The Pond Digger
01-17-2006, 04:33 PM
Basic Ecosystem Pond Care
Beneficial Bacteria-New Pond: Add bacteria once a day for fourteen (14) days. (Dosage in accordance with product instructions)
Thereafter: Add bacteria once a week in spring, summer and fall. Add bacteria twice a week in the winter. (Dosage in accordance with product instructions)
Aquatic Plants-
Fertilize marginal plants one (1) tablet every three (3) months through the spring and summer. (Follow manufacturer’s instructions)
Fertilize lilies two (2) tablets every three (3) months through the spring and summer. (Follow manufacturer’s instructions)
Remove dead leaves and flowers as needed.
Separate and/or thin out once to twice yearly as required.
Green Water-
Ponds may experience a “Green Water” period during the change in the seasons. This happens as the plants, fish, and good bacteria fight to establish their dominance in the ecosystem. It will usually correct itself and disappear on its own within a few weeks.
Algae “On the Rocks”-
This is natural and will always happen. It may be green, brownish, or black. Don’t panic! This is normal.
String Algae-During changing seasons, string algae may occur. It can be hand harvested and should be treated with String Algae Buster (SAB). It is usually good to have some String Algae Buster (SAB) on hand. Don’t over-use. Can be used one (1) time per month for preventative maintenance. Use SAB or Pond Balance within ten (10) days of your spring clean out for preventative maintenance.
Biofalls Filters-
Clean waterfall filters twice a year:
a. Shut off pump
b. Remove all plants from Bio-Falls.
c. Vigorously rinse the bio-media bags in the Bio-Falls, and then set aside on a clear area. (Do not use city water as chlorine will kill the beneficial bacteria)
d. Do the same with filter pads. Clean as well as possible, however, do not use city water, as chlorine will kill the beneficial bacteria.
e. Siphon or bail out the dirty water in the Bio-Falls. Wipe down with a moist towel.
f. Replace the previously cleaned waterfall filters and biological-media bags. Replace the plants.
g. Turn on pump.
h. You’re done.
Skimmer Filter-
a. Service strainer net or basket once a week or as needed.
b. Clean filter pad once a month or as needed. Please note if done on a weekly basis the skimmer filter pad will last longer.
c. You can use city water on these two items, as chlorine will not harm them.
Eric Triplett
The Pond Digger
Beneficial Bacteria-New Pond: Add bacteria once a day for fourteen (14) days. (Dosage in accordance with product instructions)
Thereafter: Add bacteria once a week in spring, summer and fall. Add bacteria twice a week in the winter. (Dosage in accordance with product instructions)
Aquatic Plants-
Fertilize marginal plants one (1) tablet every three (3) months through the spring and summer. (Follow manufacturer’s instructions)
Fertilize lilies two (2) tablets every three (3) months through the spring and summer. (Follow manufacturer’s instructions)
Remove dead leaves and flowers as needed.
Separate and/or thin out once to twice yearly as required.
Green Water-
Ponds may experience a “Green Water” period during the change in the seasons. This happens as the plants, fish, and good bacteria fight to establish their dominance in the ecosystem. It will usually correct itself and disappear on its own within a few weeks.
Algae “On the Rocks”-
This is natural and will always happen. It may be green, brownish, or black. Don’t panic! This is normal.
String Algae-During changing seasons, string algae may occur. It can be hand harvested and should be treated with String Algae Buster (SAB). It is usually good to have some String Algae Buster (SAB) on hand. Don’t over-use. Can be used one (1) time per month for preventative maintenance. Use SAB or Pond Balance within ten (10) days of your spring clean out for preventative maintenance.
Biofalls Filters-
Clean waterfall filters twice a year:
a. Shut off pump
b. Remove all plants from Bio-Falls.
c. Vigorously rinse the bio-media bags in the Bio-Falls, and then set aside on a clear area. (Do not use city water as chlorine will kill the beneficial bacteria)
d. Do the same with filter pads. Clean as well as possible, however, do not use city water, as chlorine will kill the beneficial bacteria.
e. Siphon or bail out the dirty water in the Bio-Falls. Wipe down with a moist towel.
f. Replace the previously cleaned waterfall filters and biological-media bags. Replace the plants.
g. Turn on pump.
h. You’re done.
Skimmer Filter-
a. Service strainer net or basket once a week or as needed.
b. Clean filter pad once a month or as needed. Please note if done on a weekly basis the skimmer filter pad will last longer.
c. You can use city water on these two items, as chlorine will not harm them.
Eric Triplett
The Pond Digger