Feeding Koi During a Florida Winter

As soon as the weather forecast mentions cold weather in Florida the phone starts to ring with people asking "When do I stop feeding my Koi?" or It's winter in Florida do the koi still eat?
Well, first can we really say we have winter in Florida? Yes the weather cools off and yes we need to follow a couple simple steps to ensure the health and safety of our beloved koi.






First, it is recommended to purchase a pond thermometer. Begin to monitor the temperature and when the water reaches upper 50° begin to reduce the feedings. When the water temperature has reached
50° stop feeding. Keeping in mind that the air temperature is much cooler than the water temperature so in Florida we really only have a hand full of days and nights that we do not feed the koi.

Lets explain why we reduce and stop feeding koi in cooler weather.

Koi start slowing down in preparation for a period of semi-dormancy as the temperature begin to decline. Their digestive and immune systems slow down, and they are not capable of digesting food the way that they can during the warmer months. Koi are particularly susceptible to problems at this time, as they have no stomach to aid in digestion; food passes directly into their small intestines, where it will sit and rot. The ensuing intestinal bacteria can pass into their bloodstream, causing sepsis which will debilitate or even kill the immune-suppressed fish.

When you resume feeding the koi DO NOT over feed them as this too can be dangerous for your finned friends.
If you are unsure whether to feed your koi or how much to feed them please err on the side of caution.  Always feed a high quality high protein food avoid foods with lots of fillers. We only feed our koi Blackwater Creek Koi food.
Don't worry, if the koi become hungry during this time they will dine on the algae in the pond.


How to make your dream a reality?
If you’re considering adding a water feature to your home, CONTACT US for a free phone consultation. We can provide you with details, options for your particular design and budget.
Pondtastic is Orlando's only Master Certified Aquascape Contractor

Pondtastic serves all Central Florida Counties Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Polk and Brevard.

Longwood Backyard Retreat

This Longwood, Florida backyard feels like you are on a mountain retreat. It's like you are miles away from the construction on the highway and the traffic from less than a mile away can't even be heard. Instead, you hear birds chirping and the rustling of leaves as squirrels chase each other around the tree.
Even the Florida temperatures are shielded from the large trees that provide cooling shade.
This is paradise!

One must walk the  paths to discover the start of the 35' stream nestled among lush Florida landscaping. This stream features 3 areas where the water crashes and falls into the next elevation change. Water bubbling and gurgling down the stream invites you to sit on a large rock and put your feet in to cool down. Again, making you feel that you are anywhere but in busy Central Florida.

This beautiful Oasis has many features added to make this as low maintenance as possible to maximize time to relax and enjoy the koi and be one with nature.











This ecosystem pond is 11'x16' with a 35' stream, features 2 Aquasurge 5000 pumps, 8.0 skimmer filter with large basket to capture any flowing debris. The start of the waterfall is another filter, a Signature Series 2500 biofalls. Added oxygen is provided by a 40 liter aeration system, oxygen is always great for the koi and it helps slow the growth of algae in the pond.
Algae growth is also slowed by the use of an Aquascape IonGen which does a really nice job combating string algae. The water quality is maintained by adding Beneficial Bacteria weekly is digest the organics in the pond. An ultra violet light was installed to supplement in the hottest part of the summer when we have daily rain and it's 98°. This light will kill any algae that passed in from of it.
Pond lighting was installed so that this paradise can be enjoyed in the evenings also. 

After the pond was constructed Adam with Lanai Hardscape Company added walkways and additional seating areas along with lush Florida landscaping to give this yard a completed look.


The yard has so many great little areas with hidden treasures and the pond has become the focal point of this backyard.





There are so many breathtaking views and vantage points from which to enjoy this pond.
At times this homeowner said "it's difficult to work from my home office, I'm always looking out the office window at the pond"
Entertaining on their Florida room now comes with it's own waterfall soundtrack.
The bistro seating along the stream is a great place to enjoy a refreshing beverage and let the worries of the day seem so far away.


How to make your dream a reality?
If you’re considering adding a water feature to your home, CONTACT US for a free phone consultation. We can provide you with details, options for your particular design and budget.
Pondtastic is Orlando's only Master Certified Aquascape Contractor

Pondtastic serves all Central Florida Counties Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Polk and Brevard.

Spillway Bowls Make A Splash

These new Spillway Bowls are creating quite a splash in Orlando.

 

Are you looking for a something to enhance your Central Florida landscape? Or maybe you want to add more circulation to you koi pond.

These versatile water features can be installed to create many different looks and sounds.

Beautiful spilling water features can be added to small spaces adding tranquility and soothing sounds to any patio or entryway.







