Phase II of the side yard project included setting up and cycling a pond in addition to adding plants and other decorations. The pond was plumbed with flex PVC allowing the line to run into the garage for proper filtration. Some of the aesthetic considerations were addressed in phase 3. When the pond was operational, several small goldfish were added to seed the pond with Bacteria.  Upon being seeded, two Red-Ear Slider Turtles and a couple Koi. The livestock has grown considerably since. There are now 3 Red-Ear Sliders and two Painted Turtles as well as 4 types of Koi and some very large goldfish.

I have moved ten of the smaller koi from this tank to the office pond. Then, I proceeded to move the 4 larger koi from the smaller tank into this tank in order to begin the saltwater conversion on my smaller tank (see category 85 Gallon Reef).  Having different sized koi in this tank gives it more dimension. This transition also consisted of a water change of about 50 gallons (33%) and a thorough filter cleaning. Post cleaning test showed no readable levels of ammonia or nitrite. Current Stocking consists of: 24 Koi and 2 Plecos.

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Just a quick word to the wise … A tank filled with 3 inch koi do not respond well to African Dwarf Frogs! Although, the koi certainly did not mind.

Since my last post on this tank, nearly 10 days ago, I have been fearful of a high ammonia or nitrite reading again. However, the tank is beginning to mature well. Today, I cleaned the canister filter and vacuumed 20 gallons from the rock at the bottom of the tank. Anyone who has kept koi in a tank knows that rock is not the best idea in the world. However, the fish seemed to enjoy the cleaner water and are continuing to thrive. Of course, these koi are not growing as fast as the koi in the office pond. The koi in this tank are fed only once per day, on average, because I am not home often enough to feed them more regularly and the kids cannot reach the opening at the top of the tank. Slow growth is quite acceptable; however, as I have not done much with my plans for the outdoor pond in which they will live out their adult years.

Today’s pond maintenance consisted of a complete cleaning of the Fluval FX5 and a thorough examination of all 17 fish.  Although, the filter was loaded with detritus, the water still tested at zero for ammonia, nitrite, and at a low 5 for nitrates. The addition of a timer for the lamp allows more daylight hours and the algae is doing its work on clearing the water of nitrate. In addition, the freshwater hydrometer showed no readings of salt in the water. So, the plants in the office will be happy as well. The 15 koi are thriving and eating 3-4 times each day. The two remaining feeder fish are now 2 inches long and growing. These may very well end up being the largest 12 cent feeders that Wal Mart has ever turned out.

This 8 inch algae eater was added to the tank exactly a week ago. It has done a terrific job in cleaning the tank. This tank is now inhabited by the 4 koi mentioned in previous posts and this very large housekeeper.

The 150 Gallon acryllic tank is now home to 31 assorted Koi and one fairly large algae eater. All of the fish are happy as they have shifted from one meal per day to 2 or 3. The additional meals are courtesy of the nitrifying bacteria that has finally taken hold. This is the quickest we have had a tank complete the nitrification cycle. It has taken approximately 5 weeks of almost daily water changes and the addition of live bacteria starter. I am crediting the rapid cycle to the consistent flow of the Fluval FX5 canister filter and the addition of bacteria. Needless to say, the fish are certainly happy!