Lee Calladine's video: Cycling a new pond and avoiding new pond syndrome

Cycling a new pond and how to avoid new pond syndrome. Hi it's Lee from the Japanese Water Gardens. This weeks video is a guide to starting up your new pond, stocking with it fish and avoiding new pond syndrome. Starting out any new pond, particularly if it's your first pond can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Keep watching and I will explain step by step how its done. First build your pond, install a pump and filtration system. I know it sounds obvious but its is surprising how many people start buying or acquiring fish before the pond has even been built! Then they have to rush the project along and make compromises. When your new pond is ready clean out any mess from the construction such as mortar or rubble that may have fallen in. Fill the pond with fresh clean water. Add some dechlorinator treatment to the water or even better fill it through an inline dechlorinator and run the pump and filter for 24 hours.This will ensure any chlorine is expelled. Now you need some fish. A common misconception is that you should wait several weeks for the pond and filter too mature before introducing the fish. But that is a pointless exercise, you need the fish to excrete the Ammonia before any bacteria will multiply in the filtration system. When you buy your fish visit a reputable Koi dealer. That way you can be sure the fish you are buying will be disease and parasite free and should a problem occur you will have someone to go back to for help. I would strongly discourage introducing fish that have come from an unknown source. Old fish don’t adapt well to changes. Even if all appears well the fish may be carrying a virus or parasites that will not show up until you stress the fish by moving them into a new and completely different environment. Buying fish should be a pleasant and exciting thing to do. You are going to be amazed at the vast array of all the different varieties on offer but I would urge you to avoid the temptation to buy large quantities of Koi on your first visit. Instead buy less fish but better fish and that way you will have a great display of colourful interesting Koi. When choosing your new fish, take the time to observe them closely. Healthy fish will be active and possess a good appetite for food. Look closely for signs of damage to the body or fins. A shiny lustre and erect dorsal fin is a good indication of a fish that has lots of energy. Ultimately if you have any reservations you don’t have to buy. The Koi dealer will place your chosen fish into suitable sized plastic bags. Don’t worry the fish doesn't need much water only enough to keep them afloat and not floundering on their sides. The bags are inflated with pure oxygen, sealed up tightly and boxed to keep the fish happy and safe for several hours whilst travelling home. When you have arrived home unpack the bag from the box and float the bag on top of your pond for 10 to 15 minutes. This is done to equalise the water temperatures and prevent the fish suffering a sudden shock. The easiest thing to do when releasing the fish is simply cut a hole in the side of the bag and allow the fish swim out along with the water. Don’t worry about letting the water go with the fish. The new fish might need a few days to settle in, they maybe a little apprehensive in a new environment but overtime they will get more confidence and be up feeding vigorously. During the first few weeks, be careful with the amount of food you are feeding it takes time for your the bacteria in your filter to multiply and start oxidising the ammonia that the fish excrete. You can help speed things along by adding some Filter Booster treatment. Small regular applications is the best way to administer them in my opinion. Get into the habit of testing your water. Initially the main parameter to watch closely is the Ammonia. If it becomes concentrated it will cause serious damage to the fish. To help dilute the Ammonia carry regular small water changes. 20% is about right as often as is necessary. Antibacterial or Parasite treatments should be avoided during the maturing process. In the unlikely event that you lose a fish don’t panic and do anything drastic to the pond or filter. If you are careful all should run smoothly and you can introduce some more fish after a few weeks have passed. Thank you for taking the time to watch this video. If you like what you see be sure to subscribe to the channel give this video a thumbs up and post any questions in the comments below. It bye for now from Lee at the Japanese Water Gardens.