January 2012 Pond Conditions
1/3/2012
Water Temp 42-44*, Airtemp 21-45*
The water temp hit a low of 42 degrees with air temps below freezing temps overnight. The cover is fogging up and may need more plastic layers to hold in the heat. I am considering adding a heater. Elecro heaters are now hitting the US Market at $559 for a 2KW model. Fish seem ok but are hovering at bottom. Pump is off, but I will turn it back on this weekend when air temps hit 60’s again. PH measured 8.7 but I think I need to recalibrate the meter. Coldness will prevent any issues related to high PH.
1/7/2012
Water temp 48*, airtemp 55*,
Removed two inch rocks that were blocking the bottom drain. They got sucked in and made it as far as the first elbow and lodged themselves in very well. I had to disassemble the pipe works in the pond which was very cold messy work. The no-kink pipe was covered with algae and the threaded joints were basically glued together with crud.
1/11/2012
Water Temp 56*, airtemp 50-65*
Rainy but warm the last few days. Water temp has climbed slowly and fish have become a little more active. Colder weather expected next few days. Minimal maintenance required since cover is keeping out most of the leaves and falling debris from the trees.
1/15/2012
Water Temp 46-48*, Airtemp 38-55* sunny, PH 7.8, Ammonia 0, Nitrites/Nitrates 0, water is very clear.
Recalibrated PH meter, it was off by .4. Tap water pH is 7.3. Pond PH seems a little lower than usual, likely because I have not been running water over the falls which contains mortar. Started pumps again since we are above freezing temps and getting good sunlight. Did not restart UV incase it was damaged by freezing. Have water slowly running through upper filter/falls to reduce cold air exposure. Replaced plastic on the cover with 6Mil and added more width and length to help keep wind from getting under the frame.
1/22/2012
Water temp 50*, Airtemp 50*, PH 7.9
It has been raining and warm last few days. Water temp has stayed right at 50*.
1/25/2012
Water temp 50*, Airtemp 40-60*, PH 8.4
Sunny for a couple of days finally. I may need to find a grid material to support the plastic on my cover better when it rains. Over the last couple of rains I have developed small wells between the frame cross beams and lifting the frame to dump the water is very difficult. Still needs to allow sunlight to pass. Clear polycarb panels would do it but they are $20 each at my local hardware store. Perhaps changing the angle would help too.
Not sure why I am getting a PH spike.
1/27/2012
Water temp 54* Airtemp 38-60*, PH 8.1
Checked Ph meter and it is accurate. PH spike reduced. Cleaned filters and swept out bottom of filter to get rid of extra algae. Uncovered pond and looked at fish, all seem healthy. The Butterfly koi’s fins are very long and thicker than before. The showa is getting a nice torpedo shape. It was a lovely warm day to fiddle with the pond.
BUDGET: Water $12, plastic $10
