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| I'd like to tap into the expertise of the pond forum here to save myself the inevitable newbie mistakes.
My 50 lb. bag of Panther Creek calcium bentonite/bulk koi clay just arrived. (Thanks Horton for doing the heavy lifting involved in finding a bulk source here in Canada.) I've never used this before. How much of this stuff should I add to a 2,500 gallon pond? Is there a first application that is heavier, and then subsequent applications to "top up" the effectiveness of the clay? How do I add it? (I'm assuming that I don't just dump it in--it's really fine and looks like a big time filter clogger.) When it comes time to divide and replant my pond plants, would it make a good additive to mix in with the pond soil I buy? If it would be a good additive, what's a reasonable amount to mix in? It came in a heavy duty paper bag. Would it be a good idea to get some big plastic pails with lids and store it in that? (I'm concerned that it will turn into a rock if exposed to moisture.) All advice appreciated. |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| Hi Marn, glad to read you got it. Check the link below for all the instruction for use in your pond. This is my second try at this. It was rejected the first time I tried to put it through. "Horton" |
Here is a link that might be useful: koi Clay
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| There is something screwed up at GW somewhere with posting a message. I had a h--- of a time with it. I'm trying this to see if it gets rejected!!?? |
Here is a link that might be useful: Koi Clay
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| Horton, maybe that's why I somehow got a double posting on another thread! Marn, the Panther Creek clay is very fine and should pass right through any filter you are using so not to worry about it clogging everything up. It is a calcium bentonite (not sodium bentonite). I have a full spec sheet on it in case anyone is interested. In addition to what the website says (that Horton posted) I'd suggest mixing it with pond water in a bucket or large watering can then just slosh it around the pond. Keep adding pond water and mixing in the container until it's all dispersed and emptied into your pond. |
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| "Horton, maybe that's why I somehow got a double posting on another thread!' Not a chance, aged one! |
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| Eh? What's that? Ya gotta speak a little louder sonny! ---David |
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- Posted by sara_in_philly (My Page) on Fri, Jul 30, 10 at 12:10
| So, where can I get this wonderful thing inexpensively? |
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- Posted by nancym1956 (My Page) on Fri, Jul 30, 10 at 21:36
| Sara, click on Horton's name, and it'll take you to a different screen with an option to send him an email. He'll send you a private email with the details. |
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- Posted by sara_in_philly (My Page) on Fri, Jul 30, 10 at 22:46
| Thank you! I'll do that. |
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- Posted by outsideplaying 7/No. Ala (My Page) on Sat, Jul 31, 10 at 8:38
| Hello from Down South, Marn. I too am a first time koi clay user. The link above that was posted is the best info available IMO and it is exactly what I followed when I got my box of koi clay. And the best part? It really works!! My string algae has been almost non-existant this year for the first time. I use it about once a week now...mostly because that's when I have time on the weekends to do a skimmer cleanout and apply the kc. I have not tried to make the clay balls, but I am thinking about trying the technique to apply to the food. I don't feed very often. The only thing I can suggest is to put your clay in a resealable plastic bag and store in your garage or someplace dry. Maybe your bag is heavy enough if you're keeping it inside. It's expensive stuff, but it will go a long way, at least in my small pond (1200 gal) and well worth it. Oh by the way, I was also having problems posting on Thursday...must have been the ivillage gremlins. Good luck! |
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| Marn, they short changed you.....my 50 lbs of Calcium Bentonite, was sent to me in two recycled plastic pails, that have sealing lids. Yahaha -haha-ha! "Horton" |
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| Marn, don't listen to Horton. You have the true calcium bentonite, Panther Creek 200 -- came in a plain, brown bag. Mine was sent to me the same way also..several years ago. Horton thinks he has the right stuff but obviously it was used hence his recycled plastic pails!!!! :-)) ---David |
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- Posted by vickie_2006 (My Page) on Mon, Aug 2, 10 at 15:39
| I have used koi clay for years. I use 1 Tablespoon per 1000 gallons. I mix it in a bucket of water and throw it in the pond. Sometimes I even triple the dose with no problems. I do believe it is good for your koi. Some of my koi are 19 inches or bigger. And my ponds have home made filters. And they are not more than 22 inches deep. |
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| Things being sent to you in plain brown packages eh? Very interrrrrrresting Prof! "H" |
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| Thanks for all the good advice. Horton, I envy your plastic pails. David, thanks for the reassurance I got the right stuff. I'll head off to our local bakery this week and buy a couple of used five gallon pails with lids to keep the clay dry. At a buck a throw, I think I can swing the pails :) Outsideplaying and Vickie, thanks for re-affirming that this stuff helps. My husband thinks I'm crazy for buying a big bag of gray dirt--the black dirt he can understand, but this gray powdery stuff? I'm a worry to the man :) I tried the clay after supper last night, sprinkled it in mixed with water as suggested, and it definitely does make the water seem clearer the next day. Neat-o! |
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| i just bought this clay, is it a good kind. it is made by microbe lift calcium montmorillonite clay supplement for koi |
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| We have been experimenting with soil less medias for lilies but find them to be a waste of money, as they will eventually silt up with sediment and lose their porosity. Our medium of choice for bog/marginal plants is 1/2to 3/4" river rock in an aquatic net pot. This allows water circulation and for a while, and stops anaerobic conditions. Lilies, unfortunately, tend to do poorly in this gravel potting system without massive Koi/fish stocking levels fertilizing the plant. Our lilies are potted in squat aquatic pots with no holes mixture of 1/2 sand 1/2 topsoil--we stopped using composted cow manure, as well as aquatic tablets, once we found the NEW once a year fertilizer, with a poly coating that is activated by soil and not water. If your pond lacks planting shelves a food alternative to holding Bog and Lily pots are Clay Chimney Flue liners. They come in various sizes so you can fit all types of pots. [URL="http://www.blcrushers.com/"] jaw crushers[/URL] |
Here is a link that might be useful: blcrusher
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- Posted by jennyb5149 3b (My Page) on Wed, Aug 4, 10 at 9:20
| I bought some koi clay for pretty cheap on ebay. True it was only 4 pounds - not the 50 pound behmouth bags the neighbors to the north are favoring. But, with the dose only being 1tbsp per 1000 gallons, it was more than enough for me. Once I finally started using it regularly as directed (per the link Horton listed) instead of when I remembered, it has been a god send! The slimey algae coating on the liner has improved, the fish and plants are really thriving! After several chemical mistakes, I'm finding the natural way tends to work the best! Well....that and a UV light! LOL |
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| loriques, that is the same stuff you have, that we are buying in bulk. Jenny, Purchasing it locally from a garden/pond center, I was paying around $8.65 per lb. $34.60 for a 4 lb tub of the Microb-lift "Koi Clay" that "loriques" mentioned in her post. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Previous thread about
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| I mix mine in a cup of water and pour it in several places. After a few minutes you can see it moving around. It takes about 1 day for the water to get clear again and it sparkles after the clay settles. You can also roll it on your fish food to feed some directly to the fish. It is good for them. |
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