This is an exciting time of year – when your garden seems to be “waking up.” Early spring clean-up will give your water garden a good start for the up-coming active season. This is a case where putting a little extra effort into starting the season right will save you lots of work later on.
- If your pump has been off for the winter, check to make sure it is running properly and the pre-filter or intake is clean and free from debris.
- Check the PH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels. If any of the levels are too high- you should do a partial water change. (Don’t forget that when you add water you need to treat it with a water conditioner like Re-Vive or Aquascape Pond Detoxifier .) Monitor the water temperature. Do not feed your fish until levels are inline and water temperature is above 50 degrees. Fish will be more active and closer to the surface (to get warmer.) Feed sparingly and watch for stress.
- Any plants that need to be trimmed should be done now. Rotting leaves will raise the water acidity. If plants have gotten too big and need to be divided – now’s the time.
- Use your net or vacuum to clean any settled debris that has gotten into your pond over the winter.
- Make sure the filter is clean and the filter media isn’t clogged. If your filter media needs to be replaced, now is a good time to do that. The stronger sunlight can spark algae growth until the surface leaves develop. (Especially when your water temperature is above 55 degrees F.) This can cause your water to go green for 2-4 weeks if you don’t get the pond cleaned up a little first. Keep adding your beneficial bacteria on a regular schedule.
Once your pond is tuned up and ready for spring, I recommend pouring a glass of wine and spending some time enjoying your pond and marveling that Spring is almost here again.
Here’s a video from Aquascape that has some more tips on getting your water garden ready for the warm weather:
