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Spring Start-up Steps for Ponds
With the onset of spring weather now is the time to get outside and begin to prepare your water garden for another successful season. Your pond has been dormant all winter and needs a little care to make it beautiful again. The following steps may be helpful to you in getting your water garden into shape.
1. Walk around and inspect your pond, make any repairs as needed.
2. Remove dead leaves and debris that have accumulated in the bottom of the pond. A 15% to 25% water change over a few days to eliminate the dissolved organics built up over winter is beneficial.
3. Start up water changes per above (or any water changes), need to be treated with a water conditioner such as Stress Coat or Aqua Safe to remove harmful chlorine or chloramines from the tap water.
4. Clean out and start up the filtration system. Beneficial bacteria can be added to keep the pond naturally balanced.
5. Ammonia and nitrite are the major causes of fish loss in ponds. Pond test kits offer a quick and accurate way to evaluate pond water quality and stop problems before they occur.
6. Check fish for infections, torn fins, ulcers and open wounds that may develop after a rough winter.
7. Your fish may start looking for food as the temperatures warm up. Feed with a low protein, high-carbohydrate, vitamin-enriched diet when water temperatures are about 45° F to 70° F. Pond salt may also be beneficial to provide your fish with essential electrolytes. Pond water can be tested with a salt level test kit.
8. Pond plants should be divided and repotted. Plant food tablets should be added to pots to provide the essential nutrients. Liquid food or tablets can be added when floating plants such as water hyacinths and water lettuce are added to the pond.
A build-up of sludge and dissolved organics reduces the oxygen level and creates a breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria. Keep your water clean and clear!
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Hoerr Nursery | 8020 N Shade Tree Drive | Peoria, IL 61615
Just North of the Shoppes on Route 91 | 309.691.4561 | Contact Us
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