How to Keep a Pond Clean and Healthy
If you have a pond, the chances are good that it’s pretty dirty. Ponds are messy and require a lot of maintenance. And if they are left unkept, they can become dangerous for the fish and require lots of extra work to clean up.
So how do you keep yours from going down that road? Here are five ways to get started.
Put in a Waterfall or Fountain
Waterfalls, fountains, and other water features are great ways to add aesthetic appeal to any pond. They aerate the water and add oxygen so that it can be used by plants and fish alike. The sound of a waterfall or fountain also helps bring peace and can make the space more relaxing and naturalistic.
Additionally, they provide a place for fish to hide from predators while moving around in the water—a benefit if you have cats or dogs (or even raccoons) running around your yard! Running water also keeps the water from attracting mosquitos and other insects.
Get Some Fish
Adding fish to your pond is an excellent way to keep it clean and healthy. There are many different kinds of fish that can live in a pond, from goldfish and koi to catfish and minnows. Each kind will serve a different purpose, from keeping the pond free from algae to helping to keep the insect population down.
If you have a small backyard pond or an indoor fountain, choose fish that won’t grow too big for their habitat. If you have a large garden pond or lake in your backyard, larger species such as trout, bass, or bluegill may be more appropriate for the space.
Before adding any new animal to your outdoor habitat, make sure it’s legal where you live and that the fish won’t end up killing each other. Some fish are not meant to be in the same ecosystem.
Get a Skimmer
You can find a skimmer at any pond or pool supply store. A skimmer is a device that collects debris and holds it until you remove it from the water. While you may think of your pond as an ornamental feature, it’s actually an ecosystem where plants, insects, and animals live out their days in peace. In order to keep the ecosystem healthy, you’ll need to add some equipment that will help you maintain its cleanliness.
The most important thing about your skimmer is how frequently you should clean it; ideally, this should be done weekly so that harmful organisms don’t get too comfortable, particularly during early spring and summer when everything is growing. You also want to make sure everything drains out of the bottom when emptying the water because this will prevent pests like mosquitoes from breeding inside.
Keep Algae Under Control
Algae is a natural part of the pond ecosystem, and it’s important to keep in mind that algae is an essential food source for animals like koi, frogs, and even birds. Algae can be harmful to your pond if you don’t take steps to control it; however, keep in mind that if you remove too much of the algae from the water, it can result in problems with other types of plants and animals.
A spokesperson from Living Water Aeration says, “Algae is one area that, if left untreated, can destroy the entire ecosystem of a body of water.” Because of this, it’s crucial to treat the issue in a timely manner.
If you want to control the amount of algae in your pond, there are a few different methods available. You may choose to use chemicals or physical tools such as skimmers or filters. However, it’s important that if you choose this option for controlling algae growth in your pond, you need to make sure these tools aren’t harming any other plants or animals living within its ecosystem.
Regular Cleaning Will Lead to a Healthier Pond
Cleaning your pond regularly is important. The frequency of cleaning depends on the size of your pond and how much water it holds. If you don’t clean it consistently, you risk a buildup of algae and other debris that can harm the fish, ultimately killing everything in the pond and leading to even more problems.
