Friday, April 18, 2014

By Essie Osborn


Koi ponds have an enchanting charm about them and make a lovely addition to one's property. However proper care must be given to their planning, installation, and maintenance in order for these playful, brightly-colored fish to thrive. If considering koi pond design New Jersey property owners must first learn what features these structures require if they are to look nice and keep their inhabitants healthy.

The size must be at 1500 gallons at the very least to accommodate these fast-growing fish and to allow one the possibility to add more of them later if desired. On the other hand, it should not be too large or it will be difficult to see the fish, the maximum size suitable for koi is 15,000 gallons. The depth should be at least 6 feet and the sides should be steep with no ledges or steps, this way the fish can exercise sufficiently and it will be hard for other animals to prey on them.

Selecting a good spot to place the pond is another significant part of planning. Shady places which keep it out of direct sunlight are best so the water does not overheat and there is less algae growth. There should not be any pine trees nearby as they will shed needles that may work their way into the filtration pump and cause damage.

Ponds may be either filled with concrete or lined with rubber. The former is typically very long-lasting and has tidy edges, but concrete has the tendency to raise the water's pH too much at first, so a rubber coating usually needs to be applied. The advantage of a rubber liner is that it is easier to change if desired and helps maintain a more suitable pH level, the main drawback is its visible edges.

The larger the filter, the better it will be for the pond's health. This essential piece of equipment has the important job of both eliminating wastes and other impurities from the water and also converting the ammonia they produce into harmless nitrate compounds. Choosing a larger size piping reduces the amount of energy needed for the pump to circulate the water and helps cut costs as a result.

It's also necessary to have at least one bottom drain, these are needed to properly ensure filtration of wastes. Rocks should not be placed in the bottom, as these can be very challenging to clean and will encourage growth of bacteria. Installing a skimmer is also recommended for keeping the surface of the pond free of organic debris and prevents it from winding up in the bottom.

One should also opt to install jets in the pond as they provide numerous benefits such as higher oxygen levels in the water, improved efficiency of the skimmer, and a current that the fish will love to swim through. Some lights are also nice to include for nighttime viewing, as well as ultraviolet lighting to help control algae.

When it comes time to hire a professional to construct the koi pond, the customer must first have a clear idea of exactly what his or her wishes are in terms of its looks and functionality. A good contractor will bring skill and experience to the table, but will also be open to suggestions and will respect the specific requests of the customer.




About the Author:



0 Comments:

Post a Comment