in message
> > om...
> > > Mike Patterson > wrote in message
> > >...
> > > > Stay away from the construction sites at night, that's asking to
spend
> > > > an evening explaining to the nice men in uniforms what you're doing
> > > > and why it has to be done in the dark.
> > > >
> > > > Mike Patterson
> > > > Please remove the spamtrap to email me.
> > >
> > > Hah ;-) Sorry, I do intend to ask (my Dad does construction up North
> > > so it was really his idea saying just that, they pay to have it hauled
> > > away so often they would love for you to take it)
> > >
> > > We were supposed to have goldfish in the pond, but my wife got a look
> > > at the koi and now we have 4 to start with. Not nearly enough plants,
> > > I hope some of them get growing pretty quick!

[Josh]

"BenignVanilla" > wrote in message >...
> Assuming you have proper filtration, you should be fine. Technically you
> could keep a koi in a couple gallons of water and call it a Betta, if you
> had the proper filtration. The 1000+100per limit is a general rule of thumb
> that in general provides enough buffer for swings in ammonia, nitrites, etc.
> With this buffer you are able to having rising levels without instant fish
> kills. It's akin to being in a burning house, or near a burning a house. You
> make the choice which would be easier to tolerate. LOL.

Currently I just have a skimmer with a bottom drain feeding a biofalls
with 3 thick filter mats. It came with the bag for some media, but
I'm a dolt and put the filters in the bag thinking that was the media
;-) I need to get some in there, I see alot of people use little
chunks of foam or is there something better?

>
> > I put salt in last night along with 2 different things the pond store
> > gave -> one to help my lilies grow and the other was like a bacteria
> > shot, I meant to write down the names for here(I also got water
> > hycanith and a barley bale). I don't nearly have enough plants
> > though, so I hope they get growing pretty quick!
>
> What are you treating for? There are 2 or 3 of us on this group, that don't
> fix it, if it ain't broke. Additives? What for?

They told me salt (1lb/100gallons) was a must for a startup tank.
Maybe they just sold me something I don't need I dunno. I had planned
on turtles and goldfish but my wife saw the koi and declared we were
having those. I was pretty sure I had enough water so I said ok. The
problem is now I have to start learning again all over ;-) I had
previously been skipping all the koi comments.

Currently my only filter is my biofalls, do I need to get an external
filter and if so what kind would work the best? Also, the pond store
was convinvced I needed a UV but I would be more interested in the
natural way, plants etc(partly cost, partly because I just dont think
all this external stuff should be needed) and I know some of you on
here subscibe to that. Can anyone send me to some startup reading?

Thanks for all the help guys/gals, I'd much rather listen to people
who have ponds on here then the guys at the store who just want to
sell me another 20 things. Plus I'm a DIY'r and this is much more the
spirit ;-)

[Josh]

"BenignVanilla" > wrote in message >...
> Assuming you have proper filtration, you should be fine. Technically you
> could keep a koi in a couple gallons of water and call it a Betta, if you
> had the proper filtration. The 1000+100per limit is a general rule of thumb
> that in general provides enough buffer for swings in ammonia, nitrites, etc.
> With this buffer you are able to having rising levels without instant fish
> kills. It's akin to being in a burning house, or near a burning a house. You
> make the choice which would be easier to tolerate. LOL.

Currently I just have a skimmer with a bottom drain feeding a biofalls
with 3 thick filter mats. It came with the bag for some media, but
I'm a dolt and put the filters in the bag thinking that was the media
;-) I need to get some in there, I see alot of people use little
chunks of foam or is there something better?

>
> > I put salt in last night along with 2 different things the pond store
> > gave -> one to help my lilies grow and the other was like a bacteria
> > shot, I meant to write down the names for here(I also got water
> > hycanith and a barley bale). I don't nearly have enough plants
> > though, so I hope they get growing pretty quick!
>
> What are you treating for? There are 2 or 3 of us on this group, that don't
> fix it, if it ain't broke. Additives? What for?

They told me salt (1lb/100gallons) was a must for a startup tank.
Maybe they just sold me something I don't need I dunno. I had planned
on turtles and goldfish but my wife saw the koi and declared we were
having those. I was pretty sure I had enough water so I said ok. The
problem is now I have to start learning again all over ;-) I had
previously been skipping all the koi comments.

Currently my only filter is my biofalls, do I need to get an external
filter and if so what kind would work the best? Also, the pond store
was convinvced I needed a UV but I would be more interested in the
natural way, plants etc(partly cost, partly because I just dont think
all this external stuff should be needed) and I know some of you on
here subscibe to that. Can anyone send me to some startup reading?

Thanks for all the help guys/gals, I'd much rather listen to people
who have ponds on here then the guys at the store who just want to
sell me another 20 things. Plus I'm a DIY'r and this is much more the
spirit ;-)

[BenignVanilla]

"Josh" > wrote in message
om...
> "BenignVanilla" > wrote in message
>...
> > Assuming you have proper filtration, you should be fine. Technically you
> > could keep a koi in a couple gallons of water and call it a Betta, if
you
> > had the proper filtration. The 1000+100per limit is a general rule of
thumb
> > that in general provides enough buffer for swings in ammonia, nitrites,
etc.
> > With this buffer you are able to having rising levels without instant
fish
> > kills. It's akin to being in a burning house, or near a burning a house.
You
> > make the choice which would be easier to tolerate. LOL.
>
> Currently I just have a skimmer with a bottom drain feeding a biofalls
> with 3 thick filter mats. It came with the bag for some media, but
> I'm a dolt and put the filters in the bag thinking that was the media
> ;-) I need to get some in there, I see alot of people use little
> chunks of foam or is there something better?

