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Top 5 Beginner Mistakes
Mistake One: Lack Of Adequate Planning
Size
matters, many hobbyists start out with a little pond, but later decide they
should have built a larger one. When planning your pond, build the largest
size you can afford. This is a progressive hobby, and people are always
upgrading. When asking most hobbyists; they will most likely tell you that
their first pond was too small. Another important factor when deciding the
size; is to keep your koi in mind. Koi have trouble with fluctuations in
water temperature and chemistry, particularly in climates with weather changes.
While aquatic organisms generally have a wide tolerance of physical and chemical
ranges; they do have difficulty making those changes in a short period of
time.
Filtration,
is a must regardless of pond size. Beginners often fail to plan for
adequate filtration. Not putting in enough filtration just exacerbates the
whole problem of small, overstocked ponds. So far, we have never heard of
an over-filtered pond.
Depth,
of your pond also matters. Ponds require adequate depth, especially
in areas where the water freezes in winter. First be sure to check with your
local municiple laws. Some municiple codes require a fense around the location
if the depth is questionable by state law. Hobbyists must consider this part
of pond building first. Once the depth requirements or limitations have been
established; then the hobbyist can begin to plan the size and depth of their
pond.
Location,
is a crucial part of planning. It is very important to keep two things
in mind; (1) concider the weather and shielding of sunlight. (2) Leave enough
space around the pond so that you can work on it. If you have to maintain
your yard; keep that in mind when planning for your pond. Consider the grounds
upkeep and leave room for that and/or reaching pumps, filters, skimmers and
waterfalls.
Predators, are out there and your fish need a place to escape them. This is
also very important and must be factored in when thinking of depth. There
must be enough depth and protection for your fish to hide and stay out of
the reach of predators.
Mistake Two:
Impatience (Be sure that you are ready for each step before you take
them)
Overstocking, in particular is a huge problem with beginners. Give yourself time
to get a handle on what you are doing, and even to decide if you really enjoy
koi keeping. People buy koi when they are small without thinking about how
large the koi will be in a short time. You could put 10 koi in your pond
now and it looks like nothing; see them in two years and realize koi will
grow triple in size. Don't rush the stocking part of your
project.
Impatience, can lead to some big dangers such as system breakdown. While it
is normal to be exciting and want to rush out and fill your pond with everything
you can get your hands on; what you put in is in fact what you get out. If
you rush the filtration in your pond; then you can suffer with a systems
crash. This is when everything dies because you have caused a toxic situation.
While everyone wants their pond to be beautiful and look just right; take
your time, don't be in a rush. The fish will grow, vegetation will come and
you will be up and
running.
Nature, let it take it's course. Let the biological filtration get established,
where bacteria and organisms become situated. Fish do not live in a sterile
environment; the koi that people try to keep in a sterile environment; are
often not very hardy.
Chemicals, are often thrown into ponds; too quickly when owners believe their
expensive koi are having some kind of infectious or parasitic-disease troubles.
Owners need to stop and think before they rush into throwing chemical medications
into their ponds. We have seen way too many organisms killed through
over-treatment or inappropriate treatment than all other causes. When not
sure; wait. Often times; a water change or vacuuming the pond bottom, washing
the filters, possibly adding noniodized ocean-derived salt is the most good
a person can do.
Mistake Three: Lack Of Good Record Keeping
(You do not need a degree to keep records)
Keeping
records, like pond size, gallons of water, pond products, fish types and
so on can prove to be valuable to you when something goes wrong. One might
think they have to be a rocket scientist to achieve this; but it's simply
not true. Careful planning and record keeping can only help you down the
road when maintenance, upkeep and replacements are required. For beginners
learning; keeping good notes can prove to be very smart.
Receipts &
warranties; plus information on types and sizes; such as the amount of water
verses the size of your fish; water quality and water conditioners, you will
find this information invaluable when you need to upkeep. Notes can help
when the time comes that you are asking for technical support or simple advice
from a friendly hobbyist. It certainly comes in handy when purchasing pond
products. All of these factors play an important roll when you are considering
the products that are needed to run and maintain your
pond.
Mistake Four: Failure To Keep Up Routine Maintenance
Maintenance, like record keeping is probably one of the most important things
to a beginner. People underestimate the importance of maintaining water quality.
Regular water testing helps maintain water quality. Learn the basics; learn
to check your pH and ammonia with test kits. Learn how to maintain the water
in response to the results. Keep your pH between 7 and 8. Keep ammonia out
of your pond. No amount of ammonia is good.
Take a look
around, and check that your pumps are running; your fish are all
there, feed them and test the water. Check that your products are running
properly, not too hot; and check for wear. Products making noise? Take a
note of that and anything else that seems different or not quite right. With
your notes and records; you can ask fellow hobbyists or the professionals,
the questions or concerns you have. Regular maintenance helps koi keepers
to detect these problems.
Early
treatment, frequent water changes, consistent feeding, equipment maintenance,
and simple observation go a long way towards beginners learning about koi
keeping. Clean and drain filters, rinse filter media; get out there and look
around on a regular basis. A routine is the key.
Mistake Five: Going it
alone
Beginners, can take comfort in knowing that others have made the same mistakes.
Why not learn from those mistakes, so you never make them again? Beginning
koi keepers often don't take advantage of the sage advice available from
their local koi or pond organizations. Check the internet resources as well
as community groups and social events, hobbies and educational centers. Join
a group filled with people who have hands-on, been-there, done-that experience.
Why not tap great resources? Beginners can find experienced hobbyists through
local clubs, koi shows and at pond specialty
stores.
Don't just
ask, koi keepers what they do. Ask them about their mistakes. Ask them
what they would do differently, if they had to start all over again. That
information alone is valuable and can help you save time and money when you
begin to plan, build and stock your new
pond.
Do your
homework, and it will pay off. Beginners can keep beautiful, healthy koi,
but they can enjoy the hobby more with planning, patience, good notes, regular
maintenance and their community. Take your time and do your homework. Learn
things you need to learn and enjoy the process along the way.
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