Pond Maintenance Spring
As soon as the water temperature in your pond approaches 42 F (6 C) it is time for Spring maintenance on your
pond. Spring pond maintenance requires inspection of your equipment including your pump, tubing and water lines,
fountain sprays, filters, pond liner or preformed pond and any other equipment that may form the basic infrastructure
of your pond. This is what to look for:
Pumps - If you have a submersible pump with replaceable
rotor (what we recommend at PlanetRena) then inspect the rotor/impeller area for damage. This includes shafts,
magnet and impeller blades. If the shaft is bent or broken, impeller blades missing or damaged, rotor magnet pitted
or scored then replace the whole assembly. Your pump will operate more efficiently and quietly with a rotor
impeller replacement. Also inspect and clean the rotor well, rotor cover, and the outside of the pump. Use
a stiff bottle brush or old toothbrush to reach inside the rotor well. You can also use nylon scrub pads to clean
the outside surfaces of the pump. This will remove slime and algae without harming the surfaces. If you have heavy
calcium deposits just use a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water on a pad to remove these deposits. For very
heavy deposits soak the whole pump in this mixture overnight and then scrub with a nylon or other synthetic scrub
pad.
Filters - If you have a submersible pond filter inspect for damage to the case and tubing. Replace the filter
or tubing as needed. Replace the filter pad or pads if needed. External pond filters require similar maintenance
but may also require repair or replacement of the plumbing tubes inside the filter. If the unit has biological
media such as bio-balls or similar these can be rinsed if they are clogged with organic matter.
PlanetRena recommends PondCare cut-to-fit
replacement filters both regular and carbon for mechanical filtration along with Ammo Rocks Biological Filter
media as replacements for the media that came with your filter. To restart the biological action of your filter
quickly we recommend PondCare BIOFILTER BOOSTER.
Pond Liners and other containers - Some folks recommend a 15-20% water change in the Spring. The need for
this varies greatly depending on the climate. It can't hurt and one benefit of this water change is that the lower
water level reveals the top foot of your liner making for easier inspection. We don't recommend draining and scrubbing
the liner unless you have a significant build-up of organic material in the bottom. You can delay this major cleaning
by using PondZyme
Plus heavy-duty pond cleaner. This product actually breaks down solid waste into small particles that can
be removed from the pond by filtration or water changes and significantly reduces organic waste buildup in the
bottom of your pond. This liquid also makes a great plant fertilizer!
Plants - Water plants are no different than other plants. You should remove dead matter and cut back those
plants that have grown too large. We do recommend leaving enough plants to cover 2/3 of the surface to reduce
the chance of algae blooms. Water lilies should be divided about every 3 years. A good sign they need dividing
is when the leaves become full and more abundant and the flower is diminished.
Fish - If your fish have remained in the pond over the winter now is the time to net a few and make sure they
are not carrying any diseases or parasites that will jeopardize the entire pond's population. You will also need
to remove excess fish that will upset the eco-system of the pond. A general rule of thumb is to have no more
than 3-4 inches of fish for every square foot of pond surface. In the Spring fish require a different diet. Feed
them a diet high in carbohydrates and lower in protein during this time. When the pond water is cooler (42 -
72 (21 ) , feeding a higher protein diet will result in poor water quality since the fish convert this excess
protein into ammonia and excrete it into the pond.
PlanetRena Recommend the PondCare Spring and Autumn Pond
Foods when the water temperature is between (42 - 72 (21 ). If your fish do have damage from over wintering
such as ulcers, open wounds, tail and fin rot we recommend the natural , patented remedy MELAFIX for rapid healing
of wound without harming pond plants or the biological filter.
Water Quality - Spring algae control presents the most challenges to pond keepers when the eco-system is out
balance due to excess fish and not enough plant life. Planet Rena recommends the proven and tested one-two punch
of Arteich Pond Colorant,
a harmless blue dye that turns the water a beautiful
blue color that masks any algae bloom and then fades as water changes are made in the Spring. This will give your plants a chance to mature providing more shade and absorbing nutrients from the water which will reduce the growth of algae. Secondly, we believe in PondCare
ALGAEFIX . This EPA registered product is the first selective algae control product for home use. It will
control single-cell (green water) algae, blanketweed and string algae, without harming your live plants.
Water Testing - PlanetRena believes in regular water testing of your pond. The Spring is a good time to test
for Ammonia which is colorless and odorless but highly toxic to fish. Testing
pH is also important for both your plants and fish. Water that is too acidic or too alkaline is harmful to
both fish and plants. The final test we recommend in the Spring is Phosphate. Too much phosphate promotes algae
growth which is difficult to control in the Spring.
Following these basic guidelines will make your Spring maintenance less of a chore leaving more time to enjoy your pond. If you have further questions about this subject or any other covered at PlanetRena, email us using our handy
contact us form.
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