151
Pond Chat / Re: LOTUS, ANYONE? {Free, that is}
« on: March 14, 2007, 07:13:33 PM »
Tim where'd you hide the horns? 
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152
Pond Chat / Re: Waterfall running slow.
« on: March 14, 2007, 02:18:03 PM »
Sorry for the confusion... Backflush is to run the water backwards. They do it to clean pressurized filters, not sure if your sequence rep is just clueless or 
Yes there is a drain plug on the pump, not the way to backflush. But sure if you want to mess with it you can take it out and see if anything comes out. The plug is only ~1/2" so a 2" pipe will let a lot more crud into the volute than will come out through that tiny little plug hole.
For my pump I have an 8' incline to my upper pond from the pump. When I shut the pump off all that water that is above the pump level runs backwards in the pump and back to my skimmer filter. Hence gunk, algae, filter mat, anything that is loose in the pump volute or pipe prior to the pump but can't get past it, is pushed back down stream so to speak. Not often stuff gets in there, but sometimes.
To back flush it with an anti-backflow valve you would need to pull the pump out—easy with the PVC unions hand tight, just take the pump out and spray your garden hose in the output side of the pump. If you have algae all wrapped around in there you'll have to do what someone else suggested, and take all those screws out of the volute cover, pull the cover, and clean it out. More involved job...
Yes there is a drain plug on the pump, not the way to backflush. But sure if you want to mess with it you can take it out and see if anything comes out. The plug is only ~1/2" so a 2" pipe will let a lot more crud into the volute than will come out through that tiny little plug hole.For my pump I have an 8' incline to my upper pond from the pump. When I shut the pump off all that water that is above the pump level runs backwards in the pump and back to my skimmer filter. Hence gunk, algae, filter mat, anything that is loose in the pump volute or pipe prior to the pump but can't get past it, is pushed back down stream so to speak. Not often stuff gets in there, but sometimes.
To back flush it with an anti-backflow valve you would need to pull the pump out—easy with the PVC unions hand tight, just take the pump out and spray your garden hose in the output side of the pump. If you have algae all wrapped around in there you'll have to do what someone else suggested, and take all those screws out of the volute cover, pull the cover, and clean it out. More involved job...
153
Pond Chat / Re: The experiment begins!
« on: March 10, 2007, 08:44:34 AM »
Bummer! Guess you'll see what happens with a late cold snap. I wouldn't expect it to set them back to much—my Colorado still has pads floating through last winter. We even had record cold this year, ice chunks in lotus pots for over a week...
With all those pads it looks like it may be tough sorting them all out to put them in the pond?
With all those pads it looks like it may be tough sorting them all out to put them in the pond?
154
Pond Chat / Re: Waterfall running slow.
« on: March 10, 2007, 08:37:35 AM »
Wow! the sarape still fits? Have any memories of Guadalajara?
For me backwashing consists of turning the pump off, as I didn't put in a back-flow devise in. You could just remove the pump with the unions, spray with the hose in the outflow port, and see what comes out. I've had a small chunk of mat come out of mine once.
For me backwashing consists of turning the pump off, as I didn't put in a back-flow devise in. You could just remove the pump with the unions, spray with the hose in the outflow port, and see what comes out. I've had a small chunk of mat come out of mine once.
155
Pond Chat / Re: We've lost 4 fish already....
« on: March 09, 2007, 07:48:50 PM »
Sorry to hear about your losses.
Do you have filtration going? Do you have a rock bottom pond? I've heard 5 years can be a fatal age for rock, if it hasn't been cleaned out—probably depends on a lot more than just that. I don't have your kind of cold so I wouldn't have any knowledge about how to keep your fish healthy under ice.
Checking water parameters sounds like a great place to start. Water changes and air is going to help even if that isn't the cause. Did you find any signs on the fish to point to what the cause could be?
Do you have filtration going? Do you have a rock bottom pond? I've heard 5 years can be a fatal age for rock, if it hasn't been cleaned out—probably depends on a lot more than just that. I don't have your kind of cold so I wouldn't have any knowledge about how to keep your fish healthy under ice.
Checking water parameters sounds like a great place to start. Water changes and air is going to help even if that isn't the cause. Did you find any signs on the fish to point to what the cause could be?
156
Pond Chat / Re: Waterfall running slow.
« on: March 09, 2007, 07:36:18 PM »
Lots of algae growing now. I'd back flush the pump if I could, simple w/o the backflow valve... 
