Basic Pond Care Tips
Achieving a balanced ecosystem is the key to a successful water feature. These are recommended tips on achieving and maintaining that ecosystem. These instructions apply to ponds only, not pond-less waterfalls.
These tips focus on preventative maintenance. Please speak directly with a Meyer’s professional for treatments to any problems you may have.
Step 1 – The Pond
We recommend Aquascape/Nursery Pro Professional Pond Kits Installed by Meyer Landscape & Design, Inc. In addition to the pond kit, rocks and water your pond should have the following items.
Plants: We recommend at least 1 bunch (6 stems) of submerged oxygenators that for every 2 square feet of pond surface. We recommend 1 hardy marginal water plant for every 5 square feet of pond surface. And for every 15 square feet of pond surface we recommend 1 hardy water lily. Plants should be planted in special water baskets with water plant soil. Water plants and planting materials are available at Meyer Landscape & Design, Inc.
Fish: We recommend no more than 2 inches of fish for every 2 square feet on pond surface. Remember fish will grow and they will multiply. Starting with 50% of the maximum inches of fish recommended is ideal. You may also stock your pond with 1 Japanese Trap Door Snail for every 2 square feet of surface area. We carry a nice selection of Goldfish, Koi and Snails at our Garden Center.
Step 2 – Water Treatments
We recommend Eco Systems and Nursery Pro Products sold at Meyer Landscape & Design, Inc. With proper preventative treatments you will maintain better water clarity and a healthier ecosystem. The frequency and dosage of these treatments are dictated by temperature. You will have to make minor adjustments to these recommendations based on the weather.
Bacteria (Aqua Clearer Extreme): The normal perception of “bacteria” is bad, like a disease or an infection, however some bacteria in your pond is necessary to maintain a balanced ecosystem. These good bacteria in your pond feed on the algae that turns your water green. Adding these bacteria to your pond regularly helps promote clearer water. Eco System’s Aqua Clearer Extreme Bacteria is safe for fish and plants. As soon as your pond is cleaned and started in the spring you start adding this product 3 to 4 times a week until your water plants have emerged and have grown to at least 1/3 of their mature size. Then treat your pond weekly with this product. A general rule is, if the temperature is cooler use this product more often. It is not possible to “over-treat” with this product. This product is available at Meyer Landscape & Design, Inc. and comes is sold in dry or liquid form.
S.A.B. (SAB Extreem): This product is used for prevention of string algae. It will not completely eliminate string algae but it will definitely reduce the amount that will grow in your pond. Follow the manufacture’s recommended usage for this product but if you have a lot of moving water in streams or water falls you may want to increase the recommended dosages.
Step 3 – Routine Maintenance
General “do’s and don’ts” regarding pond maintenance. Based on your ponds specific needs you may need to modify these recommendations.
Skimmer Box: This is the box that houses the pump. The Skimmer box skims floating debris from the surface of the water. This debris is caught in the net or basket. This needs to be emptied periodically, usually once a week. The time of year and the amount of debris will dictate how often you will need to clean it. Under the net or basket there is a foam filter just above your pump. This filter should be taken out and cleaned about once a month. The time of year and debris will dictate how often to clean it.
Bio Falls: This is the unit that creates your waterfall. Inside this unit are several foam filters and a mesh bag full of lava rock. No cleaning is recommended during the year. Only during fall shut down should these items be removed and cleaned. Beneficial bacteria grow in these units & cleaning these will only kill the bacteria and make your ecosystem unstable.
Debris: It is good practice remove any debris from your pond. This can be done easily with a fish & debris net. It may be necessary at times to remove debris by hand. You should cover your pond with a net during the fall months.
Algae: There are many different types of algae. Most can be controlled with preventative maintenance. Fish and snails help keep the surface of the rocks clean and bacteria will help keep the water clear, but a certain amount of algae is to be expected. It is a natural part of the ecosystem.
Water: Do to normal evaporation it will be necessary to add water to your pond. This may need to be done every 5 to 10 days depending on your pond. Meyer’s does offer an auto fill valve that will fill your pond automatically as needed. This is highly recommended.
Step 4 – Pond Care Products
Meyer Landscape & Design, Inc. carries a full line of professional pond care products. We also offer installation, spring-cleaning, winter shutdown, and routine maintenance of ponds. Please speak to a Meyer associate about our services and pricing.