Tag Archives: Ponds.

Koi Carp Ponds – Essential Guide to Getting Started Part 1

Koi carp ponds are a combination of creativity and artistic design supported by engineering and mechanics, all to produce as natural of an environment as possible for your Koi fish. Part of the creative side in designing a Koi pond is figuring out how it will enhance the beauty and serenity of your garden. Water is an element of calm and peace, and Koi fish are believed to be a symbol of good fortune. So with these ideas in mind, one could start from there as to how the overall feel of the garden and Koi pond will develop. Or perhaps just the simple desire to add dynamics and life to your garden is inspiration enough to want to have these delightful fish as part of your garden paradise.

Koi carp ponds around the world have brought joy and happiness to many people throughout the centuries. And many of these have expressed their own personalities in the design and creation of their Koi ponds. So why not introduce a bit of your own eloquence into the makeup of your Koi pond, as Koi fish themselves tend to exhibit individual personalities of their own. Developing a Koi pond is a wondrous opportunity to ad ones own influence of self-expression to the landscape.

Safety should be a number one factor in planning your Koi pond, especially if you have small children. Consider the fact that even the shallowest of water can pose a serious threat to small children.

The mechanics of a Koi pond are fairly straight forward, however, it is recommended that you seek professional advice on construction layouts, drainage systems, pond liners, electrical supply for Koi pond pumps, Koi filters and any pond fixtures, such as waterfalls or fountains, to be installed. The artistic side of building Koi carp ponds requires a recipe of ingredients including innovation, creative research, imagination and the determination to achieve your desired goal, just to name a few. Through creative design and mechanical engineering, it is possible to fashion a Koi garden pond that is stunning to behold as well as being easier to maintain. You must keep in mind that a Koi carp pond requires regular cleaning and maintenance, as do the Koi pond filter, the Koi pond pump and all other water circulating and aerating fixtures to be built-in.

Planning and development of Koi carp ponds requires attention to detail right from the start. Patience is most definitely a virtue here, as missing elements in the design and construction phase could cost dearly to correct later on. Failing to plan is a plan to fail. After all, your Koi pond should be taken as a fixture to be around for years to come. Keeping in mind that Koi fish can grow exceptionally large at a relatively fast rate depending on the frequency of feeding and the amount of space provided. With this understanding of Koi carp ponds, you must have an idea of how many fish you will be starting with and consider any plans to add new Koi fish at a later date in time.

Get your FREE 10 day Koi Carp Fish Care mini course, today. Michael C. Harris is a Koi fish specialist. Get more great tips on Koi carp ponds today. His successful Koi care secrets e-Book “Koi Fish School”, is an inspiring guide of easy follow techniques for every Koi fish enthusiast.

Related Blogs

    Feng Shui, Feng Shui Fish, Feng Shui Aquariums, Feng Shui Fish Aquarium, Feng Shui Fish Amulets

    Fish also drive away misfortune, as it’s one of the good signs in the Buddha’s footprint. The image of a pair of fish is often embroidered on curtains, cushions, linen, and clothes. This amulet has a strong protective energy. In Thailand, children often wear these talismans on their necks (these charms are usually made of gold and precious stones).

    The feng shui fish also have a strong reproductive function, so they symbolize fertility. These aquatic creatures swim happily in the water, and thus are a symbol of happiness and harmony in a couple.

    The most popular species in feng shui are carp (koi), goldfish, and arowana. The amulets are available as figurines, paintings, scrolls, and pendants.

    Goldfish can often be seen in ponds and aquariums, as they bring good energy. Goldfish represent double joy, because the Chinese word “goldfish” consists of two hieroglyphs – “gold” and “happiness”. Goldfish symbolizes success in financial affairs, and it is well suited for the zone of wealth.

    Carp is a symbol of good luck and military glory. The legend says that the carp became known for its prowess, when it swam against the tide to reach the dragon gate and became a dragon. Thus, it became a symbol of perseverance and tenacity. One of the popular paintings today is the painting “Carps passing through the gates of the dragon.” The hieroglyph “carp” sounds like the word “business” in Chinese, so it will help achieve success in business. A carp shown in a pair will bring love.

    Arowana is a rare fish that brings financial well-being; it’s considered a particularly strong symbol of wealth. It should be pink, silver or gold. As a symbol of prosperity, you can hang an image of a golden arowana in the corner of wealth.
     
    Live fish are also a sign of abundance, and that’s why so many people use feng shui aquariums. A feng shui fish aquarium can not only decorate your home, but also help you achieve prosperity and wealth. If you decide to start an aquarium, remember several important rules. When buying an aquarium, give preference to round or rectangular shapes. Put the aquarium in the east or southeast part of the living room or office. It’s best not to put the aquarium in the bedroom or kitchen.