Could just do the quick release and hose it, plug it back in, and see. Have any filter mats to wash? How about bubbles somewhere upstream of the pump? Those are usually the solutions to mine when it backs off on flow...
Could just do the quick release and hose it, plug it back in, and see. Have any filter mats to wash? How about bubbles somewhere upstream of the pump? Those are usually the solutions to mine when it backs off on flow...
157
Pond Chat / Re: UV Light
« on: March 09, 2007, 07:29:21 PM »Does the UV filter help with string algae? Reg algae? Gunk on the bottom? Any thoughts?
We just have a cheap-o with the foam filters running with a fountain.
No, don't know, and no...
The UV is for green water. Little micro floaty stuff. String; HP is supposed to help or barly bales, red I thought was in the ocean. Gunk on the bottom, a bottom drain. Ok, there's two cents worth...
I'd improve filtration before spending $$$ on UV, personally.
158
Pond Chat / Re: &%$^# String Algae
« on: March 07, 2007, 09:24:52 AM »
Ah, it's that time of year already. Mine too is beginning to expand. In my limited amount of observations I have found Barley bales to work and not to work—so it must be some thing else at work there as well. I have read that Barley bales produce hydrogen peroxide in small quantities, but at a consistent rate, which is what is supposed to keep it at bay—not kill it.
I have tried HP a few times. I don't bother ay more. (I worry about removing the fish's food by killing the algae, as I don't feed them.) When being conservative with HP little appeared to change. When I turned off the falls and dumped it directly on the algae let it sit 10–15 minutes and did a second large bottle (Costco two pack) poured around the edge of the pond (~1200 gallon pond) yippee results! The stuff turned brown after several days, it seemed like the whole pond algae growth got more brown. (It's not supposed to have that effect) Some of the plants to my recollection also responded unfavorably. Those are my simple observations. I can't say what really created those results as there is way to much going on to narrow down results to any one procedure.
I have also noticed last year and now this, that after repotting, or fertilizing the lilies and other pond plants, that there is a resultant stimulation of algae growing activity. I have begun this years harvest with a bamboo stick, as well as hand picking the gloppy stuff from around the shore. I think it's just a fact of life of ponding, and I'm happy that it cycles so that it's not a continuous chore that never ends. I prefer not to mess with the cycle too much, though I do use the barley straw, and Potash and Iron—but that's more to benefit the plants growing in the pond...
Here's another read about controlling it...
http://www.swedesdock.com/pondnutr.sht
I have tried HP a few times. I don't bother ay more. (I worry about removing the fish's food by killing the algae, as I don't feed them.) When being conservative with HP little appeared to change. When I turned off the falls and dumped it directly on the algae let it sit 10–15 minutes and did a second large bottle (Costco two pack) poured around the edge of the pond (~1200 gallon pond) yippee results! The stuff turned brown after several days, it seemed like the whole pond algae growth got more brown. (It's not supposed to have that effect) Some of the plants to my recollection also responded unfavorably. Those are my simple observations. I can't say what really created those results as there is way to much going on to narrow down results to any one procedure.
I have also noticed last year and now this, that after repotting, or fertilizing the lilies and other pond plants, that there is a resultant stimulation of algae growing activity. I have begun this years harvest with a bamboo stick, as well as hand picking the gloppy stuff from around the shore. I think it's just a fact of life of ponding, and I'm happy that it cycles so that it's not a continuous chore that never ends. I prefer not to mess with the cycle too much, though I do use the barley straw, and Potash and Iron—but that's more to benefit the plants growing in the pond...
Here's another read about controlling it...
http://www.swedesdock.com/pondnutr.sht
159
Wakin, Shubunkins and Goldfish... / Re: I found them!!!!!
« on: March 05, 2007, 08:01:00 PM »
Mosquito fish eat the eggs of your pond critters—they bear young live, so eating eggs is no skin off their nose. Once they are in the pond they are tough to get rid of. I had the county come fish a bucket full of mine last spring to give away for mosquito control, but there's still gazzillions of them left. I put goldies in hoping they would control the mosquito fish, but that hasn't been to successful as yet.
160
Pond Chat / Re: fish question
« on: March 05, 2007, 07:50:45 PM »
My goldies are constantly munching the algae, but they haven't been fed since they left the pet store... though they love me when I toss them an occasional worm.
161
Pond Chat / Re: Azolla Fern....How do I
« on: March 05, 2007, 07:46:09 PM »
Mine seems to do best where the sun shines. Once the fall comes and the sun goes, so goes the Azolla. When it gets thick I just stir it up a bit and let the skimmer do its job. I've not had it choke my pond but there's pretty strong current from the TPR's. It covers my lotus pots completely but that keeps the mosquitos out.
