My aim in this book is to give essential advice on all the main aspects of freshwater garden fish ponds. I have tried to include some of the science of ponds while keeping the information easy to understand. Each chapter begins with an outline of the main points of the topic. Each point is then expanded on.My experience with ponds has mainly been in the warm temperate climate in Perth, Western Australia. The principles for fish ponds are similar worldwide but warm temperate climates like that of Perth intensify some of the problems in ponds. This book will therefore be particularly useful to pond owners in sunny climates. The book begins with pond design, starting with the position of the pond in the garden. I discuss the consequences of different pond sizes and depths, and of natural and artificial ponds. I talk about the advantages of a dual pond system. I give guidelines for these and for self-cleaning ponds. I also say why I recommend designing the pond with a sump, overflow, leaf skimmer, and automatic top-up valve. Lastly, I give my colour preference for the pond bottom and sides. Next, I advise on pond construction. Ponds can be built with concrete, bricks, rigid polyethylene, fibreglass or liners. I write about my experiences with ponds made from each of these materials and also my preferences for pipework materials.In the following chapter, I recommend various pumps, filters (including ultraviolet clarifiers), water features, underwater lights and copper ionizers. Choosing the right equipment will give you the right effect for the lowest cost and for the least effort. The chapter on fish gives information on types of fish, especially goldfish and koi. I advise on when a new pond is ready for fish and on the number of fish a pond can support. I give information on the handling, transporting, and feeding of fish, and on diseases and predators.The next chapter delivers general information on water plants, why you should have them and their role in the ecology of the pond. Plants provide shade, oxygen, food, habitat and cover from predators. They filter toxins and excessive nutrients from the water. I give advice on keeping plants, including information on fertilizer and pests.Finally, I give recommendations for pond maintenance including a routine. My advice is directed at pumps, filters, pond cleanliness, exchanging water and maintaining the pH and hardness. The maintenance is largely directed at algae control. I discuss the various forms of nuisance algae and control methods for microalgae, blanket weed, and slime algae. Other advice includes information on water testing and water treatments. Maintaining good water quality is fundamental to the success of any fish pond. "Good" water quality means the water's suitability for its proposed purpose. Water quality is affected by every aspect of a pond, from its design and construction to its pumps, filters and maintenance. Each chapter of this book tells how each aspect of the pond affects the water. Every fish pond is different. The solutions to one pond's problems may be very different to another pond's.

The most colorful and complete quick reference guide to these Jewels of the Orient. In the pages of this new reference you'll find: Glorious photographs are presented in a new, relaxed manner, backed up with stunning and information-packed graphics, including large, cutout photographs. A detailed, illustrated look at how to set up a koi pond, with practical guidance on filters and other water treatment systems. Information-packed graphics makes this an easy-to-use manual for both beginning and advanced koi keepers. A general introduction to getting started with koi, including how they are bred and what they need to thrive. Lavish presentation of all the color varieties of koi, featuring large, cutout photographs. Discover how to look after your koi on a day-to-day basis, from feeding to breeding to health care. In-depth analysis of what makes a good and not-so-good example of each type of koi. Tips definitions, and helpful hints to ease the way towards maintaining a proper environment for your koi.

In this colorful Garden Ponds Made Easy title, authors Dennis Kelsey-Wood and Tom Barthell have provided an essential guide for first-time pond enthusiasts. The authors outline all of the considerations for starting out with a new pond, including determining the site, style, size of the pond, and deciding on the construction of the pond (whether preformed, concrete, or fiberglass). Garden Ponds offers a chapter on water which discusses water chemistry factors, volume of the pond, and pond surface. Other important factors involve the aeration, filtration, drainage, and maintenance of a clean (algae-free) pond. Special features, including waterfalls, fountains, and watercourses, electricity, and landscaping are addressed in detail, all accompanied by color photographs and drawings. A chapter on pond construction details every step of the project from creating a blueprint to securing the foundation. The infinite choices involved with stocking the pond with fish and plants can be overwhelming for the first-time pond owner, and the authors give excellent advice about making smart choices for a harmonious, beautiful garden pond. A special chapter on seasonal pond care gives the pond keeper recommendations for maintaining the pond all year long. Resources and glossary included.

