Thursday, 16 January 2014

Designing And Maintaining Koi Ponds New Jersey

By Marissa Velazquez


The first element of designing Koi ponds New Jersey is deciding on size and placement. Custom elements that give a pond a unique but natural look are bridges, waterfalls, streams, fountains, and plants. Lighting adds to the ambiance by showcasing a waterfall or lighting up a walkway. For a beautiful pond that will also maintain a healthy fish population, consider employing the services of a professional design and construction company. Most also offer maintenance services monthly, seasonally, as needed, and/or 24 hour emergency repairs.

Monthly upkeep includes monitoring water chemistry, topping off water, cleaning skimmers and filters, servicing pumps, skimming debris and leaves, trimming and maintaining plant life. Seasonal maintenance prepares the pond environment for weather changes. If regular and/or seasonal maintenance is neglected, your beautiful and expensive Koi could die.

Koi fish are descendants of the lowly carp. They were harvested as a source of protein by rice farmers of Japan. Around mid-1800, mutated fish with splotches of red and white began appearing in the harvest. Rice farmers began a selective breeding program producing the beautiful variety with over 100 pattern types that we know today. Koi enthusiasts have formed local clubs where enthusiasts gather together to share information. Meetings include lectures, pond tours, and Koi shows.

A rule of thumb for size is 2000 gallons of water for 20 Koi, with pumps circulating the water at least once per hour. Ultraviolet sterilizers help maintain clean and clear water. A de-icer keeps the pond from freezing over and keeps water oxygenated.

If a pond is near trees, install a skimmer and regularly check and remove leaves. Fish should be able to swim between a sunny area, and a shady area. Water conditions to test for include chlorine levels, alkalinity, pH, hardness, nitrate levels, nitrite levels, salinity, phosphate, oxygen, and copper. Companies offering maintenance services will test and adjust water conditions, keeping your pond a safe and healthy environment for the fish.

Another design issue is protection from fish eating wildlife. Mink, raccoon, or Great Blue Heron can wipe out your fishery, sometimes in a single visit. Ponds should be at least 4' deep to keep fish safe from minks and raccoons. It's best to choose a design that can be covered with a net if birds like Kingfishers and Great Blue Herons might be a problem.

Plants are part of a healthy ecosystem. They convert carbon dioxide to oxygen. They help to filter water. They offer shade and cover from predators. Consider the amount of sunlight available when choosing aquatic plants. Different plants prefer different environments like still water, moving water, or deep water.

If you're designing your own pond, consider hiring a professional design service for a consultation. Don't rush to build a pond then discover it can't support the population of fish you desire, or filters and pumps aren't adequate to maintain the pond environment. Be sure your design will be a safe and healthy environment for the fish.

Add beauty and serenity to your backyard, garden, or office landscaping with Koi ponds New Jersey. Koi are also a substantial investment. The pond must be built correctly to maintain health and increase the longevity of the fish. Professional services include design, construction, repair, cleaning, emergency service, maintenance, spring/fall clean-up, and equipment upgrades.




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