Beyond the basics of constructing that first pond, I think the biggest paranoia I had was what to do or expect to happen...
- Biological filters: Do's and don'ts. Seeding the filter with the right bacteria is good, but then don't go ruining your cultures by flushing the filter with tapwater.
- Cloudy water: It's going to be cloudy for the first several weeks. A pond has to cycle, just like a fish tank. Don't lengthen the period or ruin your pristine waterby dumping in a ton of chemicals to clear the water.
- The first algae-bloom: Oh god what is all this green stuff in my water! Suggest natural ways of controlling algae such as hyacinths/water lettuce or UV filters.
- Water changes? I'd never heard of this until coming to this site. How often and how much?
- Protecting from predators: Cats, raccoons, large birds - these can all be a danger to your fish. Providing lots of floating plants and hiding places will help them live longer.
- Preparing for Winter: Protecting the pond from falling leaves, reducing fish feedings, when to stop feeding the fish, preparing various types of heaters, keeping the pumps running despite water freeze.
- Spring cleanup: vacuuming the bottom, cleaning filters, when to start feeding the fish, kick-starting bio-filter bacteria.
Another topic which I haven't found as many answers to is what more can you do to establish a more natural balance to your pond?
- Types of fish: Sure everyone does comets and koi, but I've been finding info on bottom-feeders such as weather loaches to help with the cleaning. And of course such goodies as mosquito-fish for pest control. What else would survive the near-freezing temperatures of most ponds, and would be useful towards reducing the required maintenance of the pond?
- Frogs: It took four years, but my first frog finally appeared this year and has made his new home. I think any type of frog is beneficial towards reducing the unwanted insect population around a pond. Any other benefits from them?
- Dragonflies: By planting tall vertical grasses around a pond, you can attract dragonflies which are not only fun to see, but have voracious appetites for mosquitoes, and their larvae will also take care of newly-hatched mosquitoes in the water.
- What else is beneficial to have in or around the pond?
Hope that gives you some ideas to work with. Can't wait to see the results!
