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| Spring is coming, finally. I have a few questions for getting my first spring off to a good start.
1)I have a hardy water lily 2 feet deep in pond. Should I raise it up higher, then lower when it starts growing? If so, when should I do that? 2)When do I start adding the beneficial bateria? I am using a powder form? Are liquid forms better and which do you use? 3)If I order some of the hardy plants, such as oxygenators, marginals and floaters, how do I know when it's safe to add them to the pond, weather-wise? 4)Is there anything else to add to the pond during spring start-up, as far as 'natural' stuff? I have cleaned the bottom and everything looks good, except for some string algae growing up the sides. I am keeping it 'chemical' free, such as algaecides. 5)Anything I should keep an eye out for as far as fish health? I have 11 small goldfish, 1 small koi and 1 albino catfish? Thank you,
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Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by sleeplessinftwayne z4-5 IND (My Page) on Tue, Mar 9, 10 at 17:16
| Hey, Vickie. The lily at two feet can be left where it is unless it needs dividing. Fertilize as soon as the water is consistently at 50-55 degrees. The beneficial bacteria won't get active until 50-55 degrees. Don't sweat it. So long as they have a place to live they will come on their own. If you are in a hurry you can add liquid or dry so long as it hasn't been sitting on the shelf all winter. Again the magic number is 50-55 degrees. That is ambient water temperature. For anything that must sit out of the water check your last frost date. You need to get and use a test kit for the water. That will tell you if there is a problem that you need to take care of. Don't waste money on strips. When the water is beginning to get warmed up, it is time for parasites to become active. Check for anything that might be visible on the fish. Review instructions for recognition of parasites and treat the water. Often parasites are transparent. Fish behavior will change. I lost a beautiful fish years ago because I did not recognize the thin black line coming out from under the scales was a parasite. When in doubt, medicate. Happy spring. |
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| Thank you, and Happy Spring to you too. Daylight savings this weekend too. Yippee! |
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| I like to add watercress in the pond every spring to help take out the nutrients fish add to the pond. I place it in the stream wedged between the rocks. It likes cool weather so it is good for spring and fall. |
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| I haven't been able to find any watercress in any of the grocery stores. Where else can I get it? |
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| I purchased watercress seeds last year. Its best to start them in potting soil, but once they sprout you can transplant them to your pond easily. They will also survive a frost so they make a great spring plant for your pond. I purchased my seeds from a place called Park Seeds which I linked below. I'm sure you can purchase the seeds from many other vendors as well. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Watercress Seeds
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- Posted by gardengal_co z5 CO (My Page) on Fri, Mar 12, 10 at 2:09
| Agree with the advice to wait until the water is in the 50-55 degree range. Hardy plants need to wait until it is also that temperature, for this first year. Next year if they overwinter with success they will come back when things warm up. We recommend waiting until the last part of May (earliest) to the first part of June before putting plants in the pond. Do not start feeding your fish just yet. And when you do, start with a hi carb food as the bateria in the pond and within the fish are ready to tackle the carb diet, but not a hi protien diet just yet. Wait until the water temps are in the 70 range. I like to add a barley bale to the pond as this helps with string algae. I noticed you said you want to avoid using chemicals... barley bales work well, keep your pond at least 2/3rds with plants.. oxygenators.. water lilies are good for providing coverage. Avoid doing more than 1/3rd water exchange when cleaning the pond. Draining the pond to eliminate algae is not suggested as replacing the water repeatedly prevents the pond from setting up it's own natural habitate which takes at least 2-3 years to become balanced. There are many products on the market to assist with pond care.. many are "natural' products and safe for fish. Check with the product itself.. before adding to the pond water. Check for accurate water volume so you are adding the right amount per suggestion on the bottle. And set up a routine for adding bacteria, which helps to break down dead algae which feeds new algae. Good luck with your pond... Relax and have fun with it, I love my pond. |
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| I have been shopping around for plants online. I didn't have much luck in 1st year with WH. They barely hung on through summer. Will try again. May have enough nutrients this year in water. Also looking at oxygenators. The ones I want, can't be shipped to OK because of bans. Darn it. Will keep looking. And, I love my pond too. Hubby thinks I'm obsessed with it. I'd agree. |
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