Pond Services.....

Maintenance of filters and pumps
When filters or pumps go faulty, it's easy to assume that they are defunct and need replacing and, indeed, this is the easy option. However, invariably, the items are not defunct - they simply need a bit of maintenance. With pumps it is often the impeller that is clogged with blanket weed or algae. Mike will strip the pump down, remove all surplus debris, and, more often than not, will have it working as new. Likewise with filters, in order for them to do their job properly, they still need to be maintained and cannot just be left - eventually they will become clogged.

Servicing sand-filters
Sand filters have been around for years - some fish-keepers love them, some hate them! Mike knows the workings of sand filters inside out and offers a full yearly maintenance service and is also able to obtain all the spare parts. Many fish-keepers will have a sand filter simply to polish the water at the end of their main filtration system and, to this end, he is often able to locate second-hand sand filters for this purpose. Please see the list of sand-filter spares.

Water testing
Although fish-keepers are always advised to test their water on a weekly basis it invariably doesn't happen! Mike will automatically check your water parameters (pH, Ammonia, Nitrate and Nitrite) on any maintenance visit. Water quality is of paramount importance for any fish pond. So, in a nutshell, get the water right and the fish will look after themselves.

Microscopic scrapes
If a fish has an ulcer, raised scales or fungus, it is easy to see with the naked eye. However, if a fish has parasites, such as trichodina, gill flukes, skin flukes, chillodinella etc, it is not possible to see with the naked eye. The only way to see them is by taking a scrape of mucus from the fish's body and examining it under a microscope. Once Mike has ascertained the problem, ie identified any parasites a fish may have, he can then medicate accordingly.

Medications
Medicating fish is no different to humans taking medications – the utmost care is required. It is essential that you know the gallonage of your pond before the recommended dosage levels can be made. There have been an influx of medications over the years but within the last few years, the licensing laws have tightened up considerably and many products have to have a license - if they don't then you need to consider whether the product is reliable. Mike will only use reputable medications.

Installation of filters and pumps
Whilst Mike does not build ponds (apart from his own!) he is able to make recommendations. However, he does install filtration systems and pumps and will undertake all pipework.

Holiday Cover
How often do people ask their next door neighbour to feed their fish and see to the filters whilst on holiday, only to find that the filter is clogged and the fish have been over-fed. Mike offers holiday cover where he will visit your pond once or twice a week (or however often you require) to undertake these duties. This obviously requires a great deal of trust as you will have to provide him with access to your property. References can be provided if you wish to take up this service.