Pond Care

Pond Pads offer barley straw treatment in a most convenient and effective form for use in garden ponds. They often appear to work miracles, quickly producing a bright clear pond from a murky green hollow, but best results are generally obtained if they are used as part of good pond care. Treatment may be started at any time and today is always the best time to start. The benefits of autumn and winter treatments may not be seen immediately but they will be appreciated the following spring.

1. When using Pond Pads precise control of the dose rate is not necessary but gross over-dosing can help to feed the algae instead of destroying it. If the pond is smaller than about 200 gallons (1 cu m), use half a pad. The pads are easily cut with scissors.

2. Do not weigh the pad down to the bottom of the pond but let it float near the water surface where there is more oxygen. It is important that the oxygen in the water can get to the straw. Follow the recommendations for use on the back of the pack. If the pond is deep or has a muddy bottom it may be worth preventing the Pond Pads from sinking by using a Pond Pad Floater.

3. Adequate oxygen must be available for the health of fish and wildlife and for the aerobic breakdown of the Pond Pads. Oxygenating plants will help to provide this but, if there are more than a few small fish, a pump and fountain are recommended. As algae produce oxygen during the day but carbon dioxide at night, the pump should be left running continuously to keep the water aerated and not be switched off in the evening. The variation in dissolved oxygen levels in the water can cause severe distress to fish which will appear healthy during the day but may be gasping for breath at night and particularly first thing in the morning.

4. If a considerable number of fish are to be stocked, a filter providing adequate mechanical and biological capacity must be used to remove suspended debris and enable the breakdown of faecal material to take place.

5. Algae bloom and flourish in direct sunlight. Tall marginal plants or shade giving plants, such as water lilies, will help to restrict the growth of algae. Alternatively shrubs or trees can be used to provide shade.

6. With a new pond, allow plants to become established before introducing fish.

7. Use rain water to fill or top up your pond where possible, tap water encourages the growth of green water algae and will disturb the balance of the water.

8. We very much hope that you can now relax and enjoy your pond but, if you still have problems or feel the we can help you further, please contact us.