How Much Maintenance? [Archive] - FishKeepingBanter.com

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BenignVanilla

July 21st 03, 06:06 PM

When I went at my pond design, I purposely included concepts like a bottom
drain and a shallow VF to reduce my maintenance. I have A LOT of plants, and
do not intend to feed my fish, in the hopes that I can strike a balance of
plants and animals. So far, my first season, things are going well.

I often read in this group of people adding potash, salt, baking soda,
fertilizer tabs, etc. They test the water every 10 minutes, change water, do
this, do that.

I realize this is not a pass/fail, yes/no answer but how much is really
necessary? I think if my pond ever gets to the point where I must spend time
every day maintaining it, and not just sitting by it...I may fill it in.

--
BenignVanilla
Pond Site: www.darofamily.com/jeff/links/mypond

Nedra

July 21st 03, 06:50 PM

That would be entirely up to you, BV. I have
always fussed around with my pond. I don't add Baking
Soda until the fish slow down to a small crawl... then I test
the KH and son-of-a-gun! KH is very low ... add the Baking
Soda and its fixed. Takes all of 10 minutes from the test to
the addition of BS... I do the maintenance dosages of Koi
Clay ... the fish love - LOVE this stuff. I know it must make
them feel really good! Ever seen a Koi Smile? ;-)
This takes 5 minutes.
I don't have a bottom drain... Yet (!) so I do have to add the BZT. That
takes 5 minutes... Add it all together and you have about 30
minutes of 'work' .... only it isn't work for me because I interact
with the fish all the while.

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

"BenignVanilla" > wrote in message
...
> When I went at my pond design, I purposely included concepts like a bottom
> drain and a shallow VF to reduce my maintenance. I have A LOT of plants,
and
> do not intend to feed my fish, in the hopes that I can strike a balance of
> plants and animals. So far, my first season, things are going well.
>
> I often read in this group of people adding potash, salt, baking soda,
> fertilizer tabs, etc. They test the water every 10 minutes, change water,
do
> this, do that.
>
> I realize this is not a pass/fail, yes/no answer but how much is really
> necessary? I think if my pond ever gets to the point where I must spend
time
> every day maintaining it, and not just sitting by it...I may fill it in.
>
> --
> BenignVanilla
> Pond Site: www.darofamily.com/jeff/links/mypond
>
>
>
>

Lee Brouillet

July 21st 03, 07:05 PM

Ahhh, BV: the way to achieve your dream is with MINIMAL stocking levels and
lots of plants. Then you will be able to sit by the side with a tall, cool
one in your hand and survey your domain.

Or, you could get stupid, like me: I like the fishies. I like them toooo
much. I have taken to avoiding the sales areas as much as possible when
forced into a store, just so one doesn't jump to the side of the pond,
splash me with a tail, and scream TAKE ME HOME!!!! Being your basic impulse
buyer, I've done that a lot. And back when I began this hobby, no one
mentioned that if you don't kill them from ignorance or negligence, they
grow. And BREED!! And now I have too many: *way* too many. Now what?

Well, "now what?" entails learning more about fish than you ever dreamed
existed; it means chasing numbers; it means keeping a constant watchful eye
on your domain, testing for this and that to ensure that nothing goes the
"slightest" bit out of whack, or if it does, you know immediately and can
take appropriate action. The plants come out, because they could become
disease vectors. Added filtration goes in to take up what the plants aren't
doing. Even if you leave the plants in, you may notice that they're not as
nice or healthy looking as someone else's. You begin to pout and say, "I
want that, TOO!" Then out comes the fertilizers and the potash, and the
"this and that" until you achieve the lush greens and bright flowers you're
looking for.

