It's pond time

[andy]

When the weather allows, it's time to get out there and sort the pond out.

UV's can be serviced, tubes replaced and switched on (i always turn mine off in autumn)

Filters can be flushed out by removing the drain plug if it has one...get all that green sludge out by using a watering can to wash it out....but fill the can full of pond water, not tap water and then just top the pond up with tap water.

Clean the pump and waterfall if you have one. I always turn my waterfall off from autumn as it's a very quick way to chill the pond. Now's the time to get it on again.

Any marginals can be cut back. Some may already be in flower (marsh marigold for example)

Remove overgrown lilly roots, chop up and replant. This can also be done in autumn although i prefer spring. Same goes for dividing and replanting marginals and bog plants.

Take out 20% of the pond water and replace with tap water.

Any plants that were covered up such as Gunneras can be uncovered now. Might be handy to have a bit of hessian or bubble wrap to throw over the new leaves if we get a frost.

I never stop feeding my fish throughout winter....if they're hungry, they'll eat it and most of the time, the fish have been actively looking for food. Little and often is the rule and use wheatgerm pellets which are digested better.
I don't however, feed my fish if the water temp is below 7 C...get a small thermometer for the pond, they're only about a fiver.

***CAN I JUST SAY THAT ANY ELECTRICS SHOULD BE RUN WITH A CIRCUIT BREAKER AND ALL ELECTRIC SHOULD BE SWITCHED OFF AT THE MAINS WHEN SERVICING EQUIPMENT.....ELECTRIC AND WATER DO NOT MIX***

If there's anything else to add, please feel free

[Ruthie]

A couple of weeks ago our Koi pond went veeery cloudy. This happened before 2 years ago and we had all sorts of problems that summer with cloudy water, dying fish and ulcers yuck!!
Back in the present OH switched the UV light on and within a week the water had cleared and has remained so <fingerscrossedsmiley>. They're amazing really! We have a full filtration system but I can't describe it 'cos it's not my job to know!! OH is the pond/fish person.

[Dutchy]

Ah you reminded me that I need to get the brooklet system blown through soon.
Not a job I look forward to.
I put the pump in when night temps stay above 15 C so I think I still have time.

[Susie Snowdrop]

Thanks for the tips Andy, really helpful!

My pond is crystal clear at the moment (unlike last year!). Should I still replace some of the pond water with tap water?

Thanks.

S x