Blog posts of '2017' 'August'

Shopping for home furniture with your best friends means you come across a uncountable number of patterns that you feel like wearing or mimicking on your nails. How about a marble coffee table, that too in white? You may have heard that recreating marble nail art is tricky and requires tools other than a striper brush and dotting tool. But that isn’t much of an issue! Read the following tutorial and your marble manicure session will go great:

Full Marble Manicure Nail Art:

It’s suggested using gray, white and black colors only because they look the best when it comes to marble patterns on nails.

STEPS:

1.       Apply a clear base coat on the nails at first.
2.       Because it’s a marble manicure, you ought to use gray hues. For this design choose gray nail colors (one light and one dark)         and two white nail colors (one sheer and one off whitish).
3.       Apply white nail polish on your nail.
4.       Apply a second coat of white nail polish on your nails. While it dries, look for a saran-wrap.
5.       Apply off white and light gray nail polish on saran wrap.
6.       Now smut off excess nail polish on a blank piece of paper.
7.       Now blot the nail polish on your nails. Keep blotting gently till you obtain the marble look you desire for.
8.       Fill normal water (neither hot nor cold) in a bowl, drop in a 3-4 drop of dark gray nail color in it.
9.       Spray a hairspray twice into the dark gray polish water. (it’d turn into vein like patterns)
10.       One by one dip your fingernail in the bowl. Hold it in for 20 seconds and then remove.
11.       Clean your skin and nail sides with small brush and acetone.
12.       Paint sheer white nail polish on the fresh dark gray patterns.
13.       You must apply a top coat at the end.

Did you realize you’ve just learned how to create marble nails like a pro? Way to go girls!

With all sorts of nail art designs making their way to your heart, something inspired from lace would be a nice option too. Most of the decent lined up dresses are embellished with laces and frills. Giving the same touch to your nails is what this step-to-step guide will tell you about. Lace nail design is the newest pattern that you can get on your nails before going on a dinner date or a night occasion wearing a beautiful lacy gown or your favorite LBD. It’s the best nail art to do especially if your nails are short.

Full Lace Nail Art Design

Haven’t you heard that black is the color of confidence and femininity? Not just that, it adds up grace to your overall look. No doubt, this is a little tricky nail art but you can try out the lace patterns on a piece of paper before making a free-hand lace design on your nails. Work with the brushes slowly and gradually.

STEPS:

1.       Get your nails done with the base coat first.
2.       Choose a color you wish to apply. Here, black nail color is used for the design.
3.       Apply black nail polish on your thumb, index and small finger, leaving the middle and ring finger for the lace designing.
4.       Make an outline of your middle and ring fingernails using a striper brush with black nail color.
5.       You can surf the internet to find a pretty lace design and then take inspiration from it to paint a lace design on the middle and ring fingernail using a detailing brush.
6.       To add a touch of glamour, put up a rhinestone on the black plain nails.
7.       Finish the nail art with a top coat.

Lace nail design and that too in black, you can pull off an amazing look of a graceful mysterious woman. Show your friends and family how creative you are, stay charming!

Of course, building the pond isn’t enough, the pond, as well as the Koi needs to be maintained for longevity. When these incredible creatures are added to a beautiful and aesthetically crafted lake, they really make the exterior of the environment look amazing. Ponds and aquarium need to be taken care of in like manners, and optimum cleaning requires weekly maintenance.

Most pond owners are taught to do the cleaning in the spring at most once per year. Truly, this is insufficient. The only reason why your aquarium stays clean and crystal clear is due to the weekly cleanings you carry out to remove excess fish nutrition and waste that may eventually lead to poor water quality and algae growth. In like manner, your pond needs the same amount of consideration.

This article highlights the most effective tips for Koi pond maintenance.

1.      Avoid Overfeeding

Over feeding your Koi fish is an unhealthy practice and hence, must be avoided no matter what. Over feeding is commonly misunderstood for infrequently feeding your Koi fish. This is simply because they are fed, the more waste they will produce. More so, over feeding your Koi fish is actually more harmful than starving them. Too much waste in the pond increases ammonia levels to a point where the water becomes toxic. As a matter of fact, the time of feeding is perhaps the best time to assess your Koi fish closely. Such an evaluation is accurate! This will help you detect any injuries or diseases that might have struck the fish.

