INLAND EMPIRE WATER GARDEN & KOI SOCIETY

Transcription

1 Volume 11 Issue 6 July 2007 INLAND EMPIRE WATER GARDEN & KOI SOCIETY P.O. BOX 4792 Spokane, WA IEWG&KS Web Site - General Meeting Wednesday, July 11 th, 6:30 p.m. Pond side Steve and Sue Devaney s 1018 N. Bates Road Spokane Valley Directions: Take I-90 to Pines Exit South, turn West on Broadway, then second right (North) on Bates Road. POTLUCK: Bring your favorite dish or dessert. Steve will have his barbecue fired up, so bring buns, hot-dogs & hamburgers, or steak, fowl or fish if you wish. Your club will provide utensils, condiments, sodas and coffee. Bring your own favorite refreshments if you so desire. No time to cook or get something at the store, come anyway! You are always welcome and we always have an abundance of food. MEETING TOPIC: ALGAE How to grow it - How to control it If you don t have algae in your pond, let us show you how to grow it. It s easy. If you have way too much of the green, let our members show you how to get rid of it. That is a little harder but there are a lot ways that won t cost you too much of the other green. Steve will also be giving tours of his pond and gardens. Please come and join us at Steve and Sue s little piece of Eden. Pond Tour Sunday, July 15, 2007 Please see important information on page 3.

2 INLAND EMPIRE WATER GARDEN & KOI SOCIETY July 2007 PAGE Society Officers President: Jim Walsh learfixer@adelphia.net Vice President: vacant Secretary: Claudia McGowen suziespond@juno.com Treasurer: John Mason johnnita@verizon.net Past President: Steve Devaney devaneysw@comcast.net Members at Large: Mike Noyes michael_noyes@comcast.net Don Morgan duskydon@cet.com Grant Rodkey dmdrodkey@aol.com 2007 Representatives & Committee Chairs AKCA Rep: Ralph McGowen suziespond@juno.com PNKCA Reps : vacant Member List: Bruce Todd bdtodd50@hotmail.com Newsletter: John Seifert (pro-tem) spokanekoi@comcast.net Garden Expo: Claudia McGowen suziespond@juno.com Floats on the Pond: Anne Bronny nbronny@comcast.net Librarian: Don Morgan duskydon@cet.com Pond Tour: Jim Walsh learfixer@adelphia.net Koi Show: vacant - cancelled for 2007 Goldfish Show: vacant - cancelled for 2007 Web Site: Phyllis Anderson koipondman@aol.com Refreshments: Scott&Kathy Rollins skrollins@adelphia.net Historian: Colleen McCalip stillwatergardens@msn.co Sound System: Mike Noyes michael_noyes@comcast.net Help Hotline The following are advisors and consultants only. Their services are free. You provide the labor and materials. Koi Health Advisors: Gene Anderson koipondman@aol.com Phyllis Anderson koipondman@aol.com Claudia McGowen suziespond@juno.com Daryl Kleweno kleweno@juno.com Koi Health Advisors go through extensive training, pass a series of tests and complete continuing education. They are knowledgeable in a variety of subjects including fish health, water quality, pond and filtration systems. Other Advisors: If you have an area of expertise, please contact the editor to be listed.