BV, Dahling - I don't know if it IS possible to ignore and enjoy: Half the
fun - shoot, maybe MORE than half the fun - is in the learning process. It's
a creation made in the image of your mind's eye: your own little piece of
the world, something that would not exist if you had not created it. And
you're reponsible for it. The planning, the implementation; the mistakes and
corrections; the life forms - their nurturing and well-being: sorry, Dude.
You signed on for a learning experience beyond most. It's a lot of fun. It
keeps your mind working and agile. And I can practically guarantee that you
will *never* sit by the pond, with the tall, cold one in your hand and not
be able to see *something* that needs just a teensy bit of tweaking! So many
things in this world are out of our control; however, in our little created
world, we *have* the control. And if we don't, then we have to learn how to
get it back. It's kinda cool <GBG>

Lee

"BenignVanilla" > wrote in message
...
> When I went at my pond design, I purposely included concepts like a bottom
> drain and a shallow VF to reduce my maintenance. I have A LOT of plants,
and
> do not intend to feed my fish, in the hopes that I can strike a balance of
> plants and animals. So far, my first season, things are going well.
>
> I often read in this group of people adding potash, salt, baking soda,
> fertilizer tabs, etc. They test the water every 10 minutes, change water,
do
> this, do that.
>
> I realize this is not a pass/fail, yes/no answer but how much is really
> necessary? I think if my pond ever gets to the point where I must spend
time
> every day maintaining it, and not just sitting by it...I may fill it in.
>
> --
> BenignVanilla
> Pond Site: www.darofamily.com/jeff/links/mypond
>
>
>

Bonnie Espenshade

July 21st 03, 08:16 PM

Sam Hopkins

July 21st 03, 09:12 PM

I don't touch my rec pond and it survives. Though I have roughly 16,000,000+
gallons of water so changes occur REALLY slow. Depending on how much water
you have vs. waste dictates what you have to do to a pond to keep it how you
like.

"BenignVanilla" > wrote in message
...
> When I went at my pond design, I purposely included concepts like a bottom
> drain and a shallow VF to reduce my maintenance. I have A LOT of plants,
and
> do not intend to feed my fish, in the hopes that I can strike a balance of
> plants and animals. So far, my first season, things are going well.
>
> I often read in this group of people adding potash, salt, baking soda,
> fertilizer tabs, etc. They test the water every 10 minutes, change water,
do
> this, do that.
>
> I realize this is not a pass/fail, yes/no answer but how much is really
> necessary? I think if my pond ever gets to the point where I must spend
time
> every day maintaining it, and not just sitting by it...I may fill it in.
>
> --
> BenignVanilla
> Pond Site: www.darofamily.com/jeff/links/mypond
>
>
>

Gregory Young

July 22nd 03, 12:01 AM

I do a 10% water change each week (helps control nitrate levels, add trace
minerals back, etc, etc)
Backflush the bead filter twice a month.
Clean out skimmer basket twice each month
Add 3 doses of potash each season
Water test only if something changes... BUT I have low stocking levels, and
know my system, AND it is an established system
With new ponds I recommend regular testing first season, and then as needed,
but certainly following any major bioload additions (fish)
Happy ponding,
Greg
--

"BenignVanilla" > wrote in message
...
> When I went at my pond design, I purposely included concepts like a bottom
> drain and a shallow VF to reduce my maintenance. I have A LOT of plants,
and
> do not intend to feed my fish, in the hopes that I can strike a balance of
> plants and animals. So far, my first season, things are going well.
>
> I often read in this group of people adding potash, salt, baking soda,
> fertilizer tabs, etc. They test the water every 10 minutes, change water,
do
> this, do that.
>
> I realize this is not a pass/fail, yes/no answer but how much is really
> necessary? I think if my pond ever gets to the point where I must spend
time
> every day maintaining it, and not just sitting by it...I may fill it in.
>
> --
> BenignVanilla
> Pond Site: www.darofamily.com/jeff/links/mypond
>
>
>

john rutz

July 22nd 03, 12:09 AM

BenignVanilla wrote:
> When I went at my pond design, I purposely included concepts like a bottom
> drain and a shallow VF to reduce my maintenance. I have A LOT of plants, and
> do not intend to feed my fish, in the hopes that I can strike a balance of
> plants and animals. So far, my first season, things are going well.
>
> I often read in this group of people adding potash, salt, baking soda,
> fertilizer tabs, etc. They test the water every 10 minutes, change water, do
> this, do that.
>
> I realize this is not a pass/fail, yes/no answer but how much is really
> necessary? I think if my pond ever gets to the point where I must spend time
> every day maintaining it, and not just sitting by it...I may fill it in.
>
> --
> BenignVanilla
> Pond Site: www.darofamily.com/jeff/links/mypond
>
>
>