2.      Filtration

Filtration helps to support the Koi and other living organisms in your pond. The filter acts as a cleaner for both the pond and the water to help keep the water sparkling clean. The filtration system maintains the water clarity, while some help to restrict the growth of algae and other harmful organisms. This implies that the fish can live longer in a tranquil environment without striving for food and air.

Debris and dirt in a Koi fish pond can also be managed with the help of certain types of bacteria. These bacteria help to break down the accumulated dirt and debris on the bottom of the pond to aid the filtration process. There are diverse kinds of filters available; you should consult a professional Koi dealer in order to choose the right filter to fit the depth and size of the pond considering the number of fish in the pond. It is also important to make sure the filter is working the way it ought to be. A broken filter can prove calamitous if not detected earlier. That is why proper assessment of filters has to be carried out!

3.      Replacing Failed Parts

Pumps and electrical parts including underwater lights and bulbs for UV system are not designed to last forever. The average life expectancy is about 2 to 2½ years. Make sure your pond is designed in a way that you won’t have to drain it before carrying our electrical maintenance. Make an arrangement for a standby spare pump to prevent the death of Koi as they die after a few hours without aeration.

4.      Maintain The Right Temperature

People living in colder regions will be happy to realize that Koi can survive during the winter months. Koi easily hibernate under the water when ice deposits on the surface of the water. So as to ensure safety, a water heating system has to be employed to maintain the right temperature for their growth.

5.      Shade

It is recommended that you stock your pond with lots of aquatic plants that will cover about 60% of your pond’s surface. These plants provide shade and shelter for your fish that helps to prevent algae growth. They also consume the main nutrient (phosphorous) in the pond water that causes algae growth. Consequently, this helps to keep your pond clean and algae-free.

6.      Partial Water Changes

In the event that the pond water has to be changed, try not to change all at once - carry out regular partial water changes. Partial water changes are essential in removing accumulated nitrates from the pond water. Nitrate accumulates as a result of the biological filtration system that can lead to water discoloration and algae bloom.

7.      Water Quality

Taking care of your pond water is very important in order to minimize ailments as well as improve the overall health of your Koi. Every pond owner must aim at achieving crystal clear water for their pond. Keeping it healthy and clear is a matter of maintaining the pH, nitrates, and ammonia levels, keeping algae in check and treating the water for chlorine and other toxic chemicals/substances that may threaten the lives of your Koi. Create a schedule to clean the filter and make sure you clean the water even if it looks clean and clear.

8.      Always Get The Chemicals Ready!

No matter how hard we try to maintain pond water, there are always chances that the water is still vulnerable to various problems. Sometimes it might be as a result of a slight change in the pH or ammonia level that will pollute the water and eventually lead to the death of Koi. Using the right chemicals help in such cases; they will not only kill parasites but will also prevent new ones from inhabiting. These chemicals are extremely helpful and must always be readily available beyond the reach of children.

This ensures that you can rectify any problem immediately in case things go sideways. These chemicals have an expiry date; always make use of chemicals that will last for about a minimum of 3 months.

9.      Chlorinated water is hazardous to Koi and fish generally, and should be neutralized before use.
10.      Never toss coins on the pond as they toxic to the health of Koi.

Note: Whenever you observe any dead Koi, it is advisable to remove them immediately from the pond else it will make the water become tainted if left for too long – there is also a possibility that what killed the Koi can spread to other fish. 

Before deciding on how to build a pond, you need to consider your specific need – what are you going to do with it? Breed fishes or what? You should also consider your geographic region to make sure the pond will not freeze in the winter.

Most DIY pond builders use materials like fiberglass, concrete, and plastic to build. These are not the best choice material as they will inevitably leak. The best choice today is an EPDM 45 mil, Carlyle liner. These liners are sold online and at most garden centers. Although, a more formal pond is built with structured material like stone and concrete, yet the use of tile is applied in the construction. This is meant to complement the look and feel of your home.

A pond that is intended to house plants or fishes cannot have any chlorine in it because that chemical is detrimental to both plants and fish. Building your pond isn’t as easy as it seems as it involves a lot of steps, pros, and cons. It is not just someplace where you just throw your fish in.

To give you an insight and better understanding on the prerequisites and limitations in building ponds, follow these basic steps to achieve your desired pond.