3 INLAND EMPIRE WATER GARDEN & KOI SOCIETY July 2007 PAGE Pond Tour Sunday, July am to 5 pm - rain or shine $5.00 per person Under 13 years old - free Volunteers Needed We are in desperate need of volunteers for the pond tour. Duties are very easy consisting of selling tickets, checking tickets and presenting information about our club. Technical questions about the pond should be referred to the pond owner. Shifts are very short this year, just two hours, so you will have lots of time to see all the ponds. Our pond tour is historically the biggest fund raiser we have for the club. It allows us to have refreshments at our meetings, provide hamburgers and hotdogs at our potlucks, bring in speakers from outside the area, cover the expenses for the Manito Japanese Pond cleaning, pay for club insurance, rent a storage facility for the club s assets and a myriad of other items. By volunteering, you will not only help your club to have a successful tour but you will also benefit by receiving a free ticket for the tour and be invited to an exclusive post-tour picnic with the other volunteers and pond owners. There are vacancies at all ponds for all shifts. Please call Jim Walsh or Kathy at (208) or learfixer@adelphia.com or contact any of the officers. Thank you in advance for volunteering and being a part of this year s pond tour Pond Tour This is our tenth annual pond tour. For the first time, all of the ponds are located in North Idaho. There are seven unique ponds and water features. None of these ponds have ever appeared on any garden tour. This will be the first opportunity the public will have to visit them. Here is a chance to talk with pond owners about their pond experiences. You will have an opportunity to learn about pond design, filtration, fish, plants, maintenance and more. Tickets may be purchased at any of the ponds or at these fine retail establishments: North Idaho: Do-it Center/Hardware, Couer d Alene Northland Nursery, Post Falls Riverview Nursery, Couer d Alene Aspen Nursery, Post Falls Huckleberry s Nursery, Hayden Washington: Koi Gardens, Spokane Blue Iris, Spokane Valley Still Water Gardens, Cheney Northwest Seed and Pet, Spokane Remember, if you volunteer, you and your family can attend the tour for free. For pond addresses and a short descrition about each pond see page 10. We hope to see you on the tour.

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5 INLAND EMPIRE WATER GARDEN & KOI SOCIETY July 2007 PAGE 5 Some of you may not have liked the chemical approach of using sodium percarbonate in your ponds to control algae. (And I don t really wish to be known as chemical John.) So in this newsletter I have reprinted two articles from past newsletters on more natural ways to control algae. The first is using bacterial additives and the second is on the use of barley straw. I have tried both and they do work. We will discuss other ways at our next meeting. I hope to see you there. BUYER BEWARE! By John Seifert Sometimes a new product may just work a little too well. I had an algae bloom in my lower pond. I already know the filtration system is inadequate and coming out of our cool spring into the warmer months, the system was not fully up and running. I talked to several other members who had tried Microbe- Lift s new Spring & Summer bacterial additive with excellent results in eliminating algae blooms. I only used half as much as was recommended. The product worked great! The water is drinking-water clear right now. This product does what it is suppose to do. Now the beware part. This is a lily pond with Koi and has a very heavy biological load. In practice, I drain my filter sumps just about every day. I also check the water qualities once a week if I am not having any problems and I had done the tests the Wednesday before. I noticed that as the pond began to clear, the effluent from the filters was dark and heavy. This was just as it should be. Last Sunday evening, I saw one of my fish doing some minor flashing (is it ever minor?). Monday was a gray and rainy day. I did not have an opportunity to inspect the pond until late in the afternoon. ALL THE KOI WERE FLASHING! First thought, get the salt, get the potassium, and get whatever other chemicals I could lay my hands on. But after the first few minutes of panic, reason prevailed. Do the tests! The first was ph. It was 6.8. The ph had been consistently 7.8 since early last fall. Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate were all 0. Alkalinity was 80ppm. I should have checked O2 but did not and I did not have test kit for CO2. Why did the ph crash? From checking with various references, here is what I surmise happened. The bacterial additive caused a rapid decomposition of various organic wastes in the pond. A by-product of this decomposition is carbon dioxide which when dissolved in water becomes carbonic acid. The increase of any acid in the pond will lower the ph. I still had my winter returns from the filter, which made just a slight ripple across the top surface of the pond. I had not yet added any air stones nor was the stream yet running. The last I had checked, the O2 was at maximum. To cure the problem, I quickly added two air stones and rigged the winter returns to provide maximum aeration to the pond. Increased aeration will increase ph by expelling CO2 into the atmosphere. By morning the ph was back at 7.8 and the Koi had settled down. All other tests were fine. The lesson learned here is that anytime you are adding anything to the pond or if you can visually see rapid changes, DO THE TESTS! And do them often until the situation stabilizes. Then do them on a regular basis. Reprinted from IEWGKS Newsletter, June 2001

