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Establishing A New Pond
Ponds Introduction
Pond Design
New Pond Setup
Filtration
Algae Control
Lighting Your Pond
Water Plants
Pond Fish
Return to Landscape 101
Moving water is essential
for proper oxygenization. Stagnant water in all or isolated areas
of your pond will be cloudy and contain algae.
The pond
should be treated with a water dechlorinator (for city water) and a
heavy metal remover (well water) available at local pond
shops.
After 4-6 hours have
passed after step two, seed the pond with bacteria such as Microbe-lift
to balance the ecosystem in your pond.
Add
water plants to maintain an ecological balance.
Wait one week before
adding fish.
A good filtration system
and properly colonized bacteria will remove ammonia from the pond.
Ammonia is a soluble waste product, excreted principally from the gills
of fish. Ammonia is very toxic to fish, even at relatively low
concentrations. High levels of solid waste resulting from undigested
fish food (overfeeding) and decomposing leaves from trees will cause
several problems. Solid waste uses up oxygen, releases toxic
pollutants into the water, provides nutrients for algae proliferation,
and encourages the proliferation of disease causing organisms. The
buildup of ammonia and nitrite levels from waste occur when bacteria
levels are too low to maintain a balanced pond. This condition is
sometimes referred to as the "New Pond Syndrome."
The pH level of the
pond water should be between 7.0 and 7.8. pH levels in the 8 to 9
range create favorable conditions for algae growth and will irritate the
fish. Newly built ponds constructed using mortar mix will have a
high pH until the mortar cures. This usually takes at least one
year. Using lava rock as a bio-filter medium will also increase
the pH level. If your pond has a high pH level do a 25% water
change. pH reduction chemicals are also sold at local pond stores.
These chemicals may not permanently reduce the pH if the conditions
causing the rise in pH levels are still present.
Ponds Introduction
Pond Design
New Pond Setup
Filtration
Algae Control
Lighting Your Pond
Water Plants
Pond Fish
Return to Landscape 101
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