-- BV
Ill give you my personal take on that question

if you notice the ponds that require so much are the smaller ones with
med - hi fish loads they tend to go wonkers if one thing or another
gets out of sync and the big problem is they tend to change fast like
morning to nite

bigger ponds w low - med fish loads stay relativly ballanced changes
are slower to take effect takes days or if pond is big enough weeks
and tend to correct themselves befor things get critical

water changes are needed to dilute the amonia nitrite nitrate and to
keep mineral buildup down fer instance I have naturaly salty water
..01% w hi calcium
if I only added evaporative loss - over time both salt and calcium
would go up and i would go from realy hard water to OmG thats hard
salt water

the down side is those of us with bigger ponds tend to not do tests real
often ( i only test in the spring as the bio bugs are still dormant )
once they get going its prety much cool till fall BUT when a big pond
does go wonkers its dang near imposible to correct

John Rutz
Z5 New Mexico

never miss a good oportunity to shut up

see my pond at:

http://www.fuerjefe.com

*muffin*

July 22nd 03, 04:48 AM

I just got my koi clay.

IT has several ways to use IT. ( make into clay ball,toss into pond, mix
with feed)
which are your best was to use IT?

"Nedra" > wrote in message
rthlink.net...
> Bonnie .... You don't use Koi Clay? Gasp!!!!
> Your fish will Love you even more if you add it to their
> environment.

Just Me \Koi\

July 22nd 03, 09:19 AM

And that darn clay! BTW why can't I feed my Koi catfish food? :-)

--
_______________________________________
"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is
like an eggs-and-ham breakfast:
The chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."

http://community.webshots.com/user/godwino

"BenignVanilla" > wrote in message
...
> Aww come on...let me be in denile for at least a little while...now...back
> to those rocks...they're just not quite right...
>
> BV.
>
>
> "Lee Brouillet" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Ahhh, BV: the way to achieve your dream is with MINIMAL stocking levels
> and
> > lots of plants. Then you will be able to sit by the side with a tall,
cool
> > one in your hand and survey your domain.
> >
> > Or, you could get stupid, like me: I like the fishies. I like them toooo
> > much. I have taken to avoiding the sales areas as much as possible when
> > forced into a store, just so one doesn't jump to the side of the pond,
> > splash me with a tail, and scream TAKE ME HOME!!!! Being your basic
> impulse
> > buyer, I've done that a lot. And back when I began this hobby, no one
> > mentioned that if you don't kill them from ignorance or negligence, they
> > grow. And BREED!! And now I have too many: *way* too many. Now what?
> >
> > Well, "now what?" entails learning more about fish than you ever dreamed
> > existed; it means chasing numbers; it means keeping a constant watchful
> eye
> > on your domain, testing for this and that to ensure that nothing goes
the
> > "slightest" bit out of whack, or if it does, you know immediately and
can
> > take appropriate action. The plants come out, because they could become
> > disease vectors. Added filtration goes in to take up what the plants
> aren't
> > doing. Even if you leave the plants in, you may notice that they're not
as
> > nice or healthy looking as someone else's. You begin to pout and say, "I
> > want that, TOO!" Then out comes the fertilizers and the potash, and the
> > "this and that" until you achieve the lush greens and bright flowers
> you're
> > looking for.
> >
> > BV, Dahling - I don't know if it IS possible to ignore and enjoy: Half
the
> > fun - shoot, maybe MORE than half the fun - is in the learning process.
> It's
> > a creation made in the image of your mind's eye: your own little piece
of
> > the world, something that would not exist if you had not created it. And
> > you're reponsible for it. The planning, the implementation; the mistakes
> and
> > corrections; the life forms - their nurturing and well-being: sorry,
Dude.
> > You signed on for a learning experience beyond most. It's a lot of fun.
It
> > keeps your mind working and agile. And I can practically guarantee that
> you
> > will *never* sit by the pond, with the tall, cold one in your hand and
not
> > be able to see *something* that needs just a teensy bit of tweaking! So
> many
> > things in this world are out of our control; however, in our little
> created
> > world, we *have* the control. And if we don't, then we have to learn how
> to
> > get it back. It's kinda cool <GBG>
> >
> > Lee
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "BenignVanilla" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > When I went at my pond design, I purposely included concepts like a
> bottom
> > > drain and a shallow VF to reduce my maintenance. I have A LOT of
plants,
> > and
> > > do not intend to feed my fish, in the hopes that I can strike a
balance
> of
> > > plants and animals. So far, my first season, things are going well.
> > >
> > > I often read in this group of people adding potash, salt, baking soda,
> > > fertilizer tabs, etc. They test the water every 10 minutes, change
> water,
> > do
> > > this, do that.
> > >
> > > I realize this is not a pass/fail, yes/no answer but how much is
really
> > > necessary? I think if my pond ever gets to the point where I must
spend
> > time
> > > every day maintaining it, and not just sitting by it...I may fill it
in.
> > >
> > > --
> > > BenignVanilla
> > > Pond Site: www.darofamily.com/jeff/links/mypond
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