6 INLAND EMPIRE WATER GARDEN & KOI SOCIETY July 2007 PAGE 6 IEWGKS June Meeting The June meeting of the Inland Empire Water Garden and Koi Society was held June 2nd at the Nishnomya Japanese Garden Pond. The meeting coincided with the annual cleaning and health check of the koi residing therein. Thanks to Taylor Bressler of the Parks department for coordinating the efforts of the city, parks department, Friends of Manito and the Spokane Fire Department to help make this annual event the success it was. From 6:30 AM until 8:30 AM members arrived at the park to set up for the cleaning. When all was ready, the fire hoses turned on, brooms in hand the fun began. Fish were panned and transported to waiting tanks to be checked for parasites, wounds or ulcers. Margie Luce again volunteered to do the health check assisted by Claudia McGowen. With Mary Bates taking notes to update the original book and Tim Clune again taking photos of the fish and pond cleaners. Saturday was a busy day for all involved setting up tanks, eating donuts, hooking up the fire hose, panning fish, drinking a soft drink, hosing down the pond, sweeping up algae and mulm, snacking, checking fish for critters ( a fluke, Trichodina, epistylis were found), treating wounds and small ulcers, taking pictures, filling the pond. EATING PIZZA-compliments of the Friends of Manito. One of the most rewarding aspects of the day was explaining to those who chose this day to visit the Japanese Gardens what we were doing and why. How the IEWGKS was asked two years ago by Steve Gustafson to help with the sick fish. How this club has pledged to do all it can to keep this pond clean and the fish in the pond healthy. Those we talked to were amazed and pleased that we had taken this day to improve their park. To those who joined us a huge thank you: Jim Elms, Jim Walsh, Kathy Kelley, Scott Rollins, Ilona and Larry Wiley, Sue and Steve Devaney, Mary Bates, Bruce Todd, Don Morgan, Margie Luce and Tim Clune, Kyle McNeilly, Ralph and Claudia McGowen, Judy and Bud Gilmartin stopped by with fresh baked homemade cookies at the end of the day. Gathering koi with the seine net. The pond was lowered several feet.

7 INLAND EMPIRE WATER GARDEN & KOI SOCIETY July 2007 PAGE 7 Hauling a koi to the inspection table BARLEY STRAW Barley straw has proven to be a very effective way to control certain types of algae, especially the string-type algae that seems to be plaguing so many of our ponds. This is a lowtech solution to a very troublesome problem but please be aware that its effectiveness will vary from pond to pond. As the barley straw begins to decompose, it, or the bacteria it is feeding, releases into the pond certain by-products that destroy the algae. This process is temperature-sensitive and accelerates as the pond becomes warmer. Once the straw begins to work on the algae, it will remain effective up to six months until it is almost completely decomposed. For practical purposes, it should be replaced much sooner. Exactly how the straw works is still not fully understood. One theory is the cell structure of the straw breaks down releasing lignins into the water. These lignins are then oxidized into humic acids, which with oxygen and sunlight, are converted to hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide will kill algae and normally has a very short life when in contact with organic materials such as algae and other organic substances in your pond. (See the article on sodium percarbonate in last month s newsletter.) Another theory is that a heterotroph bacteria acting on the lignin in the cell walls of the barley straw, releases an enzyme. It is thought that this enzyme helps the bacteria digest the cell wall and that excess enzymes in the water cause the death of the algae. Contact time with the enzyme seems to be important; stiller ponds will usually have less string algae than running water. The same type of bacte- (Continued on page 8)

