Pond Maintenance
WATER GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION, DESIGN, MAINTENANCE AND CONSULTING SERVICES
Where quality and attention to detail are standard!
Ponds and water features are just like anything else, regular maintenance is key to keeping them looking good and functioning properly. Your fish and other aquatic inhabitants will thank you as well. Another benefit is that while you are performing any maintenance task, you can take a moment or two to look over and get to know your fish better, and check out the overall appearance of the pond. You will be able to notice even the slightest changes that may be happening, and correct them before a big problem happens if necessary. This can save you time and money.
For a schedule of basic maintenance tasks, download the following document:
Basic Pond Maintenance Schedule
Daily / Periodically
Check water level and top off as necessary – add a dechlorinator (Pond Detoxifier) to protect fish Check debris net/basket inside skimmer – empty net if necessary Check for buildup of string/filamentous algae in pond and/or stream and physically remove before adding water treatments to help them work more effectively. Add Activated Pond Carbon if necessary to remove tannins and/or odors Check for dead/yellowing leaves/buds on plants and remove if necessary Look over your fish and note any change(s) in activity/behavior – watching for any problems
Weekly
Add recommended dosage of Beneficial Bacteria for Ponds (temperature dependent). Note: For water below 50 degrees F, use Beneficial Bacteria for Cold Water Add recommended dosage of Sludge Cleaner for Ponds Add recommended dosage of EcoBarley Extract Clean filter mat/brushes in skimmer if necessary
Monthly
Apply EcoBlast – if necessary or as preventative maintenance (works on contact with algae) Add S.A.B. – if necessary or as preventative maintenance (temperature dependent)
Annually
Complete a good clean out, including emptying the water, rinsing the rocks, removing all possible organic material, and then refilling. While the water is drained out (fish should be temporarily placed in container at least 75 gallons or larger and aerated), you may want to consider pressure washing the stones to remove larger portion of algae and other build-up on the rocks.
Fall/Winter Prep
Cover the pond and stream with netting for a couple of weeks to minimize the amount of leaves and other debris getting into the pond. The net can be removed after the leaves have fallen from the trees and have been raked up. Shut the system down and remove the pump for winter – store pump submerged in bucket of water in a nonfreezing location for winter to protect seals from cracking. Remove and clean all filter pads/media – store in dry area. Remove as much organic material as possible before pond freezes over for the winter. Periodically check pond for and remove leaves and other organic material that may have blown or fallen in. Trim back the leaves on aquatic plants to about 1 inch above the water level. Trim back the leaves/pads on water lilies back to the tuber
Spring
After performing the complete annual clean out mentioned above (Annually), re-install all filtration media and components, pump, and check valve (if applicable) and start the system up again. Begin adding water treatments to your pond to get it off to a great start for the season. Beneficial Bacteria for Ponds should be added twice a week for 2 weeks, then weekly thereafter.
Important note: This is a general listing of basic steps to pond maintenance. Several other products/items can be utilized/added to the water feature, and other maintenance steps can be taken to increase your enjoyment of the water feature, and to draw others to your home or business. Be sure to read the labels and be familiar each of the products being used. Contact us with any questions or for more detailed information. Thank you.
SEASONAL MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS
SPRING MAINTENANCE
Clear Water
Beneficial bacteria living in the biological filter and throughout the rocks and gravel in the pond are another key component to achieving crystal clear water and reducing pond maintenance. The bacteria, similar to aquatic plants consume excess nutrients, but are also capable of breaking down organic debris. It is important to the ponds ecosystem for these maintenance microbes to become established as early in the spring as possible. Aquascape’s Cold Water Bacteria is perfect of this time of year because it works at temperatures below 50F and contains 7 pure strains of concentrated beneficial bacteria that go to work quickly, cleaning and balancing your ornamental pond.
Fish Care
After your spring cleaning is done and it is time to put your favorite fishy friends back in their home, it is always best to add a little Aquascape Pond Detoxifier to remove any chlorine and chloramines from the water. This makes it safer for your fish and your plants. It also repairs the fish slime coat and reduces the stress caused by removing them to clean your pond.
Fish are also sensitive to water temperature, and as it warms up, you will see more activity, and be tempted to feed them. You’ve missed your fish all winter, but until the water temperature is consistently at 55? F, don’t feed them. Their metabolism is still in slow motion and they are unable to digest the food properly. If you do feed them and food cannot be digested, this can result in food starting to decay in the body of the fish causing fish to become sick and possibly resulting in their death. When you do start feeding them, begin with small amounts of a quality fish food formulated for colder water temperature, such as Aquascape Premium Coldwater Fish Food Pellets for all pond fish.
Plant Care
With spring comes planting season and if you are doing a pond cleanout, this is the perfect time to plant, repot and fertilize your water lilies. Aquascape’s Pond Plant Media all natural, non-toxic alluvial planting media is fine-grained and perfect for supporting the growth of your aquatic plants. Our premium potting media contains no peat moss or compost and is safe for fish.
Next comes the fertilizing of pond plants which is an important step toward balancing your pond. Strong healthy plants quickly utilize excess nutrients. Aquascape has two fertilizers, one short-term and one long-term. For optimal results use both fertilizers. The short-term fertilizer (Aquascape’s 10-14-8 Pond Plant Fertilizer) will jumpstart your plants in the spring and the long-term fertilizer (Aquascape’s Once a Year Fertilizer) will continue to feed your plants for one full year. Good fertilization leads to stronger, healthier plants which helps balance the pond’s ecosystem and provides valuable biological filtration that removes nitrogen, ammonia, nitrates and other minerals from pond water. Not only will you have beautiful vibrant lush plants, you will also have crystal clear water quality without the need to use potentially harmful algaecides which will only disrupt the balance of your pond.
SUMMER MAINTENANCE
FALL/WINTER MAINTENANCE
