|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lazy Fish Worries
If your fish hang out at the bottom of the pond, or act restless and lazy, then it's likely that your pond is suffering from poor aeration.
When oxygen levels drop below 7 PPM it not only affects the ability of your fish to breathe, but it also negates your pond's bio filtration systems. That's because optimum bio filtration results require large quantities of air. When bio filtration degrades it results in the buildup of toxic ammonia levels. This, in return, causes stress in your fish which can result in lethargy and even death.
Your immediate first aid calls for increasing oxygen levels at once. Unlike chemical treatments, you can't cause any problems by putting "too much" oxygen into your pond. The easiest way to maintain oxygen levels is to run an aeration pump 24 hours a day. If you are already doing that, and your oxygen levels are still too low, then either your pump is defective, undersized for the pond, or your water temperatures are so high that the water is not capable of retaining sufficient oxygen. Treat whichever of these conditions exist.
Once you have cured the oxygen generation system problems, its time to test your water for ammonia, nitrite, and pH. It's also a good idea to test for total alkalinity and hardness. Adjust any levels that are out of normal ranges using pond additives that are designed for each problem.
If you found multiple problems, or suspect that you have a general water quality issue, then you should commence a daily changing of 20-40% of your pond's total volume until you have turned the water over twice. Of course, you need to use chlorine-free water. After you have turned the water over twice you should perform all of the tests that I wrote about earlier and make any required adjustments.
If your fish do not recover, or you are experiencing kills, then you may have a parasite or other health problem. Check our article archives for potential solutions.
**************************************************
Brett Fogle is the owner of MacArthur Water Gardens and several
other pond-related websites including MacArthurWatergardens.com
and Pond-Filters-Online.com. He also publishes a free monthly
newsletter called PondStuff! with a reader circulation of over
9,000. To sign up for the free newsletter and receive our FREE
'New Pond Owners Guide' visit MacArthur Water Gardens today!
**************************************************
Mirror, MI - Jan 4, 2009
Michael Saint, a certified master gardener and owner of Good Earth landscape Institute, will show you how to turn a neglected entrance, courtyard or side ...
San Francisco Chronicle, USA - 16 hours ago
Aerin Moore discusses "How to Create a Beautiful Garden: Landscaping Techniques." 1 pm Tues. Public Safety Bldg., Alex Clark Room, 880 Tennent Ave., Pinole. ...
Contra Costa Times, CA - Jan 6, 2009
That could have happened here, but thanks to a gardening angel, it didn't. Mitchell wrote to Kevin Davis of CLS Landscape Management Inc. in Chino and told ...
Peninsula Gateway, WA - 6 hours ago
30 for a seminar at the Tacoma Home and Garden Show (www.otshows.com/THS), “Edible landscaping with veggies and herbs.” In garden design, I see more yards ...
San Jose Mercury News, USA - Jan 3, 2009
Everything from design, home improvement, décor, home entertainment, landscaping, gardening, and much, much more will be on display at this event. ...
Seeds: Budding gardeners can take home a seedling Sacramento Bee
all 2 news articles
Blanco County News, USA - 12 hours ago
Some of the volunteer projects have included: the support of the Bindseil Park, landscaping at Gem of the Hills, speaker at the Lavender festival with ...
TCPalm, FL - 10 hours ago
"Florida Native Landscaping": University of Florida/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center; 2199 S. Rock Road, Fort Pierce; 4-7 pm, ...
Examiner.com - 14 hours ago
Daugherty designed many garden and landscapes around the city of Atlanta. The exhibition runs through March 28 th . For full information check: ...
Reno Gazette Journal, NV - 17 hours ago
It's cold out there, so I have gathered up my past issues of some gardening books, and some of my older landscape books, and a sketch book. ...
California Farm Bureau
California Farm Bureau, CA - Jan 6, 2009
Cash-strapped homeowners facing foreclosure don't spend money on gardening materials. The abrupt halt to building and development leaves landscape ...
How to Rid that Lawn of Thatch!
