Brenda Hughes

About Brenda Hughes

Posts by Brenda Hughes:

fish-pond-fish

Discover the Best Fish for Ponds and Be Successful

Fish Pond, Pet Fish

The fish pond is one of the most popular pet fishes. It is easy to look after, doesn’t require a great deal of maintenance, and is not very expensive to get started with. There are many factors that you need to take into consideration if you want to select the fish pond best suited for your needs. First of all, the size of the pond has to be properly determined because the fish will depend on the available space in the pond.

Secondly, what type of fish do you want? There are several types of fish to choose from such as catfish, small flatfish, large flatfish, carp, rainbow fish, and big carp. You also have to decide whether you are going to build the pond in an existing pond or if you are going to create a new pond on its own. If you are just going to build the pond in your backyard, you have the option of selecting from preformed ponds or artificial ponds. For artificial ponds, the type of pond lining material, size of the pond, depth of the pond, lighting, and filtration system are some of the factors to consider. For preformed ponds, the size of the pond, location, depth, width, and lighting of the pond are the most important factors.

Thirdly, the kind of fish to put in the fish pond is another important factor to consider. Different fish are suited for different situations. Koi fish are good for filtering while goldfish are best suited for living in large bodies of water like an open pond. Bass are known to be aggressive fish that can even bite a child unless they are carefully trained. The largemouth bass is great for a pond with its huge appetites.

Fourthly, the fish pond best suited for your needs depends on the size of the fish pond. Determine the dimension by taking the length and width of the fish’s body against the length of the pond. A minimum dimension is six feet for a fish pond with a width of five feet. If fish ponds with a length longer than ten feet, they are not suited for you.

Fifthly, do check the type of water and oxygen environment of the pond. Your fish need different kinds of environments to survive. If the pond’s water is salty, there will be less oxygen dissolved in the water. The presence of nitrates and nitrites may also create an environment unfavorable for fish. The water environment also determines the color of the fish.

Also, consider the temperature of the pond. It is vital for the health and survival of your fish. Choose fish that can survive at that temperature. Koi will do fine in a mild temperature environment while goldfish may struggle in a very hot and humid environment. Of course, it is not that easy to determine the temperatures of ponds other than observing their water temperatures.

There is still more you have to know about the best fish for ponds before deciding on a particular fish. There are certain things you have to consider when breeding fish so you can maximize their growth and quality. Like breeding two fish of the same species, both fish must be in the same environment. The best fish for ponds will not work if the conditions are not right for them to grow.

Also, there are certain kinds of fish that should be avoided like ammonia-stabilized water and ammonia-free water. Be cautious of this kind of fish because it can be really dangerous to your fish. There are also other factors to consider such as size, number of fish, and color. These may not be the best fish to start with. So be very careful in choosing the fish for your pond. Once you get the right fish, you’ll realize how easy it is to take care of them.

pond-bubbler

Installing A Fish Pond Bubbler

Pumps

Fish pond bubblers are used to introduce an entire population of fish into a preformed or artificial pond. Fish ponds are great for families, as they can be used year-round, and for recreational purposes as well. However, they do require the right equipment and supplies in order to keep them maintained. Having to make frequent trips out to the store, is not always cost-effective. Purchasing all the necessary items upfront can save a considerable amount of money over the long run. Some of the most basic equipment and supplies needed for a fish pond include filters, heaters, pumps, protein skimmers, clarifiers, UV clarifiers, and protein skimmers.

To create a fish pond, a filter must be installed. If an automatic system is desired, it can be added at a later time. A filter can be an aerator-based system or an ionizer. An aerator system will pull air from the pond to create the necessary oxygen for fish. An ionizer system uses chemicals such as copper and silver to create positive ions which neutralize any existing negative ions in the pond.

The pump is another major component of a fish pond. It can either be electric or hydraulic. Either way, it is necessary to have sufficient power in order to keep up with the constant electricity demand created by the fish pond bubbler system. If the pump is operated off the electric grid, it may need to be plugged into an electrical outlet in order to prevent damage to the generator.

