​Many new Oklahoma pond/water feature owners are concerned about the effects of sunlight for pond fish. This is an important issue, and the solution will depend on various factors. In Oklahoma ponds/water features, sunlight can be beneficial to your fish, but it can also harm them, and the outcome largely depends on the pond’s construction, location and how it is maintained.

​When a pond is directly exposed to sunlight without shade the temperature of the water will increase. This increase in temperature will lower the amount of oxygen which is accessible to the fish, while also promoting the growth of algae. Fish which are exposed to excessive sunlight may also receive sunburn. Each pond is unique in the manner in which it will respond to the sun, and while ponds which are big and deep may not have much of an issue, the smaller ponds which are typically found in backyards may be adversely impacted.

Algae enjoy sunlight and will thrive when exposed to it. If your pond contains koi they should be exposed to no more than a few hours of sunlight per day.  Anything more than this could be problematic for them. The typical pond will receive between four and six hours of sunlight per day.

​The best way to manage your Oklahoma pond’s exposure to sunlight is by adding shade. Terrestrial shade can be created by adding marginal plants or trees near the side of your pond. However, during fall leaves will fall from the tree and will cause serious problems if they are allowed to accumulate in the water, so you will need to perform netting or clean them out. Papyrus or other tall plants will provide excellent shade for the fish.

Aquatic plants can also be used to help manage Oklahoma sunlight, and some of the best include water hyacinth or water lilies, which create shade beneath the water that can be used by your fish. The lilies can be planted via plant bags and or baskets and situated in advantageous locations throughout the pond. An alternative to the planting of trees could be a canopy or man made structure which will cast shade over the pond. The right canopy can also add style to the area.
​
Perhaps the easiest solution is fish shelters or caves. The shelters can be placed in the water and will allow the fish to swim beneath or within to get shade whenever they need it, while caves will also perform the same function, although constructing them may be more complex. In addition to protection from sunlight, these structures will also protect your fish from various predators.

​Just as too much Oklahoma sunlight is bad for fish, too much shade is equally so. The most ideal ponds are those which have some areas reserved for sunlight, while others which are reserved for shade. This will give the pond a balanced temperature which will make your fish healthy and happy.

Oklahoma ​ponds/water features need a good balance of sun and shade.  If your pond doesn't have partial shade from trees, make sure to add plenty of plants to provide shade, vitamin D and protection from predators.

​​For daily pond tips Monday thru Friday like and share our facebook page. To receive our monthly newsletter click here. Remember we are always just a click away from solving all your Oklahoma pond problems!
 
Continental Ponds is offering this pond information as a personal information source to our website visitors. Pond services are performed in Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Nichols Hills, Edmond, Yukon, Shawnee, Newcastle, Mustang, Bethany, Piedmont, Guthrie, Jones, Chandler, Midwest City, Del City, Shawnee, Tuttle, Blanchard, Bridge Creek , Warr Acres, Woodlawn Park, Lawton. Fish and Koi Pond Maintenance and Construction, Streams and Waterfalls, and Fountains are all in our wheelhouse of talent. Explore our website for more ideas. Like our Facebook page for daily tips and inspiration.

All summer long we get calls stating "I just bought some koi fish, how much and how often do I feed them?" Well, wonder no more because Continental Ponds is here to teach you all about feeding your fish. Whether your pond has koi fish, goldfish, butterfly koi, shubunkins or just native fish we have one simple method that works for them all.

How Often to Feed your Koi Fish
We recommend that you feed your fish once a day. This will provide enough nutrients for healthy fish and a healthy pond if the filtration is correct. Feeding them too often can put an excess amount of nutrients into your pond which can cause algae issues. With that being said, if you have clear water and would like to feed your fish twice a day you can. Feeding your fish twice a day will help to promote growth, and give you happy plump fish. By getting into a feeding pattern your fish will learn when it is time to eat, and they will begin to eat closer to the location where you feed them from.  After some time they will get so familiar with the feeding time and place they will eat right out of your hands! With all this being said, it is not the end of the world if you miss a feeding here and there. 

