| How to Build a Koi Fish Pond Posted: 18 Feb 2019 04:00 PM PST Koi are beautiful, ornamental fish that can live for a long time in the right conditions. Building your own koi fish pond in your garden can sound like a difficult task, however, with a bit of planning and patience, it won't take too long at all! Plan out the size and depth of the pond first, and then dig the hole and line it with a pond liner. Install all of the necessary equipment such as a filtration system and an aerator to keep the koi happy and healthy. EditPlanning out the Pond - Choose a pond that is a minimum of long by wide. This is an ideal and popular size for a backyard, hobby koi fish pond. A pond of this size generally holds 10 mature fish, giving them enough space to thrive and for the pond to not look overcrowded.[1]
- Keep the width of the pond or under, as otherwise, it will be difficult to catch the fish using a net if you need to.
- Make your koi pond 3–4 feet (0.91–1.22 m) deep. A good size for a hobby koi pond is deep. Some ponds for koi that are raised for competitions reach a depth of , however, for beginners and hobby koi enthusiasts, having a deeper pond isn't necessary.[2]
- It's important that the pond is a minimum of as this makes it less likely to fully freeze over during winter.[3]
- Once you have determined the size and depth of the pond, you will be able to calculate the estimated volume. To calculate the volume of the pond in cubic feet, multiply the depth by the width by the length. To calculate the volume of the pond in gallons, multiply the volume in cubic feet by 7.5. You will need these volume measurements for the upkeep of the water quality in the pond.[4]
- Choose an accessible location for your koi pond. Walk around your garden and pick where you would like the pond to go. Make sure that the site is very accessible so that you can easily bring in all of the materials for the pond and have enough space to work.[5]
- Some people like to have a koi fish pond located close to their home and viewable from a window, while others prefer to have the pond set back into the garden so that you can take a walk to reach it.
- Clear the site where you are planning to put the pond. Once you have decided on the size, depth, and location of the pond, get the area where your working area ready. Move any vegetation or furniture out of the way. Pull up any pavers that may be covering the ground. Make sure that there is enough room around the site so that you can work there easily.[6]
- Map out the shape of the pond on the ground. Mark out the dimensions of your pond directly onto the ground. Choose a shape for the pond to be based on the dimensions that you have decided. Use either rope, a garden hose, or spray paint to make sure that you are happy with the size and location of the pond.[7]
- Koi ponds are often rectangles, L-shaped polygons, or irregular, round shapes.
EditConstructing the Pond - Dig the hole for the pond. Use your measurements and plan to start digging the hole for your koi fish pond. Use a sturdy shovel and get a friend to help you if possible, as this will make the process go a lot faster. Dig the sides of the pond so that they slope gently downwards towards the center if possible.[8]
- The widest part of the pond is at the top.
- Line the pond with a tough plastic or rubber liner. Order a one-piece pond liner from a home improvement or landscaping supplier. Install the liner as per the manufacturer's directions. Have several people help you to roll it out over the pond. Make sure that it overlaps the edges of the pond by at least so that it can be adequately secured in place.[9]
- Remove any sharp rocks or stones that you see in the hole before you lay the liner to prevent the liner from being damaged.
- A liner in one piece will prevent the pond from leaking.
- Place rocks over the liner around the edge of the pond. Use large stones and rocks to completely cover the liner that is at surface level, leaving only the hole for the pond exposed. Stack and overlap the rocks using whatever design that you prefer. Make sure that at least of the liner is exposed beyond the edge of the rocks, as you will need this to prevent rainwater from getting into the pond.[10]
- Dig a high ridge around the edge of the rocks. Once you are happy with the final layout of the rocks and stones, dig a ridge around the edge. Use a spade to shift the dirt into a ridge formation up against the rocks. Make sure that the liner reaches onto the ridge.[11]
- The end result will look like a small ridge running along the entire outline of the pond. The ridge will be just beyond the rocks along the edge.
- This prevents rainwater, soil, lawn chemicals, and grass clippings from reaching the pond water.
