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  1. #1
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Tosai Dongr's Avatar
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    Need advice please, blanket weed etc

    I need help please, my husband died suddenly in September and I have the koi pond to look after. Could someone maybe confirm that I am on the right track. He never had blanket weed to treat, maybe it is all the rain we've had since September.

    The pond is 3000 gallons. There is an Evolution Aqua Nexus 310, and I am using that OK.

    I have read loads on the Forum about blanket weed and I'm thinking to get Aqua Source Blanket Resolve as some of the others cannot be used at low temperature, so can Resolve be used in the current temperatures? It says can be used a low temperatures but does not specify. Some say use half the specified dose??

    I read somewhere on the forum to use something to clear out the debris after the treatment but I cannot find it now. I think it was also an Aqua Source one, does anyone know it, or can you suggest what I should get. It makes sense to use something so as not to clog up pump and filters. Do I use it during the Resolve treatment or after.

    Do I need to check the water, I read it should be 2 somethings?, I have some testing things but have yet to get my head round it but I i could get the test done at the garden centre..

    I really would appreciate any comments please, I have been trying to pull out the weed but it seems to grow daily.
    I am really trying to educate myself. I also read that with Resolve I don't have to turn off UV etc which scares me a bit,
    Thank you in advance, Cynthia in Wiltshire.



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  3. #2
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Supreme Champion john1's Avatar
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    Hi Cynthia,
    Firstly sorry to hear of your husband sudden passing away and respect your carrying on with the pond.

    I have only used Aqua source blanket weed the once with good results and I believe it can be used at low temps so I would go for it.
    Surprised you are getting it at this time of the year but it is a pain.

    Not sure on the clearing up bit but I dont think I had a problem with not useing anything, dont worry too much on the UV at this time of the year but I would keep it going.

    We dont know what filters you have which can help, dont be pulling your hair out Cynthia we can help but keep calm and I would treat the Resolve.
    John

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  5. #3
    Welcome Cynthia, sorry for your loss, it’s a big ask to look after a pond if you’ve never done it before but good on you for tying.
    Firstly, if it was working ok prior to your husband passing away then it’ll be fine now, you just have to get it under control.
    To help us better understand let us have a bit more information.
    How many fish and what sort of size are they?
    Are you still feeding them?
    Have you got a UV light on the system, is it working? The bulbs only last a year or so depending on the model
    You need to test the water as a matter of urgency, PH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Use something like the API test kit or get the local aquatics place to test it for you and post up the results.
    Are you changing any water and if so, make sure it’s dechlorinated.
    There may be a forum member local to you who would pop round and point your in the right direction.

    I suspect your nitrate levels are up.

    Don’t panic though, we will help you out I’m sure.

    Keep asking away, don’t feel you can’t ask.

    Fingers crossed
    Gary


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  7. #4
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Tosai Dongr's Avatar
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    Hello Gary and John. Thank you for your replies. I have about 15 koi, I say about as I would have to check. The largest ones are 20” ranging down to 5”. I know not to feed under 10-12dC so I have not fed for a fair while, nor are they asking for food.

    The AV is working and it is usually replaced in March. I have not had to top up with tap water since last September because of all the rain. I know to hose the water high and let it fall to get shot of the chlorine.

    I mentioned I have an Evolution Aqua Nexus 310 filter unit and I use that. I also have a Dura+ 7kw swimming pool heat pump. When the weather got cold I asked Paul Wilson of Aqueous a chap who does anything major for the pond, he will do the AV bulb change) to sort me out on how it works, I did not understand the parameters but he said he did not have any clients who used heaters and that my husband was over the top on it, I also have a cover for the pond which he had made to measure, that is a nightmare as when it rains you finish up having to vac off the water.

    I am going to order the Aqua Source Resolve this morning. I will pop out to get the water tested this afternoon.

