Pond Maintenance

Miscellaneous Biological Pond Maintenance:
How it Works and Related Facts

The water flowing through the gravel filter and over the rocks and pond gravel is purified by the bacteria acting on particles of debris and wastes. The by-products from the bacteria action are then used by the plants as fertilizer. Since in the wild, there is nutrient rich muck on the bottom, we supplement with fertilizer tabs as necessary for the pond plants. The plants shade the water to lower temperatures and take out nutrients. Both of these factors inhibit algae growth. The fish also help by eating the algae off the rocks and gravel, helping the plants and making things look nicer. The waterfall aerates the water for the benefit of all life in the pond. Some algae is a sign of a healthy pond, especially the kind that grows on the rocks. Cloudy water from algae is a bad sign that the system is out of balance. This often occurs if there is no flowing water and/or no biological filter; a stagnant pond. Cloudy water can occur in a good pond. This problem is usually self-fixing by adding more bacteria. In a new pond, there is nothing yet for the bacteria to eat. If the water becomes cloudy because of one-celled algae at this time, it may take a while to go away. In some cases the cycle may take up to 6 weeks before the bacteria colonizes and the algae dies. This is part of establishing a new pond; just be patient, and you will have a nice pond in the end. The water may become tinted from the rocks, soil, leaves, etc. after a time. This is okay as long as the water is clear. You should be able to easily see your fish! Bacteria are inactive below 50°F. For this reason, string algae--a normally good algae that fish like to eat--can take over for up to two weeks or more in the early spring. Fish, adding bacteria, and waiting for warmer days are the best cure. String algae may persist in the stream where the fish can't go. You may wish to manually remove any large pieces. Small pieces can be brushed off with a brush and the fish will happily eat them! There are some biological treatments and additives which can speed up the string algae cycle; these are sometimes effective. WARNING: Most commercial algae killers will kill all your bacteria too, so DO NOT USE THESE IN A BIOLOGICAL POND. We do carry a biological algae killer which seems to work quite well. (one of our bestsellers!)
For additional information, please stop by our nursery and we will be happy to talk to you!

For seasonal pond maintenance, please see this page.