Just Me \Koi\

July 22nd 03, 09:21 AM

How cruel can you people get? For God's sake! Will you stop talking about
Clay in this sensual manner while BV is around! Jeez, the poor guy already
has Clay Dreams!

--
_______________________________________
"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is
like an eggs-and-ham breakfast:
The chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."

http://community.webshots.com/user/godwino

"Nedra" > wrote in message
thlink.net...
> I just mix about 3 heaping tablespoons full in a plastic 2 cup glass..
> fill with water from veggie filter.... then spread it all
> about the pond. They know the minute it hits the water...
> must have a softer feel??? just kiddn...Anyway, they
> do love the stuff. Turns the water a charcoal color for a couple
> of minutes... then fades into the pond. I haven't tried it in the
> food yet.
>
> Nedra
> http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/4836
> http://community.webshots.com/user/nedra118
> "*muffin*" > wrote in message
> ...
> > I just got my koi clay.
> >
> > IT has several ways to use IT. ( make into clay ball,toss into pond, mix
> > with feed)
> > which are your best was to use IT?
> >
> >
> > "Nedra" > wrote in message
> > rthlink.net...
> > > Bonnie .... You don't use Koi Clay? Gasp!!!!
> > > Your fish will Love you even more if you add it to their
> > > environment.
> >
> >
> >
>
>

Just Me \Koi\

July 22nd 03, 09:22 AM

Is that 16 million gallons or did you misplace some zeros?

--
_______________________________________
"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is
like an eggs-and-ham breakfast:
The chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."

http://community.webshots.com/user/godwino

"Sam Hopkins" > wrote in message
.. .
> I don't touch my rec pond and it survives. Though I have roughly
16,000,000+
> gallons of water so changes occur REALLY slow. Depending on how much water
> you have vs. waste dictates what you have to do to a pond to keep it how
you
> like.
>
>
> "BenignVanilla" > wrote in message
> ...
> > When I went at my pond design, I purposely included concepts like a
bottom
> > drain and a shallow VF to reduce my maintenance. I have A LOT of plants,
> and
> > do not intend to feed my fish, in the hopes that I can strike a balance
of
> > plants and animals. So far, my first season, things are going well.
> >
> > I often read in this group of people adding potash, salt, baking soda,
> > fertilizer tabs, etc. They test the water every 10 minutes, change
water,
> do
> > this, do that.
> >
> > I realize this is not a pass/fail, yes/no answer but how much is really
> > necessary? I think if my pond ever gets to the point where I must spend
> time
> > every day maintaining it, and not just sitting by it...I may fill it in.
> >
> > --
> > BenignVanilla
> > Pond Site: www.darofamily.com/jeff/links/mypond
> >
> >
> >
>
>

Nedra

July 22nd 03, 12:08 PM

Just me, Have you seen the Lake he calls a pond?
Of course it's 16M... No wonder he doesn't mess with
it!

