It is an inevitable and unenviable task associated with pond ownership...
pond cleaning.
As unenjoyable as it is, cleaning your pond is a very necessary chore and should be taken seriously.
The old fish keeper's adage "The Solution to Pollution is indeed Dilution" is no more true than when water changes are concerned.
Water changes are employed to help remove pollutants and toxins from pond water, while replacing them with fresh, clean water.
Ponds whose water is not properly filtered or left unchanged for a long time will experience a build up on ammonia, nitrites and other toxins that can compromise fish health and even lead to algae blooms.
A water change does not mean changing the entire volume of water, but rather just a small percent to help balance out the good and bad water.
Another aspect of cleaning a pond is the manual removal of debris.
Debris in the forms of grass clippings, leaves and twigs are commonly found in ponds.
When they break down they produce nutrients for algae blooms and toxins in water.
In many cases a filter or pond skimmer can remove these, but sometimes it is appropriate to use a pond net or pond vac to physically remove these potential health threats to ensure a clean pond.
Also, in the fall and winter, the addition of a net covering can work wonders in preventing leaves and twigs from making their way into your pond, thus alleviating the labor of physical removal.
After doing any necessary water changes and debris removal, many pond owners find it advantageous to scrub or power wash any rock or stone features in the pond.
Many times the cracks and crevices in rocks can hold fish waste or other organic matter that can become problematic.
There products on the market that can naturally lift of the debris and scum from rocks are they can simply be removed and brushed clean.
Both are good ways to clean them.
Finally, as a last part of cleaning your pond, you should make sure your pumps and filters are free and clear of material that could cause problems.
Strainer baskets should be emptied and filter media can be rinsed off (only rinsed...
do not use any cleaners).
This will help keep the integrity of your equipment and keep it operating properly.
These chores are not things that need doing all of the time.
In most cases a couple of times a year would be fine, except for water changes that may be needed more often.
pond cleaning.
As unenjoyable as it is, cleaning your pond is a very necessary chore and should be taken seriously.
The old fish keeper's adage "The Solution to Pollution is indeed Dilution" is no more true than when water changes are concerned.
Water changes are employed to help remove pollutants and toxins from pond water, while replacing them with fresh, clean water.
Ponds whose water is not properly filtered or left unchanged for a long time will experience a build up on ammonia, nitrites and other toxins that can compromise fish health and even lead to algae blooms.
A water change does not mean changing the entire volume of water, but rather just a small percent to help balance out the good and bad water.
Another aspect of cleaning a pond is the manual removal of debris.
Debris in the forms of grass clippings, leaves and twigs are commonly found in ponds.
When they break down they produce nutrients for algae blooms and toxins in water.
In many cases a filter or pond skimmer can remove these, but sometimes it is appropriate to use a pond net or pond vac to physically remove these potential health threats to ensure a clean pond.
Also, in the fall and winter, the addition of a net covering can work wonders in preventing leaves and twigs from making their way into your pond, thus alleviating the labor of physical removal.
After doing any necessary water changes and debris removal, many pond owners find it advantageous to scrub or power wash any rock or stone features in the pond.
Many times the cracks and crevices in rocks can hold fish waste or other organic matter that can become problematic.
There products on the market that can naturally lift of the debris and scum from rocks are they can simply be removed and brushed clean.
Both are good ways to clean them.
Finally, as a last part of cleaning your pond, you should make sure your pumps and filters are free and clear of material that could cause problems.
Strainer baskets should be emptied and filter media can be rinsed off (only rinsed...
do not use any cleaners).
This will help keep the integrity of your equipment and keep it operating properly.
These chores are not things that need doing all of the time.
In most cases a couple of times a year would be fine, except for water changes that may be needed more often.
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