Common Misconceptions About Pond Cleaning

by Kristen White Blogger

Cleaning a pond can be a complicated task, especially if fish is involved. We have demystified common misconceptions about pond cleaning so that you can do a good job next time.

You don’t need to drain the entire contents of your pond when cleaning. It is not even something you should consider unless it is the last resort. The best way to clean your pond is to get pond fountain pump that will clean the pond without draining any amount of water.

Draining the pond will even make it dirtier in the future due to disruption in the ecosystem. This is even much worse for a wildlife pond. However, emptying the pond is sometimes necessary, depending on the circumstances. During general cleaning, you may not need to drain your pond heavily so long as you get pond fountain pump.

Emptying Your Pond is Unnecessary for Efficient Cleaning

Draining dirty water before cleaning the pool properly is a common misconception held by pond owners. Frankly speaking, the opposite is quite true because the water might appear dirty to the human eye, but it is healthy for the microorganisms in that ecosystem. You may also consider getting the top Kasco fountain to keep the pond aerated.

The ecosystem is self-sustaining in such a way that millions of microorganisms and bacteria work in collaboration with the ecosystem to provide a natural cleaning system. The work of bacteria is to break down unwanted substances, including nitrites and ammonia, which are harmful. The bacteria are also essential to the fish in the ponds as well as take part in the nitrogen cycle, which sustains the pond. Therefore, draining the water disrupts the natural ecosystem, which is terrible for the ecosystem.

Water Change can be Necessary During Cleaning

Removing and adding the water is what is referred to as a water change. It is sometimes beneficial, but it is not recommended to perform a full water change. Cleaning a pond that is heavily stocked with fish is can be very challenging. This is because the fish excrete a lot of waste more so during summer when their metabolism rates are very high.

In such a case, doing a small water change may be necessary and beneficial to the fish and other microorganisms in the pond. Doing so will help reduce the levels of ammonia while at the same time enhancing the quality of water. However, a water change is unnecessary for a pond that has no fish unless the condition of the water is deteriorating.

Is There a Best Time to Clean My Pond?

You can clean your pond as regularly as you can even though the start of Spring and the end of Autumn are most appropriate. Cleaning during the last days of Autumn ensures that the waste levels are kept at their bare minimum while approaching Winter. This ensures that fish have a safe environment during their hibernation period.

On the other hand, not cleaning the pond has detrimental effects. To begin with, the debris and sludge left in the water can be harmful to the fish. Secondly, water can freeze over the pond and prevent gaseous exchange. In such a case, toxic levels will continue to rise while reducing the amount of oxygen available for the fish. The result will be the fish becoming sick and eventually dying during Spring. A thorough cleaning at the end of Autumn is considered best practice by fishkeepers, and it is something worth considering.