To ensure a formal pond stays healthy, certain equipment – such as pumps and filtration systems – is necessary, along with a strict maintenance schedule. Our team at Perfect Ponds specialises in providing professional maintenance and cleaning services, assisting our clients to keep their water features in exceptional condition.
Pond Cleaning Services
Available all year round whenever required, our specialist team can perform a comprehensive pond clean. This dependable service can include the following:
- Safely removing fish to a temporary tank
- Pruning and fertilising aquatic plants
- Draining ponds to a set area
- Power washing and vacuuming pond interiors
- Cleaning pumps and filters
- UV-C bulb changes when required
- Re-filling ponds to safe water levels for fish and aquatic plants
- Applying water conditioners according to the pond’s volume when full
- Safely returning any aquatic plants and fish to pond
We advise our clients to conduct a complete pond clean annually.
Pond Maintenance
For those who wish to enjoy their water garden or pond with minimal effort, our monthly service plan is worth considering. For convenience, any work can be conducted at a time that best suits our clients.
A maintenance visit involves:
- Inspecting pumps and filtering systems
- Cleaning filter systems
- Adding supplements to promote a healthy pond
- Checking water quality
- Removing or controlling blanket weed
- Pruning and fertilising aquatic plants
- Skimming off any surface debris
- Issuing advice and recommending best practices
Round-the-clock emergency call outs are available, and a servicing and maintenance option that includes pond cleaning is available on a direct debit payment plan.
Common Pond Problems
Water loss
Persistent pond water loss may be caused by several factors. To diagnose leaks, turn off any equipment and then fill the pond to its highest level.
If the pond level remains the same, the leak is outside the pond in its filters, piping or waterfalls. These can be inspected, and once identified, leaks can be fixed.
If the water level lowers, the leak is within the pond. Allow it to drain until the breach is exposed so it can be fixed.
If your pond has a liner made form PVC, Butyl or EPDM rubber, it may have a puncture causing the leak. In concrete ponds, fine cracks caused by winter frost are usually responsible for leaks. The coating on concrete ponds can also wear away over time, resulting in leakages.
While ponds are being fixed, all aquatic plants and fish will be stored safely and returned when repairs are complete.
Ideal pond water parameters
Often overlooked, ensuring correct pond water parameters are present is among the most vital factors to consider for those seeking a healthy pond where the fish they keep can thrive. Any aquatic plants will be able to make a positive contribution, and aerobic bacteria will perform their role effectively, resulting in superior pond conditions for all life within.
Oxygen levels in ponds
Regarding dissolved oxygen, the maximum amount your pond’s water can physically hold is approximately 18.0 mg/l. The amount of dissolved oxygen in your pond should never drop below 6 mg/l, or both the fish and aquatic life present may suffer. Some species of fish can cope with lower levels of oxygen, but for others, it can be fatal.
During winter, cold water can have twice the amount of oxygen as it does during the summer. Over the peak seasons, when pond wildlife is at its most active, owners can maximise their pond’s oxygen levels in two different ways, although this will depend on a pond’s volume and style.
The first method is to install an air pump along with air stones in your pond, which adds more air into the water. This can be an exceptionally simple and cost-effective option that can effectively answer issues of low oxygen. Additionally, fitting a fountain or waterfall can be an attractive solution that can also inject extra oxygen.
Ammonia and nitrites
When fish excrete, ammonia will be released into your pond. The crucial nitrifying bacteria, which are fed by calcium carbonate, break down the ammonia and transform it into nitrite. After this stage, the nitrite breaks down again to become nitrate.
Ammonia levels must be monitored and controlled so they stay as low as possible, as ammonia poisoning can put your fish at considerable risk.
Phosphate levels
Phosphates can enter pond water in many ways. They can be present in soil that has washed into the pond, in tap water left untreated and even in the food you feed your fish with. High levels of phosphates are a key cause of both green water and the infamous blanket weed. Providing phosphate levels remain low, growth of unwanted algae will be limited, but these problems can be treated either mechanically or with a treatment from Perfect Ponds. Get in touch with our specialist team today for advice and support, or to arrange a maintenance plan for your pond.
