Posts Tagged ‘Tips’

A pond is not only a stunning garden feature but is also a wonderful wildlife habitat, attracting birds, insects and many other animals.
Building a pond from scratch can seem a daunting task but it need not be, having the right equipment and understanding what form of pond will suit your needs is half the battle.
The first thing to consider when you build a pond is where it will be located, try to view where the pond will be from many different angles, try looking from an upstairs window also, use what ever you have to mark out a make believe pond so you can see it from different angles.
You need to consider the size of your pond, this will be affected by the size of your garden and what you are considering to have in the pond. A larger pond would be needed for larger fish such as koi carp where as a smaller pond would suit goldfish or if the pond was just for newts and frogs.
Once you have defined the parameter of the pond (this is often done with string or hosepipe) and you are pleased with the size and positioning you will need to excavate the area. Dig out the turf and keep going until the required depth is achieved, remember to remove any sharp stones or large lumps of mud.
When digging the pond it is recommended that you leave one side with a slop so any animals that accidentally fall in have a way of getting out, it is also a place where you fish can bask in the sun.
Once you have dug the pond you will need to lay a base, if you choose to use concrete then you will need to add some sort of wire to it to bind it together and prevent it from cracking, sand is another option, lay a layer of sand around the hole you have dug, this will protect the pond liner and help to prevent it from being punctured. Adding a layer of ancient carpet adds to this protection.
Once the base has been laid you need to position your pond liner, this will require some help depending on the size of your pond. Question a friend to help with this part, hold each end and lay over the hole you have dug out, take care not to hurt the liner by dragging it over rough ground or sharp stones.
Once the liner is in place secure the sides with some bricks and most importantly leave plenty of overlap.
Once the liner is in place it is time to start to fill your pond, as the pond is being filled it is vital to pull the edges of the liner so it fits neatly in the contours of the pond.
Keep adding water until the pond is full then cut away any excess liner leaving an overlap large enough to lay slabs or turf on to keep in place.
Stand back and have a look at what you have made!, Now you have the job of chose which fish and plants you will add and position around your new pond.

Koi ponds are more than just a hole with water. Koi Breeders should keep in mind that Koi, like any other pet is a safe and healthy environment to live. Breeders have to learn the essential basic facilities to enable them to contribute to the lives Koi Pond. Secrets of a excellent way to keep the moth is adequate ventilation, water and fish ponds themselves.
At first it is necessary to establish requirements for construction of Koi Pond. Each pond design solution to the need to define its characteristics. How huge should it be? Koi pond in which they live would be fantastic, because Koi is fantastic.
Standard separation of these fish should be at least 1000 liters of water and at least 3-5 meters deep. Your choice as to the shape and size of koi ponds, in principle, will depend on your choice.
Pond should be built in a perfect location. You might want to have a pond area where you can see the fish as often as you like. You should also consider the availability of the pond and the officer will often visits the region to feed the fish. You can also consider building a small pond inside or outside, which gives comfort.
But, you should consider that Koi require less exposure to the sun for several hours every day. The best times are morning and afternoon. Koi can burn the skin to direct sunlight at midday, so it must be the safety of residence.
Outdoor swimming pool is out of the cage to prevent hurt to the tree roots growing, because the trees are growing. Net investment pond can also provide a hedge against debris from falling trees.
You can find your pleased koi pond and beyond, but conceptualized the creation of sufficient security, availability, and environmental ideal.
Construction Lake, the pond bags are needed. You can use PVC, but butyl rubber liner is recommended because of its strength. Concrete has the lowest construction cost, or cheaper, but fiberglass is recommended when you want to be a pond is in a chaotic life.
You have to make sure that it would be better to build a pond on the vertical walls and small ponds to promote a balanced composition of the water temperature. You should also consider the protection of moth predators away from a high wall in the pond.
In addition, other requirements mentioned Koi Pond equipment is also biological filters, aeration, circulation pump and the room large enough to be a moth crowded. These are the things you will need preparation and plotting of Koi pond.
The filter cleans water. Responsible for the cleaning of waste water, microwave and other toxic substances that can cause water pollution.
Aerator to provide air to water and keep standing water is constantly in motion. Aerator provides oxygen for the fish. The other side of the pump moves water through the filter and aerator. These are the basic product ideal for the detection of Koi Pond fish's own library.

