Mmathis
TurtleMommy
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2011
- Messages
- 14,294
- Reaction score
- 8,342
- Location
- NW Louisiana -- zone 8b
- Hardiness Zone
- 8b
- Country
Sorry for my long posts!
This is a Google picture of a shade sail. I got mine at either Lowes or Home Depot, but I'm sure they are sold in a variety of places. They do a good job and can look somewhat decorative/unobtrusive. Last year I had 2, side-by-side, but this year only have one up.
Aeration..... I have a pump [Pond Master, maybe?] with a 6 outlet attachment so I am able to run airstones in my pond, in my QT [quarantine tank], and in my Skippy filter [which is a 100 or so gal. Rubbermaid stock tank]. I don't know the numbers to tell you how strong it is -- I'm sure it's on the pump, so if I go out soon, I'll look. With a 3.5' pond depth, be sure you get something that will handle that depth and not a wimpy fish tank pump, LOL! I didn't do a lot of research before I bought it, but have been happy with it. It's quiet and has never given me a problem in 3 years of constant use. But keep in mind that air pumps have to be sheltered in some way. I have a plastic thing on top of mine to keep the rain off. Other people have other, much cuter ways to protect theirs. The main thing is that you want as much movement on the water surface as possible -- that's where gas exchange takes place. I just use large aquarium airstones and regular aquarium tubing. How cold does it get there in the winter? That's a whole other issue you'll need to think about, but no need to bring it up now as you DO have a lot going on. Just remember to mention "cold weather" at a later time.
Yes, when your test kit arrives, start checking your water. As a medical professional [and past lab tech], you probably understand the chemistry behind the nitrogen cycle, or at least the basic concepts, so I won't go into that. But if you have questions or need help with results, let us know. Whenever you report results, we do ask that you give us the numeric results. Many folks will tell us that their "water parameters are OK," but that doesn't tell us anything. At 5-6 weeks your pond probably hasn't cycled yet, so try to be patient and give it time. Your ammonia and nitrites [and maybe nitrates] are probably elevated, which is normal so don't add any chemicals to change anything -- let nature do the work. A partial water change wouldn't hurt, but may not be necessary. Be sure to dechlorinate if your water has chlorine/chloramines. When you can see them, how are the fish acting?
The psych nurse part -- not my thing, but I LOVE forensics, so that aspect sounds exciting. I don't know what to say about losing your babies......but I can give you a big, virtual HUG!
This is a Google picture of a shade sail. I got mine at either Lowes or Home Depot, but I'm sure they are sold in a variety of places. They do a good job and can look somewhat decorative/unobtrusive. Last year I had 2, side-by-side, but this year only have one up.
Aeration..... I have a pump [Pond Master, maybe?] with a 6 outlet attachment so I am able to run airstones in my pond, in my QT [quarantine tank], and in my Skippy filter [which is a 100 or so gal. Rubbermaid stock tank]. I don't know the numbers to tell you how strong it is -- I'm sure it's on the pump, so if I go out soon, I'll look. With a 3.5' pond depth, be sure you get something that will handle that depth and not a wimpy fish tank pump, LOL! I didn't do a lot of research before I bought it, but have been happy with it. It's quiet and has never given me a problem in 3 years of constant use. But keep in mind that air pumps have to be sheltered in some way. I have a plastic thing on top of mine to keep the rain off. Other people have other, much cuter ways to protect theirs. The main thing is that you want as much movement on the water surface as possible -- that's where gas exchange takes place. I just use large aquarium airstones and regular aquarium tubing. How cold does it get there in the winter? That's a whole other issue you'll need to think about, but no need to bring it up now as you DO have a lot going on. Just remember to mention "cold weather" at a later time.
Yes, when your test kit arrives, start checking your water. As a medical professional [and past lab tech], you probably understand the chemistry behind the nitrogen cycle, or at least the basic concepts, so I won't go into that. But if you have questions or need help with results, let us know. Whenever you report results, we do ask that you give us the numeric results. Many folks will tell us that their "water parameters are OK," but that doesn't tell us anything. At 5-6 weeks your pond probably hasn't cycled yet, so try to be patient and give it time. Your ammonia and nitrites [and maybe nitrates] are probably elevated, which is normal so don't add any chemicals to change anything -- let nature do the work. A partial water change wouldn't hurt, but may not be necessary. Be sure to dechlorinate if your water has chlorine/chloramines. When you can see them, how are the fish acting?
The psych nurse part -- not my thing, but I LOVE forensics, so that aspect sounds exciting. I don't know what to say about losing your babies......but I can give you a big, virtual HUG!
