Pond Storm Warnings Have Been Issued

Earthquakes strike California, while storms make landfall on the east and south coasts. When there is a power outage, we're all in the same boat. Storms are the most common cause of ours. Only a few times a year do major power disruptions endure for many days. There is always the possibility of a storm, but it is hoped that it will never come or have just a little impact. There is a possibility that flooding may be more prevalent than power outages, although both may occur at the same time.

As long as it's solidly constructed, it can weather even the worst storms, which may bring power outages, rain, and floods. Even during minor yet powerful storms, the water in this pond will be less dangerous. The backyard pond is by far the most common and noticeable. Because it contains a small number of fish, no further filtration or aeration is required. The surface area is sufficient to maintain adequate oxygen levels. Filtration is carried out by the pond and its vegetation. A koi pond should be able to stand on its own for hours without the risk of suffocation or hazardous waste accumulation. The quantity of fish is the most important factor. A pond's ecosystem will swiftly degrade if it is overstocked and underfed. In general, a smaller or understocked pond is healthier, requires less care, and can withstand power outages.

A pond might soon overflow or be completely inundated if it receives a lot of rain. The pH and temperature of your pond's water may rapidly change after a heavy downpour. Amquel or Ammo Lock are examples of compounds to look for in your supply. Heavy rainfall may affect the pH and temperature of your pond water. The pH of water with a greater alkalinity will remain constant. Baking soda, for example, may be employed as a buffer to maintain the pH level steady. In order to allow for ventilation while still keeping rain out, consider placing an extra tarp a few feet above the ground.

The top of a pond should be above the level of the surrounding ground. Six inches is the bare minimum, but twelve inches is preferable. A raised wall or lip may serve this purpose. If you want a more in-ground appearance, you may grade it out as well. This will divert rainfall away from the pond rather than into it. A location that is not prone to flooding should be avoided or constructed higher in order to prevent the risk. A wall of sandbags, 1 or 2 bags high, may be built around the perimeter if you are at ground level. Drastic, indeed, but it has been implemented. Your fish may be able to avoid being swept away and never being seen again if you use this method. Is there any safe place where a mobile exhibition tank may be put up, such as a garage? Koi are known to leap when their surroundings change. Murphy predicts that they will crash in the most unfavorable spot conceivable. Having a net around the perimeter or covering the whole body of water is, therefore, highly recommended.

A pond's overflow drain is one of the most frequently utilized and essential features. During a storm, the water level will rise dramatically if there isn't an overflow to keep it from becoming too high. For an overflow drain to accommodate a lot of water, it should be big enough. The four-inch pipe is my favorite. There are two ways to get it: on top of the water, or stubbed in from the bottom. If it's going to drain, it has to go somewhere where it won't overflow. There are a variety of ways to get rid of rainwater, including storm drains, dry wells, and drain fields (huge holes filled with gravel and then covered). The surplus water may be disposed of by creating a bog. Take care not to flood someone else. Overflow drains are straightforward when the water line is above grade.

In order to make a pond storm-proof, we may do things like reduce the number of fish in it and install overflow drains. Most of us like to have a lot more fish in our aquariums than we should. Low oxygen levels or an ammonia buildup in the water may be something we do not want for our fish. When the electricity goes out, one option is to have a backup generator ready to go. Because of the peace of mind and convenience they bring, they may not be too pricey. You can use a portable generator to power part or all of your equipment, but you'll have to start and switch it out during storms. You will need gasoline on hand and frequent testing for events that may occur only once or twice per year or an important event that may never happen with any of these methods.

Let's imagine we have five days to prepare for a hurricane or tropical storm. A few basic actions and a few simple supplies are all that's needed to keep your fish alive till the electricity is restored in a few days.

Discontinue feeding

Without food, the Koi will survive for about a week. The quantity of ammonia generated will be greatly decreased if there is no food. When transporting koi to a show, this is a typical procedure to minimize ammonia buildup in the tanks. If the weather is going to be severe, you may want to miss your koi's next feeding so they don't produce as much ammonia. The more time you have, the better. The effects of not eating for three to five days are profound.

Second, water treatments.

Ammonia-binding chemicals, such as Amquel and Ammo Lock, protect fish from injury. These items should be kept on hand at all times. Ammonia levels in your water may be checked and the appropriate items can be used to reduce them. Make sure your test is a salicylate type rather than a Nessler base kit, which can produce erroneous findings with ammonia-control chemicals in your system. Test kits from Mydor are one option.

Shade is the third word.

When the weather is hot and sunny, storms occur. The pond may be kept cooler with a sheet on PVC legs or a rope draped over it. This will keep the fish's dissolved oxygen levels high and help them feel more at ease. It may also be a pleasant place to be if there is no electricity or air conditioning. Those quick-and-easy garden shade tents I saw were reasonably priced.

Power for emergencies.

Power inverters may be used to operate a vehicle air pump for hours on a single car battery. A low-power charger and a timer may be used to keep the battery charged so it doesn't charge all the time. Plug your air pump into the inverter when the electricity goes off. This form of aeration is very effective, inexpensive, and simple to use. These are things you may already have. You may use a vehicle, self-starting lawnmower, motorcycle, or small emergency generator to recharge the batteries for extended periods of time. Aquatic eco-systems sell entire systems like the XP600 for $279.95. It is possible to get several hours of aeration out of a small emergency generator.

Hydrogen peroxide is compound number five.

Keep this on hand for emergencies. Dissolved oxygen levels may be dramatically increased by adding it to the water. Simply add half to one cup for every 100 gallons of water. Use a squirt bottle to vigorously disperse beneath the water's surface. 100 gallons may be covered by 60 squirts.

Filters

Without oxygen, bacteria in a filter will become anaerobic. As a result, hydrogen sulfide and other harmful wastes will be produced as a result of its decomposition. If the electricity is down for more than a few hours, you should not return the water to the pond immediately. Backwashing your filter is a good starting step. The filter's aerobic and alive state may be maintained with the aid of air stones in an open filter.

Control of the settlement

Make certain that every piece of equipment is GFI protected and grounded using strong wire. Lightning, storm surges, and snowfall caused by damp weather will be less likely to harm them.

This is only a basic guide and does not cover all of the possible or appropriate actions that may or should be taken during an event.

Consider the possibility of floods and power interruptions while planning for the future. If you don't have the equipment to sustain a habitable state, don't overstock. Allow ammonia to accumulate without the use of chemical remedies or a food stop. Aeration improves the efficiency of emergency electricity. The vast majority of storms are brief and insignificant. If you have a strategy in place, you and your fish will have a less stressful experience.