Water X Scapes Blog

Why Not Kill Early Spring Algae?

Why Not Kill Early Spring Algae?

Well, Spring has sprung! Daffodils and perennial flowers are popping up showing us the signs of Spring! Our fish emerged from their cave this past week and began the ritual of begging for food. There’s plenty of hair algae and planktonic algae to mu...

Common Pond Fish Problems

Common Pond Fish Problems

Ever wonder if your fish can talk to you? Paying close attention to their behavior or noticing symptoms on their body can speak loudly as to how your fish are feeling. Use this “symptom checker” guide to help pinpoint common fish problems...

Chlorine, Chloramine, and Pond Water Conditioners

Chlorine, Chloramine, and Pond Water Conditioners

As a water gardener I am sure you have heard one or more of these terms over time. But what are they? Below, we define what each are, when to watch out for them, and when to add them. If you have “city water” running from the tap in your...

Rules when Stocking and Feeding your Pond Fish

Rules when Stocking and Feeding your Pond Fish

There are many things in a pond for your koi and fish to eat - such as insects, plankton, string algae, and sometimes pond plants. So sometimes it may not be necessary to feed your fish at all. BUT feeding your finned friends can be fun and a bondin...

Pond Salt Treatments

Pond Salt Treatments

Why Pond Salt Treatments? Adding salt to your pond has many benefits, but the one thing in question here is whether maintaining salt levels throughout the season is good for your fish. It is true that pond salt, at certain dissolved levels, can be...

How do I Protect my Koi & Pond Fish When There is no Plant Coverage?

How do I Protect my Koi & Pond Fish When There is no Plant Coverage?

When Spring has sprung, not only are the pond predators waking up or returning, but it is also time for mating season. They are hungry, after a long winter’s nap, and so are the newly pregnant mommas. What can you do to save your fish when it i...

How to Keep Pond Fish Alive in Winter

How to Keep Pond Fish Alive in Winter

Do Koi Hibernate? Other common questions that will be answered: How to keep koi fish alive in winter? Feeding Pond Fish in Winter? Should I cover my pond in winter? What to do with pond fish in winter? How do fish survive in a frozen pond during...

Keeping Fish Out Of Pond Skimmers

Keeping Fish Out Of Pond Skimmers

“How do I Keep my Fish Out of the Pond Skimmer?” This is a very common question, so do not think that you are alone on this. Below are the 3 most common reasons your fish might be going into the skimmer box and how to prevent it....

Learn the Many Benefits of a Floating Fish Feeder Ring

Learn the Many Benefits of a Floating Fish Feeder Ring

What is a Fish Feeding Ring? A feeder ring is a light-weight tube formed into a circle that floats on the surface of the pond. Its main purpose is to hold floating fish food in one place, inside the ring, for pond fish to eat – but can be...

What Fish Can Live In A Garden Pond?

What Fish Can Live In A Garden Pond?

We, of course, want you to have the best ponding experience possible. When you build an outdoor pond with fish in mind, you are creating a home for your new pets. Use this guide to help you in choosing which pond fish are most suitable for you and yo...

This is a Test…The Chemistry of your Pond Water

This is a Test…The Chemistry of your Pond Water

“Testing your Pond Water Could Save a Life” Monitoring the water quality in your koi pond and performing regular tests of the pond water can give insight into what is going on inside the pond that you cannot see. Clear water...

Pond Thermometers and Pond Health

Pond Thermometers and Pond Health

“The Importance of your Pond Thermometer” Hard to believe that such a small thing, like a pond thermometer, can give you so much information throughout the pond season, but it’s true. Read on to find out what the temperature of your...

Oh No, My Pond Fish Did Not make It Through the Winter!

Oh No, My Pond Fish Did Not make It Through the Winter!

The weather is beginning to get warmer and I started to open my pond for spring, but there’s a problem... My koi and pond fish did not survive the winter! What happened?! Right away I’d like to express how sorry I am. After all, your finn...

Fun Facts About The Great Blue Heron

Fun Facts About The Great Blue Heron

I know you fellow ponders reading this are gritting your teeth saying; “What is so great about heron?” Well, with pond fish safety aside, this ginormous bird is quite beautiful. Here are a few facts about this ominous creature that...

Koi Fish Winter Survival

Koi Fish Winter Survival

Water temperatures start to decrease in the fall, and that change to cold temperatures start to slow down your pond fishes’ digestive processes. Koi and other pond fish have a hard time digesting protein when it’s cold – water tempe...

Acclimate New Koi or Fish to a New Pond

Acclimate New Koi or Fish to a New Pond

Properly acclimating your new koi and other fish to your pond is very important! When acclimating your new fish, the goal is to decrease the stress as much as possible. We do this by gradually allowing them to get used to your pond water’...

Why Pond Aeration Is Important For Fish

Why Pond Aeration Is Important For Fish

In preparation for the cold winter months, ponds are being winterized, plants are being cut back and most pond pumps are placed into storage until the spring; meaning less oxygen will be available for your fish. Fish health is directly influenced by...

How Many Fish Is Too Many In My Pond?

How Many Fish Is Too Many In My Pond?

You just finished building this awesome pond and one of the first things you want to do is add some koi and other beautiful pond fish. These fish will soon turn into pets with names and are fun to watch, bringing a lot of enjoyment to your day. While...

When To Feed Your Pond Fish In The Spring

When To Feed Your Pond Fish In The Spring

Last week we had some lovely, warm, Spring weather. Warm weather makes your pond fish more active and starts bringing up questions on when koi and other pond fish can start being fed. However, we live in Northeast Ohio, which means weather is almost...