If you notice your pump leaking or struggling noisily, you probably need to clean it. [3] X Research source If your filter has a gauge on it, clean it when the back-pressure reaches four to five pounds. Failure to clean your filter regularly will result in it working less efficiently, and leave your pond dirty.
Remove leaves and debris floating on the water. Most leaves, twigs, seeds, and loose grasses can be removed with a pond skimmer, a kind of long-handled net specifically designed to keep ponds and pools clean. These are readily available at most home care stores. Clean the bottom of the pond. [5] X Research source You can use a pond vacuum or a wet vacuum to clean the bottom. A pond vacuum is a device that allows you to suck up leaves, algae, sludge, and other debris that you don’t want in the bottom of your pond. They are readily available at most home improvement stores.
If you see food bits still floating in the water, you’ll know that you’re overfeeding and should gradually reduce the amount of feed you’re providing to a level where you do not see feed floating on the surface after feeding is complete. Excess food will rot and give algae nutrients it can use to grow. The type of feed you choose to give your fish depends on the species, though most commercially available feeds are appropriate for multiple species. Talk to the proprietor of your local pet store or your vet if you have questions about what type of feed is best for your fish. Reduce the amount of feed you give your fish in autumn and winter. During these seasons, their metabolism slows and they’ll require less food. [7] X Research source
In-pond filters have a pump attached to a fountain that runs into the pond. While they are easy to setup and install, they are difficult to clean because you must remove the entire contraption from the pond. External filters are very easy to clean, but it can be difficult to get the right size and pump, since they are usually designed for pools, not ponds. While these bacteria occur naturally in ponds, they are not present in the quantities necessary to adequately filter all the toxins that occur in most ponds. Get a filter capable of filtering about twice the amount of water that our pond contains. For instance, if a filter says it can adequately filter 3,000 liters, you should use it only if your pond is around 1,500 liters or less. If you get a filter that matches your pond’s volume exactly, it will struggle to keep the pond clean. Your filter should filter your entire pond in about two hours. Check the speed of the pump and compare it to your pond’s volume to choose the right one. [9] X Research source
Alternatively, you could add liquid barley straw. One tablespoon usually treats about 50 gallons. If you don’t notice a change after about a week, add more gradually. Barley straw is readily available at most garden centers. Barley straw is safe for use in ponds with fish.
Add floating plants. Lilies and lotus reduce the total surface area of the pond that algae can thrive on, and absorb nutrients that algae would otherwise use to grow. Submerged plants like hornwort, parrot’s feather, and anacharis add oxygen to the water, preventing algae. They can be kept below the water’s surface by attaching them to a rock or putting them in a plant pot and adding weight until it sinks.
Water treatments will need to be reapplied from time to time, so just add more as necessary when you notice algae or green water.
Calcium sulfate is readily available at most gardening centers. Calcium sulfate will not harm your fish or pond plants.
If you install a fountain or waterfall less than three feet high, the pump should be located next to the waterfall on the ground level. If you install a waterfall five feet tall or taller, the filter should be placed just behind the waterfall at an elevation equal to its highest point. [13] X Research source
UV clarifiers can be attached to either mechanical or biological filters. UV light is harmful to human eyes, so the UV bulb will be situated within a case. Do not disassemble or remove the case from the UV clarifier. A clarifier with 8-10 watts of UV light is appropriate for 1,000 gallons of water. [15] X Research source
You should empty and deeply clean your pond at least once a year. The best times to do this are in the spring (so you can remove debris that accumulated during winter) and in the fall (when you’re getting ready to winterize your pond). [17] X Research source
Place some of the pond water in a large tub, inflatable swimming pool, or other large container if you have fish. This water will serve as your holding tank for your fish while the pond is empty. [18] X Research source
Remove your fish with a fish net. Scoop the fish out and place them in the container holding pond water you filled earlier. You might need to place netting or mesh over the container holding the fish to ensure they don’t leap out.
Clean the pond while it is empty. Wash the grime from the bottom and sides of the pond with a pressurized water spray gun. [20] X Research source Don’t use bleach or any toxic chemicals on your pond.
Dechlorinators are readily available at most pet stores. The amount you need will depend on the size of your pond. Consult manufacturer directions for specific use. To acclimate your fish to the new water, take one gallon of water out of the holding tank and add about one gallon of the new pond water to it every five minutes. After about 30 minutes, transfer the fish back into the pond.
