Category: Ponds

Pond Cleaning

How To Clean A Pond

If you are searching for “how to clean a pond“, this post by The Backyard Pond can help! It doesn’t matter how hard you try, you will have to clean your pond at some point. Cleaning your pond can greatly increase the lifetime of your pond (and your Koi fish, if you have them) and let you enjoy it for years to come.

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Cleaning Your Pond

There will come a time that you will need to clean your pond. You may be preparing your pond for the summer or winter, or maybe you been a little lax on the upkeep and maintenance. There are steps you can take to clean your pond and make it look “newish”.  A clean pond gives a new environment for the bacteria in your biological filter and fresh water for the fish. The amount of cleaning required will usually depend on the size of your pond and location of it.

Remove Your Koi Fish From Your Pond

This is far from a clean job, so you shouldn’t wear your Sunday best. Take into account you’re going get dirty, the smell may be unbearable and it might be a bit cold. You’re going to need a fine mesh aquarium net, a garden hose with a spray adapter, and a holding tank (if you plan on removing your fish) big enough to store your fish while cleaning out your pond. You also may need to use a pond vacuum, pond cleaning gloves, if you have access to them.

If your pond is a smaller one, you can simply scoop your Koi out with the aquarium net to transfer them into the holding tank. If you have a larger Koi pond, it might be simpler to just let the fish be. If you do plan on removing them, fill the holding tank with pond water from you pond so an abrupt change in water temperature or water quality won’t shock your fish.

 Get Rid Of Surface Debris

More often than not you’re going to see an assortment of sticks and leaves floating on the surface of the pond. Use the net to scoop out all of the debris. This is an easy part but don’t think this is it, you’re far from done. You’re going to get messy soon enough.

Drain The Koi Pond

Use a pond pump to drain the water out of the pond. If you leave your fish in the pond, you clearly don’t want to pump out all of the pond water.

Draining will expose the sides of the pond and makes it a lot easier to remove the algae and other gunk. Depending on the type and strength of your pond pump and the size of your pond, it could take a couple of minutes or in some cases longer than an hour.

Make sure to send the pond water to an area in your yard that has really good drainage. Also try and take at least an hour-long break after you drain the pond and let the sun to dry out the newly revealed algae.

Remove Any Pond Plants and Any Accessories

Remove the pond pump, pond plants and anything else that can be removed. Remove any water lilies and other pond plants in autumn, if you still have plants in your pond at the beginning of spring, take them out too. Use the garden hose and an old toothbrush to really clean all the accessories and their hard to reach places. This is an ideal time to clean or replace the filter on your pond pump. Some pumps have a mesh bag, I yours does simply spray it off with your hose.

Clean the Pump

Now is a great time to clean out your pond’s pump. There are various different types of algae that can thrive in your ponds’ ecosystem. While some of it is valuable for the pond and a natural part of its ecosystem, while string algae is not. You’ll know when you are seeing string algae if it’s stringy, clearly, and if you are capable of just pulling it out of your pond. It tends to stick to bottom of ponds and grow upwards in long strands. They get caught up in your pump and other mechanical systems very easily, and the best and easiest way to clean it is to take the pump out and physically clear away the algae. You can use a brush to scrub any growth on the outside of the casing, but if any sting algae has gotten inside, you will need to take out the pump from the pond altogether.

 Get In There And Clean Your Backyard Pond

Use a hose with a spray attachment and forcefully spray away the algae growth on the sides of the Koi pond. Be sure to spray the waterfall and the rocks that line the outside of the pond.

Then, use the net to scoop out the muck and sludge that’s been sitting at the bottom of the pond. This is going to be the messy part. You’re likely to come across a lot of smelly slime, partially decayed plant material and maybe even an incidental lizard or fish.

Once you are done cleaning the pond, it’s time to put the pond back together. Connect the pond pump back up, and replace all of your pond plants and accessories.