When it comes to filtration there is only one undeniable fact...You can't
have too much. Some of us use biofilters with artificial media, some of use
more complex and very efficient systems like bead filters. Others of us use
Veggie Filters. You need to choose one or more of these religions, and have
fun with it.

> > > I put salt in last night along with 2 different things the pond store
> > > gave -> one to help my lilies grow and the other was like a bacteria
> > > shot, I meant to write down the names for here(I also got water
> > > hycanith and a barley bale). I don't nearly have enough plants
> > > though, so I hope they get growing pretty quick!
> >
> > What are you treating for? There are 2 or 3 of us on this group, that
don't
> > fix it, if it ain't broke. Additives? What for?
>
> They told me salt (1lb/100gallons) was a must for a startup tank.
> Maybe they just sold me something I don't need I dunno. I had planned
> on turtles and goldfish but my wife saw the koi and declared we were
> having those. I was pretty sure I had enough water so I said ok. The
> problem is now I have to start learning again all over ;-) I had
> previously been skipping all the koi comments.

Salt is a hotly contested topic when it comes to ponds. I'll keep my opinion
to myself. :)

> Currently my only filter is my biofalls, do I need to get an external
> filter and if so what kind would work the best? Also, the pond store
> was convinvced I needed a UV but I would be more interested in the
> natural way, plants etc(partly cost, partly because I just dont think
> all this external stuff should be needed) and I know some of you on
> here subscibe to that. Can anyone send me to some startup reading?

UV is another religious topic, but not as nearly as fundamental as salt.
Many UV users swear by them. Many of us that use plants, don't see the need
or the use of a UV clarifier. They are good when you need them, the trick is
not to need them. :)

> Thanks for all the help guys/gals, I'd much rather listen to people
> who have ponds on here then the guys at the store who just want to
> sell me another 20 things. Plus I'm a DIY'r and this is much more the
> spirit ;-)

You have no idea how deep you have gotten yourself in. You've taken the red
pill, there is no going back. You can check in, but you can never leave.

--
BV.
www.iheartmypond.com

[BenignVanilla]

"Josh" > wrote in message
om...
> "BenignVanilla" > wrote in message
>...
> > Assuming you have proper filtration, you should be fine. Technically you
> > could keep a koi in a couple gallons of water and call it a Betta, if
you
> > had the proper filtration. The 1000+100per limit is a general rule of
thumb
> > that in general provides enough buffer for swings in ammonia, nitrites,
etc.
> > With this buffer you are able to having rising levels without instant
fish
> > kills. It's akin to being in a burning house, or near a burning a house.
You
> > make the choice which would be easier to tolerate. LOL.
>
> Currently I just have a skimmer with a bottom drain feeding a biofalls
> with 3 thick filter mats. It came with the bag for some media, but
> I'm a dolt and put the filters in the bag thinking that was the media
> ;-) I need to get some in there, I see alot of people use little
> chunks of foam or is there something better?

When it comes to filtration there is only one undeniable fact...You can't
have too much. Some of us use biofilters with artificial media, some of use
more complex and very efficient systems like bead filters. Others of us use
Veggie Filters. You need to choose one or more of these religions, and have
fun with it.

> > > I put salt in last night along with 2 different things the pond store
> > > gave -> one to help my lilies grow and the other was like a bacteria
> > > shot, I meant to write down the names for here(I also got water
> > > hycanith and a barley bale). I don't nearly have enough plants
> > > though, so I hope they get growing pretty quick!
> >
> > What are you treating for? There are 2 or 3 of us on this group, that
don't
> > fix it, if it ain't broke. Additives? What for?
>
> They told me salt (1lb/100gallons) was a must for a startup tank.
> Maybe they just sold me something I don't need I dunno. I had planned
> on turtles and goldfish but my wife saw the koi and declared we were
> having those. I was pretty sure I had enough water so I said ok. The
> problem is now I have to start learning again all over ;-) I had
> previously been skipping all the koi comments.

Salt is a hotly contested topic when it comes to ponds. I'll keep my opinion
to myself. :)

> Currently my only filter is my biofalls, do I need to get an external
> filter and if so what kind would work the best? Also, the pond store
> was convinvced I needed a UV but I would be more interested in the
> natural way, plants etc(partly cost, partly because I just dont think
> all this external stuff should be needed) and I know some of you on
> here subscibe to that. Can anyone send me to some startup reading?

UV is another religious topic, but not as nearly as fundamental as salt.
Many UV users swear by them. Many of us that use plants, don't see the need
or the use of a UV clarifier. They are good when you need them, the trick is
not to need them. :)

> Thanks for all the help guys/gals, I'd much rather listen to people
> who have ponds on here then the guys at the store who just want to
> sell me another 20 things. Plus I'm a DIY'r and this is much more the
> spirit ;-)

You have no idea how deep you have gotten yourself in. You've taken the red
pill, there is no going back. You can check in, but you can never leave.

--
BV.
www.iheartmypond.com