Looking for help with installing or maintaining a pond filter in Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend or South Wales?

Pond filters are used to maintain a healthy pond by keeping it clear of algae and some of the debris which, in turn, helps to keep fish healthy.

Why use pond filters?

Pond filters are useful in ponds that have a large population of fish, because they remove waste products from fish and any plant debris, helping keep the water clear. This, in turn ensures a balanced ecosystem.

When to use pond filters

The choice of filter for your pond should be based on the size of the pond, the number and type of fish and the area available to accommodate the filter. Simple ponds with few or no fish should not require filters.

Pond size

To work out the volume of water in your pond:

•     Multiply the pond’s average length x average width x average depth ( in metres or feet to get cubic metres or feet)
•     Multiply this figure by 1000 to get the volume in litres
•     When calculating pond dimensions in feet, convert the cubic feet measurement to gallons by multiplying by 6.23.

To find out more about pond filters visit the RHS Gardening website or contact Ponds 4U today on 01443 841288 / 07832 134176

Building an extension in Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend or South Wales – unsure of what to do?

There are many issues to consider when building an extension some are not actually concerned with the building process.

Issues that need some thought include:

• Access – If you add to your accommodation, will it mean more cars will need to be parked on the drive? If you have no drive then the lack of off-street parking might be a reason for the refusal of planning permission.
• If your house is in a terrace do you have rear access for the unloading of building materials or if not, will you have to bring everything from beams to blocks, and girders to guttering through the house?
• Other important aspects to consider before you get to the stage of getting your plans drawn are matters like soil conditions on the site, services, surrounding trees, any history of flooding and rights of way.
• Even then it might be wise to pop into your local planning office to find out informally what might be permitted especially if you are planning anything out of the ordinary.
• Cost – what are the options for your build and what is your budget.

Issues that require consideration with regard to the build include:

• Planning and Building Regulations -Planning consent may or may not be required for your proposed extension. Under the Permitted Development Rights system a large number of home extensions can be built without the requirement of planning permission.
• Building control – Regardless of whether your new extension does or does not require planning permission, it will need Building Regulations Approval. Building regulations are rules approved by Parliament laid down to ensure the mimimum design and construction standards are achieved
• Warranties – An alternative to the usual warranties available for building work which can also be applied to extensions, loft conversions etc, is the MasterBond warranty from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), which has similar characteristics to the NHBC and Zurich registered builder schemes.
• Extending your central heating
• Extending your electrics
• Finding an experienced builder.

If you would like assistance with your building extension then contact Thomas Building Services today on 01443 841288 / 07832 134176.

For more information on building an extension visit the Homebuilding and Renovating website