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SEASONAL POND CARE
Spring
- Remove debris as ice melts
- Clean up dead leaves, etc.
- Clean filters; replace filter material
- Gradually start feeding fish when water temperature is about 55 degrees - morning is best
- Inspect fish - check eyes, fins, etc.
- Add Aquarium Pharmaceutical natural pond bacteria and enzymes or Easy Pro bacteria
- Introduce new fish
- Thin and repot plants - try out some new plants
- Add barley bales or pellets to control algae
- Begin to fertilize plants monthly (esp. water lilies and lotus) fertilizer tablets
- Watch for spring spawning activity
Summer
- Replace water lost through evaporation
- Empty skimmers, clean filters regularly
- Establish feeding routines to inspect fish
- Remove spent flowers and dead leaves
- Run a sprinkler over pond during very hot spells to increase oxygen level in the water
- Divide plants and take cuttings from oxygenators
- Watch for baby fish!
- Provide shade and "hiding holes" to protect fish from predators
- Use barley or Algaefix to control algae
- Physically remove string algae
- Gently clean and turn over rocks, add rock and gravel
Autumn
- Feed fish less as temperatures decrease
- Feed mostly during the morning hours of bright and sunny days
- Net the pond to keep leaves out and prevent herons from fattening up for winter!
- Remove tender species of fish and plants
- Develop a winter/spring plan
- Add shelter to get algae covering to protect in the winter
- Remove spitters, fountains and fragile decorations
Winter
- Cease feeding as temperature of water goes down below 60 degrees
- Provide shelters in deepest part of pond
- Devise winterizing plan
- Add de-icers, heaters and floats (every pond's needs are unique)
- Keep an area clear of ice!
- Do not stir up fish - energy reserves are lost
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