Spring
Check Your Water:
A dark brown colour may indicate a lot of decomposing leaves or dirt. A green colour is caused by an excess of green algae that forms during the extreme temperature fluctuations in the spring.
Once the water temperature exceeds 15 C the water can be tested for proper pH, Hardness, Ammonia and Nitrate concentration.
Equipment:
Hook up pumps and filtration systems if they were disconnected over winter. Then pump out 2/3 of the water and fill back up with fresh water to start the season. Treat new water with heavy metal neutralizer “Water Prep” from Laguna to remove chlorine and chloramine.
Water Treatment:
Check the water’s pH levels and adjust it as necessary using Laguna pH ADJUSTDOWN or pH ADJUSTUP.
If water becomes green use Laguna “Clear Fast”. For brown sludgey water use “Bio Sludge Control” and for murky water due to high phosphate content use Laguna “Phosphate Control”.
To maintain a healthy balance in your pond add Microbe-Lift once per week, starting in June. Consisting of living bacteria this product will remove high ammonia and nitrite concentrations, consume undigested organic material, reduce algae blooms, minimize organic sediment buildup and help remove foul odors.
Fish:
Fish coming to surface indicates that their metabolism has returned to pre-hibernation, and they can be fed when air temperatures are at 10°C or higher.
When water temperature is still below 20°C use “Spring and Autumn Pond Food” from Pond Care. The combination of wheat germ and other grains contained in it is better suited to the needs of fish in cooler water.
Start feeding fish once per week and gradually bring them up to normal summer feeding habits.
During the summer months use a fish food that is size appropriate or can be bitten off by your fish. It should be rich in protein and contain a multi-vitamin with balance vitamin C. Laguna Premium is a good brand.
Watch the activity levels and appetites of your fish. Low activity levels and low appetite indicate disease or sickness. Lots of movement and healthy appetites usually signifies healthy fish.
Deep water plants like water lilies offer excellent shade throughout the summer months. Marginal plants around the edges of the pond soften the waterscape, and add interest all season long
Summer
Time to Enjoy:
Summer is the time to enjoy the peace and tranquility of your pond. The lush, vibrant colours of aquatic plants combined with the graceful movement of fish beneath the surface or the sounds of a water fall create an ideal sanctuary for the soul.