What will my pond cost
In stress situations koi and other pond fish become susceptible to attack by aeromonas and other pathological bacteria types that create ulcer disease
In this chapter I have tried to answer the first question often asked - how much do I have to pay to achieve my crystal clear and healthy pond? I can only comment in regard to the South African market so please bear this in mind. The answer is not a simple one because it depends (how often have you heard that?)
Your wonderful life-giving pond will add dramatically to your lifestyle and the investment in your home. It will give you the opportunity to dream that little bit longer every day of your life just by gazing into its sparkling depths.
The cost will depend on:
Size of pond
Size of pump
Size of filter and whether you buy or do it yourself
Size of UV
Fittings used
When you understand all about ponds and pondkeeping you have real purchasing power. Quite simply you know what you want. Send your list to a few retailers and get the best deal you can. Those deals are definitely out there. Good luck although I do not think you will need it anymore.
Anyway here is an idea using a rock like glass fibre pond with edging incorporated, a beautiful Butterfly glass fibre waterfall, a Focus 1800L pump, and matching UV and biofilter. The costing assumes you will do all the installation work yourself. If you want to save on this you can by paying attention to the following:
Reduce the pond and waterfall size as well as pump size. There are many alternatives. Consider using a liner for the basic pond.
You can leave out the waterfall and just have a fountain that would be included in pump cost.
You can just use your pond for plants and save the biofilter and possibly UV also. Even build your own biofilter it is easy when you understand the principles. Read the Pondsaver Series book on biofiltration for complete details
Persuade your retailer to give you a discount because you have done all the specification work for him and you intend to buy all the equipment from him. If he does not want to do this then shop around.
It's important to try and get the best deal you can. Some places will charge more than others, and although it's tempting to ignore the advice of people like me or sites like http://mozo.com.au/savings-accounts and go for the nearest store, this may cost you in the long run. So read on and figure out how to get the most out of what you have.
The author is Tony Roocroft.
He is the owner of a company called Focus Garden Products Pty Ltd. This company was founded 11 years ago to market world class gardening products to the South African retail trade. Before this Tony, a qualified chemical engineer, spent a large part of his career working in biochemical and polymer operations in the UK and South Africa.
Over the years the company has created a dominant position for itself in particular spheres of gardening product supply by marketing well-known international brands. The company has a special interest in water gardening products.
Customers include all the major garden centres, chain stores, hardware outlets and many larger pet outlets.
To further assist here is Tonys contact information if you want to discuss matters with him. If he is not in leave a message and contact details and he will certainly get back to you. He would also value your comments and suggestions dearly.
Telephone: 011-454-0105, Fax: 011-454-2869
http://www.practical-water-gardens.com
This web page is an extract from Tony Roocroft's "The Complete Pond Solver" ... you can read more about it at http://www.really-useful-books.com ... when you buy the book you get 12 Excel pond calculators free as well as "Water Lilies and Pond Aquatics" ebook also free.