Owners of large gardens keep racking their brains to see how they can make their gardens even more aesthetically pleasing! One such special feature that they can add to their gardens is a “water garden”. This includes fountains, small ponds, or pools where water plants and water organisms can coexist. To ensure that the ecology of the water garden does not spoil, a water gardening pump becomes a necessity.
You may question, “Why a water gardening pump?” After all, the same set up is seen in lakes, large ponds, rivers, etc. And they do not need any pumps! The difference is that what you have in your garden is man-made, and therefore requires special care.
Water needs to circulate if it has to remain fresh. The water gardening pump helps it to do that precisely. The living organisms in the water and the aquatic plants get enough oxygen because of constant water circulation. Experts even refer to this pump as the “heart” since life in the water garden cannot be maintained without its help!
Which insect likes to breed in water? Mosquitoes! That is, if the water is allowed to stagnate. This piece of equipment becomes enemy number one by not allowing them to breed, since it keeps the water constantly circulating!
Where the actual buying of the water gardening pump is concerned, the variety available in the market can make your head whirl! You could go round finding out about each manufacturer. Or you could look them up on the Internet. Whatever it may be, some time has to be spent in researching the market.
There are basically two varieties of water gardening pumps available-external and submersible. As their names suggest, one is kept outside the water while the other is submerged underneath.
The following hints could help you in purchasing just the right type of pump for your needs:
(1) The water garden has to be thoroughly plotted out before going in for the buy of a pump, not vice-versa.
(2) If the pump can pump half of the total volume of water every hour, it is excellent enough.
(3) Pumps are dependent on climate too. Algae grow easily in warm areas. So, sponge suctioning pumps should not be bought for such climates.
(4) It is a small hard to be sure of the exact specifications. So it would be wise to pick up one size larger than really needed. This pump will “work with vigor”.
(5) Consult someone who is well versed with water gardening pumps before you go in for the actual buy.
(6) Each water garden should have its own separate pump. For instance, what is installed for a pond cannot be used for a fountain too. Even separate fountains need separate pumps.
(7) Some fountains come equipped with their own pumps. So if you are not interested in an elaborate show, you could go for one of those.
(8) What is the budget allotted for the water gardening pump? Here the costs should cover initial amount, electricity costs, and maintenance. Each manufacturer would have given a set of instructions with each pump. Go through them and choose which pump falls within your budget.

I found that prevention is better than cure! A garden pond must be constructed correctly to prevent a load of problems later on. This collection of tips covers pond construction, some thoughts to copy nature, pump selection and even something on a bog garden.
These ten tips on how to build a pond have been bought through experience. I have had my honest share of fixing leaking ponds. During these hard times I have found some brilliant solutions on how to build a pond that copies nature and which is durable.
1) Dig the pond hole slightly larger than the required final size. Avoid steep sides else all your lining materials will slide down to the bottom. This is an allowance for all the layers of material that will be placed in the hole. Line the hole with underlay or a thin layer of sand before you place the pond liner. This will prevent any sharp stones or roots from penetrating the liner and causing a leak.
2) Make indentations in the bottom of the garden pond hole where plants will be planted. Place down the underlay and pond liner. Place the plant pots in the preformed indentations and line the pond with a layer of washed river sand (sharp sand). Finally place the pebbles on top of the sand. Although your plants are still in pots, it will appear as if they are growing through the pebbles.
3) Make a ledge around the garden pond approximately 3 inches (75 mm) below the final water level. Build your rock edging on this ledge and backfill with soil. It will appear as if the rocks form a natural barrier keeping the water in the pond.
4) A sandy beach which gradually slopes into the water provides an brilliant area for wildlife to get safe access to the water. Also make sure that there is a clear view for the birds from this beach. They will not feel threatened and will stay longer and possibly have a bath as well!
5) A durable garden pond is made by plastering the liner with a 25 to 35 mm layer of mortar. Mix 1 part cement with 2 parts river sand and one part building sand add a waterproofing agent. Use only enough water to make the mixture workable. Line the pond in one go. If you stop and start again you will have a crack in the pond.
6) Natural rock and mortar have different temperature expansion rates. This means that with time, cracks will appear between any rocks built into the edge of the pond and the mortar lining. Your pond will eventually leak. This is how to build a garden pond using a natural rock end on the rim:
a) Line the pond with mortar.
b) Place a thick layer of mortar on the rim where the rocks will be placed.
c) Place a layer of plastic cling wrap on top of the mortar.
d) Firmly push each rock into its position on top of the cling wrap. The mortar will take the shape of the rocks.
e) Remove the rocks and cling wrap after the mortar has dried. Temporally store the rocks so that you will be able to position them back in exactly the same position later.
f) Apply silicone sealer to the mortar and “glue” the rocks into their right positions. The seal will not be visible. Ensure that you use a non-toxic sealant or else your fish will surely die.