    Cynthia

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  9. #5
    Ok, regarding water, you still need to change around 10% of water per week.
    Rainwater is acidic generally and they don’t like that. It’s not for “topping up” it’s to keep the water diluted from pollutants.
    Squiring the hose is a bit old skool and may or may not work, most would run the hose through at least a 3 pod dechlorinator or use sodium Thiosulphate crystals diluted to neutralise the chlorine.
    Cheap as anything and more reliable that trying to gas it off.
    Hesting is good, you could carry on feeding them all year round if you wanted to. As for temperature, mine we still eating a small amount of food until the pond dropped to around 7 degrees.
    If you haven’t changed any water for 5 months then you 100% need to test and almost certainly will require some fresh water.
    I’m no expert on your filter but lots of the guys on here use them who’ll be along in due course. They work well if you look after them and perform the necessary cleaning.
    I’d pretty much guarantee your nitrates are sky high.
    Check what they are out of the tap as well as you’re unlikely to get them lower than that without additional filtration but at low levels they’re ok.
    Nitrite and Ammonia are the ones to watch out for...and chlorine will kill all your good bugs in the filter as well as your fish.


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  11. #6
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Tosai Dongr's Avatar
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    Hello all, I've taken a water sample to be tested at midday and the results are as follows:
    PH 7.2
    KH 4
    Nitrate 20
    Nitrite 0
    Ammonia 0

    I was told the nitrate was not particularly high and much the same as other people’s that they test.

    I have not changed the water other than that which comes out of the filter when I clean it, The pond has been very full all Autumn due to all the rain so much so I have regularly let water out.

    I will look into the dechlorinator and the crystals.

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  13. #7
    Your nitrate is not high at all which surprises me


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  15. #8
    Senior Member Rank = Supreme Champion freddyboy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bigcarpchaser View Post
    Your nitrate is not high at all which surprises me


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    And me What about phosphate

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  17. #9
    That would have been my next check.
    The plants have to be feeding on something else they wouldn’t be growing.


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  19. #10
    Actually, maybe your nitrates aren’t high because you have blanketweed???
    Ie, that’s what’s controlling it.


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  21. #11
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Tosai Dongr's Avatar
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    The Resolve stuff arrives in the morning, so I'll put some of that in and see how things go, appreciating that it may take longer to work at these temperatures but at least when it works I can check the water again to see what has happened to the nitrates.

    I know this blanket weed does not normally happen in winter but when I was reading this Forum I did come across some people saying this was happening to them, I will see if I can find the threads again and see if they came up with reasons and solutions.

    I really appreciate this help, thank you all.

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  23. #12
    Senior Member Rank = Adult Champion Gazkoi's Avatar
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    Hi,

    Just read thread and like the other members was sorry to read of your loss.

    How is the blanket weed now? Did the Resolve do the trick? It’s my chosen product for treating blanket weed.

    If you need any ongoing assistance or advice, like many others on here I would be very happy to assist you where possible.

    Gary

    Quote Originally Posted by Dongr View Post
    The Resolve stuff arrives in the morning, so I'll put some of that in and see how things go, appreciating that it may take longer to work at these temperatures but at least when it works I can check the water again to see what has happened to the nitrates.

    I know this blanket weed does not normally happen in winter but when I was reading this Forum I did come across some people saying this was happening to them, I will see if I can find the threads again and see if they came up with reasons and solutions.

    I really appreciate this help, thank you all.
    Hobby and business gone but when you’re hooked you’re hooked.

    Always happy to help!!

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  25. #13
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Tosai Dongr's Avatar
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    Hello Gary and others. I did intend replying to my questions eventually.

    I have now put in 5 x 10 day apart treatments of Aqua Source Resolve, and yes it has worked, slowly because of the cold weather. There are still remnants on the pond sides in just a couple of patches which is why I am continuing the dose. I am cleaning the Nexus 310 filter more regularly as it is catching the blanket weed.

    I also got a Aqua Source Balance Sphere which you put in the outer chamber of the Filter but I have not used it yet as it says not to use it with chemicals, so I assume the Resolve is chemicals. I maybe have to get some sludge control too.

    However I do feel I am back in control, another fear bites the dust!

    Cynthia

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  27. #14
    Senior Member Rank = Adult Champion Gazkoi's Avatar
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    Hi Cynthia

    I am pleased to read you are on top of the BW issue. IMHO Resolve is very effective and offers good value for money.

    The sphere will be fine to use with the Resolve.

