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June 2005: Forum

pond a - nature / spawning pond

Springing into life in late 2003, the first pond which I affectionate call 'pond A' has been the subject of multiple experiences. These changes have included the fish population, multiple spawnings, changes of filtration and aeration experiements, landscape design and the unfortunate loss of many of my beloved aquatic pets from a bird attack.

Primarily as a result of the bird attack I rescued all my pet fish from the pond and placed them into the second or third ponds, as well as into my 4 foot aquarium.

Reaching a depth of only 30cms, the pond A now currently houses a few freshwater yabbies, local native frogs, and other unknown lifeforms. I have noted that the depth now is no good for the safety sake of any pet fish, and I would strongly recommend people either building a deeper pond or providing hideouts for your pet fish.

the first pond The first pond was first begun in late 2003. At that time I had a different filtration system, and quite different aqua and landscaping ideas. As time passed on, so did my thoughts on the pond. Originally the pond had a gravel bottom, and a home-made biological filter container sized at 8 litres. It had a lid which I drilled with multiple holes, and where a submersible pump resided. The biological media consisted of 4mm lava rock surrounding the pump, and dacron as a prefilter. The water was clear for the time that was, but as the fish grew and new fish came in, the old filter became inadequate. The original pump subsequently broke down. Having already built the second pond, all the fish were promptly moved over next door, literally, so that I could begin stage 2 of the pond redesign. In the redesign, I redug the edges to hide the liner, and created a brand new filter system that used a solids handling pump instead of the fountain pump that I had used before. Purchasing a rather large 60 litre container, as well as an aluminium sheet to create the waterfall spout, and more lava rock, the result of the changes has resulted in the pond you see today in the pictures.

I would not consider myself a guru or an expert in pondkeeping, however I am an individual who has learnt from experience from the vast knowledge of pondkeepers, and from the experience I have gathered myself. I am here to share with you my thoughts on these experiences.

Currently I am the keeper of three ponds, and one aquarium. The fish I keep include kois of many sizes, as well as a variety of goldfish.

pond b - goldfish and young koi pond

It is important to note, that as a beginner, you must be patient with yourself when it comes to learning all there is to know. Your knowledge will be rewarded when you have finally come to point where you understand the consequences of doing this, and not doing that.

pond c - large koi pond

It is important to note, that as a beginner, you must be patient with yourself when it comes to learning all there is to know. Your knowledge will be rewarded when you have finally come to point where you understand the consequences of doing this, and not doing that.

So, shall we begin?