Nature’s prescription for maintaining a balanced ecosystem pond is really quite simple! Many pond problems are symptoms of imbalances. Here are 10 methods that can help keep your pond in balance, in case it needs a little boost. We like to refer to these as complements to Mother Nature.
1. Aquascape EcoBlast™
EcoBlast™ Granular Algaecide is the fastest way to eliminate algae from waterfalls, streams, and fountains. Simply sprinkle EcoBlast™ onto the algae and watch it disappear! EcoBlast™ works best when the product is applied directly to the algae. It’s fast-acting, safe for fish, and can be used at any water temperature.
2. Aquascape Beneficial Bacteria
Beneficial Bacteria contains bacteria and enzymes that are specifically blended to be effective at reducing sludge, uneaten fish food, fish waste, dead and decaying plant material, and excess nutrients that cause poor water quality and clarity. Blended and tested to produce maximum results in ornamental ponds.
3. Aquascape S.A.B.™
This is formulated to help reduce pond maintenance and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and enzymes, and includes a powerful phosphate binder. S.A.B.™ will assist in the breakdown and reduction of debris in the stream, waterfalls, and pond.
4. Plants
Since plants directly compete with algae for nutrients and sunlight, they are probably the most important addition to your pond. Add a wide variety of plants to your pond. This not only creates a natural look, but also will help reduce the algae in different areas of your pond.
Place your floating plants, such as water lettuce, in you BioFalls® Filter. These floating plants reproduce rapidly, using up enormous amounts of nutrients. A stick placed across the front of the BioFalls® Filter will prevent the plants from flowing over the front of the waterfalls and into the pond.
Plenty of bog and marginal plants should be added to the pond. Plants such as cattails and iris take up large quantities of nutrients. They are hardy and will be back each spring to help keep your pond balanced.
Cover the water surface of the pond by planting waterlilies. Lily pads float on the top of the pond, shading the water.
5. Algea Removal
Physically remove clumps of string algae if it begins to overtake the pond. Pull or cut away the algae where it is attached. Think of it as “weeding the pond.”
6. Koi
Adding koi over 10 inches in length will greatly reduce string algae. The koi, if not overfed, will graze on the string algae in the pond. Only feed the fish what they can consume within a few minutes. Fish food that is not eaten by fish will decompose in the pond and increase nutrient levels.
7. Fix Leaks
Tap water can have an abundance of nutrients in it. Continually adding large quantities of tap water to compensate for a leak can actually promote algae growth. Fix leaks when they are discovered.
8. Control Run-Off
Never use lawn fertilizer or insecticides on trees around your pond or on areas of your property that will drain toward your pond. Lawn fertilizer and insecticides will cause large algae blooms, as well as severely threaten the aquatic life inside your pond.
9. Remove Debris
Keep your pond free of debris. Don’t let the skimmer debris net overfill with leaves. Decaying debris in the skimmer will contribute to unwanted nutrients.
10. Have Patience
It takes time for the bacteria to establish itself and colonize to the point of being a benefit to your pond. In general, a new pond can take anywhere from two to six weeks for the bacteria population to reach this point.
Article reproduced courtesy of Aquascape Inc. from www.aquascapeinc.com
