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Fall Tips for your Pond
Fall is coming - manageable numbers of leaves can be removed
using pond rakes and skimmer nets. This not only alleviates the
demand placed on the skimmer filter, but manual removal of the
leaves also prevents the skimmer filter from getting clogged and
maintains proper water movement vital for the health of the
pond.
Cover Your Pond with Nets
Many pond owners quickly realize that removing leaves can become
a tedious and seemingly unending task, especially if there are
several large trees on the property. The best way to maximize
leaf-removing efforts is to prevent leaves from falling into the
pond in the first place. Pond netting, draped over the entire
pond, provides a protective screen that keeps the majority of
leaf litter and debris out of the pond. Simply unfasten the pond
netting and remove fallen leaves in bulk. Repeat this process
until all the leaves have dropped from the trees and the area
around the pond is raked free of leaves.
Clean Out Decomposing Leaves
Once the immediate threat of falling leaves has passed, remove
the few remaining leaves that may have slipped through the pond
netting using a pond rake or net. Perform a small water change
and use fresh chemical filter media, such as activated carbon,
to remove odors and discoloration. A pond vacuum is excellent
for removing smaller organic debris that may have settled
between rocks. Also, condition the pond with bacterial additives
specifically formulated to work in cooler water temperatures.
The beneficial bacteria will help process organic materials more
efficiently and eliminate unpleasant odors.
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