How to Keep Your Summer Pond Healthy

Written by our friends at Aquascape. 

Your summer pond's water temperature might feel just right to you as you dip your toes into it after a long day of work. But once the water temperature rises above 80 Fº, you may run into problems. An obvious sign of an undesirable issue is noticing your fish gasping for air close to the water’s surface or near a fountain or waterfall.

Warm water has a low capacity for holding oxygen, while cooler water can hold large amounts of oxygen. Warm water and increased activity in the pond go hand and hand. That increased activity means your fish require more oxygen when less oxygen is available, thus creating a vicious cycle. Stressed fish often begin to develop diseases, and no pond owner wants to see that happen.

Following are preventative measures you can take in order to keep your pond from becoming a warm, unhealthy mess:

• Stock your pond with plants that provide shade. Water lettuce or the leaves of a waterlily are perfect in accomplishing this goal.
• Aim to cover one-third to one-half of your pond's surface with plants.
• Add oxygen to your pond with an aerator, small fountain, or the Aquascape AquaForce® Pump.
• If you feed your fish, do so in the morning and be careful not to overfeed. Uneaten food decays faster in warmer water and can pollute the pond.
• Remove dying leaves and flowers before they have a chance to decay in the warmer water.

Enjoy your pond during the summer months, and keep it healthy by following these easy tips. Your fish and plants will thank you!