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67 pond guide Relax at your garden pond throughout the year

■ Pond construction

■ Feeding schedule

■ Pond maintenance

■ Algae prevention

Contents Pond construction Preparation ................................................ 4 Structure and zones ................................ 6 Liner pond .................................................. 8 Bank zones ............................................... 10 Brooks ....................................................... 11 Splendid colors – Water plants Plants for the edge and bank zones ....................................... 13 Swamp plants .......................................... 13 Plants for the shallow water zone ...... 14 Plants for the deep water zone........... 15 Water lilies ................................................ 15 Lively fish ..................................................... 16 Conditioning the water Acidic or alkaline – the pH value .......... 18 Water hardness – total hardness ......... 19 The carbonate hardness: Important for pH stabilization ............. 19 Breakdown of the pollutants ammonia, nitrite and nitrate................ 20 Pond water according to the requirements of the fish....................... 21 Immediate help in case of high pollutant levels............ 22 sera water test kits ................................ 22 sera online laboratory ........................... 23 Technical pond equipment Pressure filters ........................................ 24 Filter pumps ............................................ 25 sera KOI Professional® 12000 Pond Filter ............................................... 26 Bio filter media........................................ 27 Multi-purpose pumps ............................ 28 Natural food................................................ 29 Natural food throughout the year............ 35 What to do in case of fish diseases ........ 36 Algae free – throughout the year........... 38 Pond care in the change of seasons...... 43 Koi pond....................................................... 48 Buyer’s checklist......................................... 51

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Relax at your garden pond throughout the year Water has been a magical attraction and an elixir of life for man and animals since prehistoric times. There have been no changes to the fascination for this element yet. Nobody can resist the valuable, cool element, especially not in your own garden.

Is there anything more relaxing than to sit at your own garden pond, watch life inside the pond, listen to the splashing of water, breathe the fresh scent and enjoy the color splendor of blooming plants?

This is leisure at home!

In this guide booklet, sera will inform you extensively about design, construction and maintenance of a garden pond according to nature. sera brand products will help you to keep your fish healthy and lively and to maintain crystal clear and biologically healthy pond water.

We wish you plenty of fun and a relaxing time at your garden pond with sera!

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Pond construction: Preparation

Tägliche Pflege

The ideal season: Spring The plants will have gathered sufficient strength to take roots and thrive. The warm water in late spring and in summer accelerates the exhausting phase when the plants take roots.

Location We recommend a partially shady place, as too much sunlight will support algae growth.

Avoid nearby trees that pollute the water with plenty of leaves falling in.

The pond should not be located in a windless zone, as wind enriches the water with oxygen in a natural way.

Pond size and depth You should at least calculate 10 m2 (108 sq. ft.), at least 2 m2 (21.5 sq. ft.) of which with a water depth of 1 m (3.3 ft.), for the pond as to ensure long term natural biological purification of the pond. The reasons:

0 cm (0 in.)

20 cm (8 in.)

40 cm (16 in.)

60 cm (24 in.)

80 cm (32 in.)

100 cm (40 in.)

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ice layer + 1°C (34°F) + 2°C (36°F) + 3°C (37°F) + 4°C (39°F)

1) Protection in case of high temperatures The fish and other organisms can retreat to the bottom of the pond into cooler water containing more oxygen.

2) Protection in case of danger In at least 1 m (3.3 ft.) water depth the fish can hardly be attacked by predators.

3) Ice-free zone in winter In 1 m (3.3 ft.) depth water has the ideal hibernation temperature of 4°C (39°F) even if it is freezing outside.

Install the outlet of a filter or fountain pump right underneath the water surface. This ensures the surface remains agitated, this spot will remain ice-free and is supplied with oxygen. Never break the ice layer! The fish can be severely injured by the sound waves. They will in any case become frightened and consume more oxygen. Do not place the filter on the bottom of the pond or in deeper zones. Otherwise, warmer water at the bottom will mix with the colder water in the rest of the pond, and the fish cannot hibernate properly anymore.

Prefabricated pond or liner pond Prefabricated plastic ponds and, above all, pond liner have proven best.

Prefabricated ponds

Liner ponds

Polyethylene (PE) and very durable glass fiber reinforced plastic are the mainly used materials for prefabricated ponds. The advantages of prefabricated ponds are their high durability and the simplicity to set them up. Plant and swamp zones are already included.

Unlike prefabricated ponds, liner ponds have the advantage that they can be built in every shape and size you can imagine.

The pond liner is easy to handle. Greater water depth will not cause any problems.

Very durable and long lasting PVC has proven well and is mainly used as pond liner material. Laminated PVC texture liners are not suitable. Pond liner should be resistant to UV and frost [up to –30°C (–22°F)].

However, there are limits to prefabricated ponds. Even large one-piece models provide less than 10 m2 (108 sq. ft.) water surface. The depth is usually 80 cm (32 in.) at the best, which is insufficient for hibernating fish in cold winters.

Polyethylene (PE) liner is particularly environmentally compatible. You best lay it in one piece as it requires special gluing techniques.

Rubberized (EPDM) pond liner is particularly durable and well suited for large ponds.

The environmentally friendly liner is much more expensive than PVC or PE liner.

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Pond construction: Structure and zones

Tägliche Pflege

14 6

7 1

3

4

2 8

9 11 5

12 10

Pond construction and pond zones The schematic illustration shows the basic features of setting up a garden pond.

Of course you can leave the design to your imagination. However, be sure to draw a drawing of your pond before you start with pickaxe and shovel. You should already 1

Bank zone

The design often depends on the location of the pond, e.g. whether the pond bank is a lawn, a footpath or steeply sloped. sera will show you material and design examples on page 10.

The pond edge separates the pond from its surroundings as to prevent the pond from being emptied by a capillarity effect.

decide on the locations of the filter, a brook, fountains and possibly light displays at this time. You will avoid unnecessary additional work by doing so.

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Capillarity barrier

An appropriate capillarity barrier prevents the pond water from being sucked out of the pond by the surrounding soil and the grass roots. liner pebbles

fine sand

6

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3

Swamp zone

At least 30 cm (12 in.) wide and 10 cm (4 in.) to 20 cm (8 in.) deep. Many animals will gather here who use the pond for drinking or as a bathtub. Therefore, do not make this zone too steep. Examples on page 10.

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Shallow water zone

Approx. 20 cm (8 in.) to 60 cm (2 ft.) deep and at least 30 cm (12 in.) to 50 cm (20 in.) wide, as many plant species should grow and clean the water thoroughly here. This zone is best for watching the activities of the fish.

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Deep water zone

At least 100 cm (3.3 ft.) deep and 2 m2 (21.5 sq. ft.) area (as already mentioned on page 4). The size of the deep water zone depends on how many fish you wish to keep.

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Exit support

for animals that have fallen into the pond.

7

Brook

8

Fine sand

9

Pond liner

10

Covering gravel

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sera pond Filter Pump PP

12

sera pond Pressure Filter T

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sera pond Fountain Pump SP

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sera KOI Professional® 12000 Pond Filter

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Pond construction: Liner pond Step-by-step liner pond construction

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sera tip You should include a safety fence or grid as to prevent ponds from becoming a threat for playing children and pets.

1) Planning the pond shape and size Mark the pond shape on your lawn using a flexible rope.

2) Excavating the pond pit Excavate the pit from the outside inwards along the fixed rope. Build the different plant terraces while doing so.

Dig a ditch approx. 15 cm (6 in.) deep and 20 cm (8 in.) wide around the pond as a capillarity barrier. Consider a place where the pond can overflow into a gravel bed in a directed way. By all means use a spirit level to ensure the pond is on one horizontal level.

3) Smoothing with fine sand Carefully remove all sharp objects when the pit is finished. Then pad the pit with fine sand. You will need a liner protection mat on steep slopes.

