TerraPond
Calcium Montmomrillonite Clay

Excellent Solution to Build
Fish Immune System
Clarify The Water

"as well as offset the effects of chlorination and other chemicals."

How Can I Enhance My Pond So My Koi and Other Aquatic Life Thrive?

A great question, for most of us would find it really quite wonderful, satisfying and relaxing to sit quietly next to our pond with the water clear and the Koi, and other fish displaying vibrant colors with beautiful shapes and patterns, and the plant life healthy, green and abundant.

Most pond keepers recognize the value of water quality and install the best water filtration systems available. Although this is very important, most ponds end up with a deficiency of essential minerals and trace elements, and an environment void of beneficial bacteria. Although your fish may survive, this situation greatly reduces the chance for your fish to thrive and have optimum health.

Koi hobbyists and breeders know the secrets to raising the healthiest, largest and most beautiful Koi. These experts create the best environment by emulating the "mud" ponds of Japan. The Japanese "mud" ponds are packed and lined with natural earth clay, rich in micronutrients and containing montmorillonite. Research shows when calcium-based montmorillonite clay is present in the water, a number of benefits become noticeable within weeks i.e.

**Fish color delineation becomes beautiful
**Immune system of the fish strengthens
**Increased water clarity is noticeable
**Plants generate new healthy growth
**Coral begins blooming

Not all of us are going to recreate a Japanese mud pond, however we can enhance the quality of our aquatic life and create the best environment possible, for our pond pets and plants to thrive.

How Can The Calcium Montmorillonite Clay Help?

When calcium-based montmorillonite clay is present, it provides essential minerals and trace elements to the fish and plants AND detoxifies the water and fish. What takes place is a process of absorption and adsorption.

Rich in trace minerals and absorbable calcium, (contains over 60 essential trace minerals) each tiny, tiny particle of this calcium montmorillonite clay, aka Terrapond remains in an alkaline state retaining its electrically active, negatively charged ion. When introduced to the pond, the toxins, bacteria and pathogens in the water, which carry a positive electrically charged ion, bind to the negatively charged ions in the clay. These toxins are held in a colloidal state (suspended) inside the clay particles and leave through the filtration system.

The clay when ingested by fish, (they enjoy nibbling on the clay) goes through the digestive system binding to the toxins in the fish's body. These toxins are encapsulated in the clay and removed through their waste elimination process…toxins clay and all. The added benefit is that the calcium montmorillonite contains highly absorbable minerals that are easily assimilated by fish, humans and all animals, in turn strengthening the immune system, enhancing the production of enzymes, and effectively detoxifying the body.

The minerals in this particular clay also promote beautiful coral and plant growth, visibly displaying the results.

Much has been written and researched about the healthful benefits of calcium montmorillonite clay when ingested by humans and animals.

The Healing Power of Living Clay by Neva Jensen includes a study entitled Trout Researchers Share Info. The director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife services Tunison Research Lab in Hagerman, Idaho spoke about the biggest expense on a fish farm, which is the feed. However their studies proved whenever the fish were fed this cheap clay, they grew bigger even when the feed was reduced.

How Much Calcium Montmorillonite Should I Use?

Premium calcium montmorillonite is a very fine, pure, edible clay and it will stay suspended in your water while doing its work. Many first-time users are often concerned when their water doesn't clear in a short period of time. Please do not be alarmed. Even if you accidentally apply a dosage that exceeds the recommended amount, you can never harm or overdose your fish with this 100% natural product.

We suggest that you start with a conservative dose if your pond water is already at or close to an acceptable level of clarity. This clays colloidal suspension properties allow it to continue bonding with impurities, carrying them safely into your filter. It also allows more nutrients to get into your fish's systems. Since the best koi are raised and live in mud ponds, your fish will thank you for their mud bath that improves conformation, coloration, health, and vitality.

Weekly Good Water and Maintenance Dose
- 50 Grams (two heaping tablespoons) per each 1000 gallons of water every week.

Weekly Prior to a show/Sick Fish/Poor Water** Dose

- 100 Grams (1/4 cup or ¼ lb) per each 1000 gallons of water two to four weeks prior to the show or until conditions improve.

**Decomposed organic carbon (doc), algae (green water), pollution, toxins and lack of clarity.

For poor water conditions, more frequent doses may be required for several weeks until a water balance develops and maximum clarity is achieved. Once a balance is attained, you should be able to return to the Good Water and Maintenance dose or slightly more.

Other Considerations
Water temperature will vary during the year and your dosage amounts should reflect these changes. Lower doses may be used during the cooler months of the year. The speed of water clarity may be affected by your pond water turnover flow rate, number of fish, other animals (turtles), plants and filtration system.

A Wealth of Information About Koi Pond Construction

A very good place to gather free information if you are considering adding a pond to your landscape, or need help with your current pond is the American Koi Club Association. http://www.akca.org/. It is a very reliable and educational source for anyone, covering subjects from filters to spawning, fish nutrition, building a pond and diseases to be aware of. You will find they have articles on every subject, which will assist you in making an informed decision about what it takes to create the pond of your dreams.

A Word About Fish Food

I'd like to add one key point about fish food. Please feed your fish the freshest food you possibly can. Purchase it in small quantities so it does not have time to sit around and grow mold and fungi. Since the nutrients break down fairly quickly and mold and bacteria growth can happen in days, keep the food in a sealed, air-tight container in a dry place.

In Conclusion

Instead of waiting for disease or illness to occur to our fish and hoping it doesn't, many koi owners and breeders add premium calcium montmorillonite clay weekly to their ponds. This pure high quality clay is an organic edible compound that will improve the digestion of your fish, lengthen their life span, purify and clarify the water as well as offset the effects of chlorination and other chemicals.

If you decide to give premium calcium montmorillonite a whirl….and let me know how it works for you!

Maryanne, Paul and Alexandra Maldonado
The Pet Alternative
Tucson Arizona

If you have a quick question, feel free to phone. We receive so many e-mails, we can only occasionally respond to these.
E-mail: mm { at } ThePetAlternative.com
(Note: please type this address into your e-mail program with the "@" sign in the appropriate place. Our address is posted this way to avoid receiving spam.)

WE CAN BE REACHED @ 520.219.2379 9AM TO 4PM PST or email:

To purchaseTerraPond Click Here

To Visit Our Nutramin Page Click Here

To Visit Our Terramin Page Click Here

Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for professional veterinarian advice. The information and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or medical problems. This information is provided for educational purposes only.

To Return To Top of Page