New pond questions.

[420benz]

I responded on your other thread. I would try to keep this simple and keep your questions all in one thread.

OK I will stay on this one.My question is what should i do about high ammonia?

 

[Lisak1]

There are both short term fixes - such as ammonia removers - and long term fixes. You need to research the nitrogen cycle to understand what's happening in your pond. Google it and you'll find simple explanations along with what you need to watch for and how to protect your fish as the pond is cycling.

While this forum is a great place to get help and advice and share information, at some point it's important for every pond owner to have a working knowledge of how the pond works from an ecological point of view. It's not hard to find that information online - I would encourage you to take the time to do so.

 

[poconojoe]

For high ammonia...as stated by Lisak1, the natural cycle is paramount. But as a quick fix to dilute the high concentration of ammonia, a partial water change.
The type of filtration is important too. Not just filter sponge type medium, but also some type of bio balls that beneficial bacteria can grow and thrive on.
Another note is that you can rinse off the filter media every so often, but never rinse the bio balls. You need to keep that good bacteria alive in order to keep the cycle going.

 

[420benz]

OK Thanks Guy's.

 

[420benz]

Since this pond is only about 3 weeks old and there is no alga in it should i turn off the UV filters until the spring?

 

[mrsclem]

Are they canister filters with built in UV? I would let the algae build up in the pond to give the fish something to nibble on this winter. UVs need to be protected from freezing. Your in Georgia so don't think that would be a problem but the canister filters can freeze and burst so watch your temperatures.

 

[420benz]

OK So i will unplug the canister UV's and keep the filters moving. I think if the water is always moving it won't freeze.I hope! I also have two aerators going.

 

[poconojoe]

I don't take any chances. I take my canister filters in for the winter. The only filtration I keep all year is a submerged bucket with a small 550gph pump covered with lava rock. I have a pvc pipe going from the pump outlet to just below the water surface. This creates a fountain that spews the water about 8"-10" above the surface. This helps keep an opening in the ice for the most part of the winter. During long extreme cold spells an ice dome will form though. I do have a low wattage de-icer and an air stone too. Like I said, I don't like taking chances. But that's me...I tend to keep on the cautious side.

 

[mrsclem]

OK So i will unplug the canister UV's and keep the filters moving. I think if the water is always moving it won't freeze.I hope! I also have two aerators going.

If there is any chance of freezing, empty canister filters and bring them in. They aren't cheap and will be damaged if they freeze.

 

[420benz]

Both filters are in the garage.Thanks

 

[JohnHuff]

What kind of aerator do you have? What does the end of it (in the pond) look like?

 

[420benz]

I have two of them. I bit of an overkill.

 

[420benz]

Water Temp. is 60.They stay there all day.The pump is off.???

 

[Bluerooster]

They like to hang out where they have cover. Mabe they think they're hidden by the pump.
I haven't read the whole thread, But mabe you can add a couple "hidey holes" for them elsewhere in the pond.
For some reason, as yet unknown to me, my minnow likes to hang out under the intake for the filter pump.
But lately, with water temp being close to 32 he's under the filter tub. The goldfish were hanging out this morning under the ice with a cover of pine straw.

 

[420benz]

Thanks again people.