You know that brown patchy debris in a lawn that accumulates on top of the soil but below the grass line? That's thatch.Thatch consist of grass clippings,... Read More
No Dig Gardens - How to Build One
The no dig garden is exactly what it describes...a fertile garden bed with no digging at all. It involves layering clean, organic materials that will literally compost... Read More
Skip The Pesticide And Use Natural Alternatives
For best health, it is important to keep your environment as chemical free as possible. With better weather coming up, consider this:Many people do not realize that... Read More
History of the Adirondack Chair
If you were to travel to Blue Mountain Lake, New York, you would come across a very unique museum called the Adirondack Museum. According to experts that... Read More
Layer Your Plantings
Part three in a seriesIn our last article, we helped you layout your new landscape. In this article we'll explore which plants to put where and what... Read More
Hummingbirds ? Attracting Those Little Flying Powerhouses
It's early in May a beautiful fairly warm day so I've decided to enjoy it and sit on the front porch.While relaxing in a rocking chair with... Read More
Pruning Roses Secrets
Pruning your roses is one of the most needed and the most annoyingly difficult tasks that goes with proper rose care. It takes a steady hand the... Read More
Growing a Sustainable Garden!
Do you wish you could grow a sustainable vegetable garden? Now you CAN have a sustainable garden of your own in a very small space. And it... Read More
Landscaping of Hindu Religious Places
Traditionally Hindu tepmples were located either on hills or forests or river banks.In ancient times, the temples were constructed in such locations faraway from human habitations for... Read More
The Ivy League
Parthenocissus tricuspidata is commonly known as Boston Ivy, Cottage Ivy, or Japanese Ivy. It covers the exterior walls of a number of prestigious northeastern universities and is... Read More
Discount Patio Furniture ? An Easy Way to Get the Best
Buying discount patio furniture is an economical way to obtain quality furniture for your patio. Many department stores offer patio furniture at discounted prices towards or at... Read More
Orange Perennials For Your Garden
Perennials are wonderful because, they bloom year after year. Sometimes, I forget that I even have them planted and then they spring up to my surprise and... Read More
Gardening for Birds Part 2
We've had some well needed rain this past week, though it makes it a bit difficult to get chores done outside.We're past the last frost date for... Read More
Nontoxic Pest Control for Your Home and Garden
Pesticides are toxic and, while often effective against pests, can be dangerous for your family and pets. Outdoors, sprayed pesticides might drift on a breeze and dust... Read More
The Benefits of Using Landscape Software
If you enjoy making your yard as beautiful as it can be or if you own a landscaping service, you may want to consider investing in landscape... Read More
Organic Roses in the Flower Garden
Many people believe growing their flowers and vegetables organically is healthier for them and their environment. It is natural that you may wish to grow your roses... Read More
How to Build a Waterfall For Your Garden Pond
Building a waterfall is easier than you think and will add a new dimension to your pool.When building a waterfall, as with any garden project, you must... Read More
Natural Garden Pest Control
No dig gardens essentially strive to be their own ecosystem. This is the sign of the best sort of garden, one that is in tune with itself... Read More
Roses - Creating Beautiful Cut Roses
Many gardeners like to enjoy their roses twice - first in the garden, then indoors as cut flowers. By choosing the right roses, cutting them at the... Read More
The Zoo-Doo Man - Or How to Make the Best Compost in the World!
Is your garden soil great? Does it produce an abundant crop for you without any great effort on your part? We were once told "By the sweat... Read More
Ceiling Patio Heaters
It is unavoidable, Fall is coming and we like to enjoy the outdoors as long as possible.As Fall is drawing near. Outsite living enthousiasts like us like... Read More
Gardening During Hard Times or Emergencies - You Can Feed Yourself!
