Maybe you’ve felt like this: nothing works, the pond looks disastrous and you just don’t know what to do. You actually love your fish, but the whole thing’s getting worse. Some people might think of filling in their pond, concreting it over or building a pool or barbecue area on it. But be honest. Is this what you want? No…
It’s only that you don’t have a solution. And we’d like to help you by listing the reasons causing your frustration. Choose your topic:
Algae
Green water, long green thread carpets and slimy films.
Whether it’s solid threads, dusty flakes on the bottom or green water in general, this problem has been created by high nutrient contents and a non-stabilized environment. The good news is, with some patience, you can reverse the situation and prevent any further occurrence. The slogan "1-2-3 algae-free" is not just catchy, it represents the 3 important steps to a permanently algae-free pond and guarantees it stays that way. You can find out how it works under: 1-2-3 algae-free concept and in the following blog post: Algae Control 1-2-3 algae free .
Since your algae and plants are competing for nourishment with each other, you can support the balance by actively adding new plants. Place the plants in the riparian zone, using floating plants and underwater plants as well to activate the nutrient consumption and to create shade for the pond.
Fish diseases
White spots, open wounds or bloodshot spots.
Of course you worry when your pond dwellers don’t feel well. The good news is that all common diseases can be treated with medications that are available in specialist shops. JBL offers you a wide range too: Remedies .
When your fish fall ill, they need to have their illness diagnosed by a specialist (a vet is best). Once a diagnosis has been made, you can start the treatment and correct the possible causes, such as incorrect water parameters or overstocking, using the appropriate measures. Further information on this topic can be found in the following blog post: Identifying Fish Diseases In The Pond Before It’s Too Late .
Clouded water
Milky, brown or green
The water is not crystal-clear and you can only see a few inches deep. This can have different causes. Bacterial cloudiness, floating particles, stirred up mud from the ground, or even algae (green water) are a potential source. Test the water for NO2, NH4 and O2 to prevent bacterial disturbances. In freshly created ponds especially or after strong cleaning measures, the bacteria multiply explosively and provide milky water for a few days. If the cloudiness does not diminish after a few days, the JBL PROCRISTAL UV-C Compact plus 36 W can help.
Floating particles can also cause cloudiness but can be easily removed by means of a fine filter material in the filter and the liquid water clarifier JBL CleroPond . Brownish discoloration and dark particles in the water indicate whirled up mud from the bottom. Siphon it thoroughly and use JBL SediEx Pond to support its removal. To remove green water caused by algae, use an anti-algae means such as JBL AlgoPond Green (Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Registered at the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health under BAUA number N-43072) . A lot of other turbidities can also be removed with a UV-C water clarifier.
Additional information on this topic can be found here: Let’s Clear This Up: Cloudy Water in the Pond
Plants do not grow
Brown, holed or mushy leaves - no growth.
Every plant has its season. It’s to be expected that one species is in full bloom while another has not yet opened. Be patient. However, plants that are struggling can be helped with JBL FloraPond to supply them with extra nutrients and help them grow. Check beforehand if any parasites are hindering the growth. Always free your plants from withered leaves and old flowers, so that they can channel their energy into growth. That's how to help them grow. In addition, in hot sunny days a lot of water evaporates, leaving the swamp plants parched. Always refill water in good time and provide your more sensitive species with some shade.
Structural problems
Holes, chipping or collapse.
Even ponds get old and their structural substance can deteriorate. Whether you’ve used liner or GFRP, there are always repair options available for your pond. It is also possible to re-create the pond while continuing to use the existing technology and this involves far less effort than you would expect. After all, the complete infrastructure is already there. Let your pond experts advise you. Your concerns about children falling into the pond, can be alleviated by making small structural additions. There’s no reason to worry. Don’t give up!
Thieves
Where have the fish gone?
An unknown thief made off with your pond fish just when you weren’t looking. This is not only a shock, but a huge expense in the long term. Herons, other birds and cats are often the culprits. It’s very rare to have your neighbour stealing your most beautiful koi. A simple remedy is a fine net, stretched over the whole pond, at a distance of 30 cm from the water surface. The internet is full of other effective methods of defence and you can follow these without disturbing the balance of nature in your pond.
Effort
A pond isn’t that much work.
But this is what we often hear from dissatisfied pond owners. Just follow the solutions we’ve suggested above to make your pond less high maintenance. This in turn will make you feel better and as a side effect may help you to deal with some other pond issues you may have. Suddenly, having a pond is fun and filling up some water, filter cleaning or feeding is no longer work. All this only takes you 30 minutes a week. Just sit in front of your pond in the evening and enjoy its soothing effects.
Now that we have uncovered the various problem areas and identified possible solutions, you can purposefully get to work and see your pond as your partner, not your foe. If you have any questions, please contact me and our experts at the Customer service center or comment on this post and ask your questions.