I haven't experienced it as a pest... yet.
I haven't experienced it as a pest... yet.
162
Pond Chat / Re: If you had to choose...
« on: March 01, 2007, 07:44:08 PM »
"assuming water quality and filtration are optimal in both scenarios"
There wouldn't be a visibility issue in either pond... If the water is green, your filtration isn't adequate.
For me it's a matter of acreage. Where could I put a 30,000 gallon pond? If it were that big, I could swim in it...
There wouldn't be a visibility issue in either pond... If the water is green, your filtration isn't adequate.
For me it's a matter of acreage. Where could I put a 30,000 gallon pond? If it were that big, I could swim in it...
163
Pond Chat / Re: Would like to give a lotus a try this summer
« on: February 27, 2007, 01:22:36 PM »
I tried lotus last year for the first time. One of them had a wimpy bloom. I'm hoping they spent time growing bigger tubers so they can shine this year. I'm wondering about repotting? Many folks say to repot after two years. If I just leave them alone how do I fertilize them? I haven't decided whether to dig them up and repot, or leave them alone. Could I just sprinkle more Osmocote into the water or am I better off repotting with new soil?
If only I could keep the raccoons from meddling with them.
If only I could keep the raccoons from meddling with them.
164
Pond Chat / Re: Koiphen is having a lottery for a beautiful Nagashima Showa
« on: February 25, 2007, 01:50:03 PM »
It's not just a free koi it's a beautiful koi. Though if your not a member, they don't let you see the pictures...
165
Pond Chat / Re: A hose end fluctuator?
« on: February 22, 2007, 10:21:55 PM »
If your talking about a single hose timer for a sprinkler, that screws in between the faucet and the hose, that should work fine as long as you have the flow set and the time to match or exceed your water requirement. If you set the flow low and the time long it leaves more room for error than a short blast on the timer, as well as keep the hose from blowing around with high water spray.
I haven't any idea what you mean by "hose fluctuator"
I haven't any idea what you mean by "hose fluctuator"
166
Pond Chat / Re: Hi, I'm new here
« on: February 22, 2007, 07:00:36 PM »
Um, yes the title of your thread doesn't give folks a good idea of what your asking. I must say you have certainly gotten a great many responses to your thread, but alas not many related to your question. 
There are quite a few very knowledgeable folks here about lilies and lotus. A specific thread title to depth for them may bring you answers you can dig with. I can't answer your question as the only ice I see at my pond is a little frozen water near the falls for a few days.
For pond construction http://www.koiphen.com is the best place for information. Another great one is http://www.koishack.com/forums/index.php Both are focussed heavily on koi so they won't really be well equipped to answer your specific question, though they both have watergardening as a sub topic. Koiphen you may find to be a little more user friendly to non koi enthusiasts, just MHO. Many folks here peruse there as well.
To your question. Your pond is beautiful. I would think that even if you build a bigger pond if it is indeed a watergarden for plants it could be planted in such a way that it would be hard to know it's even a pond—it could look much more like a lush part of the garden. If your thinking about fish for it in the future then it's a whole different build. You will want to go at least three feet minimum from what I've read, maybe more for your climate. You will need a couple of filtration devices, bottom drain, pump and more. So think realistically if you will put fish in. I made the mistake of building with thoughts of nothing more than goldfish, and probably not even goldies. My depth is poor, and so is the filtration, but for plants alone it would be a great pond. At just over two feet deep the raccoons feed in spite of electric fence wire, not to mention the plants they pull up. So vertical sides for me was a must, but I didn't... I'm learning from my many mistakes.
Another great site for lilies and lotus would be http://www.victoria-adventure.org/water_gardening/water_gardening_index.html
Hope that helps. I'd say welcome but I don't want to wear you out...
There are quite a few very knowledgeable folks here about lilies and lotus. A specific thread title to depth for them may bring you answers you can dig with. I can't answer your question as the only ice I see at my pond is a little frozen water near the falls for a few days.For pond construction http://www.koiphen.com is the best place for information. Another great one is http://www.koishack.com/forums/index.php Both are focussed heavily on koi so they won't really be well equipped to answer your specific question, though they both have watergardening as a sub topic. Koiphen you may find to be a little more user friendly to non koi enthusiasts, just MHO. Many folks here peruse there as well.