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

"Just Me "Koi"" > wrote in message
...
> Is that 16 million gallons or did you misplace some zeros?
>
> --
> _______________________________________
> "The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is
> like an eggs-and-ham breakfast:
> The chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."
>
> http://community.webshots.com/user/godwino
>
> "Sam Hopkins" > wrote in message
> .. .
> > I don't touch my rec pond and it survives. Though I have roughly
> 16,000,000+
> > gallons of water so changes occur REALLY slow. Depending on how much
water
> > you have vs. waste dictates what you have to do to a pond to keep it how
> you
> > like.
> >
> >
> > "BenignVanilla" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > When I went at my pond design, I purposely included concepts like a
> bottom
> > > drain and a shallow VF to reduce my maintenance. I have A LOT of
plants,
> > and
> > > do not intend to feed my fish, in the hopes that I can strike a
balance
> of
> > > plants and animals. So far, my first season, things are going well.
> > >
> > > I often read in this group of people adding potash, salt, baking soda,
> > > fertilizer tabs, etc. They test the water every 10 minutes, change
> water,
> > do
> > > this, do that.
> > >
> > > I realize this is not a pass/fail, yes/no answer but how much is
really
> > > necessary? I think if my pond ever gets to the point where I must
spend
> > time
> > > every day maintaining it, and not just sitting by it...I may fill it
in.
> > >
> > > --
> > > BenignVanilla
> > > Pond Site: www.darofamily.com/jeff/links/mypond
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
>

Bonnie Espenshade

July 22nd 03, 12:23 PM

Nedra wrote:
> Bonnie .... You don't use Koi Clay? Gasp!!!!
> Your fish will Love you even more if you add it to their
> environment. And what about BZT? I know you
> add these things ... just never counted it as maintenance?
>
> Nedra
> http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/4836
> http://community.webshots.com/user/nedra118
>
I guess I don't consider that maintenance either, it's
just part of what I do ;-), which is maintenance huh.

--
Bonnie
NJ
http://home.earthlink.net/~maebe43/

Bonnie Espenshade

July 22nd 03, 12:58 PM

*muffin* wrote:
> I just got my koi clay.
>
> IT has several ways to use IT. ( make into clay ball,toss into pond, mix
> with feed)
> which are your best was to use IT?
>
>
> "Nedra" > wrote in message
> rthlink.net...
>
>>Bonnie .... You don't use Koi Clay? Gasp!!!!
>>Your fish will Love you even more if you add it to their
>>environment.
>
>
>

I just sprinkle it on the waters surface.

--
Bonnie
NJ
http://home.earthlink.net/~maebe43/

Nedra

July 22nd 03, 04:20 PM

Hi Rebel...
1. KH is the hardness of your pond water ... i.e. the "buffer-
ability" of the water. KH can be raised by using baking
soda.- one cup for every 1,000 gallons of water. This will
settle the pH at 8.4 - perfect for Koi and goldfish. You can
buy the single bottle at most pond stores. It just says "KH" on
the label. and it is cheap, too!

2. BZT is the powdered bio-bugs that we put into our ponds
to keep the bottoms clean. It eats the sludge/mulm. Go to:
www.united-tech.com ... or email them at
Ask for the "Ponders Special" ....

3. Koi Clay - go to: http://koiclay.com/htm

HTH

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

"REBEL JOE" > wrote in message
...
> OK what is KH? I test for all the things in my test kit but don't have a
> kh. Also whats btz? And where do you get koi clay?
>
>
> http://community.webtv.net/rebeljoe/POND
>
>

zookeeper

July 22nd 03, 05:28 PM

REBEL JOE wrote:
> OK what is KH? I test for all the things in my test kit but don't have a
> kh. Also whats btz? And where do you get koi clay?

I ordered Koi Clay from Gene at Koi Village; am very pleased with the
price and the promptness of delivery. And our koi look much brighter
since I've been using it.