4) Determining the liner size When the pond pit has been excavated you can easily measure the required liner size with a cord. Add at least 70 cm (2.3 ft.) on both sides [i.e. 140 cm (4.6 ft.) in total] to the measured size as to avoid the pond being washed out.

5) Laying the pond liner Lay the liner into the pond and smooth it out as good as possible.

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6) The bottom gravel Put the bottom gravel into the pond.

You will only need a 1 cm (0.4 in.) gravel layer in the deep water zone. The other plant terraces should be covered with approx. 5 – 8 cm (2 – 3.2 in.) of gravel.

Steeper slopes are covered with firmly stacked pebbles. Gravel and pebbles are particularly well suited bottom materials. However, never use garden or top soil. These are rich in nutrients and support algae growth.

7) Laying electric cords You should lay cords and hoses above the bottom gravel as to prevent stirring it up in case of modifications or later improvements. Plants and larger stones are particularly well suited for hiding the cords.

8) Filling in the pond water At first you should slowly fill in only about 2/3 of the pond water, allowing the pond liner to adapt to the force caused by the water. Do not let the water run into the pond in a hard jet.

You would destroy too much of your decoration and stir up the gravel. Direct the water jet into a shallow plastic bowl or a bucket. Best attach the container to a cord. This will allow you to pull it out of the pond again. Do not use any containers that were filled with cleaning agents or other chemicals.

9) Covering the uppermost plant terrace Cover the uppermost plant terrace with sand and top up the pond with water.

(We will explain how to condition the water in the section Conditioning the water on page 21.)

10) Covering the liner edges with gravel After the liner has settled, you can carefully cover the liner edge with gravel or small (fist sized and up) stones.

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sera tip Crucial factors such as filter and pump size, number of fish and dosage of water conditioners depend on the water volume of your pond. Therefore, read off the water meter before and after filling as to determine the amount of water.

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Pond construction: Bank zones Examples for bank zones and their fixation

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lawn

stone slab liner

Important: First fill water into the pond as described on page 9 before fixing the edge.

Stones (approx. fist-sized and larger ones), which can also be easily stacked on steep slopes, are excellently suitable for the edge layout.

pebbles as capillarity barrier fine sand

Pond edge with lawn surrounding stone slabs and foundation

gravel

liner liner

decoration fine sand approx. 10 cm (4 in.) meager concrete (1 part cement, 16 parts gravel)

Pond edge with footpath

limitation slab fine sand

Steep bank with footpath stacked stones as decoration

rockery pavement (descent away from the pond!)

liner liner

drainage from coarse gravel, approx. 10 cm (4 in.) wide, preventing soil being washed into the pond

Pond edge with pavement and rockery

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fine sand

limitation slab

fine sand

Pond edge with slope angle steeper than 45°

Brooks Brooks are not only very decorative, but they also bring movement and, consequently, valuable oxygen into the pond.

You can design brooks individually with pond liner or with prefabricated brook elements.

Brook liner If you decide on brook liner you will need additional 30 cm (12 in.) each of liner on the left and the right side for a brook 40 cm (1.3 ft.) wide. This will allow for easy fixation of the liner.

Prefabricated elements Heap up a little earth hillock and shape the brook in terraces corresponding to the shape of the prefabricated elements.

Underlay the elements with a 5 – 10 cm (2 – 4 in.) gravel layer. Now place them in the corresponding steps, each one overlapping 5 cm (2 in.). The bottom element should overlap a little into the pond. Afterwards, you may decorate the element sides with stones or plants. Your brook is then finished!

The sera pond Filter Pumps PP as well as the sera pond Fountain Pumps SP are excellently suitable for feeding brooks and waterfalls.

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Splendid colors – Water plants Water plants – indispensable for clear water Plants are essential for your pond. They magically attract the eye and are an invitation to rest at the garden pond.

Water plants ensure the biological equilibrium, purify the pond water and provide protection for many animals.

The best planting time You can plant your pond from spring to the beginning of autumn. Due to the higher water temperature the plants will quickly grow on during this time.

Plant diversity Submerged plants, floating leaf plants and plants with leaves above the water surface should be equally present in your pond. A general rule is: Submerged plants should make up a third of the total amount of the aquatic plant stock. Especially direct nutrient competitors for algae, such as reedmace or waterweed, should not be missing in any pond.

Optimal plant stock It is recommend not to plant more than two or three plants per square meter. You can still add more plants later on. Generally, about a third of the pond surface should be free from plants.

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sera tip The water hardness (page 19) of your pond water is an important factor when choosing your plants. We guarantee that sera fertilizers are free from algae supporting nitrate and phosphate.

Planting is easy Submerged and, in particular, floating leaf plants are best put in plant baskets. First spread a planting mat in the baskets, fill them with coarse sand or gravel and fold the mat back to the inside. Then cover the basket surface with stones to prevent the plant from getting loose. In the swamp zone you should fix the plants with a slope mat.

How to fertilize the splendid plants sera pond florenette® Tabs support nutrient uptake through the roots and, accordingly, make the plants grow on quickly and healthily. Press up to 4 tablets – depending on the size of the basket and the plants – in the root zone before planting.

Water lilies and other blooming pond plants should be fertilized with sera pond florena® concentrate for healthy and strong inflorescence development.

Plants for the edge and bank zones The optical boundary of your pond should be rich in colors and blooms. The tallest bank and water plants should always be placed in the back, referring to the main viewing direction. The following plants do well in the bank zone:

Swamp plants Plants for the swamp zone, where many species fell well, are very popular. Here is a little selection that will be helpful for your decision:

Dwarf reedmace (Typha minima) Growth height: approx. 10 – 25 cm (4 – 10 in.)

Flowering time: July – August A winter-green perennial. Needs to be cut back strongly in spring. Goes along well with swamp loosestrife and iris.

Swamp loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Growth height: approx. 80 – 150 cm (2.6 – 5 ft.)

Flowering time: June – September Cut back in spring, remove withered blooms. Can be propagated by cuttings in early summer. Goes along well with water lilies.

Iris (Iris species) Growth height: approx. 60 – 80 cm (2 – 2.6 ft.)

Flowering time: May – July This plant is under nature protection in the wild!

Bog bean (Menyanthes trifoliata) Growth height: up to 30 cm (12 in.)

Flowering time: May – June Plant in a sunny place!

Umbrella grass (Cyperus alternifolius) Growth height: approx. 80 cm (2.6 ft.)

Flowering time: July – August Suitable for acidic soil. Plant in loose groups or as a solitary plant. Do not cut back. Goes along well with reedmace.

Water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) Growth height: approx. 20 – 40 cm (8 – 16 in.)

Flowering time: May – October Frugal, tends to spread. Goes along well with marsh marigold.

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Splendid colors – Water plants

Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)

Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus)

Growth height: approx. 20 – 30 cm (8 – 12 in.)

Flowering time: March – June Easy to maintain, but should not be planted in a too shady place as otherwise long stems will be formed. Partially remove leaves in summer as to prevent mildew.

Goes along well with bulrush and reeds.

Growth height: approx. 100 cm (3.3 ft.)

Flowering time: July – August Water depth: up to 20 cm (8 in.)

Trouble-free. Cut back in spring if it grows too abundantly. Attractive when planted in groups. Goes along well with arrowhead and bog arum.

Plants for the shallow water zone These plants require regular care as they spread very rapidly if they are not cut back.

The following overview shows you the most popular plants for the shallow water zone:

Water plantain (Alisma species) Growth height: approx. 60 – 80 cm (2 – 2.6 ft.)

Flowering time: June – August Cut back regularly, especially in small ponds. Ideal for covering basin or liner edges as the plant spreads strongly.

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Water crowfoot (Ranunculus circinatus) Growth height: over 100 cm (3.3 ft.)

Flowering time: June – September Water depth: 50 – 80 cm (1.6 – 2.6 ft.)

Trouble-free. Very good filter plant.

