1 Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood tow Also, if youre looking to combat mosquito larvae and pests, I would also recommend looking into mosquito fish. Can you recommend a water testing kit suitable for this pond? It will make keeping your pond water clear (and general pond maintenance) so much easier! I dont think I can be relied upon to remember to feed them regularly! Even though natural bacteria populations will help breakdown some waste, the most efficient breakdown will occur within the highly optimized filter box media which is designed to hold millions of denitrifying bacteria. I have a natural spring in the garden which our predecessors dammed to make a pond about 2x3m. Turns out that string algae growth in ponds is a super common problem. The choice of whether or not to have a filter in your pond would depend on the number and type of fish you keep, the size of pond, and the overall biological load (waste levels) present. Apologises for my slow reply. I have various questions, all to see if I can cut down on the gunk & need for so much filter-cleaning. All thanks to you. Thanks so much for SUCH a helpful site and service really invaluable. Even if your water quality is good, and your fish seem healthy, the problem with ponds is they can be subject to sudden changes in quality, which can negatively impact fish. Adding fish in smaller numbers, waiting a month or so, testing water quality and observing clarity, and then possibly adding more, might be the best way here to ensure a good balance is kept. Regular pond maintenance is very important to ensure the water stays clear! Thanks again Chris you are a Star! As well as this, water from our mains supply has high levels of both chlorine and chloramine both of which are highly toxic to aquatic life. 4. Although filter boxes can help with water clarity, their primary goal is maintaining good water quality by reducing harmful substances. Yes, pond water is great for your garden! They are also an additional source of food for your ducks, serving a dual purpose. 4. Common Pleco Also known as the suckermouth catfish, the . Its wonderful to hear feedback from readers . Step 1: Remove the Debris. Keep a Good Amount of Fish 2. Youll have bacteria on rocks, plants, edges and all over the surface of the bottom. Vacuuming the bottom, or performing a complete pond cleanout, is routine but it's also a lot of work. Once this is done shall i still treat the water for the fungal problem? But my pond has started to lose water so I have turned off the pump to investigate and I was wondering how long would it be safe without the pump and filtration system on., just to add to the problem Im going away for 3 days, any advice would be very helpful. Drain it, clean it, and cover it for the season. I hope it helps! The main reason why you may have been recommended to leave your filter on in winter isnt so much for waste compounds, but for aeration and oxygen. Annual plants can be moved indoors for the winter if you wish to keep them for the following year, or they can just be removed either before or after they die off. For example, if you have a excess nutrients in the water making it cloudy, a water change may help temporarily, but the water will eventually return cloudy unless the source of the nutrients is reduced (i.e., excess sludge). Dirty water doesnt always mean unhealthy water, and many wildlife ponds Ive worked on have been very mucky but still have had good general water quality. Keep an eye on your pond and fish out any bits floating on the top as frequently as you can, before they sink and turn to sludge. You may want to remove plants, ornaments and decorations from the water from time to time and thoroughly clean them. The more oxygen you can provide to your waters, the happier your fish will be in the environment. It can be quite difficult to maintain a healthy pond without any aid from filters or pumps, so kudos to you! Barley straw extract. For overwintering your fish, you should try to find a way to keep the water mixed up during the winter, so that it doesnt freeze. I dont know if theres a special formula of H2O2 per gallon of water, so I recommend doing some research for your specific pond size. If your water quality test results are showing low ammonia and healthy parameters, more plants likely would not help much and would be more a personal choice. There are many reasons for this. 7) Any kind of plants will help remove excess nutrients (and to an extent, the actual sludge), but they will also drop foliage, seeds, and pollen which will contribute to the bottom muck. We have plants in there and do pick out the leaves. Im actually not too sure how much water clarity will affect the breeding of those fish, but it would be interesting if you do happen to note any changes