http://www.koivillage.com

--
Kathy B, zookeeper
Oregon, Zone 6-7
3500gal pond, 13 pond piggies

Nedra

July 22nd 03, 05:35 PM

Correction:

http://koiclay.com

--
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/4836
http://community.webshots.com/user/nedra118
"Nedra" > wrote in message
rthlink.net...
> Hi Rebel...
> 1. KH is the hardness of your pond water ... i.e. the "buffer-
> ability" of the water. KH can be raised by using baking
> soda.- one cup for every 1,000 gallons of water. This will
> settle the pH at 8.4 - perfect for Koi and goldfish. You can
> buy the single bottle at most pond stores. It just says "KH" on
> the label. and it is cheap, too!
>
> 2. BZT is the powdered bio-bugs that we put into our ponds
> to keep the bottoms clean. It eats the sludge/mulm. Go to:
> www.united-tech.com ... or email them at
> Ask for the "Ponders Special" ....
>
> 3. Koi Clay - go to: http://koiclay.com/htm
>
> HTH
>
> Nedra
> http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/4836
> http://community.webshots.com/user/nedra118
>
> "REBEL JOE" > wrote in message
> ...
> > OK what is KH? I test for all the things in my test kit but don't have a
> > kh. Also whats btz? And where do you get koi clay?
> >
> >
> > http://community.webtv.net/rebeljoe/POND
> >
> >
>
>
>

Bonnie Espenshade

July 22nd 03, 05:48 PM

REBEL JOE wrote:
> OK what is KH? I test for all the things in my test kit but don't have a
> kh. Also whats btz? And where do you get koi clay?
>
>
> http://community.webtv.net/rebeljoe/POND
>
KH - Hardness of water

BZT is the current name of CSA a benefical bacteria.

Koi Clay is calcium monmorillonite clay.
from brochure: It does wonders for the health of your
fish and your pond water. Contains more than 60 different
nutrients to increas the well'being of your fish, while
improving their immune system. In adddition, it detoxifies
and clarifies your pond water.
Http://www.terrapond.com
There are several brands. I happened to find this one on
sale.

--
Bonnie
NJ
http://home.earthlink.net/~maebe43/

Lee Brouillet

July 22nd 03, 08:48 PM

Koiclay.com / koivillage.com = same/same.

And you're right: Gene is a sweetheart!

Lee

"zookeeper" > wrote in message
...
> REBEL JOE wrote:
> > OK what is KH? I test for all the things in my test kit but don't have a
> > kh. Also whats btz? And where do you get koi clay?
>
> I ordered Koi Clay from Gene at Koi Village; am very pleased with the
> price and the promptness of delivery. And our koi look much brighter
> since I've been using it.
>
> http://www.koivillage.com
>
> --
> Kathy B, zookeeper
> Oregon, Zone 6-7
> 3500gal pond, 13 pond piggies
>

zookeeper

July 23rd 03, 02:40 AM

Lee Brouillet wrote:
> Koiclay.com / koivillage.com = same/same.
>
> And you're right: Gene is a sweetheart!
>
> Lee

Thanks, Lee. I didn't realize the two were the same.
--
Kathy

LN \(remove NOSPAM\)

July 23rd 03, 03:30 AM

So, how many fish are too many? I have 5 golds in the bottom pond.
Supposedly have 3 in the top. Rarely see them cuz of the plant life up
there, so I'm not sure. I'm not sure how many gallons my pond is. It's a
prefab, so I'm thinking 300? Don't know. Maybe someone will recognize the
pond I have by going to my photo site (link below).

btw: I do take my fish in in the winter. I prolly won't get more because of
that, so I'm just curious right now.
--
LN in NH (new gardener in zone 5)
http://photos.yahoo.com/lns_obsessed