Plants for the deep water zone

Water lilies

These plants fulfill important functions within the pond. They provide oxygen, filter the water and serve as nutrient competitors for annoying algae. They provide shelter and spawning places for fish. A little colorful overview:

Bog arum (Calla palustris) Growth height: up to 30 cm (12 in.)

Flowering time: May – July Rootless rhizomes can also be freely put into the pond as floating plants.

Waterweed (Elodea species) Growth height: up to 100 cm (3.3 ft.)

Water depth: up to 100 cm (3.3 ft.)

They grow rapidly and enrich the water with oxygen. Suitable for initial planting.

Water lilies are the best known and most popular floating leaf plants. Make sure that the floating leaf plants do not withdraw the light for the submerged plants. It is advisable to reserve a certain part of the pond for the floating leaf plants. The leaves are cut back to a certain extent if the plants outgrow their assigned area.

Water lilies are among the most beautiful pond plants. Be sure to choose water lilies according to the pond size, as there are varieties that are suitable only for larger ponds.

Remove possible rotten spots from the rootstock. Your retailer will be pleased do give you further advice on planting, hibernation and care.

Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) Growth height: approx. 50 cm (1.6 ft.)

Water depth: up to 150 cm (5 ft.)

Usually floats in calm water rich in nutrients.

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Lively fish Fish bring life and activity into the water world. And what could be more beautiful and relaxing than to watch the fish inside the pond and to study their behavior.

Condition the water for protecting the animals before adding fish. You will find more information about water conditioning beginning on page 18.

Various fish There are many beautiful fish suited for garden ponds. We will present you the most popular ones in short:

Begin with just a few fish (2 – 4 specimens) in spring and then increase their number by and by over several weeks. This will give your pond enough time to develop the purification bacteria that ensure the breakdown of fish waste. You can considerably shorten this waiting period with sera KOI BIOCLEAR and sera pond filter biostart.

KOI You will find more information about the colorful Koi in the Koi pond section beginning on page 48.

Goldfish (Carassius auratus) [up to 30 cm (12 in.)]

The most classic pond fish is easy to keep.

Goldfish love sunlight. Better add only 3 – 5 specimens as they multiply rapidly.

Shubunkin (Carassius auratus var. shubunkin) Shubunkins are a goldfish variant. They have black spots on top of a bluish and orange blotched basic color. The requirements are the same as for normal goldfish.

Sunbleak (Leucaspius delineatus) [8 – 10 cm (3.2 – 4 in.)]

These small, vivid shoal fish like to dwell in densely planted bank zones. They love to eat small crustaceans, insects and larvae.

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Golden orfe (Leuciscus idus) [25 – 80 cm (10 in. – 2.6 ft.)]

These fish also live in shoals. They require plenty of space and oxygen. Additional aeration is therefore recommended. 7 – 12 of these agile fish will keep a pond sized 6 m2 (65 sq. ft.) free from mosquitoes.

Bitterlings (Rhodeus amarus) [6 – 8 cm (2.4 – 3.2 in.)]

These cyprinids are difficult to breed as the female requires river mussels or painter’s mussels for laying her eggs. Due to their small size they are especially suitable for small ponds.

Sterlets (Acipenser ruthenus) [up to 100 cm (3.3 ft.)]

Being bottom oriented fish, they mainly spend their days and nights above the bottom gravel and dig for worms, snails and crustaceans in the mud.

Golden tenches (Tinca tinca) [25 – 30 cm (10 – 12 in.)]

The calm and easy-to-keep golden tenches are very useful fish. They clean the bottom from uneaten food etc. Aquatic snails are their favorite food. However, they can be observed in the shallow zones only at dusk or when being fed.

Gudgeons (Gobio gobio) [up to 20 cm (8 in.)]

These bottom-orientated shoal fish grow slowly and hardly ever reach 20 cm (8 in.) in length. Gudgeons feed on bottom dwelling invertebrates.

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Conditioning the water Healthy pond water Water can differ strongly. It can be hard or soft, acidic or alkaline. It may contain beneficial and harmful substances. The water quality depends on, among others, environmental influences, tap water properties, food quality or fish waste.

The pond as an ecological system Your garden pond will need some support as to establish a biological equilibrium. sera pond water conditioners work in a directed way and are optimally balanced among each other. The biological equilibrium will then by and by establish.

Acidic or alkaline – the pH value 4

5

acidic 6

neutral alkaline 7 8 ideal for pond fish

9

10

acidic water alkaline water

more acids

The pH value provides information about whether the water is • acidic, • neutral or • alkaline.

Water with a pH value of 7 is neutral. The further the pH value is below 7, the more acidic the water – the higher it is above 7, the more alkaline.

The pH value has a special feature that does not occur with any other water parameter: It does not directly tell the acid concentration but is arithmetically derived from it (so-called logarithm). The consequence is that

pH

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more bases

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lowering the pH value by one unit represents a tenfold increase of the acid concentration.

The pH value should be monitored regularly with the sera pH-Test. ⇓ Lower the pH value with sera pond bio humin. ⇑ Raise the pH value with sera pond bio balance.

Water hardness – total hardness Water hardness in everyday’s talk is usually related to washing machines and dishwashers. If “hard” or “soft” water are mentioned in these cases it always refers to the total hardness (GH). In a slightly simplified manner, it is a measure for the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium. It is measured in ‘degrees of German total hardness’ (°dGH).

gH

Pond fish prefer soft to medium hard water with a total hardness roughly ranging from 6 – 16°dGH. The total hardness value should be monitored regularly with the sera gH-Test. ⇑ Raise with sera pond bio balance.

The carbonate hardness: Important for pH stabilization During the biological breakdown of nitrogen containing compounds, acids are being formed. This is an entirely natural process.

The pH value needs to be stabilized as to prevent it from sinking strongly due to these acids. The stabilizing effect is called “buffering”. This task is fulfilled by the carbonate hardness (KH).

The buffer effect of the carbonate hardness is based on the reaction of hydrogen carbonate with acids to form water and carbon dioxide, thus consuming the acid and preventing it from lowering the pH value.

Therefore, carbonate hardness is by and by consumed in the process of buffering.

kH

The carbonate hardness in a pond should be between 5 and 10°dKH. It should be monitored regularly with the sera kHTest. ⇑ Raise with sera pond bio balance.

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Conditioning the water Breakdown of the pollutants ammonia (NH3), nitrite (NO2) and nitrate (NO3)

NO3

nt utrie

NO 3

=

P

n nt la

Too much food, fish waste and decaying plant parts pollute the water

NH4 NH3

Purification bacteria convert NO2 into NO3 (nitrate)

Purification bacteria first convert pollutants into NH4/NH3 (ammonium/ammonia)

NO2 Purification bacteria convert NH4/NH3 into NO2 (nitrite)

In a pond, bacteria ensure the breakdown of waste products. Dangerous substances will accumulate in the water if this pollutant breakdown is disturbed.

NH3

⇓ Immediate lowering with sera pond toxivec®. Immediately carry out a partial water change, condition water with sera KOI BIOCLEAR. Filter through sera siporax® pond (page 27).

Nitrite levels above 0.5 mg/l (ppm) mean acute danger for the fish.

Check regularly with the sera NO2-Test.

A level of more than 0.5 mg/l (ppm) free ammonia threatens the life of fish.

Check regularly with the sera NH4/NH3-Test.

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NO2

⇓ Measures: see ammonia.

NO3

Even nitrate levels of 50 mg/l (ppm) are harmful for fish (especially fish fry), and also support algae growth.

Check regularly with the sera NO3-Test. ⇓ Add sera KOI BIOCLEAR. Ensure sufficient plant growth, reduce number of fish/amount of fish food (page 12 ff.)