Spillway Bowls can also easily be linked together creating a unique standalone water feature.
Enhance your landscaping with the sounds of water.
 





What about adding these bowls to your pond for a modern looking waterfall? Add pond lighting to capture the dancing water as it splashes from bowl to bowl.

These beautiful bowls are made from durable glass fiber reinforced concrete and come in a beautiful patina.


 

 Watch this short video for more ideas

 

Call today for your custom installed Spillway Bowls

                                    407-601-7663

Keep Your Koi Safe From Predators

As we all look forward to enjoying Central Florida's cooler temperatures in the months ahead we need to be proactive when it comes to protecting our koi fish from predators.

A few simple additions to your backyard pond can save your beloved koi.

 Know your enemies
While there are many predators that love to eat fish we really only have a few that cause problems in the Central Florida area.

For the raccoon, you have to first remember he doesn’t mind getting his hands wet, however he does not want to get his entire body wet so it is not likely swim to catch a fish. The design of the pond plays a big role in the safety of your koi. A plant shelf that is too shallow will help him snag a fish every time.

The Florida Great White Egret and the Blue Heron are much more of a challenge to deal with. They are very crafty and smart birds and you should not underestimate them.
These two birds tend to be more of a concern in our winter months. As the lake fish swim deeper in the cooler months it becomes more difficult to get fish from the lakes. They then often find their way into our backyard ponds.

How to protect your koi

There are many methods available to keep them or scare them away from your pond – from plastic heron statue replicas to floating alligator decoys and motion-activated sprinkler. Often ponds are netted to prevent the unwanted predator from entering the pond.
These options all offer varying levels of success for every water garden hobbyist.  

How Decoys Work
Your first defense is to use a decoy of some sort, whether it is heron or alligator decoy. They work better if you keep moving them around the pond to fool the heron into thinking they are real. Herons would rather not feed in the same water as an alligator, and if they see that another bird has staked out your backyard already, they are more likely to move on to the next available spot. The trick is to move the decoy about every three days in the winter and spring and every couple of weeks in the summer.

Fingers Crossed

The most important thing to remember is to have fun with your fish, and to remember that all of these occurrences are case specific. You may never see a heron or raccoon in your backyard.

Pondtastic Water Gardens of Orlando Installs the Aquascape Pond Ecosystem

Ecosystem Ponds

Ecosystem ponds can be easy to understand, At Pondtastic Water Gardens, we have complete knowledge of what components go into a basic, or advanced functioning ecosystem. An ecosystem pond works with Mother Nature to provide food, shelter, and safety to the wildlife around it. It also provides you with an all-natural, low-maintenance piece of paradise. It’s important to remember, however, that every piece of the ecosystem puzzle must be present in order for a true ecosystem to be in place. Eliminate one of these elements and you’ve got an unbalanced ecosystem that won’t be so low-maintenance anymore. Check out the things you’ll need to get your ecosystem pond fired up:

Circulation System is really just a fancy way of saying “pumps and plumbing.” The proper size pump and pipe diameter are extremely important for the aesthetics of a water feature. More importantly, an efficient circulation system keeps the water moving and provides the necessary oxygen levels for healthy fish and plants.

Proper Filtration System includes the use of both a biological and a mechanical filter. A biological filter provides surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize and remove excess nutrients from the water. A mechanical filter will not only pre-filter the water and house the pump; it will also skim debris from the water’s surface to prevent the accumulation of organic materials on the pond floor.

Fish are an integral part of any ecosystem. Unfortunately, fish are often seen as creating a maintenance nightmare. Contrary to popular belief, fish will actually reduce pond maintenance, as they graze on string algae and bottom feed from the pond floor.

Aquatic Plants are Mother Nature’s true filters. Plants are great for adding character to a pond by providing color and texture, but from a filtration perspective, they’re second to none. Thriving from the excess nutrients in a pond and depriving algae of its food source, the aquatic plants in a water garden, given proper coverage, are critical for the overall health of the ecosystem.


Rocks, Gravel, and Bacteria have been a controversial element in the hobby for many years. Many enthusiasts have steered away from rocks and gravel out of fear that their system will become a maintenance nightmare. On the contrary, rocks and gravel will not only make your pond look more natural, they will also protect pond liners from UV light degradation and they provide tremendous surface area for beneficial bacteria to break down excess nutrients in the water and dissolved organic debris on the pond floor.

Having all these things in place makes all the difference in the health and success of your water garden. Use them and work with Mother Nature, not against her, for a chemical-free wonderland of water! The truth is that most people opt for the ecosystem way of water gardening because it’s easier and it just makes sense. A low-maintenance ecosystem pond provides you with more free time to enjoy friends and family … while gathered around your pond, of course!