Hi everyone! It's been a long winter, sure am glad it's warming up now. Got to almost 80 here today. Been working on the pond a few weeks now, getting it cleaned out. Luckily the water is clear and the parameters are testing fine. DH and I redid some of the plumbing this winter and got the submersible out of the skimmer, and put the external pump right behind the skippy. Boy did that improve the water flow. I only lost 1 fish this winter, never did see the heron that visited last year, and even rescued 5 babies from the 120 gal pond when I cleaned it out a few weeks ago.
Got the skippy cleaned out about a month ago, and have been running the pump a few hours each day, but now I'm running it all the time. Had a problem Sunday morning, just barely a trickle coming out from the pump. Found out 2 frogs got sucked into the pipe and were lodged against the pump impeller. Poor frogs, but at least the pump is okay. I'm just starting to put the lilies back in the pond, divided the pink grapefruit today and made 3 out it. Noticed a few new buds starting to grow. Divided up some pickrel, but still have lots more to divide. Even have new growth on the parrot's feather. I also got the lights back in the pond and turned them on tonight.
Jen, I am so jealous! I saw your blooming lilies in January and they looked great! Your pond really did great this winter! My pond was frozen over several mornings this winter. Big difference in temps in Atlanta and Waycross.
Teresa, how did your pond do this winter?
Esther, has it thawed out up there yet?
My albino catfish is now at least 2 feet long. The koi are growing but aren't as big as the cat. I swear I saw a goldie chasing after the fantail tonight. Spawning season can't be far away if it stays warm like this. I took a few pictures tonight and will post once I look up how to do it again.
Anyhow I'm sorry I haven't posted in such a long time. Been kinda down. Still looking for a job. Maybe I'll get out of my doldrums now that the weather's improving. It's good to be back!