Watergarden Crap!

[Cody Turtle]

Having a clump of roots growing in an island like that sounds like a breading ground for anaerobic bacteria. There is also the issue that you will not be able to tend to your plants (trimming roots, pruning and discarding old leaves) in short you will have rotting crap on your island, similar to the same issues you would have with a bog garden.

[KoiCop]

Quote: Originally Posted by diamond*girl Agreed. BUT ... they might enjoy nibbling on roots, they might feel comfortable being able to hide even if a predator can't get to them, some of us don't shade our ponds because it never gets hot enough where we live and this way they would have a little if they wanted, while the pond gets max. warmth from the sun, AND ... it looks good. So even though it is not needed, are there any good reasons why it's not wanted?

Well, yeah: It looks like something one might find floating in the green, scum filled water of a 2 ring inflatable pool in the 6' wide yard of a run down double-wide just inside the trailer park entrance.

[Russell Peters]

I think the big problem with it is.............no matter what you do it WILL create unwanted waste in your pond.

[Steve Nguyen]

from what I read, some plant roots are poisonous to fish in general so be careful.

also, if you need to shade your pond, use those black net screen. I saw many pond has this type of cover but I have no idea what's called. maybe someone can chime in on this subject.

I can only think that shade pond with floating island really obstructing the view of my fish but that's my opinion.

for BC weather, I would think you need a heater to warm up your pond.

Steve

ps: I have to ask. I saw many clever screen names but why diamond*girl ?

Quote: Originally Posted by diamond*girl Agreed. BUT ... they might enjoy nibbling on roots, they might feel comfortable being able to hide even if a predator can't get to them, some of us don't shade our ponds because it never gets hot enough where we live and this way they would have a little if they wanted, while the pond gets max. warmth from the sun, AND ... it looks good. So even though it is not needed, are there any good reasons why it's not wanted?

[The Pond Digger]

Hey Diamond*Girl,

I think the biggest problem here is the fact that the product was marketed to the group as "GREAT FOR KOI PONDS!"

There is a local koi club member in my area that is a big fan of his floating islands. He actually has them positioned above his air-drains so the bubbles are captured and contained with in the radius of his floating islands. In doing so, he actually has a better viewing area for his Koi. Other wise the air bubbles would disrupt his view.

He is actually using fishing line! It is always hard to hear about that rare percentage of accidents that happen. The fishing line was of course used to be less visible for human viewing. As you pointed out, I am sure there are some other creative techniques for anchoring the island that would reduce the possible danger of injury to the fish.

To qualify this koi hobbiest: His pond is approximately a 20' x 30' x 5' deep, two bottom drains, nexxus system, W. Lim Wave 36 settlement tank, u.v. etc. You know, the works and his collection of fish is SEXY to say the least. This pond would certainly qualify as a Traditional American Koi Pond.

The Pond Digger

P.S. By the way, love the name D*G..........

[diamond*girl]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cody Turtle Having a clump of roots growing in an island like that sounds like a breading ground for anaerobic bacteria. There is also the issue that you will not be able to tend to your plants (trimming roots, pruning and discarding old leaves) in short you will have rotting crap on your island, similar to the same issues you would have with a bog garden.

Actually, if the plants are well rooted, they would keep the island and it's substrate (if you even use substrate) aerobic. I guess my point is that if you were going to have plants in the pond this island might be a better choice than anything potted and submerged because it would be easier to care for. Just pull the thing over to the deck - prune and clean off old leaves - away you go. The koi would prune the roots coming out the bottom. There's nothing for them to knock over and it would appease other members of the family who are pissed off that I dug up the attractive water garden to put in this big hole of water . I appreciate all your opinions.


Diamond Girl is my chrome covered Harley Sportster 883 and, like the old Seals & Crofts song of the same name goes - "Diamond girl, she sure do shine"

[dick benbow]

I think what is difficult posting on a koi kichi board is anything perceived as
watergardenish (tell webster we have a new word) But as you suggest keeping peace in the family can be an issue as well. It good to see the level of understanding, knowing what items in a pond can cause issues but then having recognized them, taking steps to minimize them.

I remember loosing my families interest when the pond quality stuff started to be replaced with more of an interest in show fish. Looking back, I wish I'd have not been so "gung Ho " in eliminating "sparky and "blueberry" and their friends now. But that's what this koi hobby is all about..... learning and where we fit into the curve at the time.
In our club I ran across a similar problem with a floating island. I must confess it looked great but was made of plywood and i had some private time alone with the owner to make them aware of what was/could be happening. Quess i won't know how my "suggestions" were preceived till they offer to open up their house for another club meeting!

Was interesting to look thru KOI USA and see the various names of the koi clubs listed....many had the word "watergarden" affixed with the title.

If I've learned anything from my hobbies maybe my bonsai interest has helped....the stiff branch breaks while the soft and forgiving branch can eventually be wired into shape....

[FishOCD]

I did think these islands were very cool-looking, too. But it was pointed out to me that the pic of the planted island in the ads and on the box and website are photoshopped. Who knows what a real one would really support?

[The Pond Digger]

Quote: Originally Posted by dick benbow I If I've learned anything from my hobbies maybe my bonsai interest has helped....the stiff branch breaks while the soft and forgiving branch can eventually be wired into shape....

I can appreciate your analogy using bonsai!

Respectfully,

The Pond Digger

[diamond*girl]

Quote: Originally Posted by dick benbow I think what is difficult posting on a koi kichi board is anything perceived as watergardenish

Yes, I'm learning that . . . I'll be more careful . Thank you for your understanding words, Dick. Even, though my pond barely qualifies as a minimum true koi pond (according to another thread), I am glad to be here and will remain,
An Eager Pupil,
d*g

Cheers.