Preparing your pond for Spring

Do you know what "spring kill" is?

The term "spring kill" commonly refers to seasonal fish loss due to a series of related water quality issues. It is generally indicated by dangerous, oxygen-poor conditions. A low-oxygen environment is not only stressful to fish but also allows certain harmful microorganisms to thrive.

Conditions that favour microorganisms

Unseasonably warm spring days can give microorganisms an unfair advantage. It provides the energy that microorganisms need to actively metabolize and reproduce. In contrast, these short periods of warm days have minimal effect in raising the overall water temperature fish rely on to boost their metabolism and immune system. In this weakened state, fish are vulnerable to any opportunistic organism.

Easy steps to prevent spring fish loss

Installing a pond aerator is the easiest way to prevent spring fish loss. The added aeration prevents oxygen depletion and creates a healthy aquatic environment. Place the diffuser (bubbler) near the surface, so it won’t stir up any debris, harmful gasses, or aggressively churn the water.

Other essential items for a spring survival kit should include a master pond test kit to measure ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels, a pond thermometer to accurately measure water temperature, a combination ammonia detoxifier such as Hydra Ammonia Lock to neutralize harmful compounds, and pond salt to encourage protective slime coat production. When pond water temperature is consistently above 45°F, reconnect pumps and start up filters to ensure proper filtration and a successful new year of pond keeping.

Check Pond Filter

1. Step 1

Is it clean? Give it a good cleaning. If you have a bio filter, give it a kick start with a bacteria/enzyme product like LT Extreme to ensure a good bacteria colony starts to grow in your bio filter.

2. Step 2

Check the pump. Clean it up and check the impeller. Does it turn freely? If not, it may need replacing. Check all the hoses for leaks or cracks. Pond water can leak out a drippy hose overnight.

3. Step 3

Have a bottle of Hydra de-chlorinator if your tap water has chlorine it in. It can come in handy if you accidentally add too much water and forget about it. Suddenly, your fish are lying motionless at the bottom of the pond. Add de-chlorinator immediately and start the pump if it was not already running. Much of the time, you can save your fish.

4. Step 4

Add an algae fighting enzyme (Hydra Quartz) to get a head start on algae growth.

5. Step 5

Are your fish nets useable? It might be time to replace them.

6. Step 6

Have a few hose clamps in your pond drawer or on your pond shelf.

7. Step 7

Check the pumps now to see if they still work. Often when a pump is stored out of water, seals can break, especially if the pump was in a freezing garage or shed.

Care for Plants and Fish in the Spring

8. Step 1

Remove leaves and debris. As the water heats up, the debris begins to decompose, fouls your water and fish can die quickly.

9. Step 2

Check fish for any illnesses or wounds. If fish are still a bit sluggish, leave them alone. They are not fully awake until the water temperatures are consistently above 55º F.

10. Step 3

Start exchanging 10 percent of the water weekly. Pond water is the best fertilizer in the world so pump it into your veggie or flower beds. Water exchanges keep nitrites from building up and keep your fish alive, healthy and happy.

11. Step 4

Check the water plants. Spring is a great time for dividing and re-potting.

12. Step 5

Replace floating plants if you lost them to the winter weather. Your fish would like half the top of the pond covered. That gives them a place to hide and keeps them cool in the heat of the summer.

13. Step 6

Water lilies will start to grow when the water reaches about 65º F consistently. Do not fertilize them until the first leaves reach the top of the pond. Then use an aquatic plant fertilizer. Use a tab you can poke into the sand. Continue to fertilize at least monthly for best results