Koi Pond Clay Ponds or Mud Ponds
More Top Pond Keeping Tips: Click image right for UK pond products. Must the UV be placed before the biofilter? In theory it does not matter at all but in practice if you have a simple box type filter is must be before the filter. Reasons are: The UV works under small pressure - water must be forced through it while the biofilter drains under gravity. In sand filter systems (which I do NOT recommend) the UV light comes after the pond filter because the whole system is under pressure. Not applicable in many cases but you can also split the flow from your pond pump - part through UV light and part through biofilter.
A clay pond, also known as a mud pond, is widely thought to be a key means to nurturing some of the finest variety of koi in the world. Even though our own koi live in ponds with crystal clear water clarity and very filtered water, the reality is that we keep them in this environment for our own advantage – so that we can take pleasure in seeing them and admiring their beauty.
The Niigata koi farmers, however, breed some of the healthiest and most colourful koi in mud ponds that are cut out of the earth. These ponds are naturally rich in minerals, while the water clarity remains cloudy as the koi scavenge in the muddy top layer. Far from being filtered, these ponds are in fact enriched with manure.
Fortunately, we can reach a compromise between the water clarity we desire and the optimum mineralised conditions of the Niigata clay ponds. It simply involves you adding a clay like montmorillonite to your pond on a regular basis.
What are Clays?
Clay particles are minuscule crystals which are bound together lightly in sheets that can stack together and slip over each other. This is what gives wet clay its smooth, slippery texture. A fresh deposit of clay is created through the weathering of other materials. Examples of this process include kaolinite clay, formed through the weathering of the hard mineral feldspar, and montmorillonite clay which is created through the weathering of volcanic ash.
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Of these two types of clay, montmorillonite clays can carry more ions on their surface due to the increased spacing between sheets. This essentially means that this type of clay will be more effective in providing minerals to your koi pond.
How do Clays Work?
Clay particles, which are negatively charged, attract positively charged ions, allowing ion exchange to take place in the pond water. The longer the clay particles remain in suspension, the longer ion exchange can take place. Once clay particles have noticeably settled on the bottom of your koi pond, they will no longer be as effective. Therefore, using ultra-fine clay is most advantageous even though it is more difficult to prepare, as the clay particles remain suspended for a longer period of time.
The benefits of adding remineralising clay such as montmorillonite are great. All of the aquatic life found in your pond will use up minerals, causing the mineral content to become depleted over time. The regular addition of a clay will assist in replenishing the mineral content of your pond water, and thus stabilise the pH as well.
When it comes to clays and buffers, you don’t have to be fearful that you may administer an overdose. In fact, your pond water and koi should reap the rewards of a very stable aquatic environment.
