There are many different types of KOI fish, but all have one thing in common – barbels. These whisker-like appendages come from the mouth and hang down like a mustache or beard on the lower lip. There are two sets of these barbels, a set on top of each side of the mouth. They serve … Read more
Do you have a pond and need to keep it free of debris? Pond skimmers, or “pond vacs” as they are also known, can be helpful in this endeavor. It attaches to your garden hose for easy use and has two settings: a powerful suction setting that captures leaves, pine needles, and other large debris … Read more
Lava rock is a type of volcanic rock that has been solidified. It’s also possible to get molten lava rocks, which are often used in ponds as unique decoration features. Lava rocks can come in many different colors and textures, and they typically have one or more holes drilled into them so that the water … Read more
Do you need a pond vacuum? A shop-vac can be used to clean ponds. A shop vac is not specifically designed for cleaning ponds, but it does have the advantage of being able to suck up water as well as other debris. If your pond has an inlet and outlet, then all you need to … Read more
Ponds are a great addition to any backyard. They provide valuable habitat for wildlife, they’re beautiful in the landscape, and they can be used for fish and aquatic plants. But what if you don’t want to spend the time, money, and energy on building a concrete pond with thick walls and a deep foundation? This … Read more
It’s easy to get frustrated with aquatic plants that don’t grow the way you want them to. This is especially true for new gardeners because they are still learning what will and won’t work in their backyard pond. One of the most common problems is when water plants, like water hyacinths, die off after a … Read more
Wood or driftwood are not the best things to put in your pond. The organic material can decompose and turn into sludge that will clog up your pump, filter, and pipes. This could lead to a number of problems including an overflow of the pond and dirty water in it which is bad for fish … Read more
Garter snakes and some other small snakes inhabit similar environments in certain parts of North America, so it is possible for garter snakes to be found near ponds with Koi, Goldfish, or other fish you have in your pond. Is it true that garter snakes eat goldfish or Koi? Garter snakes are not a natural … Read more
Ponds and pools are similar in that they both have water. But there are some important differences between the two, such as algae and surface area. If you’re considering using a pool filter for your pond, make sure it’s not too big, or else it won’t work properly! Find out more about how to choose … Read more
Goldfish will eat just about anything given the opportunity, and since hornwort is plant life, it makes sense that they would be interested in eating it. In fact, I have had a number of occasions where my fish entirely cleaned out an aquarium full of plants (including hornwort) before I could get them to stop … Read more
