getting better every day
Mushroom
Look what I found growing in a pot of palms after the rains. It was so delicate and beautiful, it lasted only part of a day and then almost dissolved.
I’m so enthralled by my outside pond because we can now see the bottom clearly. What a change. I spend hours out there staring at the fish now, it’s no longer kitty TV but my TV as well.
I even got a picture of one of the elusive Plecos. Theresa gave me two and I haven’t seen them at all since I released them into the murk sometime in March. I still don’t know if there are two as I haven’t seen them together. Still, it’s a thrill to see this one. I’d forgotten that he is tan and a yellow/gold color with a pattern like a turtle shell. Really beautiful.
Taking pictures in the pond is still difficult, it isn’t totally clear and there is a lot of reflected light. I have a polarized lens and that helps a little although it adds odd artifacts on the edge of the photo.
Take a look though, the elusive pleco.
Pleco
Pleco
I’ve been trying to take a picture of the Angel fish as well. They are more difficult because you can’t take a picture from above, they are too thin, from the side is the only way they show up. They are also very shy and seem to sense when I am focusing on them.
The inside pond is looking good as well, we could put water in it next week. I’m back to being pond obsessed, Mimi says every time she came to look for me today I was hunched over the pond.
Outside pond from above
Wow…a fascinating hobby!
Anxiously awaiting more pictures.
I have always wanted a pond. My last two houses had great areas for ponds, but I never got around to installing one. THe hot tub was enough for me. I will live through yours.
Ain’t retirement great? The ability to lose yourself for days in new projects. Life is very good!
Kate
cholulared.blogspot.com
Jonna Pond looks great! How big are the Plecos? Very nice. Sherry
Yes, ponds are a passion for me. I admit I was getting very dejected at not being able to get this one to clear. I have had help, Felipe came every week for almost a month and added potions and magic spells. It would clear a little for 2 days and then return to pea soup. Finally, Mimi and I constructed a filter using a separate pump, lava rock and gravel. This time when Felipe added bacteria to the pond, it magically cleared. I think we all deserve the credit.
The Pleco I’ve seen is about 8″ tip to tail. I can’t remember how big they were when I got them, maybe Theresa remembers. I would really like to see both of them at once but just seeing one has been a thrill.
It’s good that things are looking up for this pond as I will be filling and messing with the other one this next week. Wish me luck.
You and Mimi did good! Looking forward to pond II
Jonna, I love your pool. We don’t have enough sun on ours to get water lilies to grow. I think we need to add a filter to our pond. You may have to tell me more about how you did yours when we are back in SMA. Seeing your fish makes me want to see our pond and fish. I just love your house.
Wow, it looks wonderful! Do you still have the zillions of baby fish or did they grow up or become dinner for one of the others? Paul and I used to have large aquariums, sounds like it is similar in filtration. Do you do water changes similar to an aquarium, too?
I can understand the gazing into the pond, I would do that for hours with the aquarium, too. I heard too that it would lower your blood pressure! So you can tell Mimi you are doing it for your health!
We have a pond in our house too. I find myself gazing into the water often to see the (now numerous) fish. I love watching them grow and messing with the aquatic plants. So far, so good on the water quality. I think we have a good balance of plants and fish to keep the water always clear. I also add water every day by trickling the input for hours each day. I want a pleco too. I will find one soon!
The plecos were ummm, huge, They started out around three inches in my fountain and after a couple of years got too big, they were at least six or seven inches when they went on to larger digs at Jonnapond. If you haven’t found number two pleco floating it’s there happily eating and getting even bigger! The pond is lovely, I want a pond! Maybe that is what I need in my yard?
regards,
Theresa
Great news! Paula and Mimi saw BOTH Plecos last night, swimming together. Paula was shocked at how shark like they look when they are swimming. I’ll have to watch them and make sure they are getting enough to eat now with less algae in there.
I think I’ll do a short blog post on the filters as I’m putting this one together in the hall.
Thanks for sharing this. Makes me want a pleco for our H2O garden. I enjoy your blog!
If you are interested in a good underwater point and shoot camera, check out the new canon D10.
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-D10-Waterproof-Stabilized/dp/B001SER460/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1247168684&sr=8-1
I got one in May and I really like it. I plan on using it when I kayak and go to the beach. I have only tried it out in a creek and at Lake MI. Works well.
Those cute little plecos. They grow and grow and soon you’re keeping your small pets and young children at a safe distance. The good news is they are only interested in algae and other vegan’ish material. In the tropics and in such a nice natural pond this will happen fast I’m sure. Thanks for the great blog!
Jonna and Mimi: Are you temporarily or permanently out of the Blog Bizness? We miss your updates.
Sure hope everything is okay.
We finally got a pleco for the water garden. It has become a sport to find him during the day – mostly impossible. But,I can see his good work around the pond.
Hope yuzegyz are just enjoying the coast or something similar and all is well. Missing you.