Question
QUESTION: I bought the ring to put around the pots that have some plants in them.  Placed them in my goldfish pond last fall.  This spring they are looking great.  Then I am told not to put them in the pond.  If the water is not good for them, why are they thriving?  I would like to use this water in my bog. It would  be a lot cheaper than buying water.  Thanks, Larry

ANSWER: Hi Larry,

I'm not sure if it was me or Jeff who answered your original question.  In any case, there's no right answer on whether or not carnivorous plants should go in a fish pond, and Jeff and I have different opinions about it. From my perspective, it entirely depends on the amount of fish you have, the size of the pond and the type of filtration system you have.  Some growers have successfully grown carnivorous plants in their fish pond, while others haven't been so successful.    

If you want to use your pond water to water your bog, first test the water for mineral levels and nitrogen.  If the the mineral levels are above 50 parts per million and the nitrogen levels are significantly higher than trace amounts, you'll need to use the water judiciously with your bog garden.  These nutrients can build up very quickly if there isn't proper drainage or water flow to flush them out.  

Another option is investing in a reverse-osmosis unit.  With this type of unit, you can at least be certain about the water quality and not worry about nutrients building up in the soil.  You can find home units ranging from $100-$350.  Get one that processes at least 75 gallons per day.  

Good growing!
Jacob Farin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: OK, I can do that only don't know exactly how to.  Do I get a kit or have it tested by a professional, which is who?  Can you recommend some sellers of the reverse-osmosis units.  I have seen them on ebay but don't know if they are good.  Thanks, Larry

Answer
Go to your local aquarium supply store and ask them for kits that will test water hardness, nitrites and nitrates.  

The best and most cost-effective RO unit we've found was Merlin by GE.  We use it at our nursery.  It processes about 350 gallons a day and costs about $350.  While this is a sizable investment, similar units by other companies were $700-$900!  Those same companies also sold units that were in the $350 price range, but they only processed 75-150 gallons per day.  The Merlin by GE is the way to go.

We got ours from an internet distributor.  Do a search on Google for this unit for a distributor near you.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin