Step One
Make ‘Plant Life’, the ‘Right Life’ with a proper balance of plants. At the peak of the season, your aquatic plants should cover no more than 40%- 60% of the surface area of your pond either covered or shaded by plants.
Too many plants can cause oxygen deficiencies at night due to the photosynthetic process, when the plants take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide. Too few can make the pond too hot for your fish to breathe well.
Step Two
Population Control!
Let’s be honest, no one really likes crowded spaces, and that also goes for your fish and pond environment. If you have 10″ of fish for every 100 gallons of water, your pond is likely over-populated.
Excessive waste that the fish produce can cause an imbalance in pond water. It may be time to start thinking about the relocation of some of your scaly friends.
Step Three
Cut out the ‘Feeding Frenzy’ by carefully feeding your fish the proper amount of food.
When you feed fish more than they can consume, the uneaten food is left to decay in the pond. We advise not feeding your fish more than once a day, and no more than they can eat in 2-3 minutes. Any leftover food should be removed.
Step Four
Size Does Matter. Yes, it’s true if you want clean pond water, that the right size pump for your pond is crucial. You should be circulating the entire pond’s water volume a minimum of once every hour, keeping an eye on the pump’s flow making sure the flow isn’t restricted by debris.
It is also important to remember not to pump the water higher than it was intended. Every pump has its flow limitations, so its best to refer to the chart on the outside of the pump’s box to make sure you’re making the right choice for your pond.
Step Five
Speaking of size, your pond’s filtration system should also be adequate for the size of your pond. Most manufacturers rate their filters based on ideal circumstances, and if you exceed those, the filter becomes less effective.
It’s best to “size up” and be safe, rather than sorry that your filter can handle the capacity of your pond. Cleaning your filter is required for proper function and should be done according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step Six: “Keep Cool and Carry On!”
During the dog days of summer, keeping your pond cool is crucial. When clean pond water exceeds 75 degrees Fahrenheit, it has a more difficult time retaining acceptable levels of dissolved oxygen.
This is why it’s important to have your pond shaded by aquatic plants. Fish, just like people, need oxygen to survive. Make sure to keep an eye on them during the summer months, if you see them looking for extra gasps of air at the surface, help them out by installing an aerator during extreme heat.
With following these Six Simple Steps you’ll be on your way to having clean pond water.
Need help or have a question? Contact us!
