Spring Pond Information
When can I start my pump and filter?
Once the ice is off the pond pumps can be started. Keep in mind that pumps located on the bottom of the pond will begin mixing the warmer water that is on the bottom of the pond with the upper layers of cooler water. Pumps can be raised up to help keep the bottom layer warmer for the fish. Filters can also be cleaned and started at this time, however nitrifying bacteria’s will not begin working until the average weekly water temperature is above 60 degrees.
When can I start feeding my fish?
Fish digest by muscle action, which is very weak in colder water. Even though it appears that they are hungry, it could be harmful to feed them in the cold water. Follow the chart and use a Wheat Germ, All Season or Spring & Autumn food until the average weekly water temp is above 55 degrees.
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Average Weekly Water Temperature
(AWWT)
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When To Feed
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60-65 F
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Twice a Day
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56-59 F
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Once a Day
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50-55 F
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Once a Week
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Below 50 F
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No Feeding
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When can I clean out the bottom of the pond?
As soon as the ice clears this can be done, however waiting until the AWWT is above 55 F is best. Remember the fish are dormant and weak. Care should be taken to not get them all “worked up” while cleaning. Also remember that this will likely mix the warmer bottom layer with cooler top layers.
When can I start fertilizing my plants?
Begin feeding lilies and other hardy plants as soon as they start to show new growth.
When can I add submerged plants?
When the AWWT is above 50 F.
When can I add tropical plants?
When all danger of frost is gone.
When can I start adding bacteria products?
Microbe Lift can be added when the AWWT is above 50 F.
Fritz 360 and Winston Biological Clarifier can be added when the
AWWT is 60 F.
When can I start adding Hair Algae treatment?
Bio Safe Green Clean, Microbe Lift Algaway and Winston D-Solve can be started when the AWWT is 60 F.
Happy Ponding!!
