Fertilize each plant and place at appropriate depth. Lilies and Lotus should be fertilized every 3-4 weeks, marginals every 5-7 weeks. Add new plants as needed as the weather becomes appropriate for each plant. Add floaters such as water hyacinth and water lettuce (late spring after danger of frost has passed).Add Anacharisto reduce algae growth. Use one bunch per one sq. ft. of surface area for ponds under 50 sq. ft. and one bunch per two or three sq. ft. for ponds over 51 to 200 sq. ft. For ponds over 200 sq. ft. use one bunch for every three to four sq. ft.Turn on Ultraviolet sterilizer after the biological filter is working properly and the water starts to turn slightly green. Add nitrifying bacteria like Microbe-Lift PL. Continue using as directed for best filter performance. Microbe Lift’s Gel bacteria is a great way to get bacterial colonies restarted quickly on mat-type filter media. Divide and repot plants as needed. Begin cleaning your filter as needed. Ponds with a skimmer or other pre-filter will need that skimmer/pre-filter cleaned most frequently. On average this is once a week, but some may need to clean more, others may be able to go a month between cleanings. If this filter is primarily mechanical (physically traps debris) and you also have a biological filter, then it is OK to hose off the pre-filter media. Your biological filter needs to only be cleaned when the flow of water is being restricted due to accumulation of debris. When cleaning a biological filter, do NOT over-clean. It is only necessary to remove the debris that is restricting flow. Over-cleaning the filter can destroy the bacteria that has colonized on the media. If possible, avoid chlorinated water.
A few things you may need:
Fish net, Dechlorinator, Microbe-Lift PL, plants, aquatic plant containers, aquatic plant soil, gravel, a vacuum, fish food and a thermometer.
Summer
Remember to continue fertilizing your plants as detailed under “Spring” remove dead foliage from the pond. The leaves of plants will yellow and brown as they age. When this happens, it is best to cut them off. This reduces debris buildup in the pond, provides more room for new growth, and improves the appearance of the pond. Feed your fish well. Do not over-feed. Feed no more than the fish will eat in 5 minutes. Feed 1-3 times per day.Continue cleaning filter as needed, making sure not to over-clean.Maximize your aeration. Warm water holds less oxygen, yet the fish use more oxygen in warm water. Make sure you have plenty of aeration running 24/7. Aeration can be supplemented by using an air pump or additional pump.Continue use of bacterial products like Microbe Lift. Enjoy! This is the time to sit back and enjoy the work you have put into your water garden.