A Successful Spring Startup. Climate is a relative thing: Southern pond owners are fortunate pond owners. Often times, they have enjoyed the ideal conditions that have allowed their garden ponds kits to continue running all season long. They have not had to worry about the accumulation of debris and sludge at the bottom of their ponds, either. This is because the beneficial bacteria in their ponds have remained active all season long. This has allowed the bacteria to continue breaking down harmful waste during the fall and winter. Northern pond owners, on the other hand, have had to endure various issues and battles, throughout the colder seasons of autumn and winter. In climates where ice and snow have covered the pond during winter, a spring clean out will almost always be necessary to start the season off right. The water garden may look peaceful and serene during the winter months, however, there is still a good deal of activity taking place underneath the water. The fish are still actively producing waste, and decomposition of plant and other wind-blown debris, is still underway. All of these components combine to produce toxins, as well as the vital nutrients that algae will thrive on once the ice thaws. Before deciding whether or not your pond needs a full clean out, you will want to consider a few points before making a decision. Does your water garden have a thick layer of sludge on the bottom of the pond? Is the water dark and murky? Is it as dark as a cup of tea? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you will most likely need to give your pond a full clean out. On the other hand, if you find that your pond contains only a minimal amount of debris, then you might be able to agitate the pond by hand while harnessing any debris that is stirred up, with a net. Algae Growth: In the springtime you can rest assured that your pond's algae is going to grow. This is an inevitable fact of pond life. Most people do not realize that, YES, algae is a plant. It may not be very attractive, but it is a plant nonetheless. In cooler weather, your plants may be resting, but algae is the one plant that will continue to thrive in such conditions. There is, however, some benefit to having algae in your pond during the cooler months. The algae that does remain present, will extract excess nutrients from the water. This will provide your fish added protection against the toxic buildup up ammonia and nitrates which could harm them. The levels of these nutrients can grow to increasingly, higher levels, during the fall and winter months. This is because there is a limited amount of biological filtration occurring at this time. These excess nutrients, can mean excess algae growth,- even during winter. Although the presence of algae may be beneficial during this time, it should not, however, be allowed to grow out of control! This is no time to get lazy and use this benefit as an excuse to avoid pond maintenance. Your pond will not benefit from having long strands of algae growing from every rock or crevice. This is neither healthy or attractive for your garden pond's appearance. Be diligent in striving to strike a balance between beneficial algae growth and excess algae growth. Keeping It Under Control: Fortunately, for your garden pond kit, maintenance needs, Crazy Ponds offers a wide variety of water pond accessories and treatments to aid you in striking a healthy balance of algae growth. These products will help you to keep your pond clear and healthy during the warmer, spring, months. Crystal Lagoonis a pond care product that clears the water by effectively combining free-floating material and debris in the water, allowing for it to be easily removed. Clear Pond (Bio Surge Liquid) is another effective, pond water treatment, that is specifically formulated to help reduce pond maintenance by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and enzymes. The addition of Barley Straw to your pond water is another effective way to help quell the surge of excessive algae growth in springtime. According to the CAPM, "when barley strawis put into the water, its cellular structure starts to break down or decompose aided by a mixture of water, light, and oxygen, that is why barley worked best when floating near the water surface. A microbial activity process drives this breakdown or decomposition." This unique and natural process directly inhibits the growth of excess algae. Aquatic Plants: With the arrival of spring, you will want to get your pond water plants started off in the right direction. You should trim away all dead plant growth and divide any plants that have grown out of control. Inspect your water lily tubers and divide them accordingly. You may find that these may need to be re-potted altogether. If you find this to be the case, this would make a great opportunity to share with friends and family. You might want to organize a plant swap with other pond owners who may be "thinning out" their pond plantsas well. Your local water garden, or koi club, would be a great place to swap and share your excessaquatic plants. Fish: As the weather warms up, your fish will begin to become active again. Rising water temperatures will trigger their instinct to mate. Be sure not to move or disturb anything in your pond during this time. This is because the developing fry will begin migrating around the edge of the pond, and you will not want to accidentally harm them. Many of the fry, however, will eventually fall prey to various pond predators, including their own parents! Don't become discouraged, though. This is part of the natural pond process, that ensures a well-balanced ecosystem. You will eventually see what look like little specks, swimming happily, around the pond's edge. These are the little fry that will eventually turn into adult fish. It is also important to remember not to overfeed your fish during this time of the year. It is safe to resume feedings once the water has reached, and remained at a temperature of 55 degrees farenheight. Feeding your fish before the water reaches this temperature is a costly mistake. At any less than 55 degrees farenheight, the fish are unable to metabolize solid food very well. This is dangerous and could possibly kill them by causing intestinal problems and possible internal bleeding. The beneficial bacteria the fish rely on to break down food, are not present in water that is less than 55 degrees farenheight. How unfortunate it would be to come outside to a pond full of dead and dying fish because of this mistake. You can safely resume feeding once the temperature reaches, and stays, at or above, 55 degrees farenheight. The ADI recommends starting the fish on a food that is designed specifically for low temperatures. Spring and Autumn Floating Pellets are a nutritious and easily digestible food designed to maintain the health and vitality of your fish during the fall and spring months. It also helps with overall growth and vitality during these colder months. Maintenance: In addition to cleaning you garden pond in the spring, there are a few additional issues to address at this time of year. Once you begin to clean out your filtration system, be sure and inspect the filtration media. Depending on the material used in your system, it may need to be replaced each and every season. You might want to consider adding barley straw to your biological filter. Take advantage of the cold weather to accomplish this task. If you live in a warm weather climate, then wait until late winter when the days have become cooler and shorter, to complete this task. It will also be time to inspect your pond's pump, to prepare it for activity. Examine the opening of the waterfall pump to be sure the impeller, or part that turns, has no debris wound around it. Also, make sure none of your underwater lights have become damaged or need replacing. Maintaining Attractiveness: What pond care products can you use to make sure that your water feature is ready for another season of beauty? Chloramine Buster- If you have added more than ten percent of new tap water to your pond when topping off, you will benefit from this product. Chloramine Buster is specially formulated to neutralize the chlorine in tap water. This ensures the health and safety of your fish. Activated Carbon- Your pond's water may still have a tea stained color even after cleaning. The ingredients in activated carbon will help keep the water clear by removing the tannins that cause the discoloration in the first place. The carbon is added to a mesh bag and placed inside your biological filter. You should usually see clearer water within four to seven days. Dry Formula- This beneficial bacteria gives your pond a helpful boost when starting out in spring. It quickly establishes bacteria colonies in your pond's water that directly aid in breaking down debris and other material. As your pond begins to awaken from it's restful winter slumber, it is good to remember to be patient. Keep in mind that your pond is an ecosystem, and it may be some time before all its components begin to work in harmony with one another. Stay far away from chemicals and let your pond balance itself out. After your pond has naturally worked out all of the kinks, you will be glad you kept it natural. Happy spring water gardening to you.
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