    It’s best to have an odd number of feng shui fish in the aquarium. The most favorable number is 9, such as 8 golden ones for prosperity and 1 black one for protection. The red is a solar Yan, and black is the lunar Yin. Together, they symbolize the unity and completeness of the universe.

    It’s best to avoid buying the species with sharp fins. If you decide to purchase arowana, note that this tropical specie is very sensitive to changes in water temperature and other conditions. Moreover, arowana will not live in the same tank with other species – it will eat them.

    To attract wealth, you can activate your tank with wealth symbols, such as a money toad or ship with coins next to the aquarium. You can also hang Chinese coins on a red ribbon.

    Jakob Jelling runs http://www.fengshuicrazy.com which teaches the ancient art of feng shui. Please visit his website to learn more about feng shui fish.

    The Asiatic Tooth Carps

    Somewhere down in the drain ditches, ponds, and fast-moving streams are the little wonders of life, known as the Asiatic Tooth Carps. The Genera Aplochelilus and Oryzias carps reside in water conditions between 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The Tooth Carps tend to live off surface areas, which the fish detest hard alkalinity waters. Tooth Carbs inhabitant home enables them to feast on insects, such as mosquito larvae and related bugs. Tooth Carbs on occasion will enjoy dried foods, however while in captivity you should continue feeding the Tooth Carps their desired foods.

    Tooth Carps prefer to live in smaller or medium aquariums, which have a maximum of 10 gallons of water. The fish adore moderate hard water, and reasonably, acid based where deposits of organic debris reside. The peaty waters should include fine leaf plants, gravel free of lime, and plants that float.

    How they spawn

    The Tooth Carps will produce a rapid growth of spawn. The fish mate well, and will produce a small number of eggs daily over the course of three weeks. Tooth Carps will not harm the spawn; however once they become fry, the Carps tend to feast on its own kind. If you want to save the fry, move mom and pops out of the tank before the eggs hatch. Aquarists also have the option of removing the eggs to another tank, which is loaded with plants. The first choice is the better option for aquarists, since the method takes less time to accomplish. In addition, when the eggs fry, you want to occasionally sort through the carp size to avoid cannibalism.

    Kin to the Tooth Carps is the Dwarf of Green Panchax, which is sometimes called the Panchax Parvus. This breed comes from the Aplocheilus blocki group. Dwarf fish originated in the waters of Ceylon and India. The fish mature at 1 ¾ in size. The smaller fish are aquarium choice fish. Dwarf of Green Panchax has a green-yellow shaded body, which is set off by rows of yellow and red marks. Dwarf of Green Panchax can handle tank water, since the fish is naturally mild in temper. Dwarf of Green Panchax feasts on dried and live dishes.

    Water conditions
    During breeding the Dwarf of Green Panchax, prefer water conditions set at 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When spawns are produced, they generally fry in two weeks, sometimes earlier. You should mate the Dwarf of Green Panchax with two choice males and a selection of female fish.

    Kin to the Dwarf of Green Panchax is the Oryzias latipes, which is popularly known as the Geisha Girl Medaka. The fish is commonly known as the Ricefish and Japanese Medaka as well. Obviously, the fish comes from Japan. Geisha Girl Medaka typically grows ½ inches in size. Geisha Girl Medaka has an amusing breeding pattern, which makes this an amusing fish. The fish has gray-green bodies, which the Strain kin has golden or red toned bodies. The fish are colorless.

    Geisha Girl Medaka breeds will feast on all foodstuff, and adapt well in soft moderate waters. The fish also adapt to soft acidy waters. If you choose acidy waters, it is recommended that you add 1-leveled teaspoon of salt to 3 gallons of water. The fish dwell in water conditions, or temperatures set at 78 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the best option. The fish can also live in waters at 75 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Finally, if you are breeding the Geisha Girl Medaka or members of this family you can spot the female by their rounded fins and plumper body. As well, the fish are shorter than their male counterpart.

    Learn about endangered sharks and sharks habitat at the Types Of Sharks site.

    Japanese Koi Carp – A Remarkable Journey of Time and Transformation

    Japanese Koi carp are known throughout the world as beautiful fish comprising of vivid colors and markings. Anyone who owns them can tell you how wonderful it is to have them as part of their lives. But there as is mysterious past surrounding these marvelous fish as to where their journey of time and transformation truly began. Over the centuries Koi have gone through many remarkable stages of migration, evolution and breeding. Still today, historical gaps in their timeline have many toiling over where they originated and how they truly came to be the revered Koi that grace the ponds of so many gardens the world over.