EditAdding and Adjusting the Water - Fill the pond with water. Use a garden hose to fill up the koi fish pond. If the water isn't fresh or spring water, use a dechlorinator, a carbon charcoal filter, or a water conditioner to remove the chlorine. You can purchase these chlorine treatments from pond or fish supply stores. Always treat chlorinated water before adding it to the pond if there are fish already in it.[12]
- Contact your water supplier if you are unsure about the water quality.
- Chlorinated water is toxic for fish such as koi.[13]
- Ensure the pH of the water remains between 7 and 8.6. Use a water testing kit to test if the pH and dissolved nutrients are at the right levels for the fish. Adjust the parameters of the water if the testing kit shows that it is necessary. This helps the koi to stay happy and healthy.[14]
- It is a common problem to have dissolved nutrient levels that are too high. Avoid overfeeding the koi and overstocking the pond, and change the water gradually if necessary.
- If you need to change the water in the pond, do it in amounts of 10% to 20% of the total volume. Otherwise, the fish may go into shock.[15]
- Keep the temperature of the pond around . Measure the temperature of the pond regularly with a thermometer. Use a pond heater as well as an aerator if necessary. If you find that the pond is getting too warm, very gradually add cold water to slowly reduce the temperature in the pond.[16]
- Koi can survive in water that is , but they do best at .
- Never change the water temperature of the pond all at once, as this can cause the koi to go into shock which can be deadly.[17]
EditInstalling Equipment and Adding Koi - Install a filtration system into the koi fish pond. Purchase a filtration system from a pond equipment supplier and follow the installation directions closely. All pond filtration systems involve a bottom drain, a settling chamber, mechanical filtration, and biological processing. This keeps the pond clean and the water quality high so that the koi stay healthy.[18]
- Set up the filtration system box right next to the koi pond. Dig it into the ground slightly. Install the individual parts in the pond as per the installation directions.
- The settling chamber makes it easy for you to remove debris from the pond to keep it clean. An ideal settling chamber size for koi fish ponds is deep and in diameter.
- The mechanical filtration part of the system will catch debris as it floats through the water.
- Biological filtration is the addition of beneficial bacteria into the pond. This reduces the levels of ammonia and nitrite in the water which are toxic for koi.
- Place an aerator in the pond. A pond aerator will keep the pond water moving at all times. This keeps the water stirring, oxygenates the pond, and promotes gas exchange. It also prevents the pond water from freezing during colder months.[19]
- A pond aerator is an ideal and economical substitute for a pond heater.
- The size of the pond aerator that you need depends on the size of your koi pond. Know the volume, shape, and depth of your koi pond before you purchase an aerator and choose one that is designed for the size of your koi pond.
- Turn on the filtration system and aerator. Once your pond is full of water, start preparing the water for the koi by getting the filtration system and aerator up and running. Always do this before adding the koi to the pond.[20]
- Put the koi into the pond once it is set up. Keep the koi in the water and in the plastic bag that they were purchased in. Float the plastic bag in your koi pond for 30 minutes so that they can adjust to the temperature change. Then add a bit of pond water into the plastic bag, tie it up, and let it float for an additional 30 minutes to help the koi adjust to the pond water.[21]
- After the koi have been given time to adjust, open the plastic bag again and release them into their new pond.
- Don't let the plastic bag float continuously in direct sunlight, as this could cause the koi to overheat. Place a towel over the bag if there isn't a shady spot.
