Our Koi pond is leaking and we do not know where so I guess we need to drain it to figure it out.  We just moved into the house so don’t know much about how to take care of a fish pond.  I have been feeding the five Koi fish and it seems they are getting used to me enough to come up to me.  I really want to keep them.  Is there a good rule of thumb on what it costs to run a pond pump and filter on a monthly basis? Are there other expenses to be think about? We are trying to decide if we can afford to repair and maintain the fish pond.  Our landlord has left the decision up to us on how to proceed.  Are there any other items or issues we should be considering?  Once we drain the Koi pond what should we be looking for in order to locate the leak?  Assuming we locate the leak, what methods should we use to repair it?  Your constructive feedback is very appreciated.

Koi pond cost for monthly maintenance? is a post from: Pond Answers

Can anyone give me some feedback and advice on making a pond?  I prefer to put together a pond plan before I start and would like to know if this is a good one.  I am thinking about a small pond for two comet goldfish.  Here is what I have so far;

To minimize algae growth I plan to position the pond in area with very little direct sunlight.
Install a UV filter to combat algae growth
Purchase this pond kit for about ninety dollars – starter pond kit

After constructing the pond and filling it with water I plan on using a Pond Water Conditioner and a pond cycle product for the first month before adding fish.
I am considering adding a Hydro Pond Sponge Filter connected to an Air Pump rated for one hundred gallons.

Does this pond kit include all items necessary to make a healthy pond? If so, then all that is left is to

• purchase the liner,
• excavate the hole,
• fit and secure the liner,
• install the filter from the pond kit,
• fill and cycle the pond, and finally
• stock the goldfish.

As part of regular maintenance I plan on changing out a few gallons of water every week using a bucket.

Is there anything else I need to consider in this pond plan?

Is this a good goldfish pond plan? is a post from: Pond Answers

I am going to put a small pond in my back yard and I want to include a waterfall in the setup and there is a question that has been bugging me for quite a while.  The current plan is to put together a five hundred gallon pond so I’ve been shopping all the components.  Not sure if a kit or separate components is the way to go.  I know I need to buy the right pump for it.  Looking online I see Pond Pumps and Waterfall Pump but the waterfall pump costs three times a much as a regular pump of the same gallon per hour capacity.  Is the extra expense a good idea for a small pond?  How ’bout I just get a regular pond pump with a larger capacity instead?  Do the different types install differently?  Do I need to operate them differently?  Can both types work with a pond filter and maybe a UV filter?  I’m new to this so please excuse dumb questions but are waterfalls somehow different that they need a special type of waterfall pump? Can anyone tell me what the specific differences are?  Constructive advice is always welcome.

Waterfall pump or regular pond pump are they different? is a post from: Pond Answers

Pond filter is acting up so I am looking to replace it. The current filter I have is a Bioforce 500.  Every four days the filter pads cleaning indicator pops up so I have to change the filter pads out, clean them, and swap them back in the next time.  It happens even if I use brand new filter pads. I don’t think the filter should clog up so frequently.  The pond is small, only 175 gallons with seven small Koi about five inches long.  I have a few plants and the water has been clean and clear.  I am just annoyed at how much maintenance I am having to do.

I am looking for a new pond filter that needs less maintenance and fewer filter changes.  I appreciate all suggestions.

Pond filter, I need advice on a new one is a post from: Pond Answers

Swimming in pond in winter?  I’ve been in a partially frozen pond.  Kind of dumb but it was an accident.  I stumbled and fell in and nearly froze by buns off.  Of course it was doubly stupid since I was drinking whiskey at the time while out fishing.

Ever been swimming in pond in middle of winter? is a post from: Pond Answers

I have six Koi in my small pond and I am looking into getting a fish pond filter. I need help figuring out what to get.  The pond is about eight hundred gallons.  I do have a pond pump and I think I need to get a UV light  and a biofilter to improve water conditions.  Is it better to get and all-in-one setup or get separate units? Here is what I am looking at.

An example of the all-in-one I am looking at is

http://cgi.ebay.com/PENTAIR-ALL-ONE-KOI-POND-SYSTEM-UV-PUMP-FILTER-FTN-/220415099485?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3351c3825d

Here is the biofilter

http://www.amazon.com/TetraPond-Choice-Maintenance-Advanced-Filter/dp/B0002APPUS
another example
http://www.123ponds.com/tp16795.html
Can anyone tell me how well the all-in-one units work?  Pros / Cons?

I do have  a pond pump but I’ll need the plumbing and tubing to set separate units up.  Here is a video as an example of what I am thinking. The biological filter and UV filter setup looks pretty good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxfPAUGYk-0

All advice is appreciated

Fish pond filter question? is a post from: Pond Answers

I need a pond pump for my small pond. The dimensions of the pond are three feet long by one and a half feet wide by three feet deep. Need suggestions on selection, capacity, brand and any other great advice.  Also could use info on place to buy with good service and support.  What should I avoid?

Thank you!

Pond pump, how big for 3 feet by 1.5 feet pond? is a post from: Pond Answers

I have questions on how to build a Koi Pond.  I appreciate any constructive help and comments.

1. How much do Koi fish cost in Australia, male or female?
2. What are the best animals, fish, plants, etc. to put in the pond?
3. I’ve heard they can grow fairly big, how large do Koi grow?
4. How big should the pond be for a couple Koi to start? How much does it cost to build backyard pond?
5. What is the best way to build a pond? What materials should I use?  How much should I budget?
6. What things are essential for Koi to be healthy?
7. What is the minimum and recommended size for the pond?
8. Can I begin with just a few Koi?
9. Is it possible to create eco-system so Koi live without me feeding them. If yes, what do I need?
10. What other questions should I be asking before I start building a koi pond?

Thank you for great answers.

Koi Pond, how to build it? is a post from: Pond Answers

We are planning a backyard pond and want to put animals such as frogs and painted turtles in it.  These would be eastern painted turtles, the aquatic species.  Are there any issues we need to consider?  Will they stay in the pond or wander off? Do they need as much care as fish?

Backyard pond, can I keep frogs and painted turtles? is a post from: Pond Answers

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Build 1800 Gallon Koi Pond Under $800 is a post from: Pond Answers