Spring Pond Clean-Out

Winter is almost over and spring is in the air, which means if you have not or even have been running your pond through-out the winter it is time for a little maintenance in the form a clean-out. A spring clean out is the first-step in establish a healthy pond for the summer months ahead!!!

Below is a list questions with answers that will help you on your way to a successful clean-out!

  • How do I know if I need to clean my pond in the spring?
  • There are a couple things to help you look for to determine if you pond needs an all-out cleaning, or if it just needs to be tidied up a bit. First, if there is a layer of "crud" at the bottom and the water is dark (comparable to a rich tea) then it is probably a good idea to go ahead with a full pond clean-out. If the water is clear and there is just a small amount of debris you might be able to just jump right in stir things up and collect the debris with a small net.
  • How do I perform a full pond clean-out?
  • The first step is to place a sub-pump or some sort of siphon in the deepest part of the pond to remove the pond water. Make sure you do not flood your yard by adjusting the hose from one place to another to allow for the water to percolate into the soil.
  • While the water is draining set up a power washer to clean the "crud" off the rocks and the filters and media (BioBalls or lava rock)in your bio-falls and depending on your product the filter in your skimmer box as well.
  • NOTE: This maybe the only time that you will clean you BioFalls filter! It is safe to do this because the healthy bacteria from the previous summer has died in the extreme cold of winter. Cleaning the filters during the summer is rarely done for you clean away the bacteria that balances your pond and makes it HEALTHY!
  • After the power washer is set up fill a tub of water, as a temporary home to your fish, at a similar temperature as the pond water to keep them as safe and secure as possible.
  • Once the water has reached a workable level begin to power wash the rocks, filters, media etc. Continue to pump the dirty water out of the pond as you go.
  • Once satisfied with your hard work. Pull the sub pump or siphon out of the pond and begin the refilling process with clean water. If you are using water with a high ammonia/chlorine level do not forget to add Aquascapes Eco-starter which detoxifies ammonia/chlorine but also adds a protective slime coat for your fish and helps them with their stress.
  • When can I start feeding my fish because they look and act hungry?
  • Don´t begin feeding your fish until the water level is consistently above 55 degrees because the metabolism can´t break down the food yet at the level. Also it is a good idea to start them off with Aquascapes Kio Balance Lo Temp food until late spring when you can which back to your regular Aquascapes fish food.
  • Is the spring the best time to divide my water lilies?
  • Absolutely! By the third or fourth year, you´ll notice the lily´s leaves are a little smaller and it may have fewer blooms, and it´s harder to feed them with EcoTabs plant fertilizer because the pot is too crowded. Spring is the best time to divide water lilies when the plants are coming out of dormancy and are just beginning to grow, or when you see the first small leaves reaching the surface. Use Aquascape´s Planting Baskets for your newly divided lilies. For step-by-step instructions on dividing aquatic plants, refer to The Hobbyist´s Guide to Pond Plants or stay tuned for another blog entry later in the summer!!