A little update about the new pond...
At the moment this is warming up:
and this is cooling down:
whilst they are staying still:
Just thought I'd do a little update on the fishy side of things in the new area, especially as they are the main reason why the project was conceived. The pond itself is now well and truly finished and the system has been running smoothly for a few weeks now. A couple of weeks ago we moved in the first two Koi to kick start the growth of filter bacteria and gauge how the rest of the koi will react to the new pond and water chemistry. So far so good and the first two residents have been happily swimming away since then. The only thing is, they look a bit lost and lonely, with their 'mates' still left behind in the old pond.
So we're just waiting for temperatures to stabilize and come very close between the two ponds. The cold March and early April didn't help at all and prolonged the process but temperatures are getting better now and forecast for the next few days is much better.
The new pond is gradually warming up, currently it is 8.9C. The old pond needs to gradually cool down hence I removed all of its covers earlier than usual to help in this process and it is currently 11.9C (it was 13C with the covers on).
The two Koi that we had from the grow and show competition at Avenue Fisheries are still there as our pond was too cold to bring them home that day. And in addition to them we also acquired three more which we chose over the bank holiday Easter weekend. So the entire lot, five in total are all being kept there for us in a pond maintained at 12C.
So it's just a matter of waiting until the temperatures are much closer to each other and when that happens we can move in all of the fish into their new home. It's important that the temperature difference is very little or as close as possible to help minimize shock and stress to the fish.
The hard landscaping is finished apart from one fence panel that needs to be installed (long story) but at least it's in the most inconspicuous spot so not essential. The little jobs left to do, cosmetic matters are all gradually being ticked off the list as the weather improves.
As for the plants, all of them are just about waking up from winter hibernation, again way behind than normal courtesy of the cold start to spring and we'll have to wait a bit more to see if we need to replace any. And which bits of them needs to be tidied up.
Roll on spring! It took you awhile to get here!
Mark :-)
At the moment this is warming up:
and this is cooling down:
whilst they are staying still:
Just thought I'd do a little update on the fishy side of things in the new area, especially as they are the main reason why the project was conceived. The pond itself is now well and truly finished and the system has been running smoothly for a few weeks now. A couple of weeks ago we moved in the first two Koi to kick start the growth of filter bacteria and gauge how the rest of the koi will react to the new pond and water chemistry. So far so good and the first two residents have been happily swimming away since then. The only thing is, they look a bit lost and lonely, with their 'mates' still left behind in the old pond.
So we're just waiting for temperatures to stabilize and come very close between the two ponds. The cold March and early April didn't help at all and prolonged the process but temperatures are getting better now and forecast for the next few days is much better.
The new pond is gradually warming up, currently it is 8.9C. The old pond needs to gradually cool down hence I removed all of its covers earlier than usual to help in this process and it is currently 11.9C (it was 13C with the covers on).
The two Koi that we had from the grow and show competition at Avenue Fisheries are still there as our pond was too cold to bring them home that day. And in addition to them we also acquired three more which we chose over the bank holiday Easter weekend. So the entire lot, five in total are all being kept there for us in a pond maintained at 12C.
 |
| The three we went for (top L-R Clockwise Doitsu Kujaku, Tancho Goshiki, Mukashi Ogon) |
The hard landscaping is finished apart from one fence panel that needs to be installed (long story) but at least it's in the most inconspicuous spot so not essential. The little jobs left to do, cosmetic matters are all gradually being ticked off the list as the weather improves.
As for the plants, all of them are just about waking up from winter hibernation, again way behind than normal courtesy of the cold start to spring and we'll have to wait a bit more to see if we need to replace any. And which bits of them needs to be tidied up.
 |
| Tiny plant, big cheer! |
Roll on spring! It took you awhile to get here!
Mark :-)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
They are going to look sooooooo good in there new home, can't wait to see them settled in x
ReplyDeleteThanks Libby! It's looking like we'll be able to do some moving this coming weekend.
DeleteGreat to see how close you are! How many koi will you have in total? It looks like new pond can house quite a few. Will you have water plants as well?
ReplyDeleteAlmost there Gerhard! Not sure how many we can have but there's plenty of space there. Will buy fish gradually, only when we spot ones we really like. No water plants I'm afraid, the koi will eat them.
DeleteWow! Very beautiful fish and I can't wait to see the finished pond! Jeannine
ReplyDeleteOK, now that is getting exciting, will be wonderful to see a large group of koi swimming around in their plush new home.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to put the new fish in Janet!
DeleteI know you're looking forward to having all your fish in the big pond! I really like the colors of your koi. The light gold one is beautiful, and I also like the ones with the red spot on their head. It's amazing how they are all so different, and all have different personalities, too. I also like the little plant! It's really putting out a lot of blooms!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many varieties to choose from, and yes different personalities too. It was difficult o narrow them down but at least we have lots of scope to buy more in the future. That alpine is so tiny yet the blooms are relatively huge. Quite a sweet plant!
DeleteCharming little plant. Is it a saxifrage? Those are some lucky koi, to be adopted by you.
ReplyDeleteHi Ricki, we have misplaced the label, it may well be a saxifrage, as the flower and leaf form does match. I'll have to have a look if we can find the label.
DeleteI love to watch fish! We have maintained an aquarium forever, and I know that some fish are quite intelligent. Your koi are sure to be happy in their new home and will reward you for all the time and effort you put into the pond project.
ReplyDeleteThanks Debs! Today might be the day we move most of them in :)
DeleteHooray! Almost there! The blogosphere will rejoice when you finally post pictures of your gorgeous koi in your fabulous new pond!
ReplyDeleteThanks Peter! Plants just need to wake up here so beds look tip top shape again :)
Delete