To your question. Your pond is beautiful. I would think that even if you build a bigger pond if it is indeed a watergarden for plants it could be planted in such a way that it would be hard to know it's even a pond—it could look much more like a lush part of the garden. If your thinking about fish for it in the future then it's a whole different build. You will want to go at least three feet minimum from what I've read, maybe more for your climate. You will need a couple of filtration devices, bottom drain, pump and more. So think realistically if you will put fish in. I made the mistake of building with thoughts of nothing more than goldfish, and probably not even goldies. My depth is poor, and so is the filtration, but for plants alone it would be a great pond. At just over two feet deep the raccoons feed in spite of electric fence wire, not to mention the plants they pull up. So vertical sides for me was a must, but I didn't... I'm learning from my many mistakes.
Another great site for lilies and lotus would be http://www.victoria-adventure.org/water_gardening/water_gardening_index.html
Hope that helps. I'd say welcome but I don't want to wear you out...
167
Carnivorous Plants... / Re: How to make a simple Carnivorous Plant mini bog...
« on: February 13, 2007, 09:13:03 PM »
That's a great looking bog! Wish I had a forest of them like that... 
I bought a little pitcher plant Sarracenia rubra ssp. rubra at a U.C. Davis arboretum plant sale. They told me to only water with reverse osmosis water—where am I going to find that? I set it in my pond and it wasn't happy with a great deal of sunlight, (it was a small plant) once I moved it to the cooler shady side of the pond and in the shadow of a rock it has been rather happy.
I just repotted it last week, and now I just read that I should not have used the nutrient rich compost for potting soil. It appeared to be in mostly peat with some nice sand on the top... oops! Have to go get some peat and replant.
Here is a link with a small article, but better yet it lists a newsletter publication that is about carnivorous plants...
http://www.dateline.ucdavis.edu/dl_detail.lasso?id=7940
http://www.carnivorousplants.org/
I found the second link to be very informative, but I haven't spent much time searching.
I've come across large meadows of them growing wild in northern Calif—areas that get a good deal of snow so the natives certainly take the cold. I was concerned about my little plant this winter with mid twenties temps for a week or two but didn't seem to phase it. The base/ root of it was under water that stayed around 35*. Now you've peaked my interest I'll have to go read about them more.
I bought a little pitcher plant Sarracenia rubra ssp. rubra at a U.C. Davis arboretum plant sale. They told me to only water with reverse osmosis water—where am I going to find that? I set it in my pond and it wasn't happy with a great deal of sunlight, (it was a small plant) once I moved it to the cooler shady side of the pond and in the shadow of a rock it has been rather happy.
I just repotted it last week, and now I just read that I should not have used the nutrient rich compost for potting soil. It appeared to be in mostly peat with some nice sand on the top... oops! Have to go get some peat and replant.
Here is a link with a small article, but better yet it lists a newsletter publication that is about carnivorous plants...
http://www.dateline.ucdavis.edu/dl_detail.lasso?id=7940
http://www.carnivorousplants.org/
I found the second link to be very informative, but I haven't spent much time searching.
I've come across large meadows of them growing wild in northern Calif—areas that get a good deal of snow so the natives certainly take the cold. I was concerned about my little plant this winter with mid twenties temps for a week or two but didn't seem to phase it. The base/ root of it was under water that stayed around 35*. Now you've peaked my interest I'll have to go read about them more.
168
Pond Chat / Re: Blue Lily
« on: February 13, 2007, 07:54:44 PM »
That N.Capensis is really beautiful. I like the white petals around the bottom. The one pictured at Victoria hasn't white petals. Are you sure that's the right name for the one pictured? Everything else about it looks identical.
http://www.victoria-adventure.org/more_than_links_images/perry/tropicals2/capensis.html
Is that a tropical? I'd guess being blue it is?
http://www.victoria-adventure.org/more_than_links_images/perry/tropicals2/capensis.html
Is that a tropical? I'd guess being blue it is?
169
Pond Chat / Re: The experiment begins!
« on: February 09, 2007, 01:21:58 PM »
Whew! This is certainly a long thread to wade through. No doubt it would be half the length if folks could contain their egos.
Thanks for continuing the great experiment, my theory is they appear to be viable plants, they will grow given favorable conditions—irrespective of pedigree, but more akin to their nature.
I haven't any experience to speak of having only had my pond going towards my third spring with a "real" pond. Having said that, I went to a flower and garden show my first year and shelled out $25–$35 for two named lilies from a well marketed grower. One was true to name—in my limited ability to know—Ladakari Fulgens, the other an "Aurora" ended up being probably a "Colorado." I wrote the grower when it first flowered and sent a picture saying is this right? After treading water a long time, they finally fessed up to a lily of mistaken identity. They offered to replace it if I sent back the wrong one—a well established plant by this time after spending several months growing in my pond... yea, who does that? Or a $10 credit towards other plants.