Pond water according to the requirements of the fish With new setups and regular water care sera KOI PROTECT • Pollutant removal • Protection for fish and purifying bacteria

sera pond filter biostart • Starts and accelerates biological filtration • Breaks down sludge • Supports the efficacy of sera KOI BIOCLEAR

sera KOI BIOCLEAR • Biological breakdown of fish poisons such as ammonia , nitrite . nitrate .

• Reduces pond maintenance

sera KOI PROTECT with the Bio Protect Formula does not affect the pH value and immediately conditions tap, rain or well water according to the fishes’ requirements. sera KOI PROTECT immediately binds harmful heavy metals and neutralizes aggressive chlorine. The gills and mucous membranes of the fish as well as the useful purification bacteria of sera pond filter biostart and sera KOI BIOCLEAR are protected. This supports healthy fish growth.

sera pond filter biostart immediately activates the biological filter performance in new ponds, new filters and filter media, as well as after filter cleansing. Accelerates sludge breakdown and avoids unpleasant odors. sera pond filter biostart is a concentrate consisting of highly active micro organisms and enzymes. These break down dead leaves, fish waste and uneaten food, and also support the activity of sera KOI BIOCLEAR. sera pond filter biostart reduces cleansing efforts, improves water values and ensures better water transparency.

sera KOI BIOCLEAR are special purification bacteria for breaking down ammonia and nitrite to nitrate. These fish poisons are formed from, e.g., decomposed fish waste and uneaten food that were prepared for further biological breakdown by sera pond filter biostart. Even highly polluted ponds are optimally purified biologically by sera pond filter biostart and sera KOI BIOCLEAR. This ensures permanently crystal clear water, healthy fish and low maintenance efforts. sera siporax® pond provides optimal “working conditions” for the bio cultures (page 27).

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Conditioning the water

Immediate help in case of high pollutant levels Ammonia (NH3) and nitrite (NO2) are harmful for fish even in very low levels. Check the levels regularly with the sera NH4/NH3- and sera NO2-Test kits. You can safely reduce dangerous concentration peaks of these toxic substances with sera pond toxivec®.

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sera tip Add sera pond toxivec® once weekly for prevention to be on the safe side.

sera water test kits – the early-warning system The practical sera aqua-test box contains all required test kits: pH value, total and carbonate hardness, ammonium/ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, iron and copper or chlorine. Measurement vials, color charts, useful cleaning accessories etc. complete the kit.

The sera aqua-test set contains the four basic test kits: pH value, total and carbonate hardness, and nitrite.

Measures in case of water value deviations:

An overview about the most important water tests

ideal value

Monitor the most important water parameters with the sera test kits as to check whether they are within the desired range.

Value too high → lower

⇓

Value too low → raise

⇑

⇓ sera pond bio humin

pH

7 – 7,5

gH

6 – 16°dGH

⇑ sera pond bio balance

kH

5 – 10°dKH

⇑ sera pond bio balance

NH4 NH3

0 mg/l (ppm)

⇓ sera pond toxivec®, sera KOI BIO-

0 mg/l (ppm)

⇓ sera pond toxivec®, sera KOI BIO-

⇑ sera pond bio balance

CLEAR, sera siporax® pond NO2

CLEAR, sera siporax® pond NO3

< 50 mg/l (ppm)

⇓ sera KOI BIOCLEAR, sera siporax® pond

PO4

< 1 mg/l (ppm)

⇓ sera phosvec Granulat

O2

> 4 mg/l (ppm)

⇑ sera O2 plus, aerate, increase water agitation

sera online laboratory Our immediate help – for free.

Pond care becomes much easier and is real fun with the sera online laboratory. You will easily learn how to use water test kits and water conditioners. You can check the quality of your pond water, and of course also your aquarium water, at any time.

This has essential advantages: • constantly good water quality • less problems with algae • early detection of fish diseases • less time required for care

pH Test Instructions for use: 1. Clean vials thoroughly before and after each test.

Shake the liquid reagents before using. Close reagent bottles firmly, immediately after use.

Do not switch bottle caps.

2. Rinse vial several times with the water to be checked. Fill to the 5 ml mark and dry the exterior.

3. Add 4 drops of the reagent and shake gently. Place vial on the white area of the color scale, and look from above to determine the pH value according to the color. We recommend comparing colors in daylight as artificial light makes it difficult to distinguish colors.

pH acidity

Water test Click into the round fields to select your values from the available choices. cancel

continue

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Technical pond equipment

Simply clarifying – the sera pond filter systems

sera pond Pressure Filter T with/without UVC System

Biologically clean and healthy water is crucial for the living conditions of the animals and plants in and around your garden pond. sera pond filters clean the pond water according to the function principle of nature.

sera pond Pressure Filter T + Pressure Filter T with UVC System • ready-to-use, complete with filter material • suitable for operation in combination with waterfalls • operation below water level possible Available with a highly efficient system for permanently crystal clear water as well as reduction of pollution by micro organisms and algae blooms. Saves up to 65% electricity due to electronic ballast.

Hose connectors: 19 mm (3/4“), 25 mm (1“), 32 mm (1 1/4“), 40 mm (1 1/2“)

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sera pond Filter Pumps PP sera pond Filter Pumps PP are professional pumps for permanent use. These pumps with asynchronous split tube motor provide very high pressure and volume performance with very low energy consumption.

They are particularly suitable for operating pond filters, brooks, waterfalls and fountain jets.

The sera pond Filter Pumps PP 4000 – 12000 are additionally equipped with non-clogging vortex technology. Dirt particles in the water which have not been collected by the prefilter may pass freely through the impeller and are directed to the main filter. This way, the pond filter can work optimally.

Select the correct pump for the sera pond Pressure Filter sera pond Filter Pump PP With height differences up to max. 1 m (3.3 ft.)

Item no.

PP 2500

sera pond Pressure Filter Type

PP 2500 PP 4000

30052

PP 6000

30053

Optimal water flow rate

500 – 2,000 l/h 11 l 2.9 US gal. 132 – 528 US gal./h 25 l 1,000 – 2,500 l/h T25 6.6 US gal. 264 – 660 US gal./h 40 l 2,000 – 4,000 l/h T40 10.6 US gal. 528 – 1,057 US gal./h 50 l 2,500 – 5,000 l/h T50 13 US gal. 660 – 1,321 US gal./h T11

30051

Pressure Filter (volume)

T (without UVC)

T + UVC System

For ponds up to max.

Item no.

Type

sera UVC energy saving lamp

Item no.

4,000 l 1,057 US gal.

8170

T11+UV

9W

8130

8172

T25+UV

11 W

8135

8174

T40+UV

18 W

8140

8176

T50+UV

24 W

8145

6,000 l 1,585 US gal.

10,000 l 2,642 US gal.

12,000 l 3,170 US gal.

25

Technical pond equipment Step 1 Water intake UV clarifier 24 W Step 2 Stainless steel split sieve 200 µm Sludge outlet Enrichment with oxygen Step 3 Matala mat Biological pond purification with 10 l (2 kg/4.4 lb.) sera siporax® pond Outlet: crystal clear water

sera KOI Professional® 12000 Pond Filter Innovative compact filter system for all garden ponds Low maintenance, space saving filter with threefold effect for clear water in garden ponds.

24 Watt UVC system for effective removal of bacteria and floating algae.

Split sieve technology for effective removal of floating matter and waste particles, mesh width 200 µm and oxygen enrichment.

Further advantages: • low phosphate and nitrate values due to quick removal of sludge and waste particles • simple installation and maintenance • suitable for ponds up to 20,000 liters (5,284 US gal.) water volume and Koi ponds up to 12,000 liters (3,170 US gal.)

Recommended pump performance: max. 12,000 l/h (3,170 US gal./l)

Bio chamber incl. Matala mat for even water distribution and sera siporax® pond for biological water purification.

Select the correct pump for the sera KOI Professional® 12000 Pond Filter sera pond Filter Pump PP

26

sera KOI Professional® 12000 Pond Filter

With height differences up to max. 1 m (3.3 ft.)