1.      Thorough Research And Planning

Make this your first step, use the internet and search for useful information about pond building. Learn from those who already have a Koi pond. The more information you get, the better the chances of building the right pond at the first attempt. During this phase, you’ll have to decide what type of pond you’ll be building – either to house fish and plants or just a water feature. Don't limit your search for the pond guidelines alone; also focus on the required Koi pond equipment. Make proper plan and arrangement for every single detail you can lay your hands to proceed without any hassles.

2.      Location

If the pond will be used as a water feature, chlorinated water won’t pose a threat as opposed to it being used to house fish and plants. What you intend using the pond for will determine the best spot to start digging. If you have trees, it is best for you to build your pond beneath it. This will help to provide shade for the pond.

3.      Dig Your Pond

After getting your pond location, you can now make the shape of the pond however you want, but make sure you dig it between 8 and 24 inches deep. Most people choose to make the middle of the pond deeper than the sides. Whichever way you choose depends on you!

4.      Using A Pond Liner

Some people ignore this crucial step. However, this step can be ignored if your soil contains a lot of clay.

5.      Decoration

This is optional for those who want to add some beautiful lighting to make their pond dazzle after dark as it will bring out the beauty at night. Using LED lights is a great tip on how to bring out the beauty in a pond; this is because of their strength and durability. This will make you enjoy the beauty of your pond during the day and also at night as well.

If you want your pond to be a bit dimmer, you can go with other lights. You can use specially made floating lights for your pond. Most of these run on power or solar so if you don’t want to invest much on maintenance, it is best to get the solar powered lights. The light saved in the sun all day will light them up all night. This can also be used in places where there isn’t a steady available source of electricity.

6.      Install A Pump And Channel

Although adding a pump and filter to your pond is necessary, however, this isn’t really necessary with a small pond. There come in various models and it’ll be best for you to have your retailer help you decide which size and model is best for your pond. Read the guidelines carefully even if fixing the pump in the water seem easy. Also note that the filter needs to be properly positioned in front of the pump to enhance the flow of water through the filter first.

7.      Including Rocks "n" Gravel

The next step is to add gravel and a few heavy rocks around the edges of the pond. These rocks and gravel will then be added to the bottom of your pond, so remember this while digging it. Another important tip is to cut (into different sizes) and place heavy rocks close to the edges of the liner to set it in place. This will create a stagnation zone in the pond.

8.      Shade

Vegetations not only provide the necessary shade required in protecting your pond, but it also gives your pond a natural look. Planting beautiful flowers will make the pond come to terms with nature.

9.      Introduce The Fish

This step is only applicable if this pond is built to house fish. Now that everything is set, it is time to introduce the fish into their new environment. The first few days or week might be challenging because of the responsive adjustment of their sense organ, they will adapt even faster in as much as you put everything in place.

1.      Proper Maintenance

At last, you have successfully built your pond; however, it doesn’t stop there. Giving proper maintenance in your pond is very important. Doing this will avoid it from having green water, prevent the growth of algae, and also prevent the death of your fish. Use a good filtration system that will filter the unwanted debris in your pond. If your pond is located under a tree, it is best to take away falling leaves.

Beyond doubt, knowing how to build a pond is fun filling. It will expand your knowledge of so many trees and plants. Furthermore, you will have an opportunity to create all the natural beauty that you have ever wanted around you and also landscape your property.

Algae belong to many different groups that can be either identified as plant or bacteria. Most types of algae are generally classified as plants not because they look exactly like plants, but because of their photosynthetic abilities. They are unicellular organisms that thrive in virtually all types of environment. They can be present where the sun light is excess and also in all moist environments.

Aquariums and ponds are the common environments for algae. To some level, algae can provide oxygen in the pond, yet, it also reduces the excess nutrients in it. They pose more threats than good in the aquarium. Algae don't just deface the aquarium/pond but kill the fish when excessive sprouts occur.

CAUSES

Infrequently, algae problems will make you think you have taken your pond, lake or aquarium for granted. However, this might not be the case; these algae invade the pond irrespective of all the efforts you’ve put to keep your beloved water algae-free.

Since algae thrive under conditions of decreased water flow or stagnant water, you will often notice that stagnant pond tend to house a lot of algae. In addition, the increase in sunlight, temperature and available nutrient from dead and decaying fish waste and plant material can fuel the growth of algae.