- Care for the koi. Feed the koi specialty pellets regularly and treat any health problems that arise. Maintain the water quality in the pond and keep it clean, so that the koi stay happy and healthy![22]
- With the right care, koi usually live 30-40 years.[23]
EditThings You'll Need - Measuring tape
- Rope or garden lime
- Shovel
- Pond liner
- Stones and rocks
- Filtration system
- Aerator
- Garden hose
- Dechlorinator
- Water testing kits
- Thermometer
- Towel
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| How to Make Puffed Rice Posted: 18 Feb 2019 08:00 AM PST If you like the light, crispy texture of puffed rice, learn how to make it at home. For the lightest, fluffiest rice, cook your favorite type of rice until the grains are tender. Then dry out the rice and fry it in hot oil until it puffs up. If you prefer to make smaller, denser puffed rice, skip cooking the rice and just fry the grains of uncooked rice until they pop. EditIngredients - 1 cup (200 g) of rice
- of water
- 1 to 2 pinches of sea salt
- Sunflower, vegetable, or canola oil, for frying
Makes about 3 cups (75 g) of puffed rice EditCooking the Rice - Rinse your choice of rice. Place 1 cup (200 g) of rice into a bowl and fill it with cold water. Use your hand to swirl it around and then pour the rice into a fine mesh strainer so the water drains. Return the rice to the bowl and add fresh water. Keep rinsing until the water that's draining runs clear. This will remove excess starch from the rice so it doesn't clump or stick together as it cooks.[1]
- Use any type of rice, such as basmati rice, sushi rice, brown rice, or long-grain rice.
- Bring the water to a boil and add the rice with the salt. Pour of water into a pot and cover it with a lid. Heat the water over high until it boils. Then add 1 to 2 pinches of sea salt and the rinsed rice.[2]
- Cook the rice until it's soft. Put the lid on the pot and turn the burner down to low so the water bubbles very gently. Simmer the rice until it's tender and the grains are soft. Begin checking the rice after 18 minutes.
- The amount of time it takes will depend on the type of rice you're making. For example, wild rice will take 25 to 30 minutes to cook although short-grain rice will cook much faster.
- Spread the cooked rice on a baking sheet. Get our a rimmed baking sheet and transfer the hot rice onto it. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the rice so it's in an even layer.[3]
- The rice will dry faster and more evenly on a baking sheet than in a bowl.
- Dry the rice in a oven for 2 hours. Preheat the oven and put the baking sheet of rice into it once it's hot. Cook the rice at this low temperature for 2 hours to remove all of the moisture from the rice grains. Once the rice is dry, remove it from the oven and turn off the heat.[4]
- The rice should be completely dry and hard once it's ready to fry.
- If you prefer a more hands-off method, spread the rice on a dehydrator tray. Place the rice in the dehydrator and dry the rice for at least 8 hours or overnight.
EditFrying the Rice - Pour the oil into a pot and heat it to . Put enough sunflower, vegetable, or canola oil to come up the sides of the pot and set the pot on the stove. Clip a deep-fry thermometer to the pot and heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches .[5]
- It's important to use a neutral-high that you can heat to high temperatures. This is why you shouldn't use extra-virgin olive olive oil.
- Add a few grains of rice to test the oil temperature. Once the oil reaches , put a few of the dried rice grains into the pot. They should puff up instantly if the oil is ready.[6]
- If the rice takes more than 10 to 15 seconds to puff up, heat the oil longer and check the accuracy of your deep-fry thermometer.
- Put the rice into the oil and fry it for 5 to 10 seconds. Pour the dried rice into a small fine mesh strainer and lower the strainer into the pot. The rice will begin to puff up after 5 to 10 seconds of being in the oil.[7]
- The puffed rice will float to the top of the oil.
- If you're using dried rice that you didn't cook first, it may take closer to 20 seconds for the rice to puff up.
- Lift the rice out of the oil and transfer it to a baking sheet. Turn off the burner and place paper towels on a rimmed baking sheet. Slowly lift the fine mesh strainer with the puffed rice up and out of the hot oil. Then dump the puffed rice onto the paper towels.[8]
- The paper towels will absorb the excess oil from the puffed rice.
- Let the oil in the pot cool completely before you store or discard it.
- Cool the puffed rice and use it. Let the puffed rice cool for at least 5 minutes before you season and enjoy it. For seasonings, sprinkle salt, powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar over the puffed rice according to your taste.[9]
- To store leftover puffed rice, put it into an airtight container and keep it at room temperature. Use the puffed rice within 5 to 7 days.