8 INLAND EMPIRE WATER GARDEN & KOI SOCIETY July 2007 PAGE 8 (Continued from page 7) ria also feeds on algae and that helps to explain why, with a balanced "natural" pond or an effective bio-filter/bio-converter, that so few algae problems occur. Please note too that these heterotroph bacteria do not seem to thrive in adequate numbers in the bubble bead type filters and that other means to control algae, such as UV lights, will be necessary. Also, UV lights are thought to destroy the enzyme and thereby substantially reduce the effectiveness of heterotroph bacteria method of algae control. To utilize the barley straw in your pond, first place it in a mesh bag. That way you can control its placement and remove it when it begins to decompose beyond its effective life. The recommended minimum rate of straw is one pound per each 1000 gallons of pond. Place the straw in a location with lots of running water, preferably, 1000 gallons-per-hour for each pound of straw. Oxygenated water is essential so place it where your water has its highest oxygen saturation such as under a waterfall, in a stream or on the discharge of your filter system. It will probably take several weeks, maybe even months depending upon temperature, for the straw/bacteria to be fully effective. Be aware that when the string algae begins to die, it may happen very suddenly and you may have to clean out your pumps, skimmers, drains etc. several times a day. You may notice a slight "tea" coloration to your pond water. The use of an UV light, as noted above, will reduce the effectiveness of the barley straw treatment. Reprinted, with modifications, from IEWGKS Newsletter, August, Floats on the Pond Do you have a pond or garden you wish to show off but you can t be on the pond tour or host a club meeting? Here is the solution. Host a Floats on the Pond. You pick the day and the hours (as long as there is no conflict with a club activity). During these hours, members and their guests randomly come by and enjoy a root beer float and maybe a cookie or two. The club provides the sodas, ice cream, cups and cookies. This is a low-stress event and a great time to socialize with other club members and their invited guests. We want to see your garden, pond and fish! Contact Anne Bronny for more information: or nbronny@comcast.net 2008 Koi & Goldfish Show A kickoff meeting for the 2008 show will be scheduled shortly after the successful completion of the pond tour. If you are interested in helping with the planning for what will be a great show in 2008, please call Jim Walsh at Board Meeting 6:30 pm Wednesday July 18, 2007 Rocket Bakery 3315 N. Argonne, Millwood Floats on the Pond Stillwater Gardens invites all club members and the public for ice cream floats Saturday, July 14, 2007

9 INLAND EMPIRE WATER GARDEN & KOI SOCIETY July 2007 PAGE 9 June 13, 2007 IEWGKS Board Meeting Minutes The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M. by President Jim Walsh. Present were Don Morgan, John Mason, Mary Bates, John Seifert and Claudia McGowen. Jim reported the Manito cleanup was covered by channel 4 TV. Jim suggested an advisory board consisting of vendors. This would entail a by-law change. A decision on this was tabled. John Mason gave the treasurers report, our current balance is $3,398. We had a net income of $1, in the month of May primarily due to profits from the Garden Expo. The club owes the city $ for the Koi show last year. It has taken until now to get the final bill. The board voted to pay this bill. Jim reported on the Pond Tour. All the tickets are out except the North Division Northwest Seed and Pet. Mary agreed to take the tickets to this business. There will be seven ponds all in Post Falls and Hayden. Claudia moved we pay the AKCA dues of $100. by July 1 st. Jim 2 nd the motion. It was carried. The July meeting will be at the home of Steve and Sue Devaney. Claudia will check to see what day will be best for them as the 1 st Wednesday is the 4 th of July and many members may have other plans. Claudia will date and time to members. John S. brought up the confusion with newsletter ads. He proposed commercial ads go from April 1 st March 31 st same as our dues. If a company comes in later in the year and wants to advertise the fee will be prorated. This was approved by the board. John also reported that we send out 75 newsletters to members and 25 complimentary newsletters each month. He proposed we send the complimentary newsletters out by only. This was moved by Don and seconded by John Mason. This was approved by the board. John S. is willing to remain newsletter editor until the end of October but will not be able to next year. Anyone interested in taking over the newsletter should contact Jim. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 P.M. Claudia McGowen, Secretary Treasurer s Report At the request of President Jim Walsh, the Treasurer s Report will not be published in the newsletter. It is intended that at some future Board of Directors meeting a policy will be established on the publishing of the club s financial information. Please contact the John Mason, Treasurer, if you wish any detailed financial information. Newsletter Editor Needed John Seifert will be not able to continue as newsletter editor beyond year end. A replacement is needed as soon as possible. John is willing to train and help with the program but only for the rest of the year. For more information, please contact John or any member of the board.