Item no.

For ponds up to max.

For Koi ponds up to max.

PP 8000

30054

14,000 l (3,699 US gal.)

8,000 l (2,113 US gal.)

PP 10000

30055

16,000 l (4,227 US gal.) 10,000 l (2,642 US gal.)

PP 12000

30057

20,000 l (5,284 US gal.) 12,000 l (3,170 US gal.)

Item no.

8309

Bio filter media Ideal conditions for biological water purification

uneaten food

plant parts fish waste

Filter media activation Filter medium with best possible filter performance sera siporax ® pond

NH4/NH3 ammonium/ ammonia

sera pond filter biostart

NO2 nitrite

sera KOI BIOCLEAR

NO3 nitrate

Biological water purification

Clean, crystal clear pond water ®

sera siporax pond provides best conditions for different bacteria species that break down ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.

Millions of bacteria find optimal settling conditions on the large, coarse surface.

They are sufficiently supplied with oxygen and convert ammonia into nitrite.

There are anoxic conditions inside the tunnels. The bacteria are forced to break up nitrate as to get enough oxygen. This allows to also reduce nitrate continuously.

Remaining nitrate is taken up as a nutrient by water plants. sera siporax® pond increases the pollutant breakdown rate in every filter many times over.

sera pond filter biostart • Starts and accelerates biological filtration • Breaks down sludge • Supports the efficacy of sera KOI BIOCLEAR sera KOI BIOCLEAR • Biological breakdown of fish poisons such as ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.

• Reduces pond maintenance

e of rt) urfac The s ne US qua has (o r e ® t pond ical one li siporax g biolo s ra of se as much as 34 liter r st almo wn powe mic filter do era break gal.) of c ial r (9 US mate

27

Technical pond equipment

sera pond Multipurpose Pumps MP For fountains, pond filters, water falls and brooks • a protective basket prevents quick clogging • robust construction • low energy consumption • long life span • low noise level Fountains are decorative and enrich the water with oxygen.

sera Bell Water Jet continuously adjustable sera fountain nozzles and accessories are available in many versions. Ask your specialized retailer – he will be pleased to counsel you!

sera Volcano Jet (two-tiered in this case)

sera Foaming Bubble Jet continuously adjustable

sera pond Multi-purpose Pumps MP Pump

Water flow rate max.

Height max.

MP 600

600 l/h (159 US gal./h)

1.1 m (3.6 ft.)

8 W 12 mm (1/2”)

30150

MP 1000 1,000 l/h (264 US gal./h)

1.6 m (5.2 ft.)

16 W

30151

MP 1500 1,500 l/h (396 US gal./h)

2.4 m (7.9 ft.)

25 W

MP 2000 2,000 l/h (528 US gal./h)

3.0 m (9.8 ft.)

45 W

MP 3000 3,000 l/h (793 US gal./h)

Watts

Outlet for hoses

12 mm (1/2”) 16 mm (5/8”)

3.5 m (11.5 ft.) 70 W 20 mm (3/4”) MP 4000 4,000 l/h (1,057 US gal./h) 4.0 m (13.1 ft.) 70 W 25 mm (1”) 32 mm (1 1/4”) MP 5000 5,000 l/h (1,321 US gal./h) 4.0 m (13.1 ft.) 99 W

28

Item no.

30152 30153 30154 30155 30156

Natural food Feeding the fish correctly is the basis for successful care. Nutritional requirements and natural feeding habits are different, depending on the fish species, and must be considered when choosing the food. Food of poor quality is only insufficiently processed and digested by the fish. Insufficient digestibility leads to deficiencies and strongly pollutes the water through fish waste. Poor quality food can support strong algae growth.

The large and diverse sera food range provides your fish a high-quality and natural variety with plenty of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and herbs. With sera food, you support healthy growth, vitality and a splendid coloration.

!

sera tip Feed sparingly, but several times per day if possible!

Healthy blend of 100% natural food animals sera pond bio power-mix: Silkworms, Gammarus and Daphnia – a wellbalanced blend with high protein levels, unsaturated fatty acids and natural carotinoids ensures splendid coloration, vitality and healthy growth.

Vitality and disease resistance The floating food sticks sera pond biogranulat are a healthy, low-infat staple diet for all medium sized to large pond fish from 6 cm (2.4 in). They can be fed throughout the year. They allow for an optimal start into the pond season and provide optimally available nutrients, minerals and vitamins for all pond fish.

29

Natural food

The addition to natural nutrition sera pond bioflakes for all smaller pond fish up to approx. 8 cm (3.2 in.) ensure a healthy nutritional balance with vitamins, wheat germ and many other high quality ingredients that are not always present in the natural diet.

The correct food for every pond fish sera pond mix royal contains pellets rich in energy and ballast substances, made from fish meal, grain products and fish byproducts as well as natural carotene from the valuable Spirulina algae. This food mix is rich in vitamins and contains Gammarus as a special treat for all pond fish.

30

Splendid colors sera pond color sticks granulate enhances the colors of all goldfish and coldwater fish. Due to the careful processing of high quality ingredients, it is very easy to digest and supports both wellbeing and disease resistance of your fish.

Especially for sturgeons The balanced level of natural minerals, trace elements and added vitamins in sera pond Sturgeon Granules supports disease resistance and vitality of the sturgeons.

Staple diet: Wheat germ and Spirulina

A

B

C

D

E

K

A

B

C

water, Fit through itamins sera KOI ROYAL supports sera v ®

ention growth and wellness of all Koi. Due to its ing and prev r strengthen Fo easy digestibility it is ideal for feeding LTIVITAMIN sera KOI MU and after throughout the year. s fish before en th Streng ring and du as well as hibernation, es. after diseas A B K E D B C A

Natural colors sera KOI COLOR enhances the splendid colors, increases wellness and supports disease resistance due to minerals, trace elements, vitamins and natural carotene. It is particularly easy to digest due to the careful processing of high quality ingredients.

C

The fish will eat from your hand sera KOI SNACK treat sticks are great fun to feed to your Koi or your pond fish. Just hold sera KOI SNACK far enough into the water that the Koi can bite off. A welcomed variation to the diet!

31

Natural food The Innovation by the sera Research Department: sera KOI Professional® – The first co-extruded food The sera research department has developed the unique sera KOI Professional® food that exactly matches the nutritional requirements of the Koi concerning size, temperature and season.

The natural highquality food ingredients are processed by different methods, ensuring that no valuable components are lost. Just like human food, Koi food also contains ingredients that need to be processed carefully at low temperatures, and ingredients that become fully effective only at high temperatures.

Ring A food blend optimized for the corresponding season, for a diet that Koi need by nature.

The co-extrusion method allows to combine the separately manufactured components to a food morsel consisting of a ring and a core especially considering the requirements of the Koi during the different seasons.

This ensures high digestibility, low water pollution and, consequently, low care efforts for the pond throughout the year.

Core Contains the sera Vital Immune Protect Formula, manufactured in the very careful low temperature process. Rich in vitamins, natural minerals and trace elements. Supports disease resistance, therefore reduces the susceptibility to diseases.

You will find detailed information about the correct nutrition of Koi in the “sera KOI Professional®” brochure.

32

Spirulina Color Food

Spring/Autumn Food

from 8°C (46°F) Ring: high amount of Spirulina and Haematococcus algae for clear color separation and silky appearance. Prevents unsightly yellowish tint in the white patterns of the Koi. Core: VIP Formula + particularly high amount of minerals and trace elements.

below 17°C (63°F) Ring: very easily digestible ingredients relieve metabolism, ensure a good condition and prepare safe hibernation.

Core: VIP Formula + particularly high amount of vitamin C.

Summer Food from 17°C (63°F) Ring: a well-balanced ratio between energy and protein ensures optimal digestibility, best possible growth and minimum water pollution.