- Try scattering puffed rice over your favorite salad or use it in trail mix and granola.
- Always use caution when heating oil and frying things. Hot oil can splatter and cause burns.
EditThings You'll Need - Bowl
- Fine mesh strainer
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Pot with a lid or rice cooker
- Deep-fry thermometer
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| How to Stop an Argument Posted: 18 Feb 2019 12:00 AM PST While an argument can be a healthy part of a relationship, it's easy to take things too far and potentially say something you'll regret. In such an instance, you'll find yourself in the middle of an argument that must be stopped immediately in order to prevent emotional damage. If you sense that an argument is getting out of hand, find a way to stop it from getting any worse. You can put an immediate stop to an argument by leaving the room or finding a different task to occupy your mind and take it off of the argument. EditPutting a Verbal Stop to an Argument - Focus on resolving the core issue underlying the argument. When you're in an argument with a partner or old friend, it can be easy to bring up old baggage. If you're arguing with an acquaintance or work associate, you might be tempted to only deal with surface-level problems. Instead of taking either of these approaches, try to mutually resolve the core problem without bringing up past incidents or superficial disagreements.[1]
- For example, say that your partner is angry with you for hanging out with friends over the weekend. While you need to respond to that complaint, the deeper underlying issue may be that your partner doesn't feel appreciated in the relationship.
- If you're unsure of what the underlying issue is, just ask: "What's the main problem that you'd like for us to resolve here?"
- Explain that you're willing to compromise on the issue at hand. People often get into arguments when 1 or both of the individuals feel that the other is taking an inflexible or unfair position. In many cases, showing that you're willing to compromise will be enough to stop the argument then and there.[2]
- For example, if you're arguing with a roommate over whose turn it is to wash dishes, say something like, "I'll wash them this time, but in the future, I'd appreciate it if you and your boyfriend washed the dishes after making a huge meal together."
- Or, if a work colleague accuses you of hogging the spotlight on a project, say, "You may be right about that. I like to take pride in my work, but I'll take some time to think about what you've said."
- Acknowledge the validity of the other person's feelings. Even if you and the person you're arguing with disagree about an important topic, you can still show that you respect their feelings and emotions. This shows that you're interested in seeing things from the other person's perspective and aren't trying to intentionally hurt them. In many cases, this will be enough to stop the argument, or at least to de-escalate rising anger.[3]
- Say something like, "Your feelings are valid and you have every right to feel the way that you do. I hope I haven't done anything to make you feel otherwise."
- Apologize if you've done something to hurt the other person. If you're clearly in the wrong, there's nothing to be gained by sticking to your guns and dragging an argument out. Instead, make a clear, direct apology for what you did to upset the person.[4] If you don't know what you've done to upset someone, ask them.
- For example, if you made a friend angry by criticizing them in front of a mutual acquaintance, say something like, "I'm sorry, I should've have acted that way. It seemed funny in the moment but now I realize I was wrong and I apologize."
- Be honest about your own feelings and emotions. Emotional honesty can help defuse an argument and turn it into a productive conversation. By exposing your feelings to the person you're arguing with, you'll allow them to understand where you're coming from. Try expressing yourself using statements beginning with "I feel like…" or reference a specific emotion that's motivating you to argue.[5]
- For example, say something like, "I'm afraid that the fact that you didn't kiss me goodnight last night may mean that you're becoming less attracted to me. That's why I've been acting angry all day."
- Make a joke to set you and the person you're arguing with at ease. If you're normally on good terms with the person you're arguing with, defuse the argument by dropping a joke into the conversation. This will signal that you're not deeply angry and are willing to stop the argument.[6] But, avoid making jokes that are mean-spirited, sarcastic, or at the other person's expense. This kind of humor will only make the argument worse.
- For example, say something like, "If we don't watch it, we'll start to sound like the old couple that we saw arguing on the boardwalk!"