Heaters can be an important additional feature to a fish pond. If the water in the pond freezes, this can lead to an unpleasant ammonia smell. An aquarium heater will be able to maintain the proper water temperature in order to avoid this unpleasant odor. They will also help to keep the water at a constant temperature so that it does not dry out.

Another important piece of equipment for a fish pond is the fish pond bubbler. It will usually perform two functions. It can circulate the air in the pond in order to keep it at a constant temperature and to prevent it from freezing. It will also draw oxygen into the pond in order to keep the water oxygenated. This is especially important during the cooler months of the year when the fish do not have the natural ability to obtain oxygen through respiration.

If you would like to add a fish pond to an existing water feature, you may be concerned about the amount of fish that will fit comfortably in it. A fish pond bubbler can provide the answer that you are looking for. These devices will usually be larger than a fish tank and will hold a few gallons of water. You can add as many fish as you want without fear that they will crowd out the other animals living in the pond. Fish are much less active than they once were, which means that you may have trouble keeping up with the rest of your animal friends.

In addition to having enough room for the fish to swim freely, you should also invest in a good quality fish pond bubbler. If it has been a while since the last one was installed, you may want to consider replacing it with a new one. It is always easier to clean a subtler than it is to change the filter on an existing fish pond. If you are planning on installing a fish pond in your existing pond, consider the installation of a fish pond bubbler as a very beneficial and economical addition to your new structure.

There are many different styles of fish pond bubblers that you can purchase for your fish pond. Some of them are designed specifically to keep the water in your fish pond from freezing and suffocating the fish. There are also those that are designed to provide the much-needed oxygen to fish and plants in your fish pond. Whichever type of fish pond bubbler that you decide to choose, you will surely be delighted with your new product.

orange-and-white-koi-fish-near-yellow-koi-fish-

Popular Fish To Populate Your Fish Pond

Fish Pond, Pet Fish , , , , ,

Once you have your backyard fish pond built, filled with nice plants, a nice exterior edge is done the pond is still missing one thing. Fish! What fish should you put in your fish pond? Well, hopefully, you already had this planned before you started the construction of your fish pond, but if you didn’t here are some of the best and most popular fish you can populate your pond with.

Koi Fish

One of the most popular fish is the koi fish. The koi fish is the first fish that comes to mind for most people that have looked into getting a fish pond. They are beautiful, elegant, very good sized, and they just had that completion feeling to your fish pond. Koi normally attain lengths of approximately 2 to 3 feet and weigh up to 35 lbs. Because of their large size, they should only be kept in large ponds of at least 1000 gallons. Koi need very good water quality to remain healthy. Sophisticated filtration systems should be used to maintain this water. Koi that have been well cared for have a life expectancy of around 50-70 years and have been known to live to be over 200 years old. These fish can literally be life long friends.

Goldfish

The second fish that populates the most ponds is your typical goldfish. Don’t judge to quickly the goldfish come in many different types and colors and can very well complete a pond almost like a koi fish can. These goldfish will get bigger than the ones you put into your home aquarium. Goldfish are also a hardy fish so throw the misconception of them dying within two days out the window. These fish are an excellent addition to any fish pond.

Shubunkin

Shubunkin is a type of single-tailed goldfish. The Shubunkin is a hardy fish and has a mottled pattern of white, black, and orange. It may also be called the Speckled or Harlequin ideal setup for the Shubunkin is a pond of at least 180 gallons with a gravel substrate, rocks, and hearty plants. This fish will grow in proportion to the size of its surroundings. They like to eat the roots of plants and will dig to get to them, so provide large rocks around the base of the plants to protect them. Adequate filtration should be provided in order to maintain proper water conditions.

Mosquito Fish

Mosquito Fish are a small guppy-like fish growing only 1-3″ in length. Yes, this fish specializes in eating mosquitoes and mosquito larva. Other fish will eat mosquito larva but not as often as the mosquito fish. Nobody likes mosquitoes so one could imagine how great of an edition this fish would be to your backyard fish pond!

