frequentlyaskedquestions
1.
Will predators eat my fish?
2. Do ponds need to be at least three feet in depth to
have koi?
3. What about mosquitoes?
4. What is the cost?
5. Is there a lot of maintenance?
6. Will my pond be green with algae?
7. Is a pond safe for children?
8. Can koi and plants coexist?
9. How often will I have to feed the fish?
10. What kind of liner is used?
11. Can I introduce frogs and turtles to my pond?
12. Will I need to constantly refill my pond due to
evaporation?
1.
Will predators eat my fish?
Raccoons
and cats may try to attack from the edges of your pond, but generally
will not resort to swimming in it. Our ponds are created with fish
caves, tunnels, floating lilies and other aquatic plants to help
protect your fish. Herons are very patient birds and will stand
in the water waiting for a snack. We suggest using a motion-sensing
sprinkler that sends out a stream of water to deter them. They are
easy to operate and aren’t unsightly like nets or overhead
structures. My own pond has never lost a fish to a predator using
these methods.
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2.
Do ponds need to be at least three feet in depth to have koi?
Aquascapes
is the largest water garden supplier in the country and all of our
ponds are between 18 and 24 inches deep. Most of these house happy
koi.
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3.
What about mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes
normally lay their eggs in still water. The Aquascape system runs
twenty-four hours a day to help maintain its balance therefore eliminating
the chance for still water. For those who need additional insurance
against the thought of mosquitoes the local water department gives
out free mosquito fish. Your resident koi will happily devour them
as well.
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4.
What is the cost?
The cost
is similar to that of a hot tub or outdoor spa. Prices depend on
the actual size of the pond, streams and waterfalls.
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5.
Is there a lot of maintenance?
An Aquascapes
pond is extremely easy to maintain. A couple of times a week you
will need to add some powdered bacteria to the Skimmer. Depending
on leaf drop from surrounding trees the Skimmer box should be emptied
when full. Your plants will also thrive in their new environment
and need to be pruned back every few weeks during the growing season.
Urban Oasis offers and encourages a yearly water change and clean
out and provides weekly to monthly maintenance services if needed.
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6.
Will my pond be green with algae?
With
a proper balance of fish, plants, gravel and bacteria your pond
will be nearly algae free. During the hottest months, when algae
love to grow, Aquascapes Eco Blast and String Algae Buster work
wonders for a crystal clear pond.
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7.
Is a pond safe for children?
Local
building codes require ponds to be built to a maximum depth of 18
inches. Our ponds are also dug with gradual steps reaching the lowest
level instead of steep sides like swimming pool. Be sure to educate
children and friends about the safety of any body of water.
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8.
Can koi and plants coexist?
They
actually work very well together in our ponds, as in nature. The
fish feed upon the plants while the plants utilize the fish waste
for fertilizer.
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9.
How often will I have to feed the fish?
The fish
will actually be fine feeding on the plants, algae and bacteria
in the pond. Most pond owners become very attached to their fish
and enjoy feeding them by hand. Koi will even nibble on your fingers
and follow you around the pond waiting for a handout.
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10.
What kind of liner is used?
Our ponds
use a fish safe 45-mil EPDM flexible liner which has a 40-year life
span if covered with stone.
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11.
Can I introduce frogs and turtles to my pond?
Turtles
love to sun themselves during the afternoon and even like to be
hand fed. Frogs and toads also feel at home near the water.
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12.
Will I need to constantly refill my pond due to evaporation?
An automatic
water refill valve can be installed in the Skimmer of your water
garden.
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