Monday, September 19, 2011

Pollution Prevention

The first important thing that has to be done to maintain a healthy colony of fish is to see that pollution does not affect the condition of the water, because the toxic substances from it are the commonest cause of fish dying.Water is usually polluted by decaying vegetable matter, such as fallen leaves, branches and twigs.In a garden pool these come form two main sources- dying water plants, especially the large lush leaves of water lilies, and the leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs; and perhaps to a lesser extent these days, soot from the atmosphere. Other sources of danger that must be closely guarded against are dead frogs and fish.
As mentioned precocious two of these sources of trouble cam be averted by anticipation. Always ensure that your pond filter is free from debris and from August onwards look for dying leaves, silks, and seedpods on water lilies; deep marginal water plants and other aquatics are likely to discard them generously. As they appear they should be removed. When the leaves of marginal plants die off, usually in October they should be cut off.
Leaves from neighboring trees are shrubs, the other serious source of pollution in a fishpond, Should be prevent from falling into the water by spreading a net over it in good time.such a net might also prevent the fish being stolen stolen by herons, kingfisher and other predators. Typical nets range in sizer from 12*9ft(3.6*2.7m) to 12ft (10.8*3.6m). They are made of  ¾ -in (1.9) plastic mesh. Spread the net right over the pool. If the surrounds are soft ground, fix it firmly in position by supplied with the net. Otherwise hold it down with bricks pr pieces of stone. Normally it is placed in position after the pool heater( if you are using one) has been installed. 
 If leaves have already fallen into the pool, possible because of an unexpected gale, before the net has been put into position,they can be removed by dredging the bottom with a fish net. This can be done more effectively if the pool is first half- emptied.Sometimes leaves and debris collect on the surface of the water before they sink to the bottom. These can be removed with a had fish net.An improvised device for this purpose consists of a piece of chicken wire fixed over the prongs of a garden fork. The netting should be about 16ins (40cm) wide than the prongs and should have the last 5ins (12.5) on either side besent up at an angle of about 20 degree to the vertical. The great care when using this device in a plastic- lined pool 
Regular partial replenishment of water with fresh supplies also assists in keeping down the concentration of toxic substances. In fact, if the water looks dark green or blackish in October  and you do not want to empty the pool completely, the water can be pumped out to the half-way mark and replaced with fresh.   

Overhauling mechanical equipment :
Late autumn is a good time to check the pumps, clean them and have them overhauled. At the same time, examine fountain jets and clean out any holes that have become stopped up. Also check all the electrical cables and connections. Give this equipment very special attention: because of the proximity of the water in the pool it would be dangerous if there were a breakdown in the insulation. It might be advisable to ask an electrician to check the circuits.Late November to early December is a very suitable the low temperature at this time of year means tat oxygen concentration in the water is relatively high. Also fish at the  rime are rather less lively and their demand for oxygen is less. This makes it easier to shout off the pumping plant for a shout time.Nevertheless the fish must be kept under observation. If any sings of oxygen starvation appear, deal with the situation immediately by playing a jet of water on to the surface from the nozzle  of a garden hose held about 3ft (0.9m) above the water.
Polythene, though not very satisfactory  for lining a permanent  pool, is nevertheless very useful for making a small temporary pool, since this material is cheap and easily rolled up for storage when not in use.  It is particularly useful for making a pool to be used temporarily for housing fish and aquatic plants, such as water lilies, when the main pool is being cleaned out or repaired. In addition whe3n fresh- water fish, such as carp, breed in captivity, the tiny young fish should be removed form the main pool and kept separately form the main pool and kept separately until they are 2-3ins (5-7.5cm) long. If this is not done, some of the larger fish may eat them. Wooden barrels or metal drums are often used for this purpose, but unlike polythene sheeting they need a lot of storage space when not in use, and this is seldom available in today's small gardens. A temporary pool could aslo be used to house any fish that show signs of being unwell.


Safety of children and pets :
Perhaps the best way of dealing with the3 problem of safeguarding children and pets is to  cover the whole surface of the pond very securely with strong, fine nylon mesh which, when tightly secured round the edges of the pond and supported on timer cross members, can withstand the weight of several small children. A thick pl;panting of  marginal plants would deter young children and  animals form stepping on to the netting. The mesh will not spoil the appearance of the pool because aquatic plants will grow through it. It will not affect the fish at all. Another method is to fence the pool in around its entire perimeter to a height of up to 3 ft (90cm) , with either a green plastic- cover wire fence or similar 2-in . (5-cm) mesh chain-link fencing supported on metal or wooden posts . The latter is less prominent. Admittedly both kinds may look unattractive, but you can soften the effect by planting groups of herbaceous perennials at intervals on the outside of the fence. If your pool is a raised one, say 2ft 6ins (75cm)- 3ft (90 cm) above the ground, there is no risk to small children.

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