EditStopping the Argument Nonverbally - Walk away from the argument to cool your temper. If you're at your wit's end regarding how to resolve the argument, physically walk away from the confrontation. Say to the person, "I'm not in the mood for this," and leave the room. Or, try saying, "I don't want my temper to get the better of me so I'm going to walk away now." Give the person space for a few hours while you both cool down.[7]
- Avoid slamming doors or showing other signs of anger as you leave.
- Go to sleep and reevaluate your feelings in the morning. If you're arguing at your home, go into your bedroom and lay down to get some rest. Go to sleep if you can. Getting a night's rest will help you have a better perspective on the argument in the morning and will help the person who you're fighting with calm down and reconsider their feelings as well.[8]
- If you're arguing with a partner or spouse and the 2 of you typically share a bed, 1 of you may need to sleep on the sofa or in a guest room so that the argument doesn't start back up in the middle of the night.
- Listen to calming music until your bad mood fades away. Listening to soothing instrumental music is a great way to chill yourself out. A calm song can help put you into a different state of mind and will give you time to reflect on any issues underlying the argument.[9] Calm yourself down by listening to music for at least 15–20 minutes before you return to speak with the person were arguing with.
- Listen to music in a different room than the person you argued with is in so you won't be tempted to reengage in the fight.
- Go get ice cream or see a movie to distract you both from the argument. If you and the person you're arguing with are willing to suspend the argument and continue spending time together, visit a local ice cream parlor, movie theater, bowling alley, or coffee shop. Spending time together having fun or eating and drinking without arguing may show how unnecessary the argument was to begin with.[10]
- An activity—like eating ice cream or seeing a movie—that gets you both out of the house and into public space can help make the argument seem small and unimportant.
EditPreventing Future Arguments - Keep your voice at a normal speaking level. It may seem like obvious advice, but a great way to prevent arguments from happening is to avoid raising your voice. If you raise your voice, the person you're speaking to will take it as a sign of hostility or aggression. If you're inclined to shout at someone, try whispering instead. You'll come across as calm and the conversation won't become an argument.[11]
- If you raise the volume of your voice, the other person will likely raise their voice as well and turn things into a shouting match.
- Calm the situation down if you sense that things are escalating. What starts out as a relatively civil conversation can, in a matter of minutes, turn into an angry argument. Try to stop the conversation from escalating before it blows up into a large fight. So, if the person you're arguing with starts raising their voice, making over-exaggerated claims, or saying things you know they'll regret later, take steps to calm them down.[12]
- Say something like, "I'm not trying to upset you and would rather this didn't become an argument. Let's take a 5 minute break and try talking again then."
- Let the other person finish speaking before you express your thoughts. In a tense conversation, it can be tempting to interrupt the other speaker to disagree with them or inform them of your opinion. However, if the 2 of you start to mutually interrupt one another, a level-headed conversation can quickly become an argument.[13]
- If the other person interrupts you, say something like, "I do care about what you think and I value your opinion, but please don't interrupt me while I'm speaking."
- Relate statements to yourself rather than the other person. In other words, try making statements that begin with "I" and not with "you." By phrasing your sentences this way, you'll show that you're trying to communicate your thoughts to the other person and they won't feel as though they're being attacked or having words put in their mouth. You'll be able to have a calm conversation rather than an argument.[14]
- So, avoid saying, "You never listen and you don't respect my opinion about anything!" Instead, try something like, "I often feel like I'm not being heard by you or as if my opinion isn't very highly valued."
- While it can be tempting to say something insulting after an argument to have the "last word," try to resist this temptation. Not only will ending an argument this way hurt the other person's feelings, it will give them an opportunity to reply and reignite the fight.
- Keep in mind that a good compromise involves meeting in the middle with the person you're arguing with. When you compromise, don't just apologize and say that the problem is all your fault.
- If you frequently have aggressive arguments with your spouse or partner or feel that they verbally abuse you, raise the issue with them or talk to a professional counselor.[15]
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