A pond or water garden is a complete self-contained eco-system that will occasionally require monitoring to achieve the natural balance necessary to sustain pond life and healthy pond fish.
Maintaining the health of fish and plants is directly related to the quality of the water in which they live and grow. Most people assume that because their tap water is clean and clear that it is suitable for fish and plants. This is a major misconception.
It is very important to eliminate chlorine when filling the pond. Many products are available to accomplish this. Pond fish cannot live in chlorinated water. Tap water is usually filled with chlorine and/or chloramines and other toxins that should be tested for prior to adding fish and plants to your pond.
Nitrite and Ammonia levels need to be tested regularly, especially in a new pond. It may take a few weeks for beneficial bacteria to establish a colony large enough to handle the waste produced by the pond fish. It is usually advisable to add bacteria to a new ponds and every spring to established garden ponds.
Testing for pH levels is also very important. Nothing in the pond will thrive if the pH is too far out of balance. The pH of the pond should be as close to neutral (6.8 - 7.4) as possible. Many good products are available to test and adjust the pH.
Other tests, such as salt level and ammonia and nitrite levels can be performed if needed.
Another great preventative measure is to follow routine pond maintenance schedules for spring, summer and autumn. A common thread in all of these is the regular addition of beneficial bacteria.
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