As we approach summer, keep these three things in mind to maintain a balanced ecosystem pond with happy fish:
1. Remove dying foliage. Be sure to remove dying leaves and flowers before they have a chance to decay in the warm water. Decomposing plant material can cause water quality issues and contribute to excess nutrient buildup.
2. Add aquatic plants for shade. Aquatic plants such as water lilies help provide fish with shade from the heat of the summer sun, cool the water, and even assist with algae control. Aim for about 40-50% surface coverage for optimal results.
3. Feed wisely. If you feed your fish, feed them in the morning and be careful not to overfeed. We recommend feeding fish no more than once a day, at the most. Uneaten food decays faster in warmer water and can pollute the pond.