|
The solution to a clean, healthy and successful pond is no
secret; it is simply a case of regular maintenance. In order to maintain
your pond successfully you should perform the following chores as
regularly as possible but do pay attention to the seasonal requirements
as well.
Daily
-
Check
that the water level is normal.
-
Inspect
your fish each day and pay particular attention to any fish that are
behaving oddly (not swimming with the rest or not feeding etc) as
they may well be suffering from an illness.
-
You
should feed your fish only enough food that it is all eaten within
five minutes and only feed your fish when the temperature is above
10 Degrees Celsius.
-
Ensure
that you are using the correct food for the time of year.
Weekly
-
Test
the water for PH, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate levels.
-
Clean
your filter (using pond water not tap water).
-
Remove
any leaves, blanket weed or debris from the pond.
-
Clear
any debris from the pumps.
Monthly
-
Give
your pond a small water change of around 10 to 20% and make sure
that you add a dechlorinating liquid.
-
Check
all pipe work for leaks.
-
Check
that all electrical components are operating correctly.
Spring
-
Replace
any worn out media within your filter.
-
Submerged
filter pumps should be lowered to the deepest part of the pond.
-
Ensure that you replace the light bulb in
your UVC if one is fitted.
Summer
Autumn
-
Raise
submerged filter pumps to a depth of around 18” (450mm) as this
avoids circulating chilled water during the winter months.
-
Pay
particular attention to the removal from the pond of fallen leaves.
-
Place
a pond cover net over the pond to stop more leaves falling in.
Winter
-
Make
sure that the pond cannot completely ice over (you can add a small
pond heater). If the pond does ice over the gases produced by
decaying matter within the pond cannot escape and could kill your
fish.
-
Leave
your filtration system running all year round.
-
There
should be little need to clean filters during the colder months.
|