When dry, the joint will be permanently sealed! Please wait until the silicone has completely dried before filling the pond with water. This procedure requires patience, but is well worth the effort. Doing it right at the start will save you time and expenses later – Guaranteed!!
7) Use the right size pump if you are going to filter the water and or have a fountain. Take the loss of head in the filter into account when choosing your pump. Also choose a pump one size larger than you reckon you will need. It is simple to throttle the flow back a bit if it is too much, but you cannot increase the flow if it is to slow!! Do not reduce the size of the pipes. Use the same diameter pipes as the pump inlet and outlet. Rather increase these diameters to reduce the friction in the pipes. High friction will reduce your water flow. Protect your pump by placing a nylon stocking (ladies pantyhose) over the pump suction. This will prevent dirt entering the pump and prolong your pump life. Replace the stocking often. Hide your pump behind something in the pond. Pumps are unsightly and detract from the natural look and feel of a garden pond. Similarly hide the source of your water outlet. Let the water bubble out from beneath a few rocks or pebbles, or use large leaves to hide the end of the pipe.
9) Choose different sizes of pebbles to line your pond. In nature pebble sizes differ. Three different sizes will suffice. Try and copy nature by putting a few larger rocks here and there. Having a rock protruding out of the water will also provide an ideal landing place for birds. Just don’t over do it. Nature is the best teacher on how to build a pond.
10) Keep your pond healthy by replacing some of the water every week. An brilliant thought is to build a bog garden at the pond overflow. When you place fresh water into the pond, the overflow will keep the bog wet. A bog garden is made by digging a hole and lining it with pond liner. Push a few holes in the bottom of the lining with a garden fork. Fill the hole with special bog garden soil.
Now that you have a basic thought on how to build a pond, why don’t you give your garden a face lift?

Choosing a replacement fountain pump can be a small hard. There are different pumps available for indoor and outdoor fountains. Here are a few tips to help you get the right pump for your fountain. You’ve probably noticed the abbreviation GPH on your pump. This stands for Gallons Per Hour. GPH is what tells you about the flow rate that your fountain needs for an adequate flow of water. The type of pump that you buy is dependent on the GPH. For example, a tabletop fountain would have a relatively small GPH of 50-100. A larger fountain might have a GPH of 350-570. You will also need to know the ‘head’ height and the ‘max head’ of your fountain. The ‘head’ height is the distance between the fountain basin and the water release point. The depth of the basin does not affect the ‘head’ height. You have to measure it from the start of the tube, that is, out of the water to the actual point where the water is discharged. The ‘max head’ is maximum height to which the pump can push the water up. Always remember to buy a pump which has a ‘max head’ that is higher than your fountain. This is because, at its maximum height, the water flow is not strong. For example, if you have a fountain that measures 4 feet from the basin to the water release point, then you need a pump that has a ‘max head’ of about 5 or 6 feet. This will ensure that the flow of water is still strong enough at 4 feet. The outlet tube size is also vital. Knowing the outlet tube size will ensure that that fountain tube will fit the opening in the new pump. The measurement is the inside diameter of the tube in the water fountain pump. Most indoor and outdoor fountain pumps come with a WT model number. They have a 3 pin plug. Pumps used exclusively for indoor fountains are the Mini Jet pumps and pumps with a WP model number. These have a 2 pin plug. Small indoor fountains don’t need a large GPH. If you buy a pump that is too powerful, it will result in excessive splashing. Generally, a 10 inch table fountain would need a GPH of 40-70. Medium sized fountains with a height of about 36 inches need a GPH of about 100-200. Large fountains of over 6 feet need a GPH of about 250-350. The general rule is that once a fountain goes over 12 inches, it is better to buy a slightly more powerful pump. Most fountain pumps, nowadays, have switches that can control the flow of the water. So you can adjust the water flow according to your preferences and requirements. A excellent quality fountain pump should last you about a year and with excellent care and maintenance, should ideally last much longer. But if you do need a replacement pump, then these tips would surely help you out.