How Much to Feed your Koi Fish
When feeding fish we like to give them a few small handfuls at a time. We follow the three minute rule while we do this. The three minute rule is only giving the fish as much food as they can eat within a three minute time period. If they eat everything you give them within three minutes its alright to give them some more. If after three minutes there is left over food floating around its time to put the food away.

Our Way
You’re probably wondering why it's ok to miss feedings now and again, and why your fish should eat so little fish food. This is because it is not their only source of food. Fish in a proper ecosystem can thrive off of eating the algae and plant matter that surrounds them. If a feeding is missed the fish will end up eating algae and other things growing in the pond. The fish are given a small amount of fish food at a time for a few reasons. One reason is so that they do feed on the algae growing in your pond, because it will help keep the algae growth in check. Also, large amounts of food that don’t get eaten would then flow into your filtration system, break down and then can cause algae growth from the excess nutrients that are broken down.​ Tip: If for any reason your water is starting to look cloudy stop feeding for a few days. If the pond clears up this will let you know you are over-feeding and stressing the ecosystem. 

For daily pond tips Monday thru Friday like and share our facebook page. To receive our monthly newsletter click here. Remember we are always just a click away from solving your pond problems!

Our outdoor design center is located at 9105 NW Expressway, Yukon, OK  73099. Please feel free to stop by for more water feature inspiration.
 
Continental Ponds is offering this pond information as a personal information source to our website visitors. Pond services are performed in Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Nichols Hills, Edmond, Yukon, Shawnee, Newcastle, Mustang, Bethany, Piedmont, Guthrie, Jones, Chandler, Midwest City, Del City, Shawnee, Tuttle, Blanchard, Bridge Creek , Warr Acres, Woodlawn Park, Lawton. Fish and Koi Pond Maintenance and Construction, Streams and Waterfalls, and Fountains are all in our wheelhouse of talent. Explore our website for more ideas. Like our Facebook page for daily tips and inspiration.
 

Each and every year during Oklahoma's storm season we get several calls "My power is out, what do I do." So here is what you can do for your pond fish when you lose power in. Notice I said when, not if! 

It's happened to all of us, whether we know a storm is coming or the lights just go out, we lose power sometimes.  Many times it's not a big deal because it's off for a few hours maybe 12 tops. However when the power is off for days there could be problems.  At first our attention is on our families.  We need heat and water, will I lose all my food, can't flush the toilets, can't cook.  Our first goal is to get the needs of our families met, then the secondary concerns come to mind. 

​The summer time is a bit different.  Your main goal is to get that aerator plugged in and running.  Depending on your generator and what circuits you have it running will depend on what you should do.  If the generator runs the pond outlet make sure everything else is unplugged- pumps, lighting, and any other items you have out there.  Then just plug the aerator in.   On the other hand, if the generator doesn't run the pond outlet, just get that aerator plugged into the generator or an outlet the generator is powering.   

Losing power is frustrating and stressful for you and your family.  Being prepared can lessen that stress and diminish the frustrations that come with being powerless.  

BioFalls are very simple yet effective fish pond filtration systems that don't require much care.  However, spring is the perfect time to check on those filter pads to see if they may need replacing.  The filter pads are cleaned a few times a year but are quite frequently forgotten about.   What really determines if you can reuse these pads or if you should just replace them? 

Inspection of the BioFall filter pads is one of the items we check off on all our pond clean out services. In general the BioFall filter pads can last up to two years, we recommend not going more than two years on a set of pads.  We normally recommend changing one out each year as most biofalls have multiple filter pads.

Why? 

1. They get clogged and start to breakdown.  Even if you clean them frequently, "stuff" is most certainly stuck in the middle clogging that filter pad.  "Stuff" you can't see
2. The filter pads start to break down and fall apart.  Not to the point that you are going to have thousands of pieces of filter pad floating in your pond, but ripping.  If you remove the filter pad to clean it and it rips, that means it's time for a new one.  

Before you even potentially waste your time or water, check the filter pad for rips or tears.  If you see none, check the strength of the filter pad.   What rip it?  Yes, try to rip it, but leave your Hulk strength at home.  It really doesn't take much to rip that filter pad if its shot.   If either of these happen, go  invest in some new BioFilter filter pads, it's time. 