in their behaviour. The highly intensified lights will kill off the microscopic algae cell. A bog filter isnt going to be able to provide enough filtration for heavy stocked ponds or koi ponds, so in these cases, you would still need to install a regular filtration system. Not only does it look terrible, but algae growth in ponds is bad because it can take over a small pond quickly. Thanks for your comment. Be sure to closely follow the instructions on the product label, no matter what you decide to get! Channel catfish prefer warmer water (about 60 to 70F) in areas with little or no currents. Some types of algae are actually beneficial to ponds, so long as theres not too much of it. Yes, concrete should be fine for that job. 2. For prevention, we recommend installing a high quality pond net which will help catch fallen leaves and twigs before they can sink in the pond and contribute to sludge. Most garden ponds in the U.K. still have bare pond liners and yes it might be easier to keep clean. But, even without fish, the garden pond still needs periodic cleaning because things are happening in it all the time. Understand the Most Common Causes of Water Clarity Issues. I cant say how reliable the PondHero is, but Oase vacuums are always a safe best in my book. One of the most important steps in cleaning your pond is removing any excess debris. Its maybe 60cms deep, plus a bottom layer of mud about another 20 cms. More oxygen will allow beneficial bacteria to thrive so they work more efficiently, and the added surface agitation will help prevent algae and mosquitoes from calling your pond their home. For best results, install a fresh Aquasphere monthly. This can be done by removing the drain plug from the bottom of the pond, or alternatively, you can use a pump to siphon out the water. Create a proper balance of plants. Thanks so much for your help, My well produces 10 gal a minute 24/ 7 I wanna use that water flow and make a pond 10 by 22 with no Filtration In a small amount of fish would you recommend that, Hi there One of the biggest frustrations of having a backyard garden fish pond is not knowing what to do when the water becomes mucky, green, and gross! My small pond is 90 gallons, and I added a 1/2 cup of H2O2 to the water. It includes Siamese algae eater, common pleco, pond loach, grass carp, and Otocinclus catfish, to name a few. I have about 4 or 5 goldfish in the pond and they seem fine at the moment. A bit of bottom sludge is good for a pond as it acts as a natural fertilizer, but too much can cause water clarity problems, so we recommend cleaning out a layer of sludge at least once a year to combat this. If waste compound parameters are looking good, this indicates to me that the water is healthy and bio-filtration doesnt need extra help (bacteria supplements, more plants etc.). Keep your pond water clean and clear year-round. A pond UV steriliser is a great option - combined with good performance pond filters and pond pumps; you can prevent algae build up and make sure your pond water is continually well oxygenated. https://www.oase-livingwater.com/en_GB/water-garden/products/p/skimmer-250.1000080317.html. We are located in Kelowna, BC, Canada. In terms of your pump and filtration system, I wouldnt leave it like that for more than a day or two as dissolved oxygen levels can deplete very quickly, particularly with your fish spawning and many babies being present. We have a large pond about 10mx10mx1.5m. I plan to keep the ice at bay this winter to keep oxygen levels up, and Ive been skimming the leaves off the surface this fall (I live in Pennsylvania). can really alter water quality more quickly than one might think. Laren, Hi pond informer Taneesha here i want to know how to keep the pond clean without usng a filter because we are building a natural resorse pond with fishes. Do you have an idea of the number of minnows I would need? By clicking the button you are agreeing to receive our email newsletter. Pond plants will compete with algae for nutrients and help prevent them growing, as well as provide natural water filtration by removing excess nutrients which can cloud water. Read full disclosure. The hot tub is also under a tree, if that informs your answer at all. Fountains, waterfalls, and bubblers are all agitators. I dont have a lot of money but bought a second hand 160 x 160 fibreglass pond. Keeping Ponds Clean Without Filters Is it Possible? Its covered with lily-like plants, but I have cleared out about 1 m2. The presence of a fungal infection tells me that you likely need to monitor your water quality more closely, and I would urge you to perform weekly water changes of 15-25% to maintain healthy water quality, particularly since the pond gets cleaned once per year. Obviously plants, wildlife and fish all require