I also bought an $8 "yellow" lily from Pet Smart. Which ended up being what looks like "Aurora" a changeable tiny flower that is certainly not a yellow in my opinion. ( yes, I know what your thinking, No I didn't mix them up.
)
So what am I saying? $25 lily not as labeled, $8 lily not as labeled. Doesn't matter who you buy from screw-ups happen. I'm sure if I took my $8 Pet Smart lily back they would surely replace it with another one labeled yellow.
Bottom line; plants grow when conditions are favorable. I had an Arc-en-ciel die from a forum seller but that doesn't mean it was a bad plant but that I didn't provide the conditions it needed.
Ego trip:
I have a baseball that Bobby Bonds (not barry) signed for me after a game, and Juan Marichal also signed it. I stood next to Willy Mays' pink Cadillac as he drove by. I've paddled whitewater with Phil Deremer, Rob Lesser, Richard Montgomey, and boated with Reg Lake and many more, doesn't mean I'm a good boater... So whoopty doo, who I have seen, talked with, doesn't say all that much about me, doesn't mean I'm special. More it says who I think is special. If I'm pushy enough to get my self in a famous person's presence only means I'm pushy enough to get myself in a famous persons presence. We live by our fortunes, some meet great people, some go great places, some have amazing experiences, some others are stuck here listening to ego's run amuk...
Thanks for continuing the great experiment, my theory is they appear to be viable plants, they will grow given favorable conditions—irrespective of pedigree, but more akin to their nature.
I haven't any experience to speak of having only had my pond going towards my third spring with a "real" pond. Having said that, I went to a flower and garden show my first year and shelled out $25–$35 for two named lilies from a well marketed grower. One was true to name—in my limited ability to know—Ladakari Fulgens, the other an "Aurora" ended up being probably a "Colorado." I wrote the grower when it first flowered and sent a picture saying is this right? After treading water a long time, they finally fessed up to a lily of mistaken identity. They offered to replace it if I sent back the wrong one—a well established plant by this time after spending several months growing in my pond... yea, who does that? Or a $10 credit towards other plants.
I also bought an $8 "yellow" lily from Pet Smart. Which ended up being what looks like "Aurora" a changeable tiny flower that is certainly not a yellow in my opinion. ( yes, I know what your thinking, No I didn't mix them up.
)So what am I saying? $25 lily not as labeled, $8 lily not as labeled. Doesn't matter who you buy from screw-ups happen. I'm sure if I took my $8 Pet Smart lily back they would surely replace it with another one labeled yellow.
Bottom line; plants grow when conditions are favorable. I had an Arc-en-ciel die from a forum seller but that doesn't mean it was a bad plant but that I didn't provide the conditions it needed.
Ego trip:
I have a baseball that Bobby Bonds (not barry) signed for me after a game, and Juan Marichal also signed it. I stood next to Willy Mays' pink Cadillac as he drove by. I've paddled whitewater with Phil Deremer, Rob Lesser, Richard Montgomey, and boated with Reg Lake and many more, doesn't mean I'm a good boater... So whoopty doo, who I have seen, talked with, doesn't say all that much about me, doesn't mean I'm special. More it says who I think is special. If I'm pushy enough to get my self in a famous person's presence only means I'm pushy enough to get myself in a famous persons presence. We live by our fortunes, some meet great people, some go great places, some have amazing experiences, some others are stuck here listening to ego's run amuk...
170
Pond Construction & Filtration / Re: Making an "extra" skimmer basket.
« on: December 06, 2006, 09:56:05 PM »
Sorry it's taken awhile to get back...
The extra basket you put in that doesn't fit well should be ok... depending on how much water is bypassing it. If the size of the gap is the same as the holes in the basket shouldn't matter, but once it starts to clog up more will want to by pass. You could fill the gap by gluing on a strip of closed cell foam, or "great stuff" then trim it down to close the gap.
Hope that helps...
The extra basket you put in that doesn't fit well should be ok... depending on how much water is bypassing it. If the size of the gap is the same as the holes in the basket shouldn't matter, but once it starts to clog up more will want to by pass. You could fill the gap by gluing on a strip of closed cell foam, or "great stuff" then trim it down to close the gap.
Hope that helps...
171
Pond Construction & Filtration / Re: Building my first pond need help!
