Pond Springtime Start-Up
An ornamental or garden pond is beautiful, and will add an element of unique tranquility to your backyard. To thoroughly enjoy your pond season, proper pond care when starting out is important for a low-maintenance pond season and a flourishing, healthy pond ecosystem. Whether filling a new pond or re-establishing an existing pond, following some simple start-up steps early in the spring will yield benefits all season long.
REMOVE LARGE DEBRIS & USE WATER CONDITIONER WHEN ADDING OR CHANGING WATER
If you are re-establishing an existing pond, you must first remove any large debris, like sticks and leaves, and then change 15-25% of the pond water to reduce any waste that has built up over the winter. To make your tap water safe for fish when you add water back to your pond, treat with API® POND STRESS COAT to eliminate harmful chemicals, or whenever you change or clean your pond water.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR POND’S NATURAL FILTER
Once your pond water is treated with a conditioner, it will begin the process of establishing its natural cycle, or natural filter. This filter is of the utmost importance in controlling the conditions of your pond, especially in keeping ammonia and nitrite levels low, which create a toxic environment to your fish and other pond life if left untreated. Most of the time, a pond will form its own filter over time, without any external help, and cycle through any less-than-ideal conditions on its own. It is important, however, to ensure you do your part to keep your pond environment healthy and thriving.
KEEP YOUR POND CLEAR AND HEALTHY
Proper and routine cleaning is essential for a flourishing pond. As it is exposed to the elements, waste such as leaves, grass clippings, etc. contribute to the build-up of sludge in a pond. Sludge is not only unsightly but unhealthy, as it creates a breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria. To rid your pond of sludge, treat with API® POND-ZYME SLUDGE DESTROYER, which will break down and consume sludge for clear water and a healthier ecosystem.
In addition, it is important to remove algae as soon as you notice it in your pond. Algae grows easily with the presence of sunlight, where there are excess nutrients for it to feed on. API® will quickly and effectively remove unsightly algae. If you notice your water is still murky, this is likely because your fish are active and have stirred up debris and sludge from the bottom of your pond. Treat this common problem with API® POND ACCU-CLEAR, which removes floating debris for crystal clear water.
FEED YOUR FISH & PLANTS
Of course, there are also your fish and plants to consider as you start or re-establish your pond! Ensure that your fish receive the proper food for their nutritional needs throughout the pond season. Your pond plants will also require nourishment, so it is essential to add fertilizers specifically designed for pond plants. This will aid in the growth of buds, leading to spectacular flowers and lush foliage surrounding your pond.
PERFORM TESTS TO EVALUATE YOUR POND’S WATER QUALITY
Test your water regularly to keep levels in your pond where they should be for an optimal ecosystem. It is not possible to know the condition of your water without testing it, so use API® POND MASTER TEST KIT to test the pH, ammonia, nitrite, and phosphate levels in your pond.
Keeping a pond is a fun and rewarding way to greatly enhance the natural beauty of your yard. Following these tips, you are sure to have a successful pond season!
