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 10oC or higher.
When water temperature is still below 20oC 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.
Deep water plants like waterlilies 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.
Water Quality
The healthier your pond is, the more enjoyable it will be particularly when it comes to water quality. Optimum water clarity can only be achieved when algae is kept under control. Keep in mind that some algae growth around the edges of the pond is normal and healthy.
As mentioned earlier, plants, like hornwort, water hyacinths, and water lettuce contribute to the health of your pond.
WINTER
Protect Your Fish
Keep part of the pond surface open, with a pump, bubbler, floating pond deicer, or natural method. This allows toxic gases to escape, lets oxygen enter the water, and protects the health of fish.Do not feed your fish when temperatures fall below 10C - their metabolisms slow and they cannot properly digest food. Instead, they will become dormant for the winter and will not need to be fed.
Protecting Your Plants
Preparing your plants for winter ensures their health, saves the cost of replacement, and only takes a little effort. Hardy waterlilies require minimal care. As their name indicates they should survive the winter. You need to cut back all foliage to the tuber and then lower into the deep part of the pond. They can be brought back to the surface in the spring where they will bloom again.
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.
Planting
When adding plants to your pond keep in mind the needs of the ecosystem. Two thirds of your ponds surface should be covered with plants to maintain the optimum shade and biological balance.
Oxygenating plants (hornwort) reduce algae and create biological balance for fish. Floating plants (water hyacinth) provide shade and reduce algae particularly in the spring.
Clear water provides better opportunities to view fish and underwater plants.
Continue to treat the pond with Micro-be Lift to promote a healthy ecosystem and reduce algae growth.
FALL
Protect Your Pond
Cut back foliage of surrounding plants and in-pond hardy plants. Leaves that tend to collect around streams and filtration devices may contaminate the water. Decomposing organic material will reduce oxygen levels and increase acidity, creating an unhealthy environment for plants and fish alike. Remove as many leaves as possible using a hand net.
Fish
As the water in the pond cools, begin to reduce the feeding frequency of your fish. Switch to “Spring & Autumn” food to meet their metabolic needs as they prepare for winter.
Tropical varieties need to be stored in airtight plastic bags of damp sand in a cool, dark place. Tropical floaters like water hyacinth should be discarded and replaced in spring.
Hardy marginal plants should be cut back to about one-third of their height, and lowered into the pond or set in a cool dry area.
Tropical marginals can be uprooted, placed in a tub of water and taken to a sunny location indoors. At first these plants will go into shock and parts may die off. Just cut them back and they will regrow.