Do you ever worry about always having to rely on getting seeds and fertilizer from the store? What would you do in a survival situation, if you... Read More
Pond Filter
A pond filter is one of the most important components for your pond, without one your pond water would get really mucky. The kind you need depends... Read More
To Salt or Not to Salt Your Pond
The important question of whether or not to add salt to your pond is often confusing for beginners and forgotten by experienced pond-keepers. To newbies and pro's... Read More
Gardening with Bamboo
Myths and facts A misconception about bamboo is that they spread like wildfire. This is not entirely true as only a some species of bamboo will be... Read More
Colour in the Garden
Colour affects our emotions, moods, physical, and spiritual well-being. It has a significant effect on everything we eat, drink, and touch and influences our physical environment including... Read More
Safety On Lawn Tractors
Every gardener riding a lawn tractor should be concerned about safety. But, most homeowners don't take much time thinking on how risky can be driving lawn tractors.... Read More
Spurce Up Your Garden With Decorative Birdhouses
Decorative Birdhouses are active garden ornamentation --the presence and movement of birds creates a fluid focal point for your garden. As such, placement is critical for you... Read More
Choosing the Perfect Landscape Painting
Landscape paintings are a beautiful way to spruce up the decor of your home. Although you can buy cheap reproduced paintings, you may want to consider purchasing... Read More
February in the Garden
Often in February there is a surprisingly warm day. Everybody sheds their coats and puts a bounce in their step. The next day they hear a snow... Read More
Garden Hot Tubs
Imagine starting your morning with a saunter out the back door to enjoy a cup of coffee in your garden hot tub, or relaxing just before bed... Read More
Durable Wooden Swing - Decorate Your Outdoors with One
There is nothing better to do on a hot, lazy afternoon than to lounge in your favorite outdoor swing while reading, napping or just watching the world... Read More
A Teak Bench: The Perfect Complement To Any Outdoor Space
Are you searching for that perfect bench to set off your garden or outdoor space? Do you desire furnishings that can be both exquisite and durable? Do... Read More
Pruning the Backyard Grapevine
Proper pruning of your backyard grapevines is essential to maintain vine size, shape, and yield of the grapes. If you don't prune your vines, they will become... Read More
Simple Lawnmower Maintenance
Do you have trouble starting your lawnmower up in the spring? Before deciding to take your lawnmower in for repair, try these few simple suggestions. After completing... Read More
Preliminary Considerations Before Building Your Own Backyard Garden Pond
This article is geared towards the beginner water gardener, who is comtemplating the installation of his/her first garden pond. The key to a successful do-it-yourself project is... Read More
Adirondack Furniture - What It is and Why You Want It
Adirondack is the name given to a style of furnishings that date back to the late 1800's. During this time period, immediately following the civil war, upstate... Read More
How To Find Cheap Flower Delivery In Your Area
As humans, we are always on the lookout for a deal. Deals on flower delivery are no exception. We use flowers as gifts for so many occasion... Read More
A Storage Bench Provides Much Needed Outdoor Space
If you are like most of us, there are two things that you cannot get enough of: storage and outdoor seating. What if I told you that... Read More
Furniture Benches Are Perfect For Every Outdoor Space
The task of selecting outdoor furniture for your natural spaces can seem daunting at times. There are just so many options to choose from that many people... Read More
Hummingbird Nesting Facts
Every spring the United States and Canada are blessed with the presence of humming birds migrating north to make a home for their coming young. They come... Read More
Mole Traps: Can You Use Them?
Mole control is one of the most complicated problems that can face a gardening enthusiast.It is not from lack of information. Plenty of information is available. University... Read More
Gardening for Birds Part 2
We've had some well needed rain this past week, though it makes it a bit difficult to get chores done outside.We're past the last frost date for... Read More
How To Choose Water Garden Plants
So. The water garden bug has bitten. You've dug and leveled and sweated and said words you hope that no one else has heard. Now it's time... Read More
22 Fun Things To Do With Your Dozen Rose Gift
Your dozen rose gift doesn't only have to decorate your favorite room. Roses are about romance and enjoying the moment they are given and received. I've discovered... Read More
5 Most Popular Flowers for Your Garden
When planting a garden there are many questions which you must ask yourself before you begin. Where are you going to plant it, do you have the... Read More
Using Bulbs in Your Landscaping
Naturalized bulbs look beautiful in a wooded setting. You can plant them and leave them to multiply. After the bulbs bloom the foliage will die down, but... Read More
Easter Lilies, and the Number One Gardening Question Right Now
Everybody asks about Easter lilies! Can they go outside; can I plant them in my garden? And to this I reply, "Why not?" Like other bulbs, there... Read More
The Zoo-Doo Man - Or How to Make the Best Compost in the World!
Is your garden soil great? Does it produce an abundant crop for you without any great effort on your part? We were once told "By the sweat... Read More
The Care of Cattleya Orchids
Cattleya Care: a bit more in-depth.This month we are going to go into some detail about the care of cattleya orchids. These orchids are probably the easiest... Read More
Set Out a Feast for Your Feathered Friends
February is "Feed the Birds" month in much of North America. And what great timing! If you're going through a cold winter, you can help the wintering... Read More
Koi Pond Aeration
To achieve Koi pond aeration, there are some things you can do. One, you can go to your local hobby store or pet supply store and purchase... Read More