Known throughout the world for its beauty and personality, koi is one of the most carefully bred fish species around. Raising koi is especially time-consuming and requires more than just sprinkling little flakes in the fish bowl. But thankfully, you don’t have to be an expert to maintain your own koi pond. Koi For Dummies shows you how easy and fun it can be to own and care for these delicate fish. Whether building a pond or aquarium for the indoors or outdoors, this easy-to-understand guide explores all of your options. Clear, concise advice helps you: Appreciate your koi’s beauty Build, design, and maintain your koi pond or aquarium Find and select koi and the proper supplies Keep your koi happy and healthy Treat your koi for parasites, bacterial infections, and viruses Breed and care for baby koi Show off your koi to other koi enthusiasts

Here is detailed information on setting up and maintaining an outdoor pond, on selecting koi specimens, and on maintaining the perfect environment for this hardy breed of carp. A brand-new title in the growing Mini Encyclopedia Series for aquarium hobbyists, this book helps aquarium owners plan, create, and maintain a colorful and interesting environment for fish and aquatic life. Each volume provides in-depth information and instruction on a specific subdivision of fish keeping. Complementing the text are sets of illustration panels filled with full-color photos, each with its own detailed and instructive caption. The team of authors, all recognized aquarium experts, show readers how to set up an aquarium, select species, and maintain an optimal environment for the tankï¿1/2s aquatic and plant life. Approximately 250 color photos and illustrations in each volume.

In Japan, breeding koi--a colorful and beautiful member of the carp family--has occupied a position between hobby and art form for more than two centuries. This stunningly illustrated book, compiled by a team of koi experts, shows and tells aquarium enthusiasts virtually everything they need to know about this fascinating activity. Koi are hardy fish, relatively large in size, and the most practical way to keep them is in an outdoor pond. Combining text with illustrations, an important section of the book explains the requirements of a garden pond for koi, showing the filtration system and pointing out how it functions. Most of the book concentrates on koi themselves, focusing on a brief history of koi, advice on buying koi, the fish's physiology, health care, feeding, breeding koi, showing koi, and joining koi clubs. An 80-page section tells all about koi variations, and features color photos of more than 100 varieties. Illustrated two-page spreads review each variety's history, and show both their more desirable and less desirable color markings. Here is a beautifully designed and illustrated volume that emphasizes the special satisfactions of keeping and breeding koi. Approximately 450 color photos and illustrations.

Water quality and filtration.

Garden Ponds, Fountains & Waterfalls for Your Home provides essential information on designing and installing all types of home water gardens, from naturalistic to formal, plus fountains, waterfalls, streams, and bog gardens. Readers will learn how to construct each of these structures, as well as how to design bridges and stepping-stones.

Whether it is a small container of water on a deck or patio serving as home to a few plants and water creatures or a more elaborate mix of waterfalls, fountains, rockwork, and lighting, the water garden can be a lovely, spirit-soothing addition to one's property—a place to unwind, relax, and escape the cares of the world. But while water has been a prominent feature in garden designs for thousands of years, it is only recently—with the availability of preformed kits at the local home improvement center—that installing a beautiful water garden has become a feasible undertaking for the average homeowner. And now, with the extremely clear and complete instructions in this practical, hands-on guide, a backyard water garden is easier than ever to build and maintain. Water Gardener's Bible by Ben Helm and Kelly Billing is a true bible on the subject—with comprehensive information on everything from choosing the right site and selecting aquatic plants and fish to pond management and problem solving. The pages are crammed with specifics about pond biology and chemistry, beneficial bacteria, fish health, nuisance algae, and electrical and child safety—all that is necessary to duplicate the sights, sounds, and sanctuary of a babbling brook, splashing fountain, or cascading waterfall right in the backyard.