Our recent complimentary, in-house water tests are returning some not-so-surprising results! Two common summer issues we are beginning to see:
Warm-Weather Salt Accumulation!
As we add additional water to top off our water gardens natural salts begin to accumulate. The water is evaporating and leaving behind salt that can become deadly to our plants in the pond. This tends to happen quicker in smaller ponds and evaporations quickens in exposed locations. Water changes can become necessary to dilute the salts in the solution. We can test your pond water here free of charge and we are requesting you bring in a sample of the water you're using to refill, municipal or well.
This accumulation is not dangerous to koi or goldfish, only plants!
Phosphorus Accumulation & Ornamental Fish:
Phosphorus, while not dangerous on its own, can cause issues that can spiral out of control. Phosphorus is usually added to the pond by feeding and or overfeeding our pet fish. Phosphorus can also make its way into the pond by careless fertilization of terrestrial plants or stormwater runoff.
The phosphorus is very much appreciated by all algae species and pond owners will see an increase in algal growth, often a concerning amount of growth. In most cases, some algae is normal and healthy for the water quality, until it is not! Either the algae runs out of food and or the pond owner uses an algaecide to kill the algae. In both cases, the oxygen levels can drop to dangerous levels too low to support koi and goldfish!
Recommendations:
Do not overfeed your fish. Once a day is fine. Only feed what they can eat in five minutes.
Use high-quality, low-phosphorus foods.
Test often for phosphorus. Twice a month in the summer.
If you find you are high in phosphorus, bring us a sample for a second opinion. We can give you options and ideas to help lower and or prevent high levels.
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