Spring in the South is back. Ponds come alive early in the South, filled with exciting surprises as new aquatic life comes alive. We have always enjoyed Spring with it’s new fragrances and hues of colors. But, when you have a pond there are a host of questions you begin asking. So let’s take a few moments and highlight a few important questions we receive in the South.
Question #1 - When can I begin feeding my fish again?
Without getting technical about fish digestion, 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is the general rule of thumb for feeding fish. LoTemp fish food is a safer option until consistent warmer temperatures arrive. Medicated fish food can be added temporarily into the diet until the fishes immune systems strengthen. If you are in doubt, it would be safer to wait till your fish become extremely active after the 1st of March.
Question #2 – When should I clean out the debris in the pond?
The earlier the better. Leaves and debris begin rotting with warmer water temperatures and can do more than stain your water the color of tea. The question really is, are you nuts enough to clean a pond in January. If you have fish, the best time to clean your pond is when the hose water is about the same temperature of the pond. Fish will stress out less when these temperatures are almost the same. Hiring a passionate Certified Aquascape Contractor for a clean-out will be worth its weight in gold. Not just for the labor saving end, but also for the replacement of light bulbs and the proper handling of fish. You can rest assured if your pond is cleaned by a professional. Visit
http://www.certifiedaquascapecontractor.com/ to one nearest you.
Question #3 – What do I need to have done in the Spring?
A great place to start would be to remove the filter mats and Lava rock/Bioballs and give them a good rinsing. If your mats and lava rock are in need of replacement, now would be the perfect time to do this. Removing any excess debris from the pond system will only help accelerate the jumpstarting of the ecosystem and leave less to be absorbed. Don’t forget to add beneficial bacteria. This will always help climax the system to its fullest potential reducing much of the debris. But don’t pass up the aquatic plants. These plants are natures sure way of reducing excess nutrients, keeping your pond in balance, and bringing friends back to visit your pond.
Southern charm and ponds go hand and hand. From plantation homes to modern suburban neighborhoods, ponds are the lifestyle. But with Spring there are a few things that need closer attention as our ponds awaken. These seemingly cumbersome tasks melt in comparison to the charm of the southern pond. These ponds set in their realistic elements evoke a southern fantasy that is enjoyed year round. With a relaxing change of pace set in a southern landscape, ponds help build life-long relationships to be enjoyed for years to come. From the enjoyment of being surrounded by nature to making memories with family, the southern charm fills our hearts and ponds.
Recently, a couple new pondless owners have asked, "What should I do about the green stringy stuff?"
Secondly, you can treat the water with Pondless Waterfall Algaeblast. This algaeside will kill the algae in the system. This will need to be added on a regular basis for added control.
