Large ponds are natural beauties, but they need care to ensure they stay healthy and clean. The health of the ecosystem of a pond is in direct correlation with its cleanliness. When a pond is healthy, the water is naturally going to be cleaner and have a more pleasant smell.
Caring for a large pond may seem like exhaustive work, but it does not have to be for property owners. With the right tips and tools, large pond owners will find it easier to have sparkling clean water all year long.
Common Issues with Pond Cleanliness
Some issues are common among large ponds, and these problems can produce cleanliness concerns that can eventually affect the fish and plant life.
Algae is one of the most common problems for ponds. Although not all algae are bad for ponds, some are destructive, especially in large numbers. When levels grow too high, the algae can release toxins that kill fish and plant life.
Another common issue with large ponds is wildlife nuisances. There are a few different pests that can cause problems for pond owners, including the following.
- Muskrats
- Turtles
- Crayfish
- Birds
Algae and animal pests can all lead to problems with a pond’s cleanliness and structural stability. To host healthy animal and plant life, the pond water needs to be clean. Thankfully, some tips can help pond owners achieve cleaner pond water.
5 Tips for Keeping Pond Water Clean
A clean pond is a healthy pond. When a large pond becomes dirty and begins to develop a smell, fish and animal life can be affected. The following tips should help pond owners keep their water clean and healthy, so fish and other pond dwellers begin to thrive.
1. The acidity of the pond water is important for its cleanliness. Most fish prefer a pH of 7 for optimal health. It is important to note that ponds will fluctuate in acidity throughout the day.
Checking the acidity levels regularly is essential for a healthy pond. When the acidity levels jump too high, fish can suffer from Alkalosis, which will be deadly.
In some areas of the country, acidic soils can be to blame for acidic ponds. For these areas, lime can be added to reduce acidity and protect fish life.
2. Pond water testing is an essential part of pond ownership. Pond owners should test their water weekly for pollutants. Test kits are readily available, and they are affordable.
For testing involving bacteria and heavy metals, it is wise for pond owners to rely on a state-accredited water testing lab that can provide a detailed analysis.
As a part of testing the water quality, it is also important to test for dissolved oxygen. Insufficient oxygen levels can create an unclean environment due to fish and plant death.
3. Removing excess organic debris is an important part of keeping a pond clean. For small ponds, this job is fairly easy. Larger ponds may require more than a skimmer tool.
Organic debris is considered anything that was once alive and is now floating in the pond. This may include dead leaves and grasses. For large ponds, a vacuum is typically the best tool for removal.
If organic debris is left in place, it can make the water unclean. As bacteria begin to consume the organic debris in a pond, they can release a variety of pollutants and harmful chemicals, so it is best to remove these before they start to be consumed.
4. Aeration is one of the most essential things a pond owner can do to keep their ponds clean. Aeration adds much-needed oxygen into the water, by stirring the depths of the pond.
This process is typically done by an aerator device that is installed in the pond. It is important to choose an aerator that has enough pumping power to do the job correctly.
5. Filtration is also of extreme importance when it comes to keeping ponds clean. The best pond filters can help to remove those substances that keep the water dirty and the pond life unhealthy. There are three main types of pond filters.
- Biological
- Mechanical
- Sterilizers
A filter should be powerful enough to handle the size of the pond. When the right filter is installed correctly, it can help to keep all types of ponds clean and inviting.
Filtration systems lead to healthy ponds and take care of much of the work owners once had to handle themselves. Knowing what to look for in a pond filter is highly important for owners.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Pond Filter
To prevent algae growth, it is important pond owners install a filter and UV light system. The UV lights help to cause the algae to clump, so it can be removed by the filter. The following are some considerations for pond filters.
- Pond owners will need to have at least two filters in their ponds, depending on the size. The pre-filter is responsible for keeping the pump running effectively. The bio-filter helps to filter out the biological junk that can lead to dirty pond water.
- For large ponds, an external filter will be needed. Submersible pumps are intended for smaller garden ponds.
- It is important to choose a pond filter that offers ease of access and maintenance. Proper maintenance is essential for keeping a pond filter working efficiently and effectively.
Start Cleaning Today
While it would be ideal for all of the above treatment options to be in place from the very beginning, this is not always possible, especially for large natural ponds. Even if a pond has become filled with grime and algae, there are options for filtration that can improve its health and help fish life thrive.
Protecting the natural ecosystem of a pond takes work, but it is worth the effort. The results will be cleaner water, a fresher smell, and healthier life inside and around the pond.
Now is a perfect time to start filtering your pond and seeing the health of it improve. It will take time, but the health of the pond will slowly begin to flourish, giving way to natural beauty.