some muck to survive, but simply cleaning a small area around the filter and pump may be all thats needed to prevent major clogging. Don't overcrowd your fish. And if best/safest to add bacteria at re-start any suggestion as to which type I buy? It is made from 100 percent biodegradable cornstarch that slowly degrades and dissolves. Even without a filter for a few months, I think your water quality would likely hold strong, and you may not even see a drop in water clarity until Spring when temperatures begin to rise and wildlife and fish become more active. In no time, my pond water was crystal clear, and it stayed that way all summer. All of the debris should be removed from the pond pump and filter. Beneficial bacteria is responsible for the breakdown of harmful substances, such as ammonia and nitrites, into less harmful nitrates, which are used by plants as a fertilizer. They help prevent the growth of algae and ammonia buildup in the water. I need a tight skimmer to remove it. How much of your pond has algae would you say, and has it always been there? The first thing to clean in a pond is any floating surface debris, as this will eventually sink and contribute to sludge at the bottom of the pond floor. The water is very cold (from a ground spring) and very clear. Action needs to be taken though because late summer algal blooms can be harmful to animals drinking from ponds. Let me know if you have any other questions! Many thanks in anticipation.Diane. It is also (usually) a clean and natural water source that can be confidently added to your pond water, due to the absence of harmful substances like chlorine. Also the safety of the fishes. It takes a few weeks for the barley straw to begin to decompose and start clearing the pond water. Bay 1: Eighteen 16 long x 8 diametre polypropylene filter brushes They are of a semi-rigid construction with a wire loop at the end for easy cleaning. When I bought mine, it came packed in small bales that were much too large for my pond (pictured above). Related Post: How To Winterize A Garden Pond Step-By-Step. Ultimately, the best way to ensure the long-term health and survivability of the fish in a pond is to use a pump to provide consistent oxygenation and circulation. If I was in your situation, and building on the above advice, Id firstly take a broad range water quality test and take note of readings for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, pH and KH (alkalinity). Using a pond filter will make it so much easier to keep the water in your pond clean.. Filtration helps to remove debris, dirt and algae in the pond water. (And How to Fix it), https://pondinformer.com/pond-fish-that-eat-mosquito-larvae/, https://pondinformer.com/best-pond-vacuum-cleaner/, https://pondinformer.com/best-pond-water-test-kit/, https://pondinformer.com/how-to-clean-pond-filter-media/, https://pondinformer.com/wildlife-pond-maintenance-guide/, https://www.oase-livingwater.com/en_GB/water-garden/products/p/skimmer-250.1000080317.html, https://pondinformer.com/best-pond-heater-de-icer/, https://pondinformer.com/best-koi-pond-aerator-system/, https://pondinformer.com/how-to-keep-pond-fish-alive-winter/, https://pondinformer.com/best-beneficial-bacteria-ponds/, https://www.fishkit.co.uk/diffused-air-aeration.html, https://www.heathlandaquaticengineering.co.uk/lakes/lake-aeration/diffused-lake-aeration/aquaair-diffused-lake-aerator/, https://pondinformer.com/how-to-get-rid-of-algae-pond/, https://pondinformer.com/koi-fungus-treatment/, https://pondinformer.com/reduce-turbidity-in-pond-water/#:~:text=Common%20in%20new%20ponds%2C%20mineral%20turbidity%20may%20occur,can%20usually%20be%20attributed%20to%20a%20single%20cause, List of Different Types of Streams (Facts & Pics), 11 Best Drought Tolerant Plants for Utah 2023 [Updated], 7 Plants That Repel Armadillos 2023 [Plants Armadillos Hate], 10 Best Small Trees for North Texas 2023 [Updated], List of Turtle Species in Oregon 2023 (ID + Pics). I net it from autumn to spring but the plants/fish create plenty of sediment, water used to be very unclear. Leave it as Natural as Possible. I know you mentioned that you dont have electrical capabilities where the pond is located, but there are some battery operated pumps as well as heaters available that will help to keep the water continually mixed and at a livable temperature. Most vacs will come with a selection of cleaning heads . A UV clarifier will pass the water through a tube next to the UV bulbs. The only time wed suggest keeping fish in a pond without a filter is with lightly stocked goldfish in a heavily planted pond with regular maintenance. So do you think Im OK to turn filter Off October-April? So, if you want to start seeing clear water faster, there are a few steps you can take now with these easy pond maintenance