Hey Guys,
I was up at my cabin this weekend and I dug up a couple of neat looking native plants from some bogs and ponds in the woods. I was wondering if placing these plants into the pond could cause problems for the koi. I washed off all of the original soil and used "clean" stuff. Any other concerns I should think about.

Thanks
BigJK

My first conscern would be that you bring infections etc into your pond.
But I'm no expert, sorry.
Hopefully one will drop in later

Soak the plants in some potassium permanganate, if there was anything on them there wont be. From what I understand nurseries that sale pond plants soak their plants in PP (potassium permanganate) before selling them. The reason is it sterlizes the plant, there isn't a chance of anything getting into your pond on them.

http://pondpetsusa.com/medications/potassi...rmanganate.html

It's a good thing to have around, if you don't have any. It helps heal nasty looking skin ulcers on the fish and can also be used to clear out your pond in the spring.


Scott

The percentage is 1/2 tsp per 10 gl's for pp for a plant dip. Make sure its submerged completely!

Thanks Kathy, that I didn't know. I pour a bunch in and soak em' until the water goes from purple back to brown (which takes awhile). Then rinse and put in pond! I've learned to NOT put any plants in the pond unless they've gone through the PP treatment.


Scott

Thanks guys.