Fill The Pond Back Up

Use the garden hose to refill the pond to the desired water level you like. Once the pond is full, turn on the pump and let the water to circulate for a couple of minutes. Most likely you’re going to use tap water. Tap water has chlorine in it, so you may have to add a dechlorinator to safeguard the fish.

Add Your Fish

The new, fresh water in your pond is more likely colder than the water in the holding tank, so give your fish a little time to acclimate. To protect your fish you will want to dump some of the water out of the holding tank and replace it with the new pond water, and repeat the process a number of times.

Phoenix, Arizona Koi Pond

If you already have a Koi pond or if you are thinking about installing a pond and would like a little help or advice with budgeting and design considerations, talk to the Phoenix Koi Pond Experts in Peoria, AZ at The Backyard Pond. Call us today at 623-878-6695 and see what we can do for you.

623-878-6695
Get a Quote

How To Clean A Pond

How To Clean A Pond

If you are searching for “how to clean a pond“, this post by The Backyard Pond can help! It doesn’t matter how hard you try, you will have to clean your pond at some point. Cleaning your pond can greatly increase the lifetime of your pond (and your Koi fish, if you have them) and let you enjoy it for years to come.

623-878-6695
Get a Quote

Cleaning Your Pond

There will come a time that you will need to clean your pond. You may be preparing your pond for the summer or winter, or maybe you been a little lax on the upkeep and maintenance. There are steps you can take to clean your pond and make it look “newish”.  A clean pond gives a new environment for the bacteria in your biological filter and fresh water for the fish. The amount of cleaning required will usually depend on the size of your pond and location of it.

Remove Your Koi Fish From Your Pond

This is far from a clean job, so you shouldn’t wear your Sunday best. Take into account you’re going get dirty, the smell may be unbearable and it might be a bit cold. You’re going to need a fine mesh aquarium net, a garden hose with a spray adapter, and a holding tank (if you plan on removing your fish) big enough to store your fish while cleaning out your pond. You also may need to use a pond vacuum, pond cleaning gloves, if you have access to them.

If your pond is a smaller one, you can simply scoop your Koi out with the aquarium net to transfer them into the holding tank. If you have a larger Koi pond, it might be simpler to just let the fish be. If you do plan on removing them, fill the holding tank with pond water from you pond so an abrupt change in water temperature or water quality won’t shock your fish.

 Get Rid Of Surface Debris

More often than not you’re going to see an assortment of sticks and leaves floating on the surface of the pond. Use the net to scoop out all of the debris. This is an easy part but don’t think this is it, you’re far from done. You’re going to get messy soon enough.

Drain The Koi Pond

Use a pond pump to drain the water out of the pond. If you leave your fish in the pond, you clearly don’t want to pump out all of the pond water.

Draining will expose the sides of the pond and makes it a lot easier to remove the algae and other gunk. Depending on the type and strength of your pond pump and the size of your pond, it could take a couple of minutes or in some cases longer than an hour.

Make sure to send the pond water to an area in your yard that has really good drainage. Also try and take at least an hour-long break after you drain the pond and let the sun to dry out the newly revealed algae.

Remove Any Pond Plants and Any Accessories

Remove the pond pump, pond plants and anything else that can be removed. Remove any water lilies and other pond plants in autumn, if you still have plants in your pond at the beginning of spring, take them out too. Use the garden hose and an old toothbrush to really clean all the accessories and their hard to reach places. This is an ideal time to clean or replace the filter on your pond pump. Some pumps have a mesh bag, I yours does simply spray it off with your hose.

Clean the Pump

Now is a great time to clean out your pond’s pump. There are various different types of algae that can thrive in your ponds’ ecosystem. While some of it is valuable for the pond and a natural part of its ecosystem, while string algae is not. You’ll know when you are seeing string algae if it’s stringy, clearly, and if you are capable of just pulling it out of your pond. It tends to stick to bottom of ponds and grow upwards in long strands. They get caught up in your pump and other mechanical systems very easily, and the best and easiest way to clean it is to take the pump out and physically clear away the algae. You can use a brush to scrub any growth on the outside of the casing, but if any sting algae has gotten inside, you will need to take out the pump from the pond altogether.