10 INLAND EMPIRE WATER GARDEN & KOI SOCIETY July 2007 PAGE Pond Tour S. 18 th St Coeur d Alene This pond is owned by Roy Johnson and is approx 1 year old. It currently is using a pressurize bio filter with a pump at 1300 gallon/hr. It is constructed with a standard pond liner. It has domestic Koi, goldfish and several turtles. The approximate cost of construction was about $2000. Roy spent many days removing tree roots to construct the pond in its current location E. Montana Coeur d Alene This beautiful Pond is owned by Mark Joseph and uses aqua bead filtration with a 40 watt Ultra Violet lamp. This is the 3 rd Pond that Mark has constructed and is approximately 3000 gallons with a 20 stream utilizing 1 ½ horsepower pump. Over all cost approximately are at $3000 plus a lot of free labor. This Pond features domestic Koi, Butterfly Koi and Fancy Goldfish N. 16 th Dalton This pond is owned by Tina and Ed Hood, Master Gardeners here in North Idaho with a beautiful pond setting. Ed and Tina s Pond uses mechanical and biological filtration, little giant pump and is approximately 1400 gallons. Approximate cost to construct this pond is $2000 and is around 7 years old. The Pond features many beautiful plants, Koi and Goldfish W. Starling Hayden This Pond is owned by Randy and Carla Patterson. It is between 5000 and 6000 gallons. Is approximately one year old and has a liner bottom drain skimmer and uses the Ultima II 6000 gallon pump. Many beautiful plants complement this pond. The Patterson s are also in the process of adding a small goldfish pond Orchard Ave Hayden This Pond is owned by Rick Bynum. Rick s pond is approximately 6000 gallons and is 2 years old. It is a constructed with a rubber pond liner and uses natural filtration with a standard sump pump for circulation. Approximate cost of construction is $7000 and features Koi, Goldfish and turtles. Rick says it was a lot of work, but well worth it Emerald Dr. Hayden This pond is owned by Jim Walsh. The pond is approximately 5 years old and is 1800 gallons. It is constructed with a fiberglass pre-form liner using a Ultima II bead filtration with a Sequence brand pump. Currently living amongst the many plants are various domestic Koi. To include 14 small Koi from last years spawning W. Camrose Rathdrum Larry s Pond has a rubber liner construction with rocks, boulders and waterfalls. His filtration is under gravel with a ¾ horsepower external pump. The approximate cost of construction is about $4000. The pond features domestic Koi and Goldfish with many many plants. Larry spent many hours of back breaking, boulder-moving labor.

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12 INLAND EMPIRE WATER GARDEN & KOI SOCIETY July 2007 PAGE E. Weile Ave. Spokane, WA Phone: (509) COME VISIT US AT OUR STORE LOCATION OR ON THE WEB! If you would like to receive newsletters, sales notifications, fish and plant availability, and other information log on to our website and send us your address. Special Offer for Club Members Only! Save 15% off Pond Supplies and Accessories Save 25% off Fish and Plants Limited Time, offer expires December 31, Offer not available on consultations, service work or sale items. Must be an active IEWGKS Club Member to receive discounts. Bring in your newsletter to receive this seasons discount card. Hours: Monday-Tuesday CLOSED Wednesday-Friday 8:00-5:00 Saturday-Sunday 8:00-3:00 Open April-October Closed All Holidays Call for Appointment, during closed hours. Club Web Site Be sure to log on to our club website for information on meetings, the pond tour, koi shows and lots of color pictures. We are using the website to post current news and information. Library Our club has an extensive library regarding water gardening, koi, goldfish, pond building and general gardening. Please go to the website for a list of available titles. If you wish a title, please contact Don Morgan (509) or duskydon@cet.com For Sale Approximately 175 feet of 1 1/2 poly pipe Will sell by the foot or all. Also some fittings. Never used. Very Reasonable John Seifert (509) or john@kichisystems.com Available to Lend 160 gpm trash pump I will help drain your pond almost any morning or any Tuesday or Wednesday. Don Morgan (509) or duskydon@cet.com