Seasonal Northern Pond Care by Jeff Salmon
Spring
Transplant Hardy Water lilies to larger pots, place in shallow water to encourage growth, use 2 Arbordale Super Aquatic PondTabbs. Hardy marginal plants, water iris, marsh marigold will be among the first to use any excess nutrients in the water. Clean pond, vac debris from bottom, do 30% water change. Divide marginal plants, try planting companion plants in large pots. Start pump and filter as soon as ice has left pond. (The circulation will warm water) Begin feeding fish once or twice weekly with a immune stimulation food when water is consistently above 50F (only what can be consumed in 5 minutes) Add Pond Salt and install fresh barley pillow to prevent string algae. If bottom can't be vacuumed clear add Sludge Digester Enzymes. Test water weeklyi.Introduce oxygenating plants when water temp is above 50F. Toss in hornwort, all others including elodia, cabomba, rotella, wisteria should be potted. Seed pond and filter with nitrifying bacteria like UltraClear BPC when temp hits 55F. As water warms gradually lower hardy lilies to 18". After last frost duckweed and azolla can be added. After water temp is above 60F add water hyacinth, water lettuce, parrots feather. Add barley bale if haven't done so yet. Water changes of 20% or less every few weeks maintain water quality. When adding new fish try to keep population at or below 1" per 20 gal on water. Add UltraClear Biological Clarifier weekly to maintain filter health. When cleaning sponge filters use pond water as tap water will kill the beneficial bacteria. If organic litter has accumulated on bottom add sludge digesting enzymes. Addition of Pond Colorant may considered to help prevent algae and enhance water reflection as filter starts up. Test water weekly
Summer
Introduce oxygenating plants when water temp is above 50F. Toss in hornwort, all others including elodia, cabomba, rotella, wisteria should be potted. Lotus are ready for the pond in shallow warm water. Increase feeding as fish become more active.If fish are rooting in pots try covering with more pebbles. If pond water hasn't cleared yet add more submerged plants and water hyacinths. Once water temperature is 70F fertilize water lilies biweekly. When water temp is consistently 68-70F add tropical lilies. Snails can scavenge and help clean your pond add up to 1 per every 3 sq. ft. A UV sterilizer can clear your water overnight and kill parasites - investigate this option. Add UltraClear Biological Clarifier weekly to maintain filter health. Feed fish 2 - 3 times daily for maximum growth and color. Make sure fish have shady area, 2/3 coverage of pond surface is best. Some pruning is now necessary, remove decaying leaves and spent blooms. Check for leaves and debris falling into pond and add Sludge digesting enzymes if organic matter is collecting on bottom. Addition of Pond Colorant may considered to help algae control and enhance water reflection. Check filter for clogging, rinse out with pond water. Aeration may be enhanced by adding a fountain or waterfall. If adding more than 10% chlorinated water use must use a dechlorinator. If plants are taking over surface, thin out to avoid oxygen depletion. If you are having a problem with water clarity now you probably need more plants. To keep oxygen levels up if your fish population is high run a air pump at night. Check filter for clogging, rinse in a pail of pond water. If organic litter is collecting on bottom use Arbordale All-in One or Sludge Digester.
Fall
When water temp is 50-55 reduce fish feeding. Feed with immune stimulating food the rest of the year. Always net off uneaten food. Tropical Lilies are still putting on a spectacular show, remember to remove spent flowers. Cover pond with pond netting to catch falling leaves. Just prior to the first frost discard water hyacinths, water lettuce, cat's tongue. When hardy lily leaves become scarce, lower to 3 foot level. Most hardy plants require a period of dormancy, if storing indoors, store below 50F, keep moist and dark. Hardy marginal plants should be planted at ground level for the winter in a damp area and mulched for protection. Check filter for clogging , rinse in a pail of pond water. To prevent spring problems remove all fallen leaves and clean bottom debris. Visit Arbordale for our Pond Winterization clinics. Set pond deicer or aerator or raise pump to within 6" of surface to maintain a hole in the ice for gas escape. Add Sludge Digesting enzymes to prevent bacterial infections. Clean and vacuum debris from bottom of pond. UV Sterilizers and external pond filters should be moved indoors for winter. Shallow ponds which are not kept running should have pump removed and stored in a pail of water. Stop feeding fish when water drops below 45F. Add Pond Salt. Remove all plants from ponds that will freeze completely over. Periodically check plants stored in cold room to ensure they stay moist. Visit our complete winterization page. Test water bi-weekly
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