"Lee Brouillet" > wrote in message
...
> Ahhh, BV: the way to achieve your dream is with MINIMAL stocking levels
and
> lots of plants. Then you will be able to sit by the side with a tall, cool
> one in your hand and survey your domain.
>
> Or, you could get stupid, like me: I like the fishies. I like them toooo
> much. I have taken to avoiding the sales areas as much as possible when
> forced into a store, just so one doesn't jump to the side of the pond,
> splash me with a tail, and scream TAKE ME HOME!!!! Being your basic
impulse
> buyer, I've done that a lot. And back when I began this hobby, no one
> mentioned that if you don't kill them from ignorance or negligence, they
> grow. And BREED!! And now I have too many: *way* too many. Now what?
>
> Well, "now what?" entails learning more about fish than you ever dreamed
> existed; it means chasing numbers; it means keeping a constant watchful
eye
> on your domain, testing for this and that to ensure that nothing goes the
> "slightest" bit out of whack, or if it does, you know immediately and can
> take appropriate action. The plants come out, because they could become
> disease vectors. Added filtration goes in to take up what the plants
aren't
> doing. Even if you leave the plants in, you may notice that they're not as
> nice or healthy looking as someone else's. You begin to pout and say, "I
> want that, TOO!" Then out comes the fertilizers and the potash, and the
> "this and that" until you achieve the lush greens and bright flowers
you're
> looking for.
>
> BV, Dahling - I don't know if it IS possible to ignore and enjoy: Half the
> fun - shoot, maybe MORE than half the fun - is in the learning process.
It's
> a creation made in the image of your mind's eye: your own little piece of
> the world, something that would not exist if you had not created it. And
> you're reponsible for it. The planning, the implementation; the mistakes
and
> corrections; the life forms - their nurturing and well-being: sorry, Dude.
> You signed on for a learning experience beyond most. It's a lot of fun. It
> keeps your mind working and agile. And I can practically guarantee that
you
> will *never* sit by the pond, with the tall, cold one in your hand and not
> be able to see *something* that needs just a teensy bit of tweaking! So
many
> things in this world are out of our control; however, in our little
created
> world, we *have* the control. And if we don't, then we have to learn how
to
> get it back. It's kinda cool <GBG>
>
> Lee
>
>
>
>
>
> "BenignVanilla" > wrote in message
> ...
> > When I went at my pond design, I purposely included concepts like a
bottom
> > drain and a shallow VF to reduce my maintenance. I have A LOT of plants,
> and
> > do not intend to feed my fish, in the hopes that I can strike a balance
of
> > plants and animals. So far, my first season, things are going well.
> >
> > I often read in this group of people adding potash, salt, baking soda,
> > fertilizer tabs, etc. They test the water every 10 minutes, change
water,
> do
> > this, do that.
> >
> > I realize this is not a pass/fail, yes/no answer but how much is really
> > necessary? I think if my pond ever gets to the point where I must spend
> time
> > every day maintaining it, and not just sitting by it...I may fill it in.
> >
> > --
> > BenignVanilla
> > Pond Site: www.darofamily.com/jeff/links/mypond
> >
> >
> >
>
>

Just Me \Koi\

July 23rd 03, 04:44 AM

That's not fair BV! Only thing I had on you was your clay pond! Without it
I have nothing...nothing I say!

--
_______________________________________
"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is
like an eggs-and-ham breakfast:
The chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."

http://community.webshots.com/user/godwino

"BenignVanilla" > wrote in message
...
> "Just Me "Koi"" > wrote in message
> ...
> > How cruel can you people get? For God's sake! Will you stop talking
> about
> > Clay in this sensual manner while BV is around! Jeez, the poor guy
> already
> > has Clay Dreams!
> <snip>
>
> Hi my name is BV...and I USED TO HAVE clay. Yessirree bob...I am
> cured...water was Gin Clear to the bottom drain this morning. Course now,
I
> have to get down there and put my diffuser on. Where's my mask?
>
> BV.
>
>

Wendy Kelly Budd

July 24th 03, 02:21 PM

I didn't test until my plants kept dying. Some of these plants were moved
from my original pond.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If it's broke, fix it!

--
Wendy* in N. California,
"Ever look at Congress and feel like the little kid in 'Sixth Sense?' I see
dead people. I see dead people everywhere." - Robin Williams

"BenignVanilla" > wrote in message
...
> When I went at my pond design, I purposely included concepts like a bottom
> drain and a shallow VF to reduce my maintenance. I have A LOT of plants,
and
> do not intend to feed my fish, in the hopes that I can strike a balance of
> plants and animals. So far, my first season, things are going well.
>
> I often read in this group of people adding potash, salt, baking soda,
> fertilizer tabs, etc. They test the water every 10 minutes, change water,
do
> this, do that.
>
> I realize this is not a pass/fail, yes/no answer but how much is really
> necessary? I think if my pond ever gets to the point where I must spend
time
> every day maintaining it, and not just sitting by it...I may fill it in.
>
> --
> BenignVanilla
> Pond Site: www.darofamily.com/jeff/links/mypond
>
>
>

Wendy Kelly Budd

July 24th 03, 02:21 PM