A Proper Koi Pond is Different From a Regular Fish Pond

A Koi pond is different from a regular fish pond containing goldfish and a few small Koi carp. It is much more expensive to build and maintain. Breeding and Keeping these fish to professional breeding standards is a very expensive business and necessitates the need for professional filtration equipment, not to mention a large pool, usually in excess of 10,000 gallons.

The first real difference between the professional and the hobbyist is the difference in time and effort needed to grow and care for Koi. These large fish require a lot of extra care and specialist filtration equipment to maintain clear, pure water. They will consume vast amounts of specially developed food and produce a lot of liquid and solid waste, as a consequence of their healthy appetites.

The following pointers will explain some of the major differences:

* The pool size is a major factor. Exercise is important for the correct development of shape and form on Koi. In order to be able to exercise they need a lot of space in which to swim around. Also bear in mind that there will be quite a few fish and not just a single individual.

* The water depth is another factor. The average fish pond is between 2 feet and 3 feet deep. A Koi pond needs to be significantly deeper than this and will normally be between 5 and 6 feet deep. The minimum depth would need to be at least 40 inches.

* Specialized biological filtration systems are needed. A typical box type filter with bio balls or other low cost biomedia will not cope with the work load. Fluidized bed filters (bead filters) or vortex filter systems are needed, in order to quickly break down the build up of high volumes of ammonia and solid waste. These systems alone can cost several thousand dollars.

* The last thing that is needed is a large development of green water, caused by algae blooms. It is critical to use a correctly specified, high powered UV sterilizer, to destroy the algae bloom and to sanitize the water by killing pathogenic micro organisms, including bacteria and viruses. Excess algae interfere with the pH; a high pH makes even small quantities of ammonia, potentially lethal. Algae blooms also increase the levels of carbon dioxide and starve the water of oxygen at night time; worst case scenario you end up with dead fish.

* Koi are sensitive creatures that prefer warmer water. In the Northern US states, Canada and Northern Europe many breeders use a mechanism for heating the the water, to maintain an ambient temperature for these sensitive fancy fish. If you want to encourage maximum growth and prevent stress and death then it is important to be aware of this factor.

* The heart of any water garden is the pump. Whilst small submersible models are ideal for the average garden pond they will be no where near powerful enough for professional systems. Ideally the volume of water needs to be turned over at least every couple of hours. In a large system with a volume of 10,000 gallons or more this will necessitate the need of a much more powerful pump. External centrifugal pumps are commonly used. They have been designed to handle large volumes of water and high flow rates.

* A pump and biological filter need to be working constantly in order to provide a continued supply of oxygen and water to the nitrifying bacteria, responsible for converting toxic ammonia and nitrites into much less harmful nitrate. What would happen if there was an electricity cut, leaving you without power for some time? A backup electricity source would be required, which would need to kick in as soon as the main power supply was interrupted.

* You will be totally amazed at the number of people who spend a fortune on their water gardening equipment but then try to save a few dollars by purchasing inferior Koi fish food. They need proper nutrition, containing the right balance of protein, trace elements, vitamins and colour enhancers to develop properly.

* In a typical Koi pond there is no such thing as too much oxygen. Large volumes of oxygen are needed. A air pump is a great way to ensure maximum oxygen saturation.

Examining Outdoor Fireplaces - 3 Different Types and Which One is Right For You

While there are three distinct categories of outdoor fireplaces to choose from: gas, wood, and fire pits, they all have similarities as well. All three are outdoor models and are easy to assemble, which means that you won't need professional help or expensive tools and supplies to include one in your outdoor space. Most outdoor units are shipped in several pieces and take less than an hour to install.

Examining The Benefits Of Fire Pits

Fire pits are ideal choices for yards and patios with limited space, or for individuals with active lifestyles. Gas fire pits offer the same ambience and warmth of a traditional outdoor unit without the nuisance. They can be placed on the ground, on wood decks and patios, or smaller styles are perfect on a tabletop. They come with lava rocks, tumbled glass or ceramic logs to complete your genuine fire pit experience. Not only are they easy to operate and require little maintenance, but they also maintain their pleasing appearance year after year.

As great as gas fire pits are, it is hard to beat the allure of a real wood fire pit. They are as portable as their gas counterparts and can be enjoyed year round. Wood fire pits are available in many styles and are constructed from bronze, stainless steel, or cast iron. Accents such as copper, stone, and tile are also available on many models. Unlike gas fire pits, however, wood fire pits do require maintenance. Owners need to take care of burnt materials to prevent embers and soot from being spread across the patio and lawn. This problem is easily solved by keeping the fire pit clear of debris, by placing it in a low traffic spot, and by keeping it away from windy areas.

Wood And Charcoal Flexibility

A wood or charcoal burning outdoor model is a perfect addition to large lawns or patios. Outdoor fireplaces, unlike their fire pit counterparts, should be placed on a level area that has a concrete or other non-combustible surface. While fire pits are not designed for cooking, outdoor fireplaces can be purchased with charcoal or wood burning grilling features to complement their fireplace ambiance. This option is especially welcome for individuals who enjoy entertaining their friends and family on weekends or summer evenings with an appealing barbeque and a heartwarming fire afterwards.

Wood and charcoal burning fireplaces are constructed from a variety of materials that include stone and reinforced concrete mixtures and come in a wide range of designs. Each manufacturer has their own unique designs, and one of these will surely fit in with individual budgets and tastes. One manufacturer constructs easy-to-install units that have a double-walled construction of steel-reinforced concrete and quartz and is virtually maintenance free. All one needs to do is hose the unit down at the end of the season. Another maker offers easy-to-install units that come with a sandy finish and an aged concrete appearance. These models are designed for wood burning and include a grate and spark arrestor. A third producer offers a wide variety of large outdoor fireplaces that are constructed from heat-dissipating stone and come in eight different colors.

Hassle-Free Gas Fireplaces Provide The Perfect Atmosphere

Hectic lifestyles often leave people with little time to indulge in the fireplace experience. However, a gas outdoor fireplace is the perfect choice for individuals who enjoy the outdoor fire effect but do not have the time to allot for lighting and extinguishing a traditional fireplace. Constructed of stainless steel, they require no venting and can be installed almost anywhere. Versatility is one of the foremost features of outdoor gas fireplaces. Liquid propane or natural gas can be used as fuel. These units provide up to 40,000 BTUs that will provide the desired warm atmosphere without taking a bite out of your time. Another timesaving option is a tabletop fire bowl. It is quick and easy to assemble and uses clean burning technology, so there is no smoke and no ash. Made of a fire retardant magnesium composite and steel frame, this unit produces 12,000 BTUs and comes with a gas flow control. Lava rocks are included, which gives the flames their realistic appearance.

There are many options for people with a variety of lifestyles and needs. Knowing your area restrictions and time restraints will help you decide which type of outdoor unit is the perfect fit.