| Spring Water Garden Maintenance | | | | - Algae needs sunlight to grow so if you use plants |
| - If you have taken your garden water pump out of | | | | to shade your water garden you will cut down on |
| the water for the winter, put it back as soon as you | | | | summer growth of unwanted algae. Fall Water |
| start to see activity in your pond. | | | | Garden Maintenance |
| - At the same time, inspect your pump to ensure it is | | | | - Change half the water in your pond so that there is |
| working properly. | | | | not a large build up of algae through the winter. |
| - Spring is also the time to give your biological filter a | | | | - When leaves start to fall it will be easier to maintain |
| bacterial boost (purchase from a garden center or | | | | your pond or stream if you cover it with a net of |
| tropical fish store). | | | | some kind. This will make it easier to clean. |
| - Remove all leaves and debris that blew into your | | | | - When cleaning the leaves and debris from the |
| pond. | | | | bottom of your pond ensure you leave about |
| - Test your water to make sure that there was not | | | | 10-20% as a covering or bedding. There will be a |
| an ammonia build up through the winter. | | | | large amount of microscopic pond life that will live in |
| - Trim the old growth on your plants and repot any | | | | this for the winter. |
| that require attention. | | | | - Place a de-icer or bubbler in your pond to prevent it |
| - Replace plants to the appropriate depths in the | | | | from freezing completely. Winter Water Garden |
| water for best growth. Summer Water Garden | | | | Maintenance |
| Maintenance | | | | - Keep a pump going if the weather is not too cold |
| - Be sure that you do not over clean your filter pad. | | | | to allow water to continue flowing. This will help any |
| There is a tendency to overclean, but biological filters | | | | life in the water garden. |
| will be less effective if you clean away the bacteria | | | | - Ensure there is a hole in the ice as toxins and gases |
| they are growing. | | | | will build up from the excrement of living things and |
| - Keeping your pond full will help to ensure that your | | | | will need a place to escape. A home water pond can |
| pumps and filter systems work better. | | | | be an oasis in your own backyard. It does not have |
| - Change 25% of your water once a month to cut | | | | to be a thorn in your side if you take proper care of |
| down on too much algae or toxins building up in the | | | | it year round. A little bit of maintenance and you will |
| water. | | | | maximize your enjoyment and minimize your work. |