TWO TYPES OF ALGAE

1. Phytoplanktonic: this consists of the types that cause pea soup or green water conditions. They are most likely to afflict pond owners, especially during spring. Spring occurs when ponds turn into an open vessel for housing algae.

2. Benthic: this includes horse hair algae, blanket weed, string algae, and water net. String algae can really tough; it can remain dormant for years in a dried state until water is introduced after which it will thrive.

GETTING RID OF POND ALGAE

As you can expect, some of these techniques are more powerful and effective than others. Furthermore, some of these techniques are safer than others for the overall pond environment. While some protect the natural aquatic habitat, others can destroy it. Just make sure you consider the health of the ecosystem before implementing any of these techniques. This will also make it extremely effective!

1.      Koi Clay

Koi clay can help to control the growth of algae when added to your koi pond. It has been proven to be really effective in restraining and killing string algae. This clay is also a natural way to add a lot of beneficial minerals to your pond. It is a Calcium bentonite clay which when added to your pond will temporarily cloud up. It clears up during the day after adding lots of great minerals and removed toxins. It is said that the Japanese koi might be so revered due to the clay rich ponds in which koi are raised. This means the koi clay plays a dual role as it not only gets rid of pond algae but also add a lot of great minerals to your pond.

2.      Algae-eating Fish

This is another great way to disrupt the growth of algae in your pond. Algae-eating fish such as goldfish is ideal for this mission, all you have to do is to stock the pond with this fish. Just like koi clay, the goldfish will have two benefits: first, it’ll reduce the nitrates and secondly, it’ll feed on the algae each time they are slightly hungry. This will end up clearing the pond and thus, ending the entire cycle of algae growth.

NOTE: Fish food promotes the growth of algae so it may be a wise idea to reduce the amount you are feeding your fish.

3.      Regular Water Change

Practicing a regular water change is another way to get rid of algae in the pond. This can be best practiced in the spring since the weather condition in this season is relatively stable – it should be done at least once a year! Having a pond filter can also defer the buildup of most nutrients for the algae even if not all. An unclean will house an excessive amount of nutrients and wastes both of which make the perfect environment for the algae to prosper.

4.      Shade

Sunlight contributes to a perfect environment for algae to thrive. This can be deterred when shading is introduced on your pond, this will greatly reduce some of the algae entering your pond. This can be done in the old fashioned way, using planting trees that provides shade over your pond. Using aquatic plants like lilies can not only create shade but also make the pond more appealing. Ensure that you provide about 60-70% aquatic plant surface coverage on your pond. Another way to minimize light penetration is through non-poisonous agents that basically tint your water in a way that it reduces the available light in your pond.

5.      Pond Aeration

Sufficient pond aeration is the best way to make sure that oxygen is constantly supplied to the water. This allows the pond aeration process to occur effectively. Oxygen can be added to the water through pond aeration in one of the two ways:

1.      Putting the water into the air
2.      Putting the air into the water

Furthermore, pond-biotic treatments can also supplement pond aeration. These are beneficial bacteria that act as a boost mechanism to the natural decomposing bacteria, and also aid the pond aeration in restoring the pond ecosystem back into a healthy balance state much quicker. A short-term benefit pond owners can enjoy from this pro-biotic is that they are specifically made to target algae-forming nutrients. Subsequently, its use should lead to a drastic decrease in pond algae growth.

Getting rid of pond algae with these techniques can save you a lot of money that may be used to buy more nutrient, plants, and lily pads for the next year. Simply use a fish that aides and pays you. When you put these methods into practice, you will be surprised as to how effective it is in the achieving an algae-fee pond.

Taking care of koi will become a daunting task if you lack patience and the knowledge. For beginners, the most common problem they experience is their koi being ill or sick. Furthermore, since they lack much experience and knowledge about properly taking care of koi fish, the outcome would be the death of their fish. This is one event that can happen with your koi fish, it causes sadness and financial lose.

In order to prevent this terrible event, one should have an idea about koi treatments and their various applications in the event that your koi fish fall in. ught to be connected ought to their koi angle fall sick. This article highlights 10 common koi diseases and treatments.

1.      Chilodinella

It is also known as Ichthyobodo Necatrix or Costia. It is one of the most deadly fish diseases a koi can have. It spreads fast and kills fish in large numbers right away.

Symptoms: You will recognize it when you see a small hemorrhage, a red spot or bluish tiny under the skin.

