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and fish so sure to let the water sit. The next step involves adding plant oxygenators such as duckweed, and water lettuce or parrot plants. These float in or on top of the water and help establish a natural environment. Other plants such as water hyacinth, lilies and water iris add a natural look to the pond. They provide shade for frogs and salamanders that need relief from the heat and direct sunlight. Adding snails to the water help keep algae under control. A small underwater circulating pump can be used to increase oxygen in the water, but it should not be too forceful.

(c) Once a pond is established it is not a good idea to alter things for awhile. It is inadvisable to drain a pond after things are in place. Let nature take its course. Adding fluoridated water to an eco-pond can be disastrous for any living thing. There are microorganisms that are invisible to the naked eye, and they need a stable environment to survive. Many gardening centers are catering to the needs of water gardeners. They can be a wonderful resource to help handle any problems that arise. There are products that break down alga blooms if it becomes too prolific.

FISH PONDS:

The idea of having fish in our pond was very appealing and we proceeded to stock our pond. Getting fish through the first 48 hours can be challenging. We learned that after losing a couple of large goldfish. It is stressful for fish to be moved from their existing water to a new site. They are very temperature sensitive and need time to acclimatize.

The transport bag is usually filled with water from the original tank. Float the bag on top of the pond for at least a half an hour so the water temperature of the pond can slowly match the water in the transport bag. Having a thermometer that reads the lower temperatures of the pond is a good addition to your project. Ask the pet store to take the temperature of their water. Assessing variances in temperature makes it easier to avoid placing the fish in jeopardy by exposing them to water extremes.

If the temperature is too extreme (high noon heat, or late day coolness) then float the bag for 45 minutes. Under most condition 30 minutes is adequate. When the appropriate time has lapsed, open the plastic bag and add about a cup of water from your pond. Then close the bag back up and float it again for 15 minutes. Continue adding water to the bag every fifteen minutes until the bag is full of water from the pond. Then slowly open the bag and let the fish out into their

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