 Get In There And Clean Your Backyard Pond

Use a hose with a spray attachment and forcefully spray away the algae growth on the sides of the Koi pond. Be sure to spray the waterfall and the rocks that line the outside of the pond.

Then, use the net to scoop out the muck and sludge that’s been sitting at the bottom of the pond. This is going to be the messy part. You’re likely to come across a lot of smelly slime, partially decayed plant material and maybe even an incidental lizard or fish.

Once you are done cleaning the pond, it’s time to put the pond back together. Connect the pond pump back up, and replace all of your pond plants and accessories.

Fill The Pond Back Up

Use the garden hose to refill the pond to the desired water level you like. Once the pond is full, turn on the pump and let the water to circulate for a couple of minutes. Most likely you’re going to use tap water. Tap water has chlorine in it, so you may have to add a dechlorinator to safeguard the fish.

Add Your Fish

The new, fresh water in your pond is more likely colder than the water in the holding tank, so give your fish a little time to acclimate. To protect your fish you will want to dump some of the water out of the holding tank and replace it with the new pond water, and repeat the process a number of times.

Phoenix, Arizona Koi Pond

If you already have a Koi pond or if you are thinking about installing a pond and would like a little help or advice with budgeting and design considerations, talk to the Phoenix Koi Pond Experts in Peoria, AZ at The Backyard Pond. Call us today at 623-878-6695 and see what we can do for you.

623-878-6695
Get a Quote

Koi Pond Maintenance Tips

Koi Pond Maintenance Tips

When you are searching for “Koi Pond Maintenance Tips” near you in Phoenix, Arizona, The Backyard Pond can help! Call us at 623-878-6695 for more information.

623-878-6695
Get a Quote

Koi Fish Pond Maintenance

Having a Koi pond in your backyard or garden can help you find a quiet and serene corner in your yard where you can spend some time among nature and get some fresh air. Keeping up with the application of beneficial bacteria, checking your pond pump for debris, and changing your UV bulb on a regular basis are only part of the upkeep. Utilizing pond tools such as scissors & pliers, collapsible skimmers & fish nets, a heavy duty pond net, and a pond water test kit to name a few.

Some Tips to Maintain Your Koi Pond

Maintaining your pond is important not only for the ponds’ sake but also for the benefit of your Koi fish. Below you will find a small list of some of the key factors in maintaining your Koi pond. This is not a dedicated list, there are other considerations to take in account for your pond not only to last a long time but to keep your Koi fish happy, and more importantly healthy.

Perform Consistent Water Checks To Avoid Common Problems

    Check your water levels daily as evaporation can fluctuate the water levels, and fill as needed. If you find that you are losing more water than you should, you should check for any leaks, this is not only bad for your pond but also for your wallet. Repair any tears in the liner with a patch from a scrap of liner. Fix any cracks in your pond with a readily available fiberglass repair kit.

Maintain The Right Temperature

Even though your Koi can manage temperatures between 35 and 85 F degrees, it’s a good idea to keep your fish in water that ranges somewhere between 65 and 75 F degrees. Because we live in the Valley of the Sun, it is best to find a way to shade your pond from the brutal summer heat.

Create Shade Over the Pond

You may need to create a shade over the pond, not only to keep temperatures down, limit algae growth, but also to protect the Koi themselves. There are several types of shades you can use to shade your Koi pond. Try to avoid placing your pond near trees, as roots and debris can compromise your pond. A couple of examples you can use are pergolas and shade sails. There are also dedicated pond covers available.

Avoid Over Feeding

Over feeding your Koi fish is not only expensive, but can actually harm your fish. Overfeeding can also be bad for the health of you pond itself. Chemical balances in the pond need to be carefully monitored as some are good for the pond and some are bad. Uneaten food can cause low oxygen levels, algae bloom, cloudy water and worst of all mold. Food that has not been eaten can also get caught in your pond filters and clog them.