Should your pads look good, aren't tearing, and you've replaced them within two years, rinse/wash those puppies down and use them another year.    
Filter Pad Cleaning Tip:
Rinse the filter pad down with water, then lightly hit the pad against a solid tree trunk.  You'll be shocked at all the sludge and "stuff" that comes flying out of the filter pad.  BE AWARE: It will look like a giant bear has pooped all over the tree... rinse the tree down with a hose and you're all done. ​
Lastly, if your pond was a mess the prior year or is now and they pads are caked with pond sludge, replace them.  No matter how much you clean and knock them off, they will be clogged.  Clogged pads don't allow water to flow through them, essentially rendering the pads completely ineffective. 

 Recap: When to replace your BioFilter filter pads. 

1. Ripped or torn filter pads- Replace 
2. 2 years or more in use- Replace 
3. Disgusting pond and filter pads won't come clean- Replace
4. Just don't want to mess with them- Replace

For daily pond tips Monday thru Friday like and share our facebook page. To receive our monthly newsletter click here. Remember we are always just a click away from solving all your Oklahoma pond problems!
 
Continental Ponds is offering this pond information as a personal information source to our website visitors. Pond services are performed in Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Nichols Hills, Edmond, Yukon, Shawnee, Newcastle, Mustang, Bethany, Piedmont, Guthrie, Jones, Chandler, Midwest City, Del City, Shawnee, Tuttle, Blanchard, Bridge Creek , Warr Acres, Woodlawn Park, Lawton. Fish and Koi Pond Maintenance and Construction, Streams and Waterfalls, and Fountains are all in our wheelhouse of talent. Explore our website for more ideas. Like our Facebook page for daily tips and inspiration. ​

Adding a variety of different aquatic plants to your Oklahoma pond is an amazing way to make your water garden looks even more beautiful. But like with everything else, you need to make a plan of how and where you are going to put in the right aquatic plants at the right time. Otherwise, it may look like an aquatic jungle!

The first thing you need to consider what type and how many plants are going to use. There is a wide range of Oklahoma pond plants in the market that you may find overwhelming, but you need to make the right choice for your water garden. So, you have to spend some time gathering information about the specific requirements of each plant you are interested in buying.

There are many aquatic plants in the market, like floating plants, water hyacinth or lettuce. These types of special and beautiful plants develop extensive roots under the surface, and they also provide shade to aggressive algae growth in a pond. You can also choose to buy submerged plants, like hornwort and anacharis.

These plants can improve the quality and clarity of the water. Or you may prefer bog plants, like iris or cattails that can surround the perimeter of your pond. You may also choose lotus and water lilies, which can give your ponds amazing colors and various underneath shades. Of course, you can select to buy a mixture of all these plants, to make your pond look marvelous.

Remember that it’s better to cover about 60% of the water’s surface. To do so, you can select 6-12 floating plants, two bog plants, some water lilies, and several submerged plants. Also, you have to buy also fertilizers and containers like plant bags and pots. You will love to use them, to take care of your pond.

Consider all the different factors depending on the type of aquatic plants you want to add. For example:

• Floating Plants – Place them in the pond, and they will freely float on the pond surface.


• Submerged Plants – Grow them underwater in plant bags and fill your containers with planting materials. In fact, you can plant several bunches of these plants together.


• Bog Plants – These plants grow better in containers under the water pond.


• Lillies/lotuses – These amazing aquatic plants can thrive in pots. To transplant them, fill out the tub with clay, and then you can put some planting media on the top.

If you would like to see your new Oklahoma aquatic plants blossom, you will definitely to need various nutrients for your plants to have lovely blooms. So, make sure to buy some aquatic plant fertilizers, like spikes or tabs. For example, fertilizer spikes release plant food slowly over a period of 12 months. On the other hand, you can use a spike in a simple way: You just have to put them into the soil, and you don’t have to do anything else for the whole year.

Be sure to consider all the special needs of the aquatic plants you choose. Choosing the right water plants will add a magical touch of shape, color and texture to the pond.  Like everything else in life, the more thought and planning you put in this task the better things will turn out. 

