Water Treatments for New Ponds
How to Maintain Healthy Water Quality for New Ponds or Newly Cleaned Ponds.
It will be necessary to add treatments and potentially other devices to help you maintain and balance your water quality, especially for newly established ponds. It takes several weeks for your pond to cycle as the beneficial bacteria builds on the filter media, rocks and other substrate material (often found in the “biofall” or filter). During this time you may notice that the pond may go through several phases as algae blooms can happen causing the water to turn murky and green, and algae may start to grow on rocks and the waterfall areas. A brown or black film may start to form on the rocks and liner which is the beneficial bacteria developing a biofilm that is actually beneficial.
What Treatments Should You Add? There are many options, try to keep it simple.
The first is a water conditioner, especially important if you have city water that may be treated or high in heavy metals. Even if you don’t have fish, this is a good idea as it helpful to the beneficial bacteria that acts as a clarifier keeping the water clear and healthy. Read more about The Nitrogen Cycle click here.
Second is a Clarifier – beneficial bacteria product that works the water itself, either a liquid (works faster) or a dry powder (works a little slower) Later, as the pond ages and starts accumulating debris then add sludge reducing treatments – pills, powders or packets. If you are planning to have fish, then you may want to add a “pond shock” treatment that supercharges your biological filter which are located inside the "biofall" aka biological filter, waterfall box, bead or pressure filter.
Third is an Algaecide or a Debris Oxidizer. Algaecides are typically a liquid treatment added weekly or as needed to kill algae when it develops. Debris Oxidizers or “Oxy Pond Cleaners” are powders that work on oxidizing the debris that forms on the rocks and may dissolve some sludge.
There are many other treatments you may choose to add like barley, pond dyes, or clay. Other treatments may be needed to help with specific problems like foam, water quality imbalances or fish problems. Always follow the directions and instructions on the label.
You may have a UV clarifier or a pressure filter that has a UV inside of it. These devices help eliminate suspended algae that causes “green water”, turn off while dosing with beneficial bacteria for 24 hours to give the bacteria time to colonize, if possible. You can also try an IonGen, that emits metal ions that disrupt algae production. Each device will need to be maintained, and the bulb or probe will need to be replaced seasonally or as needed. See our blog on Replacing UV Bulbs.
When you do have an issue- ask for help, your installer, landscaper or fish shop keeper can help you diagnose the issue and provide solution suggestions. Stop in to Nature Perfect for reliable and practical advice to help you successfully maintain your water feature. We are happy to help and have a fully stocked store for year round service!
If you have a question- Ask Kerri at: Kerri.B@Natureperfect.net
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