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Keep your pond full: The correct water level will
ensure that your pump and skimmer operate correctly. This will not only help keep your
pond free of debris - it will provide plenty of oxygenated water for your fish. (The summer heat can be tough on oxygen
levels) Change the water: Natural ponds have a constant flow of new water and a constant "dirty" water outflow. Performing a15% to 25% water change every three to four weeks will reduce build-up of the dissolved organics and natural acid that reduce water quality and disrupt your pond's natural balance. Remember to condition the water before adding it to your pond, to neutralize the clorine and other chemicals that will damage your pond's aquatic life. Keep plants trimmed: Removing spent blooms, yellowing leaves, and excess growth will get rid of nutrients in the pond and reduce the risk of algae blooms. Control runoff: Don't use fertilizer in areas that may drain towards your pond. Fertilizer will cause a surge of excess nutrients in your pond and actually encourage algae blooms. Do not over-clean your filter pads: If you have a biological filtration system, cleaning the filter pads will destroy the algae fighting bacteria that live there and cause excess algae growth. If a dirty filter starts to block water flow to your pump, rinse them with pond water only! Do not use your garden hose - that will kill the beneficial bacteria. |
