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Springtime In Your Pond
Now that spring is here, you’re
probably noticing some changes in your pond — your fish are
coming back to life and you may even be able to see some plant
growth. Some changes that are taking place, however, aren’t so
desirable, like that excess algae growth that you’ve been
noticing. Understanding the transition that your pond makes from
winter into spring and summer is essential in maintaining a
healthy pond ecosystem.
You’ve just spent your weekend
cleaning your pond. A couple weeks pass, and you notice an
incredible growth of string algae. “Not again,” you screech to
yourself. “I thought my pond was clean!” Well, my friend,
cleanliness does not necessarily mean algae-free, especially in
the cool water of the early spring.
Algae don’t mind cool water, but
for the rest of your pond’s ecosystem, 55°F is kind of the
magic number. The plants and bacteria don’t jump into action, in
the battle of the green monster, until the water temperature
reaches, and consistently stays, around 50° to 55°F. At this
time they start growing and are then able to use up the excess
nutrients that the algae would otherwise be feasting on. This is
the reason for the feared spring algae bloom.
Plants
While growing, aquatic plants
absorb a lot of the nutrients in the water, and this helps
combat algae growth. Until they are actively growing, they have
no use for the natural fertilizer lurking in the pond. But as
they begin growing, they will naturally out-compete the algae
for the nutrients, the algae will be starved, and the pond water
will become clearer. Another benefit that plants provide,
particularly water lilies, is that they shade the surface of the
water, also cutting down on the growth of the string algae.
Bacteria
Bacteria also need warmer water
to begin growing and colonizing, thus helping clean up the
algae. You can help jump start the process by adding
supplemental bacteria and providing them with a place to colonize.
Since bacteria like lots of nooks and crannies, having rocks
and gravel in your pond will help a lot. If you can’t, or don’t
want to add rocks and gravel to your pond, you’ll have less
bacteria working for you. A biological filter containing a medium
like lava rock with lots of surface area also accomplishes
this, and a combination of both is best. The more surface area,
the more bacteria, which means more competition for algae, and
clearer water.
Fish
Fish are also sensitive to water
temperature, and as it warms up, you will see more activity, and
be tempted to feed them. I know you’ve missed your fish all
winter, I’ve missed mine too, but until the water temperature is
consistently at 55°F, don’t feed them. Their metabolism is
still in slow motion and their bodies cannot digest the food you
may feed them, causing their stomachs to burst, leading to
death. When you do start feeding them, begin with small amounts
of whatever food you normally use.
Patience Please…
Patience is essential. If you’ve
stocked your pond with plenty of plants, and the temperature is just
right, and you’ve started adding supplemental bacteria, your
pond will balance itself out. Resist the urge to add chemicals
to your pond or use UV sterilizers. Eventually Mother Nature
will help you with your pond maintenance.
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