    The word Koi is a Japanese name meaning carp, but the original name comes from the Latin word Cyprinus Carpio also meaning carp. Though many believe that Koi are a product of the Japanese, it is understood that Japanese Koi carp are actually believed to have originated in the waters of the Caspian Sea and areas surrounding China. In fact, there are records of carp fossils found in China dating back 20 million years, along with early accounts of the very first color mutations of Koi being bred in China. It was here where selective breeding of the Prussian carp led to the development of the goldfish. Now goldfish were not introduced to Japan until the 16th century. Later goldfish were brought to Europe in the 17th century.

    With ongoing research and investigation, it is still unclear as to when Koi were actually introduced to Japan, but the mystery mounts as stories are told of Koi having been brought to Japan as a result of early Chinese invasions of Japan. Others tell stories of a Japanese emperor keeping Koi back in 200 AD. The history of Japanese Koi carp is sketchy at best. As to what really happed between the 2nd and the 17th century is an ongoing exploration still today.

    What is understood is that Ojiya agricultural farmers in the province of Niigata were simply breeding Koi as a food source for sale. Then between the 1820s and the 1840s these farmers began to notice colorful pigmentation irregularities in some Koi stock. These particular Koi were separated from the others and kept as pets. Soon to follow, the farmers began breeding these color mutations with neighboring farmers and the Japanese Koi carp hobby began. Still it was a hobby shared only by the local farmers of Ojiya. It was not until the early 1920s, during the Tokyo Taisho Exhibition, that these farmers shared their newfound Koi joy with the rest of the Japanese public. These first presentations of Koi, with their vibrant majestic colors and patterns, were an immediate hit among the Japanese population. Over night, the Koi hobby went from a working mans leisurely past time to an upper class means of status. Before long Koi owners were breeding their fish throughout the country, and new exciting color mutations began to emerge, giving us largely what we see today in the magnificent Japanese Koi carp.

    Get your FREE 10 day Koi Carp Fish Care mini course, today. Michael C. Harris is a Koi fish specialist. Get more great tips on Japanese Koi Carp today. His successful Koi care secrets e-Book “Koi Fish School”, is an inspiring guide of easy follow techniques for every Koi fish enthusiast.

    Fishing from the bank or shore of a lake, pond or river

    Shore (bank) fishing is an exciting form of recreational fishing where the primary reward is the challenge catching non-common species. Some lakes, rivers and ponds are particularly attractive, such as the Red Lake Rivers running between Minnesota and North Dakota, and encompassing more than 70 species of native fish, including a world-class channel cat fish.

    There are many other Shore (bank) fishing locations, in which the methods of fishing vary according to different factors, including the area where shore fishing is practiced, the targeted specials, along with personal strategies of the participants and the resources available in each place. Shore (bank) fishing allows a diversity of techniques, from the art of fly-fishing to the high-tech methods used to get catches such as tuna and marlin. Experts recommend hook, rod and reel for fishing rather than using nets or any other fishing aids.

    Fishing from the shore is an ideal adventure for both expert fishers and novice anglers, who fish from the shoreline banks of ponds, rivers, lakes and streams, but also on the Gulf, Atlantic, and Pacific and Gulf coasts. In the United States, there are countless opportunities for shore bank fishing, including man-made structures especially intended for the practice of this sport, including bridges, walkways, piers and jetties.

    Inland or coastal fishing offers the benefit of natural surroundings for the personal enjoyment or family entertainment. Kayaking, canoeing, biking and other activities are usually available near the shore, including lodging facilities for families and groups, as well as boat renting for the serious fisherman.

    Each of the different locations has their own trophies. Atlantic shores are the destination for fresh water fish, including salmon considered the king of kings of all the catches, while the lake trout is the favorite of those who prefer inland shore (bank) fishing, particular boat fishing to enter the middle of lakes. Fishing from the shore is exciting for new anglers, but some species of fish cannot be caught along the shore.

    There is a large array of fish available to people fishing on the shore, but free-swimming ocean fish are not found close to shore, particularly trout, they are usually found in cool, clear streams and lakes. However, Shore (bank) fishing offers stream trout and other species such as northern pike, sunfish, and bass, catfish, carp, perch, walleye and suckers.

    There is a website that describes boat fishing, ice fishing, and has info on numerous freshwater fish, baits, and lures, plus other great freshwater fishing tips. The website is called: Fishing Stringer, and may be found at this address:

    http://www.fishingstringer.com

    By Robert W. Benjamin

    Copyright © 2006

    You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

    Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released software on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970’s-80’s.

    RB59 Software

    http://www.rb59.com/software