Instant Aging for Exotic Fish Ponds
By Bob Vessey, Orange Park, FL
Reprinted with permission fromKOI USA Magazine
 Recently, Barbara and I
discovered the intrigue of fancy goldfish. Although our primary
interest still remains with Nishikigoi, there is, nonetheless,
a certain appeal inherent within the varieties offered by quality
goldfish. All Koi basically look alike if body shape and finnage
is considered. Such is not the case with goldfish; this factor
has led to developing interest on our part. However, the subject
of goldfish is not the intent of this article even though I suspect
that there are many Koi fanciers who also share an appreciation
for Carassius auratus.
As a result of this interest
we undertook the construction of a small (105 gal.) pond within
an enclosed garden area. The pond was dug and concreted with
this writer accomplishing the labor. After building the pond
over a network of wire mesh, a 1/4 inch layer of mortar cement
was applied to smooth and seal the surface. Since I was concerned
with leakage, a layer of Thoroseal was then added as a final
coat. This was a mistake for a very rough surface ensues when
using this product. Upon filling the pond we experienced six
days of wild pH fluctuations which I suspect was attributed to
the Thoroseal itself or that it was not sealing against an alkali
leach from underlying mortar. In an effort to stabilize pH, muriatic
acid was added daily but to no avail. Finally the pond was pumped
dry and the Thoroseal heavily scraped to again smooth the surface.
White vinegar at full strength was brush-scrubbed over the pond
on two occasions and the pond was refilled. Still the pH bounced
all over the lot. What to do?
Sometime ago, in a conversation
with Mark George of Golden Pond, he related there was a rubber
product which could be brushed over fresh concrete to seal from
leakage and to also prevent an alkali leach. Recalling this,
I phoned Hecht Rubber Company in Jacksonville, Florida. Following
a conversation with Mr. Larry Hecht, Vice-President, I purchased
a gallon of their Hecht Neoprene black rubber paint. This was
applied by brush in three separate coats to the new pond and
the results were amazing. This is a fast drying product requiring
only 45-60 minutes between coats. Once the final coat is applied
the rubber should be allowed to cure for at least 24 hours. Not
realizing this, I filled the pond after a two hour cure and introduced
an ordinary Comet as a test fish. Within a short time this fish
exhibited all the signs of being badly stressed and I removed
the "victim" suspecting water toxicity from an incomplete
aging period for the rubber. The pond was again emptied. After
a 36 hour curing period, the pond was refilled and the same fish
was reintroduced with absolutely no ill effects. Frequent monitoring
of pH revealed no fluctuation whatsoever and, two days later,
our collection of fancy fish which had been placed in a "holding
pattern" in the top of our Koi biofilter were introduced
to the new pond. It has been a week now and pH is still steady
at 7.4 with the fish doing wonderfully.
This product is available
in grey or black. I chose the black in as much as a light
surface would have turned dark anyway as algae collects.
The black background provides a beautiful contrast for the colors
of the fish; it has absolutely sealed the pond from leakage and,
as indicated, totally prevented any alkali leach which would
have resulted in high pH readings. In essence this compound establishes
a "rubber liner" within the pond and provides a completely
inert environment such as one would find in a five year old pond.
This rubber is fiercely tenacious an once applied, will not peel
thus offering an indefinite period of longevity. As an added
benefit, it provides a very smooth surface which eliminates any
possible abrasiveness to the fish. This product appears to be
a definite winner for application to newly constructed ponds
and biofilters where alkali buildup from new concrete is always
an initial problem. I applied the rubber straight out of the
can and used the TC-700 cleaner / thinner to maintain a soft
brush between coats. Also, a high evaporative rate occurs with
an open can of this rubber and the TC-700 cleaner / thinner was
also employed to maintain a working solution.
In my estimation, Hecht
Neoprene black rubber paint revolutionizes the building of ponds
and filters by eliminating the problems associated with new construction.
It is indeed, a blessing to be able to instantly age and leakproof
block, brick and concrete. This stuff is great!
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