« on: December 06, 2006, 10:50:28 AM »
I realize you are making a goldfish pond, but with that said you should seriously consider a bottom drain. Plants alone create a great deal of decomposing yuk, in time it will get thick enough to become anaerobic—not good. The only way to clean it is to get it off the bottom. You wouldn't want to clean your bathtub without a bottom drain... Draining your pond annually is not a good way to clean the pond, but a constant cycling of the crud into the filter is best for everyone.
Ideally you run your bottom drain to a mechanical filtration device. The field is wide open to what kind, some are much less maintenance than others, vortex filters in contrast to a brushes or mat filled unit. Water goes into bottom drain and mechanical filter by gravity feed. Then the water is pumped with an external pump after the mechanical filter and pumped up to your falls filter which is usually a biofilter unit.
A skimmer down wind and preferably at the other end from the falls is a good thing to have as well.
On your picture, you want the little rocks that are under the big top rocks to be in the water some—that way you liner isn't exposed to sun or visually distracting.
Here are some projects to look at for a do it yourselfer... Take your time, do the research, and don't fall for the Aquascapes sales pitch...
Koiphen DIY various types: http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38259
In order to see the pictures which are truly worth thousands of words you need to join @ koiphen.com (link above) no more painful than joining Americanponders...
Stock tank filter: http://www.koiclay.com/diy/pg1.htm
Barrel filters: http://www.koipondcentral.com/articles/sub/barrel_How_To.htm
Rubbermaid filters: http://www.catson4ponds.com/FilterOverview.html
filter info: http://www.koiboard.com/index.htm
Vortex micro screen: http://www.koiboard.com/koi/mechanicalfiltration/microstrainer.htm
Ideally you run your bottom drain to a mechanical filtration device. The field is wide open to what kind, some are much less maintenance than others, vortex filters in contrast to a brushes or mat filled unit. Water goes into bottom drain and mechanical filter by gravity feed. Then the water is pumped with an external pump after the mechanical filter and pumped up to your falls filter which is usually a biofilter unit.
A skimmer down wind and preferably at the other end from the falls is a good thing to have as well.
On your picture, you want the little rocks that are under the big top rocks to be in the water some—that way you liner isn't exposed to sun or visually distracting.
Here are some projects to look at for a do it yourselfer... Take your time, do the research, and don't fall for the Aquascapes sales pitch...
Koiphen DIY various types: http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38259
In order to see the pictures which are truly worth thousands of words you need to join @ koiphen.com (link above) no more painful than joining Americanponders...
Stock tank filter: http://www.koiclay.com/diy/pg1.htm
Barrel filters: http://www.koipondcentral.com/articles/sub/barrel_How_To.htm
Rubbermaid filters: http://www.catson4ponds.com/FilterOverview.html
filter info: http://www.koiboard.com/index.htm
Vortex micro screen: http://www.koiboard.com/koi/mechanicalfiltration/microstrainer.htm
172
Pond Construction & Filtration / Re: Making an "extra" skimmer basket.
« on: November 25, 2006, 08:24:02 PM »
Have a pic? I'm not quite following what your creating. 
Is this a floating water plant pot skimmer set-up with the foam surround? Cleaning out the baskets at leisure sounds like a great idea.
Is this a floating water plant pot skimmer set-up with the foam surround? Cleaning out the baskets at leisure sounds like a great idea.
173
Pond Chat / Re: Big Bird was a Chicken...
« on: November 01, 2006, 06:36:32 PM »
Chicken? I'd guess it just has a good survival instinct...
174
Pond Chat / Re: Clarity and cold weather?
« on: November 01, 2006, 06:34:58 PM »
My in-laws have well water that is very iron saturated. They have to run a water softener (de-mineralizer) and a thing called an iron curtain. You can tell in the shower when it's time for the filter to run, as the water starts to smell.
I'd check with a local water treatment company to see what they recommend for your area. Solid block carbon is for city water—it removes chlorine and a whole slew of toxic chemicals and metals. They don't do large volume efficiently ~1000 gal per filter block.
I'd check with a local water treatment company to see what they recommend for your area. Solid block carbon is for city water—it removes chlorine and a whole slew of toxic chemicals and metals. They don't do large volume efficiently ~1000 gal per filter block.
175
Pond Chat / Re: How to seal ceramic planter?
« on: October 31, 2006, 09:18:44 PM »
I used the Dry-lock on my lotus pots—the latex based. Plugged the holes with polyurethane caulk except one, I needed to seal it in a pinch. I used the plumbers putty on it and it's doing just fine...
