Pond & Water Garden Articles > Pond Q & A
Pond Q & A
Pond Q @ A
Q: Are any containers unsuitable for use as small water features?
A: Any container that can release toxic compounds - such as wooden barrels that have stored preservative chemicals - is totally unsuitable for fish and /or plants. Containers that can corrode, such as iron, are unsuitable on a long term basis. Also, avoid containers that cannot be made waterproof.
Q: When converting a glazed sink into a small water feature, what is the best way of sealing the plug hole?
A: Use the original plug, or buy a new one that fits snugly. Remove all metal fittings like the chain or the fastener on the plug itself. Spread a generous coat of silicone sealant around the hole and the edge of the plug. Press it firmly into position until the excess sealant oozes out; don't scrape this surplus off, but spread it over the top of the plug to form a good, watertight seal. Leave for a day before filling to allow the sealant to cure thoroughly.
Q: How should I feed my fish during family vacations?
A: If it is a matter of only 2-3 weeks, and the fish have been well fed previously, no special arrangements are needed. Well-fed fish build up fat reserves which added to the natural animal and plant foods (including algae) in ponds, will see them through several weeks without any hardship. For longer breaks (or even shorter ones, if desired) leave clearly marked, individually packaged, small portions of food, accompanied by strict instructions, with a friend or neighbor. If the "pond minders" are not experienced in fish feeding, it is worth reducing the amount of each packaged portion of food by half and doubling the interval between feeds, just to be on the safe side. Overfeeding must be avoided at all costs, therefore always err on the side of caution.
Q: Is it true that Goldfish and Koi do not have any teeth?
A: No - although Goldfish and Koi do not have lip teeth (I.e. normal teeth) with which they bite, they do have grinding teeth set farther back in the throat. These are known as pharyngeal teeth.
Q: How many eggs can a mature female koi produce?
A: Although several factors, for example diet or the health of the fish, can affect the total number of eggs, a good approximate figure is 45,000 per lb of the female's body weight. A spawning of well over a quarter million eggs can be common.
Q: Will pond plants grow well if they are not planted in baskets?
A: For a submerged plant like Anacharis, which produces small amount of roots, no planting medium is required. However, most surface and marginal plants do need a rooting medium. Whether the plant is in planting baskets or spread out over the bottom of the pond is a matter of preference; the plants simply need enough room to anchor their roots firmly. Baskets have the advantage of keeping the medium (and roots) confined and manageable, while free growing plants are difficult to control. A clean pond usually does not contain enough rooting medium and/or fertilizer for heavy feeders like lilies or lotus.
Q: Why do the leaves of some Hardy Water Lilies grow above the surface of the water?
A: This is a sure sign that the plant in question has outgrown its container. Adequately planted hardy lilies always have their pads lying directly on the water surface.
Q: What do people mean by saying that "plants keep the water sweet"?
A: Plants absorb compounds from the water, both via their roots and in the case of submerged plants, through their leaves. In doing so, they purify the water and help prevent the accumulation of toxic and/or pollution generating substances. Because of this is, the risk of such noxious compounds building up to the point where they cause degeneration of water quality, with its accompanying "unhealthy" odors is minimized. The result is water that smells "healthy" or "sweet".