Plecostomus

Plecostomus are a type of catfish and are often introduced into the pond as algae eaters. They do little more than other pond fish in this respect. These fish are tropical and will not survive the winter in an outdoor pond. Despite purchasing this fish at 3″ long and thinking that you can bring it into an aquarium for the winter, they will quickly grow in a water garden. Full-grown plecostomus reach 24″ in length. These are a great addition to your backyard pond but would need to be in a warmer climate during the winter (depending on where you live) and aren’t recommended to put in the same pond as Koi fish.

There’s five fish I would seriously consider populating my fish pond with. It’s great to have fish in your pond for a number of reasons. They complete the ecosystem that you are creating in your backyard. To me the also give that wow factor to your pond like the star on top of your Christmas tree. Every pond should have fish swimming around in it. The fish represents life in your pond.

fish-koi-summer-pond

Comparison of Fish Pond Care Between the Summer and Winter

Fish Pond , , , , ,

It can be very rewarding for owning a fish pond. You can relax by the water with a freshly squeezed orange juice and favourite snack especially in the warmer summer weather and maybe ( or maybe not- it depends on your countries climate ) on the fine days the colder winter. But the care for your pond differs between the summer and winter months. This article is about the comparison of fish pond care between summer and winter.

  1. Fish Need Air: There are variations between the two seasons.

Summer: Fish pond water in the summer has the tendency to increase in temperature which decreases the oxygen levels. In warmer waters fish have the tendency to metabolize their food faster which will require an increase in oxygen hence decreasing oxygen levels. But the overall effect of oxygen in the pond will depend on fish numbers. If you overcrowd your pond, oxygen will be depleted and fish can become stresses, maybe get sick and with complete neglect from the owner, die.

To solve this:

  • use aerating devices.
  • clean the fish pond from algae and debris on a regular basis.
  • decrease the numbers of fish if there are overcrowding issues.

Winter:: Depending on where you live, fish ponds can ice over in cold climates. This could lead to a build-up of toxic gases over a period of time which makes the air is unable to circulate properly. Therefore it is important that at least a part of the pond’s surface be exposed to allow the toxic gases to escape and oxygen to enter.

To do this you can use:

  • aerator: This large air stone operated by a pump creates a small opening in the ice. It needs to be placed halfway from the deepest part of the pond to the surface. This is important to get accurate because if it is placed too deep then there is a tendency for the pond to become chilled and if it is placed too near the top then the aerator could freeze.
  • de-icer or heater: These puncture a hole through the iced pond so the fish can breathe. There are several varieties with the most efficient ones creating an ice-free pond.
  • water pump: This produces an opening to the surface of the pond. There are surface pond pumps and submersible pond pumps, both of which need to be checked regularly to make sure they are working correctly. They have their own disadvantages and advantages.
  1. Fish Need To Be Fed Correctly: This differs between summer and winter as fish change their metabolic rate.

Summer:

  1. Feed them protein-rich foods as fish metabolize food faster in the summer. This will help with their growth development, overall health, and the ability to store fat in preparation for the winter months.
  2. Give them frequent smaller feeds as opposed to one big helping. This is because large amounts of food could kill them.
  3. Introduce new foods a little at a time with their usual foods.

Winter:

Fish have slow metabolism in the winter and hence have a tendency to ignore food. However if they are interested and to help prevent starvation, give them foods made from wheat germ.

  1. Cover Your Pond In The Winter

This will help protect your fish and devices from extreme cold weather.

The cover needs to be:

  • sturdy to withstand the long cold days and possible snow accumulation
  • made of materials like plywood
  • built like a wooden frame raised over the pond to enable gas exchange
  1. Keep Your Pond Clean Especially In The Summer

This can be done running the filter to remove the debris, fallen leaves, and algae. A dirty pond can cause bacteria to grow, which can cause your fish to become sick and very irritated.