    If you need any advice or assistance going forward, I am happy to share my thoughts and opinions.

    Kind regards

    Gary

    Quote Originally Posted by Dongr View Post
    Hello Gary and others. I did intend replying to my questions eventually.

    I have now put in 5 x 10 day apart treatments of Aqua Source Resolve, and yes it has worked, slowly because of the cold weather. There are still remnants on the pond sides in just a couple of patches which is why I am continuing the dose. I am cleaning the Nexus 310 filter more regularly as it is catching the blanket weed.

    I also got a Aqua Source Balance Sphere which you put in the outer chamber of the Filter but I have not used it yet as it says not to use it with chemicals, so I assume the Resolve is chemicals. I maybe have to get some sludge control too.

    However I do feel I am back in control, another fear bites the dust!

    Cynthia
    Hobby and business gone but when you’re hooked you’re hooked.

    Always happy to help!!

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  29. #15
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Tosai Dongr's Avatar
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    Gary, Thank you very much for your offer of assistance. I will pop the sphere into the filter and see how it goes.

    Do you use a sludge clear product, I don't have a lot of debris in the pond, both the pergola over the pond and the pond are netted so I have removed any leaves but there are some bits in there and there will be bits of BW too.

    Cynthia

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  31. #16
    Senior Member Rank = Adult Champion Gazkoi's Avatar
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    Hi Cynthia,

    If the sludge is nominal the Aquasource Balance Sohere will assist in breaking it down.

    Kind regards

    Gary

    Quote Originally Posted by Dongr View Post
    Gary, Thank you very much for your offer of assistance. I will pop the sphere into the filter and see how it goes.

    Do you use a sludge clear product, I don't have a lot of debris in the pond, both the pergola over the pond and the pond are netted so I have removed any leaves but there are some bits in there and there will be bits of BW too.

    Cynthia
    Hobby and business gone but when you’re hooked you’re hooked.

    Always happy to help!!

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  33. #17
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Tosai Dongr's Avatar
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    i would like to thank everyone for your help. The Aqua source has resolved the blanket weed problem and the balance sphere has made a difference too. I am going to continue with periodic treatments as a precaution and prevention.

    Cynthia

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  35. #18
    Senior Member Rank = Adult Champion Gazkoi's Avatar
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    It’s great stuff and reasonably priced. It’s one of my best selling products.

    Cheers

    Gaz

    Quote Originally Posted by Dongr View Post
    i would like to thank everyone for your help. The Aqua source has resolved the blanket weed problem and the balance sphere has made a difference too. I am going to continue with periodic treatments as a precaution and prevention.

    Cynthia
    Hobby and business gone but when you’re hooked you’re hooked.

    Always happy to help!!

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  37. #19
    Quote Originally Posted by Dongr View Post
    i would like to thank everyone for your help. The Aqua source has resolved the blanket weed problem and the balance sphere has made a difference too. I am going to continue with periodic treatments as a precaution and prevention.

    Cynthia
    That’s best practise, I like a little bit on the pond walls like a nicely mown lawn, any more, then put a half dose in to keep it controlled.

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  39. #20
    Extreme Koi Member Rank = Tosai Dongr's Avatar
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    Thank you for confirming my maintenance plans.
    I wonder if anyone can help me with another problem please, I put it in the diseases section and have had no reply. Here's what I wrote..
    Many thanks,


    One of my fish has a patch on it, sort of milky colour, please see photo.

    White patch on fish, advice please.-d1799004-b441-465a-b001-ffbb2a8fa0af-jpg[

    Someone suggested to me that I should put salt in the water. I have some Dried Vacuum Salt. I should add that I am new to looking after our koi pond since my husband died 6 months ago.
    I started googling about quantities of salt to add, and then I got apprehensive because of mixed comments about the use of salt, and that once added it takes an age to get shot of, and that koi are freshwater fish. I found a chart giving quantities but I don't know what percentage to go for, or if I should salt at all. The pond is full capacity of 3000 gallons, 13600 ltrs. so I was going to use 2500 gallons.

    I would welcome any comments please.

    I have an Evolution Aqua 310 Filter unit.

    Cynthia

 

 

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