Hi!
My father has left my siblings and myself in charge of his house while roaming around the world. The house incorporates a koi pond. Maintaining the house is no problem...the koi pond is another. My sister tried to maintain it last year, but basically, unfortunately due to lack of knowledge and a blue heron which came by last fall... she thought the heron was cute and did not know any better...2/3s of the fish population is gone. With this I am taking it over. We have the pump under control, and I have been reading books and googling, but it is getting a little confusing. Basically, I need help.
The pond is :
8' x 5'
3.5' deep
Stone wall structure 1.5' above the ground all around forming an oval shape
Cascade where the water falls 2.5' to 3' into the pond
What's left as far as fish:
2 adult koi...I believe they are males because they are thin in gurth
12 baby coments..born in the pond...blue heron feasted on their parents.
10 baby koi...3-4 inches long...blue heron feasted on their parents.
I have a few questions:
Is the pond supposed to be crystal clear? My sister's goal, not mine.
Should I buy snails? How many for that size pond? Any type in particular?
Should I buy catfish? How many for that size pond? Any type in particular?
I am trying to create a breeding environment to restock the pond. Any suggestions?
I know I have to buy a female koi...any suggestions?
If I buy koi from someone else, other than a breeder, do I have to "treat" it before letting it into the pond? If yes, how do I do this?
Chemicals. Do I really have to use chemicals all the time? What about pond salt?
Any help would be great, and appreciated. Thanks.
My father has left my siblings and myself in charge of his house while roaming around the world. The house incorporates a koi pond. Maintaining the house is no problem...the koi pond is another. My sister tried to maintain it last year, but basically, unfortunately due to lack of knowledge and a blue heron which came by last fall... she thought the heron was cute and did not know any better...2/3s of the fish population is gone. With this I am taking it over. We have the pump under control, and I have been reading books and googling, but it is getting a little confusing. Basically, I need help.
The pond is :
8' x 5'
3.5' deep
Stone wall structure 1.5' above the ground all around forming an oval shape
Cascade where the water falls 2.5' to 3' into the pond
What's left as far as fish:
2 adult koi...I believe they are males because they are thin in gurth
12 baby coments..born in the pond...blue heron feasted on their parents.
10 baby koi...3-4 inches long...blue heron feasted on their parents.
I have a few questions:
Is the pond supposed to be crystal clear? My sister's goal, not mine.
Should I buy snails? How many for that size pond? Any type in particular?
Should I buy catfish? How many for that size pond? Any type in particular?
I am trying to create a breeding environment to restock the pond. Any suggestions?
I know I have to buy a female koi...any suggestions?
If I buy koi from someone else, other than a breeder, do I have to "treat" it before letting it into the pond? If yes, how do I do this?
Chemicals. Do I really have to use chemicals all the time? What about pond salt?
Any help would be great, and appreciated. Thanks.