Cure: This can be treated with potassium permanganate – buy from a reputable koi dealer, carefully follow the dosage instructions. Adequate salting of your pond will increase the inactivity of the bacteria causing this disease as they cannot survive in salty water.

2.      Fin Rot

Fin rot and other types of ulcerations are caused by bacteria infection. They can greatly affect your Koi, particularly if the pond water experienced a sudden chemical imbalance. Being bacteria in nature, this Koi ailment is treated by adding chemical additives such as Formalin and acriflavine - they are used to battle fin rot and ulcers.

3.      Mouth Rot

This condition is caused by poor water quality. It causes sores in the mouth. It should be addressed by improving the environment in the pond. The mouth sores can be treated with iodine or hydrogen peroxide.

4.      Flukes

Flukes, trichodina and other similar parasites are one of the commonest threats to the health of Koi. This can be prevented by keeping your pond water immaculately clean keeping close watch on the overall health of your koi. As such, the only way parasites can afflict your fish will be by introducing new collection into the pond.

Irrespective of how reputable the source of your new Koi is, it's very difficult to achieve 100% parasite-free pond. Consequently, new fish should always undergo a proper quarantine process. They should be treated with flubendazole  – buy from a reputable koi dealer.

5.      Koi Pox

Koi Pox is caused by a viral pathogen. There is no immediate treatment for this kind of viral infection. The treatment for Koi pox depends on letting the Koi's own immune system fight off the viral infection. If you notice Koi pox, strictly adhere to your pond’s maintenance schedule. Vaccination is a more proactive remedy to Koi pox.

6.      Saprolegnia

Saprolegnia is a kind of fungal infection that affects Koi fish. The side effects are white, wool like growths appearing along the gills, mouth, and any open injuries that the Koi may have. This fungal infection is not cont contagious. This fungus can be killed by adding an organic compound called “malachite green” to the pond water.

7.      Lernea

This is among the deadliest parasites known to koi. Lernea is a worm that can be seen with our eyes. The female Lernea appends to fish while males don't. It burrows into the flesh of the fish with a piece of it hanging out of its body. The worm damages its tissue and feeds on the fish.

Symptoms: Breathing difficulties and inflammation on the body of the koi.

Cure: Since Lernea is visible to the naked eye, try pulling out the worm. However, in the event that the worm has burrowed too deep, then chemicals can be used to kill it. Some chemicals to use are Trichloffon, Fenthion, Dylox, and Malathion. Salt can also help eliminate Lernea.

8.      Stress

The wrong pH level, insufficient food, high ammonia content, and lack of oxygen can really stress Koi. When koi undergo continuous stress, they can consent reluctantly to fungus, bacteria, and parasites that may be prowling in the water. Albeit most diseases caused by these factors can be dealt with using kanamycin, salt, and other medicinal treatments. However, it's best to avoid this and focus on prevention.

9.      Dropsy

Signs of dropsy are always accompanied with lifting or swelling of the scales. Their eyes will oftentimes swell. The first thing to do if you ever notice this is to separate the infected fish from the others. Pay careful attention to your fish in order to observe these symptoms in their earliest stage – this will increase the chance of you fish surviving. Dropsy is actually curable as opposed to common understanding. It can be cured with any anti-bacterial products found in pet stores.

1.                         Ich

This is also known as white spot diseases. The most common symptom is small white parasites on the fish. This can be treated with a formalin malachite mix. Strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s instruction and apply as to the dosage. Due to the life cycle of white spot, you have to give the treatments thrice. The time between every treatment will vary with the temperature

GENERAL TREATMENT FOR KOI DISEASES

In order to avoid any type of koi disease or infection, it should be a priority to keep a healthy pond. Make a first aid kit for your pond and get ready for any disease outbreak. A good idea for disinfection of harmful bacteria or virus living in the pond is by adding an iodine compound like Betadine.

pH level test kits, as well as chlorine and toxic ammonia level test kits should be always available to ensure that your pond is free from these diseases. The right concentration of formaldehyde (usually 37%-47% strength in water) should be acquired for treatment of external parasites.

The use of the right information to direct you is a step you should take before accommodating these beautiful aquatic creatures. It is obvious that infection is the most common disease procured by koi, so carefully study the best prevention techniques that works best for koi against such infection/diseases.