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 A bit about the author of the blog.
Born in London. Emigrated to Israel just as he was about to turn 16. Lived in Israel for 22 years. He became a Kibbutz member and fulfilling the various obligations of a citizen. Worked mainly in agriculture though in the latter years also took up working with children with learning difficulties. Initially organized volunteers to train a brain damaged child according to the delacato method. During the time on the Kibbuz he visited the USA and spent four months there. Part of that time was spent working voluntarily in a home for adults who were mentally ill and/or had a learning difficulty.
On his return to the UK. he worked in care with the elderly and other disabled people. The editor  went on to study for two years in Hull at Humberside Polytechnic gaining a teaching diploma in teaching adults with learning difficulties. He went onto work for Mencap and then a daycentre where he established a horticultural project for adults with learning difficulties. Vegetables were grown and sold. The editor also has an advanced diploma in counselling and a certificate in lifecoaching.
The editor , now retired, is married, enjoys cultivating their garden which has a fishpond, rockery and tropical area. He also cultivates two allotment plots, dabbles occasionally in bonsai, trains in the taiji system (see www.taiji.net ) , works voluntarily in gardening activities, at a local school. The editor also enjoys various other recreational activities such as reading, film, theatre etc., likes Brue Springsteen, folk music particularly Klezma. The Editor also takes a strong interest in politics and will support causes he believes in.



Some pointer on keeping fish
have written out a few pointers on fish keeping that i have learnt and some of it based on my mistakes or from observation.
Feeding.
Fish can go without food for at least a week or so. If you are going on holiday and want to make sure that the fish are fed divide the food up into small bags and give clear instructions. If the fish stop feeding then do not throw anymore in. If the food any food is left it is better to take it out. I collect it with a net.
Winter feeding
If the fish stop feeding due to low temperatures or for any reason stop feeding. When the temperature rises you can throw in a few bits and see if they eat. if not immediately take it out.
If the food is left the water will turn sulphuric killing the fish gradually. If this has already happened start doing gradual water changes about a third at a time spread out over a few weeks. You may need about three or four sessions depending on the size of your pond. Whenever adding new water it is best to add aquatic dechlorinator (can be found at most aquatic centres. When adding water it is preferable to run the water in slowly.
Upkeep of pond
Some people don't have filter and other equipment for their pond. I believe this is a liability. Ponds need to be oxygenated and have a filtering system especially as fish produce so much waste and if left it can contaminate the water!
I have a pump which is suitable for the size of the pond and the flow rate that I want. I didn't work it all out myself. I provided the details of the pond e.g. size of pond, how many fish etc.,.
I have a filter. After trying others I prefer the simple box filter. The pads have to be cleaned at various times. I don't use tap water I take water from the pond so as not to kill off the positive bacteria. If you think the pads in the filter box are becoming worn. They need to be changed gradually to give time for the bacteria to build up.
I have a UV light between the pump and the filter box. I asked for advice as it needs to be according to the size of the pond. So best to go armed with the details of the pond. The UV light kills off parasites and some of the algae.
The UV light needs to be changed every 6 months. If you are concerned about doing this yourself check with your local aquatic centre someone may be available to do it. They shouldn't charge more than £30 = UV light.
In the summer ponds often suffer from a buildup of algae and the UV can't always manage to contain it. I use a product called Viresco. It's not cheap but it's more effective than other products. It's also good for the general health of the fish.
 

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