tips. https://pondinformer.com/best-beneficial-bacteria-ponds/. Here is how to drain your koi pond: If you have fish, use the sump pump to drain 1' of water. Just make sure than none of the fish is sucked up in the process. Have done the tests with the NTLabs kit (another Thank You a really neat product!) Using a Pond UV Steriliser for Clean Water. Use clean rainwater or dechlorinated tap water to replace the water lost. Also we have 1 goldfish with fungal infection what is the best stuff to get? Remove any rotting pieces to avoid adding more nutrients for the algae. In this post I will show you exactly how to get rid of pond algae and muck, without using any harsh chemicals! Without a pump powering a filter system, you likely wont have much aeration, and this can be hugely problematic for both wildlife and fish. Luckily, you don't have to remove the water to . Liner: Prevents water from leaking into the ground. For lightly stocked ponds with small fish, theyre an interesting alternative to normal filtration that can help with water quality and provide a more natural feel to the pond. https://pondinformer.com/best-pond-vacuum-cleaner/ It also indicates that the levels of muck/gunk are not so high that theyre causing major issues, so the decision on whether to lower them would be another of personal preference. Ive never used the PondHero vacs, but the reviews look ok. Just be sure to check the specification sheet to ensure the pole length and suction depth is adequate for your size of pond! Each species has different requirements for spawning, so knowing that can help us to determine how to go about lessening or preventing further breeding. Plants provide a means of natural water filtration, absorbing excess . UV light breaks down the algae cells. Would love to know any answers to the 2 questions in earlier post about pond vacs too. As well as aeration, topping up your ponds beneficial bacteria populations with a concentrated bacteria supplement will help keep levels high and reduce overall waste. At season's peak, you should have 40% to 60% of the surface area of your pond either . Sounds like a great project! Excessive fish waste can cause an imbalance in pond water. Learn how to properly clean your pond here. 4. Although Oase vacuums are expensive, Ive operated them for years and years with heavy use, and can vouch for their reliability. More articles on these topics below if youd like to read further: https://pondinformer.com/best-pond-vacuum-cleaner/ Common Goldfish. Details of filter in earlier post, above. In addition, whether or not your fish can survive outdoors for the winter depends on their species. So fill a 5-gallon container of water, or you can use the rainwater to rinse the pump and filter instead of water from the garden hose. As waste levels are so much higher with fish, and due to the enclosed nature of a pond, its often very difficult to maintain a balance without the help of a filter box. However, a surface aerator is not as efficient and it's more . Primarily, it is because the goldfish are very hardy fish that can survive in a variety of different conditions. Drain or siphon it into a large container, like a plastic trash can. Learn how your comment data is processed. Thank you for the links the ones to aerators are for USA models are there recommended UK aerators that will work for my size of pond (45-50,000 litres)? The first step to cleaning your pond is removing floating debris. Keep a fence or wall around the pond. Baby tilapia are outstanding forage for the bass and catfish in your pond. Step 1) Skim the Surface for Floating Debris. Water quality is less of a concern in winter as fish produce less waste, they browse much less, and decomposition of organic material slows. We only recommend this 1-2 times a year, with the best times being early spring and early autumn where debris starts to build again. Regular Cleaning. 1. Thanks so much for these tips. Turbidity can be a result of a number of things, including a potential water imbalance or a lack of plant matter to help hold the soil in place. There are plenty of fish available to check if you want help with regards to cleaning your ponds. And what plants and species can also be part of that pond as a filter? Tho I guess that if a smaller aerator is working in the deeper part of the pond where the fish will congregate anyway in the winter that that will suffice. Bay 2: Blue matting This is an excellent filter media as it has a large surface area giving it an excellent bio-mass retention. The water inside will quickly become stagnant and low in oxygen, which will result in all good bacteria (aerobic oxygen using) dying off anyway, and come spring, itll start smelling due to an increase in bacteria that thrive in poor conditions (anaerobic carbon dioxide using).