New pond need help!!!!

[bb522]

Hi, I just bought a house with a huge koi pond in the back. I have no idea what to do with it!!! It has a lot of fish in it. It hasn't been maintained in along time. The house was foreclosed on like 8 months ago. My question is how do I get started? It has 2 waterfalls in it and my friend works on water systems and says the pump costs like $1800. I can barely see my fish it is so dirty. The water is greenish/brown and there are lily pads everywhere. I am so lost!!!! Where do I start? How do I clear the water to see my beautiful fish? Any help is appreciated!!!

[blondhairboi]

I would reccommend a uv light and a (filter system) if not already in there.The waterfall should be enough water flow for now but we could see if you will need a pump if you give us some photos...the uv should clear it up in only a week or so. Then Buy a water kit to and tell us how it turns out. Your water may be green but that does not mean your fish are going to die..in some cases greenwater is better its just the appearance that most people dislike. :yup:

[bb522]

I was told it has a uv filter, but I don't know. I have a switch but I don't know if it works. How do I post pictures on here? I took several.

[bb522]

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f217/bhelenep/houseandpond037.jpg http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f217/bhelenep/houseandpond035.jpg http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f217/bhelenep/houseandpond035.jpg http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f217/bhelenep/houseandpond032.jpg http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f217/bhelenep/houseandpond028.jpg http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f217/bhelenep/houseandpond020.jpg http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f217/bhelenep/houseandpond018.jpg http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f217/bhelenep/houseandpond017-1.jpg[/IMG][/IMG]

[Koidaddy]

!welcome OMG AWESOME!!! instant pond!! Looks like the bones are there... beautifully landscaped... and that bridge, love it!!!!!

Stick around and we'll get you cleaned up :yup:

Lucky dog, bb52

KD
:cheers2U:

[Koidaddy]

Just noticed... ya got a lot of goldfish in there! Take it from someone who knows :) If you're going to keep koi, and man, that pond was meant for just that... you really need to give away your goldies. They're so prolific your system (when up) is working overtime just taking care of their waste alone (they're poop machines) I re homed mine to a friend with a huge natural pond on her farm. Last time I heard they were doing just great!

Good luck and keep us posted. You'll find plenty of good information here! :)

KD

[Peg]

Hi BB522 & !welcome
Looks like you have a nice pond there. First thing I would do is find the power source. That should tell you where to start. Follow the power cords. Look in sheds, under deck, anywhere that could house filters and pumps. If you can locate and local pond club give them a call and see if they have a member willing to come and have a look, and join. I would if we had one. You are about to get a crash course in Koi & pond keeping. I would go and get some water test kits. Not the strips. You should get a PH, GH, KH, Nitrite, Nitrate & Ammonia. Follow the directions and post the results. I know that these test have no meaning to you yet but they are important to the pond and fish. If you can find the UV light it may need to be cleaned or it my need a new bulb. I think that's a good start. We'll try not to overload you with to much info to soon. I'm sure others will pop in and help you as well. Congrats in the new home! Oh! don't be afraid to ask questions no matter how silly you may think they are. We have all been there.
Peg

[Jackie Ramo]

Looks like an Aquascape system. I have a modified one so look in the waterfalls for filters. The waterfall is the filter in these systems. The bio will most likely be lavarocks in bags on top, then mats underneath that act as the mechanical filtration. Pump sits in the skimmer, in the first picture.

Its going to be a pretty pond once cleaned up. Congrats, you will love it.

I'd start by doing a water change using a sump pump and garden hose to pump the water from the bottom of the pond out. You will need to buy some dechlorinators or ammonia binders such as Prime or Amquel if your source water has chlorine in it. If you are on a well spray it in the pond to areate the water as it may low in oxygen.

Pumps vary in price so don't panic

[Koidaddy]

Not related - post 5 & 6, Peg and I have the same number of posts...645!
Does this mean something kismet?
KD
:)

[bb522]

I was wondering where I can buy filters for my type of water system. Anyone know??

[Jackie Ramo]

Did you look in the waterfall? Is there anything in there?

I buy a roll of matting and cut it to size. Any Aquascape dealer could sell you matts cut to size already.

The ones you have (if they are there) may just need washing.