| I guess my thoughts on this subject are along the lines of what do we mean when we talk about a Koi Pond.
I know for us, here on KB, we are talking about a pond that creates an environment that provides for the highest level of developement for our koi. High quality water, not just crystal clear. Frequent removal of solids. Over filtered for removal of disolved gases. Efficient plumbing design that allows us to use smaller pumps to meet the turn-over target.
What I like to call a Formal Koi Pond.
Most of my local club members are more into ponds that have plants to make it a "Natural" pond. Even though a rubber liner, closed loop water system, and plant combinations that would not likely be found together in nature. Plus of course pretty fish. And they are just fish to them. Of course they become emotionally attached to their fish, but hey fish die and they will just replace them. The fish they buy look pretty right then, no thought to future developement.
What I like to call an Ornamental Water Garden
My pond exists (or will when I finish the remodel) for my Koi. I am learning to choose koi for their future qualities. With any luck I will be able to learn enough to be competitive.
Most of the pond builders/landscapers here in my area put in AS designs. They are a two day job and the money is good. The vast majority of people putting them in have no interest in their fish beyond how they look when they buy them. So I am sure that I would not hire most of the landscape contractors in my area. Even trying to explain design criteria to them is an excersize in frustration. They just do not get it. They have been installing these types of ponds for years and the fish live and grow. Some even get upwards of 18 - 20" and the water is crystal clear. Of course their idea of crystal clear is a much lesser standard than mine. Oh well, onward and upward with the good fight. Occasionally I run into someone who wants to learn and in the process I usually learn as much as the person I am talking with.
Steve
Rambling again |