176
Pond Chat / Re: Clarity and cold weather?
« on: October 31, 2006, 09:14:44 PM »
Maybe you should consider a solid block carbon water filter for the house? Drinking water? I presume... Is it well water or city sludge?
177
Wakin, Shubunkins and Goldfish... / Re: I am SO happy!
« on: October 25, 2006, 07:39:52 PM »
Raccoons control the population in my pond so far, except those darned mosquito fish...
craigslist.com is another great place to post stuff. They have a free section, I don't suggest this for junkaholics, unless you have lots of acreage!
craigslist.com is another great place to post stuff. They have a free section, I don't suggest this for junkaholics, unless you have lots of acreage!
178
Pond Chat / Re: Green Frogs and winterizing pond
« on: October 23, 2006, 08:16:11 PM »
Around here it was the "flood of '82" (Love Creek) or the "earthquake of '89" (Loma Prietta).
I must say I'm surprised by the statement "The difference is fairly academic to animals and plants that die at about 32°f"—this by a guy who despises science that doesn't concur with his own beliefs.
The problem isn't what you say, we all can say foolish things on occasion, it's the dogged determination to try to make everyone believe what may not be true. Say what you think, and let others offer their opinion. You are not a religion and even if you were, there are others with different views... IT'S OK. You don't have to try to make everyone think what you say is the only truth.
Here in central California we get arctic weather fronts too.
Instead of snow levels with accumulation at 0' elevation that can occur in Oregon or Washington state, ours may be more like 1000'–2000' (rare) or more (during very very cold fronts.) Same cold front, different latitude. I'm glad someone can cite -10 degrees once. I remember as a child it snowed in San Jose once—1964 I think it was. I wouldn't build a green house for a pond if I lived there because it snowed there once...
Lets see were talking about a pond in upstate? NY that contains 60 gallons? The conditions there are like those in NC?
I believe Darwin has a theory about frogs who try to over winter in a 60 gallon pond in harsh conditions. I would suspect intervention would be a way to keep the less intelligent of the species continuing to reproduce... being as it only snows here every so often I won't make any suggestions... other than suggest a bigger pond, ... always ... a bigger pond.
I must say I'm surprised by the statement "The difference is fairly academic to animals and plants that die at about 32°f"—this by a guy who despises science that doesn't concur with his own beliefs.
The problem isn't what you say, we all can say foolish things on occasion, it's the dogged determination to try to make everyone believe what may not be true. Say what you think, and let others offer their opinion. You are not a religion and even if you were, there are others with different views... IT'S OK. You don't have to try to make everyone think what you say is the only truth.
Here in central California we get arctic weather fronts too.
Instead of snow levels with accumulation at 0' elevation that can occur in Oregon or Washington state, ours may be more like 1000'–2000' (rare) or more (during very very cold fronts.) Same cold front, different latitude. I'm glad someone can cite -10 degrees once. I remember as a child it snowed in San Jose once—1964 I think it was. I wouldn't build a green house for a pond if I lived there because it snowed there once...
Lets see were talking about a pond in upstate? NY that contains 60 gallons?
The conditions there are like those in NC? I believe Darwin has a theory about frogs who try to over winter in a 60 gallon pond in harsh conditions. I would suspect intervention would be a way to keep the less intelligent of the species continuing to reproduce... being as it only snows here every so often I won't make any suggestions... other than suggest a bigger pond, ... always ... a bigger pond.
179
Chit Chat / Re: What photo editing software do you use?
« on: October 20, 2006, 08:04:44 PM »
I use Photoshop, like the unskilled amateur I am. Macs come with iphoto which has some limited editing features. Most scanners come with photo editing software, as do some cameras. Anyone use scanners anymore?
I use NeoOfficeJ a freeware version of Office for Mac—I discovered it when reading forum reviews of Office. (Not for photo edits.) Someone said why buy it when you can do the same for free...
Try doing some Google searches for free photo editing software or office knock-offs. You may find some software at garage sales. Also, very old versions of software can be pretty cheap. Photoshop 6.0 is selling for $1 on ebay, they even claim it's never been registered
I use NeoOfficeJ a freeware version of Office for Mac—I discovered it when reading forum reviews of Office. (Not for photo edits.) Someone said why buy it when you can do the same for free...
Try doing some Google searches for free photo editing software or office knock-offs. You may find some software at garage sales. Also, very old versions of software can be pretty cheap. Photoshop 6.0 is selling for $1 on ebay, they even claim it's never been registered
180
Pond Chat / Re: What is inversion?
