Improving water quality
Pond care - it's easy
The quality of the pond water is the most important basis for the biological balance in the entire biotope. The sensitive pond biology is frequently burdened by excessive fish stock, rainfall and too much sunlight or leaves. The consequences are poor water parameters, excessive algae and silt formation or even fish disease.
Our products from the AquaActiv pond care product range give your pond the direct support that is required for stable water parameters and a clear view. AquaActiv restores the biological balance in the pond. You help your pond to help itself.
Testing and improving water quality
How does pond biology function?
A stable biological balance exists in natural, healthy bodies of water. Different plants, plankton, fish and microorganisms are interdependent via the so-called food chain. Any outside intervention that affects specific members of the community over time will affect all life forms in this ecosystem. A natural ecosystem is capable of accommodating disturbances within certain limits. Artificial ecosystems, such as garden ponds with fish stock, can become permanently unbalanced biologically even through small disturbances.
Most problems in a garden pond can be attributed to over-fertilisation due to a high level of fish stock and feeding the fish. Because of the small size of garden ponds, excess fish food and fish excreta cannot be sustainably decomposed without external help. Through the artificial supply of nutrients, man has intervened in the biological balance. The resulting condition of over-fertilisation, (also referred to as eutrophication by specialists) results in an algae bloom with pea-green water, which in the truest sense of the word clouds the garden pond owner's satisfaction.
Monitoring water quality
In order to identify minor disturbances in the biosystem of your pond and to react appropriately in good time prior to more serious consequences, it is important to always keep the "inner values” of the water in view. Water quality is subject to constant change: The seasons, sun, rain, and wind, plant growth and fish, as well as environmental emissions have an effect. Regular water tests are unavoidable to ensure that you are always aware of what is going on in your pond and with your pond. You can take water samples to our trained stockists and have your water analysed there. If there is a need for action, your stockist will provide specific therapeutic recommendations based on the diagnosis.
You can also easily and quickly diagnose the water condition on your own. Likewise OASE offers practical and reliable Test Sets and Quicksticks for this purpose.
QuickStick 6 in 1
Water Analysis Pro Set
Tip! The OASE Online Laboratory
Your direct path to ideal water parameters
Use the immediate aid for your water parameters! In our online laboratory you can learn everything you need to know about your water parameters 24 h a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Simply enter your analysis parameters to obtain a free-of-charge, detailed evaluation with helpful tips.
www.oase-livingwater.com/onlinelabor
The OASE pond care schedule
The OASE pond care schedule
Suitable helpers for every season
spring, summer, fall and winter: Each season has its peculiarities, and thus the garden pond also requires appropriate care. We have put together several tips for seasonal cleaning and care to ensure enjoyment of your pond throughout the year, to ensure the well-being of the fish and that the natural balance remains intact.
Spring: Getting started! At the start of the season there are some things do. Now it is time for water cleaning and plant care. Optimal water conditions can be easily achieved with the Basic care product AquaActiv OptiPond, and you can really get the filter biology moving with the BioKick filter starters. The Algae Net removes bothersome pond growth, and to prevent subsequent algae growth simply suck up any silt on the pond floor, ideally with the PondoVac 4. Bring on the summer!
Summer: The motto for this season is: As little as possible and as much as necessary. Only intervene in a support capacity in order to maintain the beauty of your garden pond for as long as possible and to prevent the body of water from tipping. Remove undesired leaves and string algae and cut back plants that have blossomed with the FlexiCut 2 in 1 pond scissors, so that water quality is not impaired due to excess nutrients from the roots. In this season a Surface skimmer not only ensures a good view of your fish, it also ensures better water quality. Ensure the water level is topped up if the amount of water in the pond is reduced due to evaporation in dry spells. Keep the filter system, as well as watercourses, running 24 hours per day. Your pond in addition will be supplied with important oxygen. And then: Enjoy the most beautiful time of year at your pond!
Autumn: In the autumn, things get serious: Use of effective pond helpers is now required. Remove silt and other sediments (e.g. with the pond vacuum PondoVac 4) and remove the plant remains. Now strengthen the fish for the winter with QuickFit and cover the garden pond with the AquaNet pond net; the net prevents leaves from blowing into the pond, sinking to the bottom, and prevents excessive nutrient input from impairing the water quality.
Winter: Naturally, winter is the quietest time of year. This also applies for the pond and its care. Nevertheless, you should prepare the garden pond and its inhabitants for colder temperatures and frost. Resettle sensitive fish in a warmer pool. The fish in the pond need a depth of at least one metre, so that there is sufficient space for settlement and warmer zones in spite of the layer of ice. Always ensure that there is a small hole in the ice cover, so that pond inhabitants can breathe and fermentation gases can escape. A practical Ice preventer from the IceFree series helps in this regard. Using PhosLess inserts during the winter removes excess phosphates and thus prevents algae growth in the new season. Also remember to make the entire filter system winter-proof in accordance with the recommendations – this ensures that your garden pond and its inhabitants are prepared for the cold season.
