When it comes to maintaining a pond habitat, it is important to keep in mind just how crucial good quality water is when it comes to keeping your fish and flora happy and healthy. While some might think that clear water means good water, that simply is not the case. Thankfully, there are some lake and pond management tips that you should know to keep your pond perfect for flora and fauna alike.
Maintain a Healthy Fish Population – Too many fish in your pond can cause over-population. An excessive number of fish means an excessive amount of fish waste, which can cause an imbalance in your pond water. If you notice more than 10” of fish for every 100 gallons of water, it is time to consider rehoming the excess.
Don’t Over-Feed Your Fish – If you put more food in your pond than your fish can eat it can end up rotting and decaying. Choose a quality fish food—one that floats—and then feed your fish once per day. You should never feed them more than they can eat in 2 to 3 minutes.
Create a Proper Balance of Plants – At the season’s peak, you should have between 40% and 60% of the surface area of your pond covered or shaded by plants.
Choose the Right Size Pump for Your Pond – You should be circulating the entire water volume a minimum of once every hour for a healthy pond.
Clean Debris from Your Pond Before It Can Decay – A pond skimmer is likely to remove most of the debris from the surface of your pond, but it won’t be able to get everything. That is why it is essential for you to remove any fish waste, leftover fish food, sticks, and leaves that the skimmer misses avoiding an increase in ammonia levels.
Choose Proper Filtration for Your Pond – Just as important as your pond pump, your pond filter should match the size of your space. It is always a good idea to up-size your filter to handle more than the capacity of your pond. Also, remember to clean your filter regularly, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Keep Your Pond Cool During Hot Summer Days – When the temperature starts to climb outside, it can warm up your pond. When the water in your pond exceeds 75 degrees, it begins to have a difficult time retaining acceptable levels of dissolved oxygen—which is critical for fish health. With the proper pond shading, you can help keep your pond water cool so your fish can breathe as usual, even during extreme heat.
Taking care of a pond or water garden is a lot of work if you are trying to do it on your own. However, there are options that will handle all of the work for you, including our location in Tallahassee, FL. With the proper pond management and pond maintenance, you can enjoy a beautiful exterior design element that will keep your space looking it’s very best.