« on: October 17, 2006, 08:41:09 PM »
>>"What is an attack is your attempt to make a false misleading statement of a fairly straightforward observation.
The problem here is I take your statements that appear to contradict each other, and put the two together. I'm not making false and misleading statements—If I am, they certainly are much more accurate and true than calling multiple articles by various authors all false because I want to believe something different.
>>That you fail to comprehend the subject, fail to contribute any significant experience, fail to look at relevant references, fail to stay on topic, fail to make civil conversation is entirely your own choosing"
You could be right there I may not comprehend the subject as I live where the coldest pond temperature is 40 degrees or so and ice doesn't fall from the sky much, let alone accumulate on my pond. That is why I'm trying to learn something about the subject but you keep interjecting your nonsense—I read the articles cited. You for your part claim they are folly and provide one web site without direct links to establish your claims. (This is a very popular method used on political blogs by those who only want to believe what they want—personal attacks on the source of facts or those posting them, and provide little to establish their claim.)
My lack of contribution is based upon your narrow filter of what constitutes fact. The fact is our president is incompetent—you can choose to believe it or not—do you now understand the subjectivity of your "facts?" Let me explain it for you—your "facts" are limited by what you are willing to believe and take no other scientific method to verify—pondboss.com is not scientific method—again it is opinion of... folks posting their...opinions, observations, some may be very competent. Those who provide science you poo poo as incompetence and many other derogatory phrases, providing a failure to make civil conversation, implying your superiority over all...
"Relevant references" are those provided by Andy... No others excepted.
Fail to stay on topic? I keep reminding you this is about people trying to keep their fish from dying from winter cold conditions and you reply with what? There are many postings here recommending aeration and water circulation, and you opposing that. Others have provided scientific materials, you have provided opinion and a web site, and said go fish... And now in addition Andy's way.
"Fail to make civil conversation" Your probably right again here. I don't do well with folks who put themselves above all others for no apparent reason other than their ego. When you hop on your high horse and put others down I respond... Sorry that's just me.
*** Personally I'd be interested in what temperatures circulation should occur for the best health of the fish. Sounds like above 40 degrees circulation is OK? What about between 40 and 32, ice free?
Unfortunately this thread has been hijacked like a rock-less or rock-bottom pond discussion. Much based on... opinions. None the less, it's being read by many.... waiting to see where it heads next.
The problem here is I take your statements that appear to contradict each other, and put the two together. I'm not making false and misleading statements—If I am, they certainly are much more accurate and true than calling multiple articles by various authors all false because I want to believe something different.
>>That you fail to comprehend the subject, fail to contribute any significant experience, fail to look at relevant references, fail to stay on topic, fail to make civil conversation is entirely your own choosing"
You could be right there I may not comprehend the subject as I live where the coldest pond temperature is 40 degrees or so and ice doesn't fall from the sky much, let alone accumulate on my pond. That is why I'm trying to learn something about the subject but you keep interjecting your nonsense—I read the articles cited. You for your part claim they are folly and provide one web site without direct links to establish your claims. (This is a very popular method used on political blogs by those who only want to believe what they want—personal attacks on the source of facts or those posting them, and provide little to establish their claim.)
My lack of contribution is based upon your narrow filter of what constitutes fact. The fact is our president is incompetent—you can choose to believe it or not—do you now understand the subjectivity of your "facts?" Let me explain it for you—your "facts" are limited by what you are willing to believe and take no other scientific method to verify—pondboss.com is not scientific method—again it is opinion of... folks posting their...opinions, observations, some may be very competent. Those who provide science you poo poo as incompetence and many other derogatory phrases, providing a failure to make civil conversation, implying your superiority over all...
"Relevant references" are those provided by Andy... No others excepted.
Fail to stay on topic? I keep reminding you this is about people trying to keep their fish from dying from winter cold conditions and you reply with what? There are many postings here recommending aeration and water circulation, and you opposing that. Others have provided scientific materials, you have provided opinion and a web site, and said go fish... And now in addition Andy's way.
"Fail to make civil conversation" Your probably right again here. I don't do well with folks who put themselves above all others for no apparent reason other than their ego. When you hop on your high horse and put others down I respond... Sorry that's just me.
*** Personally I'd be interested in what temperatures circulation should occur for the best health of the fish. Sounds like above 40 degrees circulation is OK? What about between 40 and 32, ice free?
Unfortunately this thread has been hijacked like a rock-less or rock-bottom pond discussion. Much based on... opinions. None the less, it's being read by many.... waiting to see where it heads next.
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