Continental Ponds base model ponds with installation starts at around $5995.00. The more complexity, upgrades, and features will affect the price. We urge that you don’t make a fast decision on your pond do your research. Don’t be fooled if it sounds too good to be true it is!

In Oklahoma, we have a ton of predatory birds; unfortunately fish are easy pick'ins if your pond does not have a fish cave. We build your pond accordingly to protect your fish, adding a fish cave will ensure your fish have a place to retreat when scared or hibernating and be protected from predators above.

​A fish cave is a structure built into the bottom of the pond to provide cover and can be built simply or elaborately as your budget allows.

​​For daily pond tips Monday thru Friday like and share our facebook page. To receive our monthly newsletter click here. Remember we are always just a click away from solving all your Oklahoma pond problems!
 
Continental Ponds is offering this pond information as a personal information source to our website visitors. Pond services are performed in Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Nichols Hills, Edmond, Yukon, Shawnee, Newcastle, Mustang, Bethany, Piedmont, Guthrie, Jones, Chandler, Midwest City, Del City, Shawnee, Tuttle, Blanchard, Bridge Creek , Warr Acres, Woodlawn Park, Lawton. Fish and Koi Pond Maintenance and Construction, Streams and Waterfalls, and Fountains are all in our wheelhouse of talent. Explore our website for more ideas. Like our Facebook page for daily tips and inspiration.

Each year we have several clients here in Oklahoma contact us about a "String Algae" bloom in their ponds/water features that occurs in the colder months. (The stringy green stuff that sometimes forms on your waterfalls, streams and rocks).  The reason for this is the unseasonably warm weather we have been having here in Central Oklahoma.  Your plants have already gone into dormancy for the winter so they are not using nutrients from the water the way they would in the springtime since the nighttime lows are still down in the mid to low 30's.  However, the water is warming enough in the daytime to cause some biological activity thus causing a nutrient increase in the water.  Since the plants are not actively using nutrients, Mother Nature is taking over and offering "String Algae" as a solution to remove the nutrients and keep your water healthy.

WARNING....... DO NOT FEED YOUR FISH!!!

Even though the air temperature may warm up and your fish seem active during the day, the average water temperature is still below 55 degrees and your fish's metabolism will not support normal feeding. ​

If the String Algae becomes excessive, there are some steps to control it. 

Add some Cold Water Beneficial Bacteria.  It is a more concentrated bacteria made for cold weather when regular bacteria will not colonize and filter nutrients. Remove excess leaves and debris from the pond. Dead leaves provide excess nutrients in your pond, giving algae a great source of nourishment. If the string algae isn't affecting the flow of water to your skimmer and waterfall, just pull out the excess using a fine net, a stick or your hands.

CAUTION!!! 

Do not use your bare hands to remove this algae. Even though the air temperature may be warm, your water temperature is still VERY cold. You should wear waterproof garden gloves.  

For daily pond tips Monday thru Friday like and share our facebook page. To receive our monthly newsletter click here. Remember we are always just a click away from solving your pond problems!
 
Continental Ponds is offering this pond information as a personal information source to our website visitors. Pond services are performed in Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Nichols Hills, Edmond, Yukon, Shawnee, Newcastle, Mustang, Bethany, Piedmont, Guthrie, Jones, Chandler, Midwest City, Del City, Shawnee, Tuttle, Blanchard, Bridge Creek , Warr Acres, Woodlawn Park, Lawton. Fish and Koi Pond Maintenance and Construction, Streams and Waterfalls, and Fountains are all in our wheelhouse of talent. Explore our website for more ideas. Like our Facebook page for daily tips and inspiration.

Each and every year we get numerous calls about frogs, toads and tadpoles in and around the Oklahoma metro area ponds and water features. These amphibians are loud and obnoxious early in the year when it's mating season. You know that loud squeal that makes you jump out of bed and scream at them! Just remember you have a natural ecosystem in your yard they call home, along with other wildlife. But have you ever wondered....

​Frogs - Smooth skin, high round bulging eyes, narrow body, longer hind legs than a Toad, takes long high jumps and must live near water.

Toads - Tough bumpy looking skin, football looking eyes, wider body than a Frog, less powerful legs, runs and takes small jumps, does not need to live by water.

