Frequently Asked Questions
I have built a pond but I am not sure how big of a pump I need. What do you recommend?
To get proper circulation a pond needs a pump that will turn the full volume of the water once per hour. So for a 1,000-gallon pond you will need a pump that can turn 1,000 gallons per hour.
Do you install ponds? How much does it cost to build a pond?
Yes, we install ponds. We work with you to design the pond of your dreams, then we dig the hole, put in the pond, and stock it with the fish and pond plants that you wish. Costs can range from $1,000 for a basic pond, up to $20,000 for the most beautiful and lavish pond.
What should I do if there is a waterfall or river leading to the pond? Does that affect the pump size?
Yes, it does. On the back of every box there is a chart which shows how much flow the pump has based on the height of the outlet from the pump. The higher the outlet, the less water the pump will provide at a given height. Most pumps are rated at a height of one foot.
What about the fish I have put in my pond? When do I start and stop feeding them?
Fish will eat food whenever it is offered to them. When the temperature of the water is 50 degrees or below, fish have problems digesting certain types of food. If you chose to feed the fish at this temperature or below, you should use a special low temperature fish food, one that is low protein.
Will my fish live through the winter?
Most of the time the answer is yes, especially in Central Texas. Fish cannot survive in water temperatures of 36 degrees and below. They become semi-dormant in temperatures between 36 and 50 degrees and just hang around the bottom until the water temperatures begin to rise. If you are in a climate where the water freezes down several inches you definitely want to take special precautions.
Should I turn off my pump at night?
Not if your pond contains fish. Nighttime is the time they most need the oxygen from the pump. During the day, plants take CO2 from the water and give off oxygen. At night, however, plants take oxygen out of the water and emit CO2. Aeration is vital to your fish's survival.
How many fish can my pond hold?
Fish are self-limiting, thanks to Mother Nature. If you have many fish, they will not grow to a large size. If you have fewer fish, they will grow bigger.
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