This is a comparison of fish pond care between the summer and winter. As you can see there are different things you need to do between the warmer and colder seasons. However, the overall end effect is similar to them with the need to make sure that the fish have enough oxygen, are fed properly and that the equipment and pond are kept clean.

pond-pump1

Finding the Right Pond Pump

Pumps

If you are someone who happens to have a lovely backyard or open space in your outdoor patio, then you might want to think about the potential of investing in a garden pond. These ponds can definitely add to the overall aesthetic of your outdoor area, particularly if you think you might want to put some fish into the pond. They’re a great way to add a new element to your backyard, and you’ll love the fact that these fish are so low maintenance. However, the pond itself is definitely going to need some maintenance if you want it to be a focal point of attraction rather than an eyesore. Your pond is going to look unsightly in a short amount of time if you don’t take the proper steps to ensure that it is always in pristine condition. So, start looking into some of the different pond supplies that are intended for people who have ponds at home. For example, you might want to invest in a pond pump so that the proper amount of water is flowing throughout the pond. Your pump is an important investment, so make sure to look at a couple of different options that are now on the market.

Furthermore, it might be wise to expand your search for one of these pumps to the Internet. While you’re online, it might serve you well to go through a couple of articles that relate to the exact kind of pump you need given the specifications of your pond. You will definitely need to get one that’s capable of doing its job in a pond your size. It might be smart for you to also do your shopping online if you simply want to take advantage of some prices that are markedly lower than those you might find in a pond supply store in your area.

Also, another very important thing to think about when it comes to maintaining your pond has to do with the type of pond filter that you’re going to pair with it. There are a couple of different kinds of these filters now on the market. To start, you should familiarize yourself with them. Pressurized filters, waterfall filters, submersible filters, and even a filter with a UV clarifier built right into it are now all currently available. You also might want to think about your needs given the amount of fish that you have in the pond. If you’re just going to put a couple of Koi fish into it, then you probably won’t have the same needs as someone who is going to put both Koi and Goldfish into the pond.

Furthermore, you’ll want to make sure that your pond filter is appropriate for the type of pond that you own because it will definitely help keep the water looking good. A mechanical filter, for instance, will physically get rid of debris and waste from the pond by trapping all of the suspended particles. A bio pond filter, on the other hand, will have some sort of bio media for bacteria that are growing. This will help eliminate the effects of any ammonia or organic waste that’s started to form in your pond.

It’s important to keep your pond water clean for more than purely aesthetic reasons. Your fish are depending on you to give them a safe and clean environment in which to live. So, you definitely should be certain that you’re doing everything possible to ensure that your fish are going to have a long and healthy life. While you’re shopping for the pond supplies, don’t forget to check out some of the fish food that also might be available.

pond-filter

Pond Filters – Expert Guide on How to Choose an Ideal Pond Filter

Filters , , ,

Ponds are one of the most beautiful features to have in your backyard. Regular cleaning together with the proper filtration would provide clear and clean water for your fish pets. Most dealers of water-garden supplies suggest using a pre-filter, a mechanical filter, or a biological filter.

Pre-filter- is the first in the line of filtration, it collects the large particles through the fiber filters or sponge in it before the water reaches the pump. It must be cleaned and rinsed regularly. The bag where the debris is deposited must be emptied regularly to prolong the life of the filter.

Mechanical filter- is an electrical filter that operates using mechanical elements such as ceramic resonator or crystal. It removes debris from the water like sand, silt, clay, or organic matters, but not the very fine impurities of the water.

Biological filter- is a filter composed of a fixed bed of rocks, gravel, slag, polyurethane foam, or plastic media where water flows and causes a layer of thin-film or beneficial bacteria to grow and cover the bed of media. These bacteria remove harmful pollutants from the pond water.

The growing industry of pond and pool filtration advances to new models and designs every year. New products for filtration are too good and expensive. You need to think twice before using one of these expensive filters for a naturally well-designed pond which does not need so much filtration. For water that needs to be crystal clear like formal pools or koi lagoon, there are specific filters that should be installed.

It is not necessary to use bio-filter that generates beneficial bacteria in a natural pond. The water plants, stones, plants, and other fauna around will provide a good place for these bacteria to accumulate in no time. Of course, business-wise, the pond experts would suggest a bio-filter to ensure the growth of beneficial bacteria, to have the cleanness water possible. To control fish diseases it is the most effective way of filtration according to them.

