Why be proactive with water treatments?
A natural pond has a constant supply of fresh water flowing into it, such as from a stream or spring. Water also flows out of a natural pond, taking fish waste and other toxins with it. This isn’t true for most garden ponds as they are closed systems. Garden ponds also tend to be much smaller than natural ponds, so they do not offer the amount of water per fish that you find in nature. For these reasons, water treatments are necessary to keep water conditions safe for both fish and plant life and for clearer water.
Following specific steps each season allows you to create a backyard retreat you’ll enjoy all year long! For more information about what’s needed each season, check out more below.
Spring Start Up - Get Your Pond Ready!
It's pond startup time! Whether filling a new pond or re-establishing an existing pond, following some simple steps at startup will yield benefits you’ll enjoy all season long. The 3 key steps that must be taken are making your tap water safe, activating the natural pond cycle, and maintaining sparkling clean water to boost fish and plant health. Once the water temperature reaches above 42⁰F, you’ll also want to start feeding your fish again. It is important to take care of all of your plants in the spring with API AQUATIC PLANT FOOD TABLETS as they will be the key to success in most ponds! Lastly, monitor the water conditions in your pond with the API POND MASTER TEST KIT, an easy and accurate way to test 4 key water parameters including pH, ammonia, nitrite, and phosphate.
Important information
Directions
Start feeding in the spring when the water temperature reaches 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Feed plants once a month until the water temperature reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), then feed twice a month. Stop using AQUATIC PLANT FOOD TABLETS when the water drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 Celsius) in the fall. Use one tablet for every gallon (3.8 L) of soil. Push the tablet(s) into the plant soil, 3 inches from the crown of the plant and 3-6 inches deep into the soil. For use in artificial, self-contained ponds only. Do not use in waterways, lakes, rivers, streams, or any ponds with outflow.