Core: VIP Formula + garlic

Winter Food below 12°C (54°F) With essential Omega-3 fatty acids and reduced carbohydrate amount for optimal health of your Koi during winter. Quickly sinks to the bottom where the fish dwell in winter and search for food.

Feeding sera KOI Professional®: 25 20 15 10 5 0

< 12 ºC Jan.

I Feb.

I March ®

sera KOI Professional Winter Food

> 17 ºC 8 – 17 ºC I April I May

I June ®

I July

sera KOI Professional Summer Food sera KOI Professional® Spirulina

< 12 ºC 8 – 17 ºC I August I Sept.

I Oct. I Nov.

I Dez.

®

sera KOI Professional Spring/Autumn Food sera KOI Professional® Spirulina

33

Natural food

Feed goldfish correctly It is important that you feed only special goldfish food, because the food must not contain too much protein. After a short while, the lively goldfish will wait expectantly at the feeding spot when you feed them.

Build-up food sera goldy® is a high quality flake food for the daily feeding of all goldfish with Spirulina, wheat germ, minerals and vitamins. It is especially suitable for strengthening during autumn and spring.

34

Magnificent coloration sera goldy® Color supports colors and disease resistance of goldfish and their varieties in a natural way. It contains particularly much natural carotene, Spirulina and selected herbs. sera goldy® Color considerably enhances the magnificent coloration of goldfish and other cold water fish.

Premium quality sera goldy® Royal is also ideal for fancy goldfish that prefer to eat in the middle and deeper water layers. It is rich in Spirulina and high quality grain products.

Natural food throughout the year January

February

March

April

May

June

KOI ROYAL®

KOI ROYAL® KOI COLOR

KOI ROYAL® KOI COLOR

[above approx.

8°C (46°F) water temperature]

Koi

KOI ROYAL®

Young Koi

KOI ROYAL® MINI KOI ROYAL® MINI KOI ROYAL® MINI KOI ROYAL® MINI

Goldfish and other fish

Sturgeons

Koi Young Koi

goldy mix royal

goldy®

bioflakes biogranulat mix royal goldy® goldy® Color goldy® Royal

Sturgeon Granules

Sturgeon Granules

Sturgeon Granules

December

®

Sturgeon Granules

Sturgeon Granules

Sturgeon Granules

July

August

September

KOI ROYAL® KOI COLOR

KOI ROYAL® KOI COLOR

KOI ROYAL® KOI COLOR

October

November

[below approx.

8°C (46°F) water temperature]

[below approx.

8°C (46°F) water temperature]

KOI ROYAL®

KOI ROYAL®

bioflakes biogranulat mix royal goldy® goldy® Color goldy® Royal

KOI ROYAL® MINI KOI ROYAL® MINI KOI ROYAL® MINI KOI ROYAL® MINI KOI ROYAL® MINI

Goldfish and other fish

bioflakes biogranulat mix royal goldy® goldy® Color goldy® Royal

bioflakes biogranulat mix royal goldy® goldy® Color goldy® Royal

bioflakes biogranulat mix royal goldy® goldy® Color goldy® Royal

goldy® mix royal

goldy® mix royal

Sturgeons

Sturgeon Granules

Sturgeon Granules

Sturgeon Granules

Sturgeon Granules

Sturgeon Granules

Sturgeon Granules

35

What to do in case of fish diseases Fish diseases hardly ever occur if the pond water is regularly checked and carefully maintained. If, however, a fish nevertheless gets ill, sera water treatments will help safely and reliably. We have compiled the most important treatments.

You will find detailed information about sera treatments in our guide “How to How keep your ornamenornamento keep your tal fish healthy tal fish healthy”, or on the Internet on www.sera.de.

Recognizing Diseases Identifying causes and eliminatin g them

Scientific Consul tant: Dieter Unterg asser

Treatmen recovery t and of your ornament preventio al fish — and cure n

including an extensive diagnosis chart

36

No chance for parasites Strongly varying temperatures and overstocking weaken the resistance against infections. sera pond omnisan combats the parasites. It does not harm fish nor plants but immediately destroys the fungus spores.

sera pond cyprinopur® is effective against dropsy.

Fish are particularly susceptible to diseases in spring. A treatment with sera pond cyprinopur® combats spring virosis.

sera pond omnipur combats the most common fish diseases: bacterial infections, fin rot, infections by fungi (Saprolegnia, Achlya), skin slime (Costia, Chilodonella), Trichodina, Oodinium, gill and skin flukes (Dactylogyrus or Gyrodactylus), skin injuries and wounds.

The highly active agent nifurpirinol is admixed into the tasty sera KOI BAKTO TABS food tablet. Therefore it takes no effort to treat the ill fish against bacterial infections in a targeted and correctly dosed way.

sera med Professional Treatments with unique healing power sera med Professional treatments work quickly and effectively. The quick effect is achieved by new active agent combinations along with solvent complexes.

sera med Professional Tremazol® kills gill flukes within 6 hours. Due to the short treatment duration, the fish are hardly affected when using sera med Professional Tremazol®. The patented complex of active agent and solvent ensures very effective distribution in water and thus quicker transport to the site of action. sera med Professional Tremazol® is effective against gill and skin flukes, tapeworms and Transversotrema.

Treat fish in a quarantine tank, as a water change is required afterwards.

sera med Professional Argulol does not only combat parasites while they are sucking blood, but is also effective against free-swimming crustaceans. The treatment is finished after only 24 hours. Repeating the treatment after 3 weeks is recommended as to combat parasites that have hatched in the meantime. No pond water change is required after the application. sera med Professional Argulol is effective against parasitic crustaceans: Fish lice, anchorworms, copepods that live on the gills as parasites, and parasitic isopods.

Also, add sera KOI MULTIVITAMIN to the food and feed it after 2 – 3 minutes for strengthening the fish during and after a disease. This directed application will strengthen the fish and increase their vitality.

37

Algae free – throughout the year Algae belong to the natural food chain in the water. Many small organisms feed on them. Algae also contribute to the oxygen supply in a pond. You should intervene only if algae growth becomes too strong.

Too many algae affect the growth of other pond plants and threaten the health of fish.

The cause for very strong algae growth is usually a nutrient oversupply.

Causes for algae growth leaves, plant parts, sludge, top soil

too many fish too much food fish waste

too much sunlight

Immediate help mechanical removal (rake, pond net)

immediate reduction of light intensity: sera pond bio humin

*

reduce number of fish reduce food amount

Immediate help in case of very strong algae growth: sera pond algenstop*

Long-term effect and prevention Agitate water with sera pond fountain

Water clarification with sera pond filters with UVC systems

Support plant growth

38

Algae growth control and removal with sera pond crystal®

Long-term reduction of algae growth: sera pond bio crystal plus

Ensure optimal water parameters, test water regularly

Schedule for an algae-free pond throughout the year sera pond bio balance sera pond algenstop* – above 7°C / 44°F (in case of strong sunlight) sera pond bio humin – above 15°C / 59°F sera pond bio crystal plus – from the middle of February until the end of October

Spring

Summer Protection against acidic water for balanced, natural mineral and acid regulation.

Stabilize the water with sera pond bio balance before using algae treatments. Correct pH, KH and GH values are among the most important basic features for the pond

Autumn

Winter

inhabitants’ life. In particular, rain water causes acidification (low pH values) of the pond water.

It is easy for you to quickly maintain correct KH levels and avoid low pH values with sera pond bio balance (please see the chart on page 23 for healthy water values).

*

With its natural humic substances, sera pond bio humin immediately reduces light irradiation into the pond. The effect takes place very mildly and lastingly – for prevention as well as in case of already existing cloudiness. sera pond bio humin is fish and plant friendly, and creates pleasant conditions for all pond inhabitants.

Being a purely natural product, sera pond bio crystal plus continuously releases amber colored herbal active agents, thus reducing algae growth for up to eight weeks.

