Maintaining a pond can be a delicate, timely process. The timing of maintaining your pond is the primary factor that contributes to your success. However, many pond owners make the mistake of timing pond maintenance to the year’s seasons or by calendar days. To get the proper timing for pond maintenance, it would be better to go by the temperature of the waters. You will have to invest in a thermometer to read the temps in the pond before you begin any maintenance, such as adding Air-O-Lator Pond Packs or other pond products to your pond. Otherwise, you may not get the desired results if the water temperatures are not ideal.
Let Water Temps Be Your Guide
Why can’t you rely on the calendar? Using a calendar to guide you in timing is not reliable. Temperatures can vary from one end of the state to the other end. The cities closest to the south may experience milder temperatures hovering around the 60s and 70s. At the same time, areas to the north could end up with temps in the 40s or lower 30s. Your best bet would be to use thermometers or temperature gauges to test the water.
Starting off the First Year
Once you get started in measuring your water temperatures regularly, you’ll be able to get a better handle on proper timing. It may take a couple of years to get a routine down for maintenance, but you can achieve consistent results. While doing your pond maintenance, you may notice that algae in the pond will tend to grow faster during the summer months. If you take a temperature measurement, the water will probably read somewhere above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. At this point, you will want to take action to help clean any potential algae overgrowth.
Putting the Temperature Calendar Together
Checking the temps in the water is not difficult. Simply submerge the thermometer in the water for a few seconds. This can give you an idea of what to do for your maintenance routine. If the water temperature reads anywhere from 40 degrees Fahrenheit and below, your fish will feed at a minimal rate. Therefore, feeding your fish should be kept to a minimum. Anything in the 40s will mean aquatic plants will probably decay due to the cold weather. As you move into the 50-degree weather, you’ll notice an uptick of catfish, bluegill, and bass moving around the pond.
Warmer Waters
When the water temperature moves into the 60s and higher, it is an excellent time to implement regular pond maintenance. As part of your pond maintenance, you can fertilize the pond regularly but not daily. Adding stock fish for frequent feedings is also a good idea. Make sure to check for plankton after you’ve fertilized your pond. It is a good source of food for smaller fish. Warm waters that rise into the 70s and the 80s will mean your aquatic plants are ready to thrive, such as lily pads and American lotus plants. Your pond is also prepared to add feeders and increase feeding times for the bigger fish.
Air-O-Lator is dedicated to providing innovative and effective pond and lake aeration solutions that promote healthy aquatic ecosystems. With over 50 years of experience, we’re a leading manufacturer of high-quality aeration equipment designed to reduce algae growth, promote oxygenation, and improve overall water quality. Our products and resources are available to homeowners, contractors, and lake managers alike, and our commitment to exceptional customer service ensures that you get the support you need.
