Common Pond Problems and How to fix them
- Leaves and Debris
- Discoloration
- Algae
- Stagnant Water
These are common problems in koi ponds, Water Gardens, and Aquatic landscapes. Smaller Ponds can experience quite a few issues but have straightforward solutions, preventing headaches associated with ponds.
Pond Water Discoloration
Another issue related to leaves and debris is tannins or discolored water.
The way that happened is from leaves or branches falling into the water, essentially making tea. The water releases its color, potentially harming the fish and the healthy bacteria. If you have fish or want that clear natural look, preventing leaves and debris from falling into the water is essential.
Of course, keeping out all the leaves and debris that can enter the water is impossible.
A couple of products you can use concerning this are Rapid Clear or BioClarifier and Clarity Max. They have a lot of other benefits that can boost nutrients in the water.
Another option is Pond Clear, which is biobased and can reduce tannins.
Keeping Leaves and Debris out of Ponds
Fallen leaves and debris will occur throughout the year but primarily in the fall.
Leaves and branches release nutrients and debris into the ponds when falling into the water. The waste will cause other underlying issues that we’ll discuss. The simplest and easiest solution for this is a pond net.
We have nets available for sale. You could DIY or buy kits for them. They go over your pond to prevent debris. There are different sizes of nets to fit small and large ponds. Net coverings are essential to have.
Algae Control
Another common problem is String Algae, also known as hair algae. String Algae can occur quite a bit in ponds. String Algae can be in the stream bed, at the deep end of the pond, and anywhere.
Pond algae can cause a lot of different issues. It’s invasive and overgrows, but regular pond service pros will remove the algae by hand or with pond cleaners like D-Solv. It is an oxidizing powder that works best if you drain the water down a little bit and then sprinkle it on directly, but you don’t have to drain the water. You can sprinkle this powder in, and it will start oxidizing and lifting off algae from the rocks. You don’t have to worry about your pets as it is pet friendly. Bacteria treatments work really with algae.
Stagnant Water
There can be a lot of issues associated with stagnant water in your pond.
Stagnant water can cause foul odors and low oxygen levels, causing fish stress that can kill them.
The best way to deal with that is with air systems or aerators. Air pumps are used for large or small ponds. They pump air into the pond and disrupt the surface, allowing more oxygen to dissolve back into the water. Aerators will provide oxygen for the fish and beneficial bacteria in the pond that contributes to the health of the water.
There are benefits of building bio falls which are pond waterfalls that add oxygen to the water.
You might experience a few of these problems if you own a koi pond or water garden. Consistent maintenance cleaning and care will help remedy these common pond issues. If you have any questions, call or send us a picture of the pond so we can help. We are water quality Specialists in Orange City and Orange County that know everything about fish, from small ponds to large lakes. Call or message us If you have any service questions or want a little more guidance on how to fix these problems.