Properly Maintain All Your Koi Pond Equipment

Make sure all of your supplies and equipment are up to date and in properly working condition. These should, but not always include the filtration system, the high powered pond pump, the ultraviolet sterilizer, and the aeration system. With proper care, you’ll have a greater chance of keeping the water sparkling clean and your Koi happy. It is also a good idea to check your filters also as they can get clogged and not flow correctly.

Invest In A Filtration System

A good filtration system will greatly benefit your Koi pond. Koi live their entire lives in the pond, it is where sleep, eat and do their business. Mechanical filters are like vacuum cleaners, they clean unwanted debris from the water. Biological filters, on the other hand, use bacteria to detoxify the water. Both of them work, but it is up to you to choose the best one for your pond. You also have to factor in the size of your pond when choosing a filter. It is a good rule to double the size of your filter according to the size of your pond. A 1000 gallon pond should have a 2000 gallon filter. The filter is ultimately there for the benefit of the Koi, so also take into account your Koi population.

Keep Your Koi Population Under Control

Keeping your Koi population under control is vital to your Koi, the more the merrier is not always the case.  Some Koi can get out of control during breeding season and it can soon get out of hand. To many Koi can disrupt the natural balance in the pond, putting your Koi in jeopardy. One method of population control is to re home the Koi you do not want. You might think that is too much effort and would rather take them down to a nearby pond or community watering hole and letting them go. Please don’t do this, these bodies of water contain their own ecosystem, and entering new species will disrupt it. The best way to re home your Koi is to find a local club or chapter, they can give you advice and you can make new contacts and friends as a result.

Cleaning Items Within The Pond

Cleaning your pond will keep it looking nice and also help keep your Koi healthy. You will need some supplies to clean your pond such as a small brush as you will be scrubbing the rocks or tiles, a sizeable bucket (if you are removing the Koi to clean the pond), a pond skimmer net, scissors & pliers, fish nets, and a pond water test kit. Another good idea is to get a leaf net as this will keep bigger debris from falling in the pond itself. They are a little more expensive, but some Koi enthusiasts use a pond vacuum.

Remove Harmful Debris

Debris entering your Koi pond, not only makes you work twice as hard to keep the pond clean, but it is also harmful to your Koi. Debris in the pond can also cause poor water quality. Small particles can make your Koi sick when eaten and larger particles could get caught in the filter reducing water flow.

Caring for Your Pond

Maintaining your Koi pond not only keeps your Koi fish healthy, but also keeps your pond looking great throughout the year. By beginning with the right set-up, your Koi fish will prosper and bring you joy for many years to come.  Koi fish are clearly one of the best fish types for your backyard pond.

Taking  Care of Your Koi Pond in Phoenix

When you are interested in purchasing pond supplies or pond accessories in Peoria, Phoenix or anywhere else in the Valley, stop by our store today. We can also install, service and maintain your Koi fish pond, give The Backyard Pond a call at 623-878-6695.

623-878-6695
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Welcome To The Backyard Pond Blog

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The Backyard Pond, LLC serve Phoenix and surrounding areas throughout AZ. We are a full service Japanese Nishikigoi Dealer that offers a wide variety of services and products. Since 1996 our family owned and operated pond company has maintained our reputation of excellence by not compromising on the quality that we provide.

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Specialists in imported Japanese Nishikigoi, Goldfish, Water-plants, Pond Supplies, Pond Construction and Design. All prices are subject to change without notice. Let us create the backyard pond of your dreams. Loaded with plenty of koi fish for sale, water gardens, aquatic plants and other pond accessories.

A backyard pond with clear running water, floating plants and colorful koi fish can turn a bland space breathtaking. Keeping it attractive and trouble free takes work, but with a little extra care, planning and building stages you can create a pond that’s almost maintenance-free.

–The Backyard Pond, LLC

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