Immediate help in case of algae It is getting hot, the pond is flooded with sunlight, and the nutrient supply increases rapidly. Algae multiply extremely fast. sera now offers you highly effective treatments: sera pond algenstop* controls smear, beard and thread algae; sera pond crystal® effectively removes floating algae.

sera pond bio humin with immediate effect and sera pond bio crystal plus with long-term effect are excellently suited for combined use throughout the year.

* Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

39

Algae free – throughout the year

Preventive measures Provide a sufficient amount of submerged nutrient competitors. Abundantly plant submerged plants such as waterweed and hornwort.

Waterweed (Elodea species)

Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)

Remove fallen leaves, dead plant parts and sludge in autumn and in spring. You will remove a part of the algae nutrients by doing so.

40

Agitate the water Algae nutrients are abundantly present in the water after the winter. It is recommended that you use sera pond filters and pond pumps (see page 24 ff.) as to prevent algae from multiplying strongly just then or during a hot summer.

Clarify the water using UVC systems Operating a sera pond Pressure Filter T with UVC System (page 24) or a sera KOI Professional® Pond Filter (page 26) is recommended for minimizing pathogens and algae blooms. These units clarify pond water particularly effectively and lastingly.

Algae check list Algae diagnosis

Possible causes

Measures

Floating algae distribute all over the pond and may grow extremely rapidly – a so-called algae bloom.

• Too much food • Leaves that were not removed • Pollution by other dead plant parts

• Remove leaves and pollution • Carry out a partial water change • Condition fresh water, see page 21

• Top soil or garden soil has got into the pond

• Remove top soil and replace with gravel • Avoid top soil being washed into the pond

• Fertilization with garden fertilizing peat or horn chippings, which are rich in phosphate and nitrate, and enormously pollute the pond water

• Carry out a partial water change • Condition fresh water with sera KOI PROTECT and sera pond bio crystal plus • Fertilize with sera pond florenette® Tabs and sera pond florena® concentrate (nitrate and phosphate free)

• Too much food

• We recommend sera KOI Professional® Winter Food for Koi below 8°C (46°F) • Feed with special sera food above 8°C (46°F), according to the fish and the season, see the chart on page 35

• Insufficient number of submerged plants

• Add submerged plants such as waterweed and hornwort

The pond water turns green, and water transparency is very poor.

• Übermäßige Fütterung

41

Algae free – throughout the year Algae check list Algae diagnosis

Possible causes

Measures

The water is clear, but the pond is strongly affected by thread and beard algae that mainly grow in shallow water

• Not enough nutrient competitors for algae

• Remove the algae from the pond with a rake as an immediate measure • Add nutrient competitors (page 40) • Use sera pond algenstop* and sera pond bio crystal plus

Smear algae grow on rocks, plants and decoration

• Nutrient oversupply • Less than optimal hygienic conditions

• Carry out a partial water change as an immediate measure • Condition pond water as described on page 21 • Remove sludge with a sludge pump • Use sera pond algenstop* and sera pond bio humin • Ensure very good water parameters in the long term

The pond water smells bad

• Too much sunlight • A nutrient oversupply causes rapid algae growth. The algae die after having consumed the nutrients, rot and withdraw oxygen from the water. The pond has “turned over”.

• Carry out a partial water change of 1/3 and repeat after 1 – 2 days • Condition water as described on page 21 • Remove sludge and dead plant parts • Add more submerged plants

* Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

42

Pond care in the change of seasons Spring Pond maintenance begins with the first warm sunbeams. The pond needs special attention in spring (April/May). We will give you some advice for pond care in spring to make sure that you will always enjoy crystal clear water and healthy fish.

March Water tests: Check the water quality with sera test kits.

You will find further information on page 18 ff.

Strengthening the fish: When the water temperature is constantly above 8°C (46°F), feed the fish with easily digestible food: sera pond biogranulat and sera KOI ROYAL® for adult Koi and other large pond fish, sera pond Sturgeon Granules for sterlets and sera goldy® for goldfish and smaller pond fish). sera KOI Professional® Spring/Autumn Food, sera KOI Professional® Spirulina Color Food.

The fish should receive three drops sera KOI MULTIVITAMIN onto their food for one week as to strengthen them and prevent diseases. Allow to soak for 10 minutes in the refrigerator before feeding.

Preventive treatment against spring virosis: Once weekly add a full dose of sera pond cyprinopur® directly into the water for this purpose.

Repeat this preventive measure three times. By doing so, you will combat the disease before it breaks out. If your fish already show disease symptoms, treatment has priority above all other pond care measures and must start right away!

Spring cleaning (when the water temperature is above 12°C/54°F) and water care: Remove leaves, dead plant parts and sludge from the water. Change about a third of the water while doing so. Please be very careful, as the fish still do not move very much and easily may get injured. Condition the fresh water according to the requirements of the fish with a double dose (referring to the total water volume) of sera KOI PROTECT and sera pond bio humin.

43

Pond care in the change of seasons Algae prevention: The measures are explained in the section Algae free – throughout the year on page 38 ff.

Fertilization: sera pond florenette® Tabs and sera pond florena® concentrate supply your pond plants with all important nutrients for healthy growth and colorful blooms.

Testing water: Total and carbonate hardness Water hardness fulfills a very important function in garden ponds, as it stabilizes the pH value.

Total and carbonate hardness should be between 6 – 16°dGH and 5 – 10°dKH. The pH value

will vary strongly if the hardness is lower.

This will cause considerable stress for the fish. The hardness should therefore be checked regularly with the sera gH-Test and the sera kH-Test. It can be increased with sera pond bio balance.

Oxygen and pond filter Clean the pond filter. If the sera pond filter is regularly overburdened (frequent decrease of water flow) or the sera oxygen-Test reveals a value of less than 4.0 mg/l (ppm), we recommend a filter extension (pages 24 – 27). You can raise the oxygen level by adding sera O2 plus.

April Care measures: same as March

Water care: After heavy rainfalls: Add an additional dose of sera KOI PROTECT according to the directions, carry out a partial water change in small or densely stocked ponds.

May Care measures: same as March and April Cleaning: Occasionally remove dead plant parts and leaves.

44

Feeding: Koi: sera KOI ROYAL®, sera KOI COLOR. Other pond fish: sera pond bioflakes, sera pond biogranulat, sera pond mix royal.

Goldfish: sera goldy®, sera goldy® Color, sera goldy® Royal.

Valuable Koi: sera KOI Professional® Summer Food.

Summer All life in and around the pond grows and thrives during the summer. However, algae may multiply rapidly due to strong sunlight and high nutrient supply. We therefore recommend to check the pond water very carefully.

June Water tests: Due to strong life activities, water parameters in the pond change very rapidly. We explain the simplicity of using the sera test and how to support nature on page 18 ff.

Water care: see April Algae prevention: see page 38 ff.

Testing water: Total and carbonate hardness Carbonate hardness is broken down especially in case of rapid algae growth, but also by plants (so-called “biogenic decalcification”). Add an additional dose of sera pond bio balance.

Cleaning and feeding: see May

Fertilization: see March (page 44)

July Water tests, total and carbonate hardness, fertilization: see March (page 43 f.)

Algae prevention: see page 38 ff.

Plant care: Cut back water plants if they grow too abundantly, thus reserving a sufficient amount of space for other plants. Make sure that floating leaf plants do not cover the entire pond and restrict them to a certain area. Occasionally remove dead plant parts and leaves.

Feeding: see May. In case of very high temperatures, feed sparingly with sera pond bioflakes, sera pond biogranulat or sera KOI Professional® Summer Food. These food types are particularly easy to digest.

Water care: Regularly top up water and condition with sera KOI PROTECT according to the directions, carry out a partial water change in small or densely stocked ponds.