​Ponds that are at least 2 ft. deep, will not freeze solid, even when winters are very cold. When amphibians become cold, they need very little oxygen and burn very little food. Frogs will appear sluggish and lethargic as body functions slow down as the temperature drops. Ice crystals form in such places as the body cavity, bladder and under the skin, but a high concentration of glucose in the frog's vital organs prevents freezing. A partially frozen frog will stop breathing, and its heart will stop beating. It will appear quite dead. But when the hibernacula warms up above freezing, the frog's frozen portions will thaw, and its heart and lungs resume activity--there really is such a thing as the living dead!

For more information and pictures about Native Oklahoma Frogs and Toads - https://www.aza.org/frogwatch-usa-oklahoma

For daily pond tips Monday thru Friday like and share our facebook page. To receive our monthly newsletter click here. Remember we are always just a click away from solving your pond problems!
 
Continental Ponds is offering this pond information as a personal information source to our website visitors. Pond services are performed in Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Nichols Hills, Edmond, Yukon, Shawnee, Newcastle, Mustang, Bethany, Piedmont, Guthrie, Jones, Chandler, Midwest City, Del City, Shawnee, Tuttle, Blanchard, Bridge Creek , Warr Acres, Woodlawn Park, Lawton. Fish and Koi Pond Maintenance and Construction, Streams and Waterfalls, and Fountains are all in our wheelhouse of talent. Explore our website for more ideas. Like our Facebook page for daily tips and inspiration.

​Unlike many pond products today, whose manufacture has been outsourced to developing countries, many EPDM pond liners and accessories are 100 percent made in the USA. This means their design quality and standards are superb. Many of these pond liners are sold with underlayment which has a strength that is high tensile. This is essentially an additional isolation layer that is placed beneath the liner. The underlayment will provide you with a long lasting and stable foundation which can be used with waterfalls, water gardens or Koi ponds.

Turtles can make an excellent addition to your Oklahoma backyard ecosystem koi pond.  They are quiet, happy creatures that require little maintenance or care and have an extremely long lifespan. The best type is aquatic, as they will rapidly acclimate themselves to the Oklahoma ponds and water feature environment. Below are some additional things you’ll need to know.

​Another thing to consider when adding turtles to your Oklahoma pond is the climate and plants. Those living in the north where winters are cold might only be able to live outside during spring and summer. Unlike fish, turtles have little protection against freezing temperatures, and although they can hibernate outside, doing so can be risky. The best solution is to bring your turtles indoors until spring. Here in Oklahoma we leave our turtles out except for those few occasions we get extremely cold for an extended period of time.

Turtles can deal serious damage to your plants, especially the aquatic ones. This is because they enjoy eating them, so you have to be mindful of the type of plants you have. The best plants for turtles are water hyacinth, tape grass, fairy moss, and water lettuce.

​The last consideration is fencing. If you already have turtles, fencing-in your Oklahoma pond or water feature will prevent most predators from getting in and keep the turtles from escaping. If your pond is not fenced in, there is greater chance wild turtles will find your pond, but know that they may only be temporary residents. Turtles love to wander and explore, and it is encouraged that you don’t overly restrict their natural freedom when it’s not necessary, such as in the case of a rescued and rehabilitating turtle.

To learn more about the different species of water turtles found in Oklahoma and how to identify them see the link below.
How to identify Oklahoma Water Turtles.

​​For daily pond tips Monday thru Friday like and share our facebook page. To receive our monthly newsletter click here. Remember we are always just a click away from solving all your Oklahoma pond problems!
 
Continental Ponds is offering this pond information as a personal information source to our website visitors. Pond services are performed in Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Nichols Hills, Edmond, Yukon, Shawnee, Newcastle, Mustang, Bethany, Piedmont, Guthrie, Jones, Chandler, Midwest City, Del City, Shawnee, Tuttle, Blanchard, Bridge Creek , Warr Acres, Woodlawn Park, Lawton. Fish and Koi Pond Maintenance and Construction, Streams and Waterfalls, and Fountains are all in our wheelhouse of talent. Explore our website for more ideas. Like our Facebook page for daily tips and inspiration.