Page 321 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

POND MANAGEMENT 319

Removing leaves in the fall
is easier if netting is placed over
the surface of the pond.
other plants or any females
have been driven out of the
pond by overenergetic
males. During the summer,
the increased temperature
of the water and greater
activity levels of the fish result in lower oxygen levels. If not
controlled, plant and algal growth also reduces oxygen levels
in the water. To maintain oxygenation, fountains and other Algal blooms—sudden
water features should be left on overnight, or special flushes of algal growth—
aeration equipment should be installed. can be a problem
in warm weather. Removing
any dying or dead leaves from
Preparing for winter plants around the pond will help
Pond plants begin to die back in the fall, and excess limit algal proliferation.
foliage should be removed. Falling leaves should not be
allowed to accumulate on the surface of the pond, because
they decompose in the water and can harm the fish. Covering
the surface of the pond with netting keeps leaves out of the
water and allows them to be collected easily.
If there are delicate fish in the pond, or any young from
a late spawning, they should be caught and transferred to an
aquarium for the winter to ensure their survival. When the
water temperature falls below 43°F (6°C), the remaining
fish may enter an almost completely motionless state and Blanketweed is a type of Duckweed grows rapidly and
will not require feeding until spring. Below around 39°F filamentous alga, which can will entirely cover the surface of
a pond. It can easily be controlled
trap fish. It should be removed
(4°C), a warmer layer of water will develop in the deepest regularly using a stick. by scooping it off the surface.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE TASKS

DAILY WEEKLY MONTHLY
• Check to see if fish are showing signs • During the growing season, remove faded • Check the nitrate level of the pond water.
of ill health or behaving strangely. flowers of marginals, unless seed is required. It should not rise above 50 mg/l.
• Ensure that the filtration system, if • Top off the water level in the pond if • Remove blanketweed so that it cannot
present, is functioning correctly. the evaporation level is high, using water choke other plants and pond fish.
• Feed the fish, according to their appetite, treated with a dechlorinating product. • Prevent any buildup of algae on bridges or
several times during the day, except in the • Test the oxygen levels in the water, decking, which could make them slippery.
winter (see p.317) or in very hot weather. especially in hot weather. Remove it by scrubbing the surface of the
• Note the water level in the pond; sudden • Check for any signs of plant pests, such wood with a clean brush.
falls indicate a leak in the pond liner. as aphids, removing them from the • Watch for any signs of moss growing on
• Monitor the ammonia and nitrite levels, vegetation where necessary. the surface of paving or stepping stones
especially in a newly established pond. close to and surrounding the pond.
• Rather than stocking the pond to the
maximum capacity at the outset, add
further fish gradually over the spring
and summer months.

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