Now the summer’s here and we’re enjoying much warmer weather (even if intermittently) there are a few things you need to consider to keep your pond in tip top shape and your fish flourishing. We’ve highlighted a few of the top summer pond issues and how to deal with them below. In the coming weeks we’ll expand on some of these topics in greater detail, so be sure to subscribe and keep an eye on our blog.

1. Green Water

Green water, blanketweed etc. are caused by a build-up of algae in your pond. Green water problems are the bane of any pondkeeper’s life if you let it go unchecked, but thankfully there are a number of remedies available.

Solutions include pumps and filters, UV Clarifiers and various pond water treatments. For a longer term solution consider adding some marginal plants. Plants in your pond will effectively out compete algae for the essential nutrients in your pond needed for plant life to flourish. Larger plants will also shade a portion of your pond from direct sunlight, which further starves unwanted algae.

2. Oxygenation

As a general rule of thumb, the warmer the weather, the less oxygen there’ll be in your pond water. Oxygen levels can become dangerously low and can affect the health of your fish and even result in fish dying. More movement and splashing in your pond will create more oxygen as the rippling and bubbles create a larger surface area, which produces more oxygen as it contacts with the air at the water’s surface. Therefore waterfalls and fountains can be a big help.

There are certain things to look out for that will alert you to problems. When fish gather around the bottom of a waterfall or fountain and can be seen to be gasping for air, you know it’s time to change up to a more energetic fountain or waterfall. Another tip is to leave your pump or fountain on night and day. Oxygen levels can become depleted overnight due to plant life using up available oxygen in your pond during twilight hours.

An air pump is another good idea. There are many types of air pumps available. Particularly popular these days are solar air pumps (oxygenators). These are great as they are easy to install and obviously won’t cost you a penny in electric. Air pumps force air through air stones (porous stone blocks or balls containing tiny holes), creating bubbles which add oxygen to the pond as they break the surface.

3. Holiday Feeding

The summer holiday season is upon us and many of you will be heading off for a family staycation, or even going abroad where allowed. Amid the frenzy of preparations it’s so easy to forget the aquatic residents in your garden, but with a little forethought you can be sure of coming home to a happy healthy pond rather than a garden disaster!

An obvious solution that can work pretty well is to just ask a neighbour to feed your fish while you’re away. This is great, however if your neighbour isn’t used to feeding fish it’s easy to overfeed. You could try measuring out the correct amount for a day’s worth of food and get your neighbour to feed only these amounts measured out in perhaps a marked empty yoghurt pot or similar.

If you’re after a totally reliable and accurate method though, then you might consider an auto feeding solution. There are all kinds of vacation feeding options available, both high tech and low - from holiday food blocks to electronic and digital feeders. Take a look at our full range of auto feeding solutions.

Follow the tips above and you’ll avoid the worst of the problems your pond is likely to encounter in these warmer summer months. For advice on anything more specific or if you’re worried about any of the above and want to know more get in touch with our friendly staff and they’ll be happy to advise. Just hit the Send Message button in the bottom right corner or call or email: 01904 698800 customer.services@bradshawsdirect.co.uk