Fishless Ponds - Tiki Carving

T Tikiwahine Tiki Socialite Victoria, BC Joined: Apr 09, 2003 Posts: 3295	T Tikiwahine Posted posted on Thu, Aug 26, 2004 4:03 PM Hi Gigantilope, I have done a lot of work on my ponds this year. I put in one the year before last, and this spring I replaced it with a rigid liner, then a flexible liner behind and above the first with a fountain and waterfall between the two. With my first pond I had some problems with algae. There are some things you can do to remedy the situation. Snails eat algae, as do small fish called comets. They are only $1.99 each. Not only do they eat algae, but also those pesky mosquito larvae. The fish can look after themselves; once the pond is established and has several plants they just munch away on whatever happens to be there. Being cheap, it's not so terrible when a few become a late night snack. If you don't want fish at all, the pump, filter and waterfall or fountain should do the trick. Mosquitoes don't like laying eggs in moving water. I just bought myself the "Scarecrow" http://www.scatmat.com/Products/Scarecrow/overview.asp a motion sensitive sprinkler system perfect for keeping away raccoons, herons, cats, dogs, people etc. They just screw into your hose and stake into your lawn. Snails will help somewhat with the algae on the sides of the pond. I'd recommend at least 6 per 100 gallons. Not only are they no maintenance, but they reproduce. Unfortunately, raccoons seem to love them. A filter will help 100%. As soon as I plugged in mine, the water turned crystal clear, even after a raccoon attack.(the next day the water is quite muddy) Pumps start at $30 and I would suggest a bio filter, which is simple enough to make yourself. "Biological fitters are installed in a pond to aid in the ecological balance of the water. Beneficial bacteria colonize inside the filter and help convert harmful ammonia to nitrites, and then to nitrates, which is food for aquatic plants." I would suggest reading up on them online. I was able to find mine at a garage sale, brand new in the box. Once the water clears up, ponds are indeed a joy. You never have to water the plants, and they provide such a nice ambiance to the entire area. I just hooked up a light, which changed the look entirely at night. It's on a timer, so there's no need to worry about turning it on or off. I'd love to answer any questions you have, or help out in any way. I'll take some pictures tonight, there are at least two tikis watching over it! Mahalo,

Hi Gigantilope,
I have done a lot of work on my ponds this year. I put in one the year before last, and this spring I replaced it with a rigid liner, then a flexible liner behind and above the first with a fountain and waterfall between the two.

With my first pond I had some problems with algae. There are some things you can do to remedy the situation. Snails eat algae, as do small fish called comets. They are only $1.99 each. Not only do they eat algae, but also those pesky mosquito larvae. The fish can look after themselves; once the pond is established and has several plants they just munch away on whatever happens to be there. Being cheap, it's not so terrible when a few become a late night snack. If you don't want fish at all, the pump, filter and waterfall or fountain should do the trick. Mosquitoes don't like laying eggs in moving water.

I just bought myself the "Scarecrow" http://www.scatmat.com/Products/Scarecrow/overview.asp a motion sensitive sprinkler system perfect for keeping away raccoons, herons, cats, dogs, people etc. They just screw into your hose and stake into your lawn.

Snails will help somewhat with the algae on the sides of the pond. I'd recommend at least 6 per 100 gallons. Not only are they no maintenance, but they reproduce. Unfortunately, raccoons seem to love them.

A filter will help 100%. As soon as I plugged in mine, the water turned crystal clear, even after a raccoon attack.(the next day the water is quite muddy)
Pumps start at $30 and I would suggest a bio filter, which is simple enough to make yourself. "Biological fitters are installed in a pond to aid in the ecological balance of the water. Beneficial bacteria colonize inside the filter and help convert harmful ammonia to nitrites, and then to nitrates, which is food for aquatic plants." I would suggest reading up on them online. I was able to find mine at a garage sale, brand new in the box.

Once the water clears up, ponds are indeed a joy. You never have to water the plants, and they provide such a nice ambiance to the entire area. I just hooked up a light, which changed the look entirely at night. It's on a timer, so there's no need to worry about turning it on or off.

I'd love to answer any questions you have, or help out in any way. I'll take some pictures tonight, there are at least two tikis watching over it!
Mahalo,

Post #110510 by Tikiwahine on Thu, Aug 26, 2004 4:03 PM