A pre-filter comes in with sponges and fibers as filtering layers and definitely maintains clean water but frequent rinsing is required to make it free from debris. A carbon canister filter removes toxins and purifies the water. It is easier to maintain, but it is not a necessity for a pond. The water is not for human consumption and does not have to be perfectly clean.

Another pre-filter is Algae-Zapper equipped with UV light to kill harmful bacteria. The correct plants around and in the pond would help grow the helpful algae, while the fish, snails, small creatures, and water plants would provide the balance to prevent the harmful algae from dominating the pond area.

For a large amount of fish, there are other means of filtration to manage the bulk of pond waste, like the Vortex or Bead. For most backyard ponds that hold about 20 fish in an average area of 6′ x 4′, pond filtration is fairly simple.

If you have an average-size pond there is a simple way of filtration which makes use of a fine mesh plastic basket that can be integrated with a pump-sack. The pump-sack is made with a mesh liner. The pump must be placed inside the sack, which is placed in the plastic mesh basket. If there is a large number of sediments and fallen leaves in the pond the sack and the basket should go together. Using the fiber mesh liner in the sack is optional. Using the mesh basket alone is enough filtration if there is only a small amount of sediments in the pond.

In choosing the right filter you must assess your pond size, location, type of pond, and the living things there. A big population of fish will require a bigger pond filter. A smaller filter is enough for a pond with a balanced proportion of plants and fish. Getting the right type of filter is necessary. There will always a store attendant in specialized stores of water and pond equipment to guide you in the process.

Fish-Petbarn-3D

A Review of Pet Fish

Pet Fish , , ,

The majority of the fish are carnivorous, though a few are completely herbivorous. Or it might be you already have a betta fish and are thinking about getting a different one. It is essential that you do not over-medicate sick betta fish, because there are different complications that can occur out of over-medication.

pet fish

Whatever They Told You About Pet Fish Is Dead Wrong…And Here’s Why

Basically, in the event the water gets foul, the fish is probably going to die from it. On the contrary, when it is warm, it is suggested that you feed your fish two to three times per day. You need to realize that the water is changed regularly, the tank environment is kept clean, and the most suitable amount and kind of food is offered to the fish. It’s not astounding, therefore, that in the event the water is polluted they will wind up unhappy. Also, as soon as you are altering the tank water avoid utilizing the net to transfer the fish.

Having a fish can be hard for many people due to space restrictions in your house. Pet fish will probably die. Think of all of the fuss you don’t need to deal with if you have merely a pet fish. Possessing a pet Koi fish includes lots of advantages.

Pet Fish Help!

There are other more exotic forms of fish also, fish which don’t belong there and are another indication a trend known as aquarium dumping” is occurring. Naming fishes may also be quite enjoyable! Such fish are caused by a giant-normal cross. Then think of a theme that you wish to utilize for naming your funny fish.

Key Pieces of Pet Fish

Please research any species of fish you want to keep as a pet before you purchase. Some claim people have a tendency to treat pets better when they’ve been named. Once you have discovered the ideal pet for yourself, there are a multitude of things that you could do with it. Adopting free digital pets is quite straightforward. Increasingly popular with children and grownups alike, free digital pets and creatures have come to be the most recent fad in town.

The Supreme Strategy for Pet Fish

Since fish don’t need to be aware of their name to be trained the same as other family pets, your choices are truly endless with long, silly or wacky you want to create your funny pet names for fish be. Then it is possible to take different measures to continue to keep your fish safe when you get home. If you donat think that you’ll have the ability to feed your fish at the appropriate situations daily, then you should think about installing an automated feeding machine. You wouldn’t need to wind up naming a cute little fish something which seems really macho, right!

What Pet Fish Is – and What it Is Not

The very first step is to learn the fish you want to stock in your aquarium. It is possible to also name your fish depending on the characters in cartoons featuring underwater creatures like Spongebob Squarepants. On the flip side, below the appropriate conditions, a semi-aggressive fish can be quite docile. Its always important to wash your fish tank regularly and how often will be contingent on the sort of fish you’ve got, and the number of fish you’ve compared to the size of your tank.