Frequently Ask Pond Questions
By Blue Thumb Dist.
Can I use rubber roofing or pool liner as pond liner?
  1. We strongly recommend against using roofing or pool liner as pond liner. Pond liner is produced to be a fish and plant safe material. Rubber roofing liner is usually cheaper to purchase, however, they contain toxins that will have an adverse effect on your fish and plants. Pool liner is produces with algaecides imbedded in the liner which is toxic to most aquatic plants. We recommend using Firestone's PondGard liner as it is manufactured to be both fish and plant safe. For more information on Firestone PondGard liners visit the Rubber Liner page.
Do I need a filter for my pond?
  1. We recommend putting a biological filter in your pond if you wish to keep fish. A water garden to be used for plants only should have some type of water movement- either via a pump, spitter, or fountain. Water gardens featuring a skimmer and PuriFalls are the easiest type of ponds to maintain. For additional information on filtration visit either Skimmers, Waterfalls, or Bio Filters.
What size pump should I use in my pond?
  1. This depends on a number of factors. When using a filter, the water should pass through it once every two hours at a minimum. As your fish grow in number and in size you will want in increase your flow rate. The size pump varies from pond to pond based on many factors. Please contact us at askus@mipond.com with your pond information and we will gladly size a pump for you.
What is filamentous algae and how do I get rid of it?
  1. Filamentous algae is a hair or string like algae that clings to the rocks, plants, and other items in your pond, waterfall, and stream. One natural way to prevent filamentous algae is to add Scottish Barley Bales to your system. These should be placed in an area where water flow exists. Barley Bales release an enzyme as it breaks down, preventing the algae to grow. Another method is to use Winston Company's Clarity Max. Clarity Max is an additive that will begin to breakdown existing algae usually within 3 weeks. For additional information on filamentous and other types of algae please visit Algae Cures.
What causes green water in my pond?
  1. A build-up of debris, too many fish, not enough aquatic plants, and insufficient filtration will lead to green water. A skimmer will sweep debris from your pond before it has a chance to settle on the bottom of the pond. A biological filter or waterfall will help oxygenate your water and process toxins in your water produced from fish. The addition of aquatic plants will also help prevent green water by utilizing the excess nutrients in the water. To prevent and rid your pond of green water we recommend Microbe-Lift PL.
How many gallons of water are in my pond?
  1. Here's the formula: Average Length (in feet) x Average Width x Average Depth x 7.48 = Gallons of Water.
What should I do in the winter to care for my fish?
  1. You want to make sure that a hole in the ice stays open at all times. This will allow gases to escape from the bottom of the pond. Any organic waste settled at the bottom of the pond will continue to break down during the winter and the gas that is produced (which is toxic to fish) needs to release through the hole in the ice. You can keep a hole in the ice with a deicer or aerator.
When should I stop and when is it safe to begin feeding my fish?
  1. Stop feeding your fish when the water temperature is 55 degrees F. In the spring, begin feeding your fish once the water temperature is consistently above 55 degrees F. If you continue to feed your fish below this temperature, the metabolism of the fish could slow to a point where the food is not digested fast enough and spoils in the stomach. For a complete line of nutritional foods for Koi and Goldfish visit our Foods/Nets section.