45

Pond care in the change of seasons Cleaning the pond filter: Clean the filter and reactivate it biologically with sera pond filter biostart and sera KOI BIOCLEAR if its flow rate decreases considerably.

Be alert for fish diseases: Watch your ornamental fish regularly and carefully. Please read page 36 f. if you suspect a disease.

August All maintenance procedures described for the month of July also apply for August.

Autumn You must begin preparation in autumn as to maintain healthy pond fish and plants during the winter months.

September All maintenance procedures described for the month of July also apply for September.

Feeding: Start an additional vitamin supply in September for preparing the fish for the winter. Add sera KOI MULTIVITAMIN to the food and allow to soak for ten minutes in the refrigerator. Repeat this procedure once or twice per week.

October Plant care: Cut back reed mace on a beautiful autumn day, and carefully remove leaves, dead plant parts and sludge. Reed mace and other plants with a tube-like stem must by all means be cut above the water surface.

These plants ensure gas exchange during

46

the winter by doing so, and therefore support oxygen supply for the hibernating animals.

Water change: Carry out a larger water change (about 2/3 of the pond contents) and remove dead leaves and sludge with a sludge pump while doing so. Condition the fresh water with a single to one-and-a-half-fold dose of sera KOI PROTECT. Support the biofiltration with sera pond filter biostart and sera KOI BIOCLEAR.

Feeding and vitamin cure: Feed in October as in March (page 43) as long as the water temperature is above 8°C/46°F as to strengthen the fish and prepare them for hibernation.

November Prepare hibernation: You must avoid that the pond freezes over completely (page 4) if the fish hibernate in the pond.

We recommend hibernating the fish in an aquarium as large as possible if the pond is less than 1 m (3.3 ft.) deep. The temperature of the aquarium water should be between 14 and 18°C (57 – 64°F), not higher.

Water care: The water is conditioned with sera KOI PROTECT. This care measure is particularly important if fish hibernate in the pond (see April)

Winter The pond rests in winter while nature recovers during long a hibernation period.

The fish and other pond inhabitants will endure the winter without trouble if the pond is deep enough (at least 1 m/3.3ft.) and you prepared the pond properly for winter during autumn.

December, January and February Hibernation: The only care measure in winter is to keep a part of the water surface ice-free, as in November.

Feeding: Feed sparingly with sera KOI Professional® Winter Food and sera pond Sturgeon Granules.

47

Koi pond Building a Koi pond The instructions given so far also apply to Koi ponds, with some additions to be considered.

Pond size Due to their size (Koi can grow to more than 1 m / 3.3 ft.!), Koi need more space than other pond fish.

!

A basic rule is: A Koi of about 50 cm (20 in.) long requires 1 m3 / 35.3 ft.3 (1,000 l / 265 US gal.) of water.

Except a few models, most prefabricated ponds are therefore not suitable. Generally, the larger the pond, the better. A larger pond requires less work for water care than a small one!

Bank zone

Pond depth and hibernation Average Koi ponds should be about 0.5 – 1 m (20 – 40 in.) deep. Deep water zones for fish hibernation should be at least 1.5 m (5 ft.), or better 2 m (6.6 ft.).

Many passionate Koi lovers are now using special heaters for their ponds for maintaining 16°C (61°F) water temperature also in the winter. Hibernation is in such cases not required; the fish stay active throughout the year and of course have to be fed.

There is no harm for the ornamental fish, Koi are not compelled to hibernate.

A possible alternative is installing an air-permeable roof, like a greenhouse, allowing to cover the pond in winter. However, the rise in water temperature will be insufficient to keep the fish active during the winter in that case.

Koi ponds are usually laid out with steep slopes. In shallow swamp zones, the fish may get trapped in the plant thicket. In this case, they are sometimes not able to free themselves. Koi pond often have vertical slopes about 25 cm (10 in.) high. This prevents cats, raccoons, etc. injuring the ornamental fish or splashing them out of the pond.

approx. 25 cm (10 in.)

Especially recommended for Koi ponds: vertical slopes as prevention against cats or raccoons

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Plants for the Koi pond Delicate and fragile plants are often eaten by the large Koi within a short time. Therefore, only robust species are suitable.

Large water lilies have proven best.

As a swamp zone is problematic in Koi ponds, many pond owners have chosen another solution:

Oxygen

O2

Koi require more oxygen than, e.g., goldfish. You must therefore particularly consider a few

aspects: • The pond should be set up in a way that prevents leaves or conifer needles falling into it. Rotting plant parts consume plenty of oxygen which is then lacking for the fish. The oxygen level of the water is lower with high temperatures than in cooler water. At the same time, the Koi consume more oxygen for digestion.

• Do not overstock the pond. Add only a few fish at first and consider the final size of the Koi. • Feed sparingly. Uneaten food pollutes the water and supports algae growth.

A canal is located beside the main pond, not accessible for the Koi. This canal is planted with swamp plants, into which the pond water is directed by a pump. This socalled plant filter replaces nitrate breakdown by submerged plants and the swamp zone. However, it does not replace the biologically active pond filter.

We recommend to check the oxygen level regularly with the sera oxygen-Test as to detect possible problems immediately. sera O2 plus is used as an immediate measure in case of lacking oxygen. You should of course also check and eliminate the above mentioned causes.

Water conditioning Koi require the same water values as other pond fish (page 18 ff.). However, you must particularly consider the oxygen level.

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Koi pond

Disease prevention for healthy fish You should regularly check the Koi for disease symptoms. Besides visual symptoms (injuries, bloated belly, bloodshot wounds or ulcers, white spots, parasites), every change of behavior (e.g., passiveness of a usually lively fish) is a clear warning.

Observe during feeding time as the fish then come to the surface and can be watched more easily.

You should carry out further investigations, such as a skin swab, only if you have reasons to suspect a disease! We discourage you from performing a “routine skin swab”, as is sometimes recommended. It causes unnecessary stress for the fish, and the risk of skin injuries while catching the fish is high.

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You will find further information about fish diseases on pages 36 and 37, and in the sera guide “How to keep your ornamental fish healthy”.

How to keep your ornamental fish healthy Recognizing Diseases Identifying causes and eliminating them Scientific Consultant: Dieter Untergasser

Treatment Treatment and and recovery recovery of of your your ornamental ornamental fish fish — — prevention prevention and and cure cure g an includin nsive exte is chart nos diag

Buyer’s checklist Tools and utensils Spade Shovel Pointed hoe Cord for measuring Leveling aid: Transparent hose as spirit-level or Long, straight board and spirit-level Plastic bucket Brush and roller for gluing the liner pieces (liner ponds only)

Pond construction material Basic material: Prefabricated pond or Pond liner and glue Liner protection mat Slope mats

Bottom gravel and boundary Stones for the banks, if desired Fine sand for the pit (underneath the liner) Bottom material: Gravel or Pebbles (ideal with big fish such as Koi)

Plant substrate Gravel or coarse sand

Care and water conditioning (pages 18 – 23) sera KOI PROTECT sera pond filter biostart sera KOI BIOCLEAR sera pond bio balance sera pond toxivec® Water test kits: sera aqua-test box Algae prevention: (pages 38 – 42) sera pond bio humin, sera pond bio crystal plus, sera pond algenstop*, sera pond crystal®

Fish food depending on fish species sera goldfish food (page 34) sera KOI food (page 31 – 33) sera food for various species (page 29 – 30)

Vitamins and treatments (page 36 – 37)

Technical equipment (page 24 – 28) sera pond Pressure Filter T sera pond Pressure Filter T + UVC System sera KOI Professional® Pond Filter sera pond Multi-purpose Pump sera pond Filter Pump

Plants (page 12 – 15) Submerged plants Floating leaf plants Floating plants Swamp plants Plants for the bank zone

Plant fertilizer sera pond florenette® Tabs sera pond florena® concentrate

Other/Accessories sera pond net sera fountain nozzles (page 28)

Fish

* Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

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