Mary Allen
The first warm rays of sunshine have already produced crocuses and snowdrops and now pond maintenance begins in spring. You can find out here how to free your pond from winter rigor and make it fit for spring.
Get out of Hibernation
Pond owners can hardly wait to whip their own garden pond into shape after the long winter break so that they can enjoy their own garden oasis again. But before the pond shines again in its old splendor, pond maintenance is due in spring and some precautions must be taken and important points must be observed.
The most important thing is not to get the pond up and running again too early. Because at the low water temperatures, the animals weakened over the winter months are still very sensitive to disturbances. You should not switch on pond pumps and streams at temperatures between the freezing point and + 10 ° C. The movement of the water would mix the different temperature layers and the already very cold pond water would cool down even further.
In addition, the pond dwellers cannot use well-intentioned food properly at low temperatures. Especially at the beginning of each year, you should first resort to easily digestible food. Your fish’s metabolism slowed down during the cold months. The digestive system has to slowly get going again and adapt to the new circumstances. But even easily digestible food, such as wheat germ feed, should only be fed very sparingly at temperatures below 10 ° C, if at all. Special types of fish food that are especially suitable for feeding at low temperatures make it easier for you to feed your fish after the winter break.
The Magic Limit: + 10 ° C
After the wintertime, not only does the question of how to properly feed your fish arises, but the pond itself also has to be awakened from hibernation. As long as a closed ice sheet covers the pond, you should let the pond rest. Chopping up the ice would disturb the wintering organisms. Only when the temperatures permanently climb above 10 ° C is it finally time to take care.
After a long period of frost and ice, you must first check the pond border. Ice expands and can therefore damage the pond edge. You also need to check the pond pump and pond filter. We recommend that you clean both devices thoroughly after the long break and replace any damaged filter material in the pond filter. If you have integrated a UVC device into your filter system, then you should definitely replace the UVC lamp in order to achieve full functionality. Also, check all other pond technology components for proper functionality.
Sludge Removal is Half the Battle
The most important point in pond maintenance in spring is the removal of sludge. Over the winter, sludge and pond sludge have formed on the pond floor due to autumn leaves and dead plant remains. If these are removed with the help of a mud vacuum, then this is already half the battle to effectively counteract future annoying algae plagues. By vacuuming, you remove an oversupply of nutrients in the water that would promote the growth of unsightly algae when the temperature rises. In order to also deprive the unloved green pests of the food base, now is the ideal time to start new plantings. Because all underwater or swimming plants consume nutrients that are then no longer available to the algae. But you should also skim off leaves that float on the surface with the help of a net.
Once the temperatures have cracked the 10 ° C mark, you can also start your filter with special bacteria. A check of the water values at this point ensures in good time whether the water quality is OK or whether some values should be optimized with appropriate water care products. The biological water purification and pond sludge removal, combined with phosphate nutrient binders and high-performance water conditioners, form the basis for the pure enjoyment of crystal clear water all year round. Raising the carbonate hardness prevents dangerous pH fluctuations and helps to ensure stable water quality all year round. So you always have a clear view of your garden pond.
Pond Maintenance in Spring – the First Days Before Summer
As soon as the sun has finally prevailed and the winter takes over with permanent temperatures of + 15 ° C to + 20 ° C, you should carry out regular water tests. Make a note of the values so that you can refer to them later. This will help you to understand in retrospect which measures could possibly have led to the fluctuations. If you have fish in your pond, now is exactly the right time to take preventative measures against fish diseases. There are numerous water additives that effectively protect your fish from diseases such as fungal attacks.
After all the plants and animals in the pond have been taken care of, you can also use the water features that you mothballed over the winter months. These include fountains, pond misters, water lighting, and Co. Now nothing stands in the way of relaxing hours at the freshly renovated garden pond in the first warm rays of sunshine.