Preparing The Pond for Summer

Preparing The Pond for Summer

During the winter months, debris and waste accumulates in a pond. During the spring and early summer, many pond keepers and maintenance professionals perform a complete water change to remedy the buildup. Removing all of the water and fish offers both risk and reward. Before undertaking a complete cleaning, the pond keeper must understand a few points of vital information.

Fish enter a necessary and natural period of dormancy when water temperature falls below 45ºF. Reduced fish activity and metabolism characterize this dormant phase, with fish refusing food, slowing respiration, and producing less waste. Since dormant fish produce less waste, the beneficial bacteria responsible for the breakdown of fish waste begin to die. During the spring, water temperature rises, fish metabolism increases, along with their food intake and waste output. Beneficial Bacteria slowly begins to return to the pond, but not before fish waste has produced toxic levels of ammonia. Even minute amounts of ammonia will kill fish within a few hours; therefore, pond keepers must treat and monitor their water at the beginning of this hazardous phase.

Fish removed from the pond undergo tremendous stress exacerbating an already dangerous ammonia problem. Stress is a dangerous reality, possibly leading to fish loss. Pond keepers must make every effort to reduce stress in their fish and their beneficial bacteria. While these negative effects are short term hazards, complete pond cleanings provide the fish and pond with long-term benefits. These benefits include raising pH, reducing waste and debris that lead to algae problems, and preventing the chances of disease.

Begin the cleaning by filling a separate holding tank. Any large plastic tub or vat will work as a temporary home for the fish. Place the tank in a cool, shaded area, and fill with water pumped out or siphoned from the pond. Remove the fish and continue to empty the pond. Place any pond plants in a shaded area and cover with damp newspaper. Place submerged plants in a water container and repot any overgrown plants.

There are now three options for cleaning the bottom of your pond: one, leaving a minimum amount of water and vacuuming the pond floor with a MucK-Vac; two, taking all water out and using a shop vac; three, taking all water out and using an industrial strength broom and dustpan. Although option three is cheap, investing in a Muc Vac is the smarter choice, since monthly vacuuming and partial water changes are needed. Sweeping up muck with broom and dustpan only works for an empty pond.

The period following pond cleaning is critical. Before returning fish to the pond, pond keepers must add a declorinator like AquaLife Complete for removing chlorine and reducing stress. Once fish are returned, pond keepers must immediately add Water Garden Cleaner and Barley Straw.

Remember, daily water tests are required for monitoring ammonia and nitrite levels. For Ammonia removal, use AquaLife Complete by Aquarium Life Support Systems. While using the startup instructions, continue treating with Water Garden Cleaner. Water Garden Cleaner contains beneficial bacteria needed to replenish the pond’s existing supply.

A majority of these products bind with ammonia, causing the average ammonia test kit to show inaccurate results. Contact aquariumconnection.com customer support for more information on testing and water changes if the pond is treated for ammonia and nitrite readings.

Remember to fertilize your plants. Lilies and Lotus are fertilized every 3-4 weeks, and marginal plants are fertilized every 5-7 weeks. Invest in a UV sterilizer for disease prevention and green water elimination. If an old UV system was retired for the winter season, replace the UV bulb and waterproofing o-rings. Both of these items are only effective during a single pond season. Add floating plants like Water Hyacinth and Water Lettuce. These are great for providing fish with shade and reducing excessive algae growth.

Understanding these basic elements of pond care and following each step for summer preparation will increase the life and health of the fish. The rewards of consistent maintenance outweigh the negative risks of ammonia and stress. Make summer preparation an annual event, and don’t forget to have fun doing it!