July 2015 - Page 14 of 20

Microbe-Lift/Sludge Away

Question: Microbe-Lift Sludge Away is safe for Koi and Goldfish if used as directed. It is used in our display ponds on a regular basis. Answer: Testing the pH to see if the rain significantly changed it is a good idea. It is possible though that the pond gets just enough run off from the…

Feeding Pond Fish in the Fall and Spring

Question: I started feeding my common goldfish on a daily basis, this summer, using your PT-36 pellets. The results have been excellent. As the weather (and water) cools I am given to understand that I need to switch to a cool weather food. Is this true and, if so, at what water temperature do I…

Where are the flowers

Question: I’ve got water lilies and water hyacinths in my water garden and other than a few flowers a copule of weeks ago I’ve has nothing since. The plants are healthy and fertilizer pills were added for the lilies, but no flowers. Is there a specific test and water additive that I should be performing?…

Feeding Goldfish

Question: We have a 2000 gallon rubber lined fish pond with approximately 60 goldfish, water plants, and a water fall. We have been feeding our fish every day but someone told us that we shouldn’t feed the fish but just let them eat the algae. What do you recommend? We live in Northern Michigan. In…

Shipping of Pond Plants – Timing

Question: When will plants be available for on-line purchase? Answer: Plants generally start shipping beginning to mid-May, depending on the weather. Plants ship only on Mondays and Tuesdays to make sure they are not left in a facility on hot days over a weekend.

Pump filter always getting clogged

Question: Doc, I have a ~200 gallon Koi pond. The pump feeds the water to a slightly larger filter with UV. The problem I am having is that I am having to clean out the smaller filter attached to the pump on a daily basis. When it gets real hot, sometimes 2wice a day. I…

Koi eating the Pond Plants

Question: My pond is 1500 gals and 4 feet in water depth. This year I planted 5 hand batches of ragweed. I placed it in netting and weighted them down with a rock in each. They started to grow through the netting until the Koi caught on and they have eaten all of them. All…

Size of Waterfall Pump

Question: I have a pond and I need a new pump for my waterfall. I have a 35′ run of 1 1/4″ pipe with a 4′ rise. I’m looking for maximum flow. What can you recommend? Answer: Any of the Cal Pump Waterfall Pumps (above 1200 gph) will fit on that pipe and do a…

Pump Care

Question: Hi, I know I am not supposed to haul the pump out by its’ power cord, but there is no other way to get it out of the pond. Any ideas on how to remedy this situation before I ruin my pump. Thank you, Carol Answer: Hi Carol, the easiest would be to tie…

The right pump

Question: I currently have a Sunterra 1250GPH pump. I bought a pre-form 18″ waterfall. The current pump does not produce enough volume for the waterfall to flow completely across the 18″ of the waterfall. Instead it only drips. Could you recommend a pump that will last when it is on continuously, energy efficient and produce…