Pond clay: its benefits and how to choose it

Pond clay is an essential component in maintaining a healthy ecosystem in a garden pond. Not only does it improve water quality, it also provides significant health benefits for fish and aquatic plants. This article explores the benefits of pond clay and offers tips on how to choose the right clay for your pond.

Most ponds operate in a closed circuit . The minerals contained in the water end up being absorbed by the fish, plants and filtration. The mineral needs of a pond are constant. Minerals also allow the proper development of bacteria. The contribution of specific clay is one of the best solutions.

What is pond clay?

• Definition : Pond clay is a type of natural soil composed primarily of fine minerals and clay particles.
• Properties : Rich in minerals and trace elements, it is known for its purifying and clarifying properties.

Choosing to add specific clay such as biota earth to your pond is one of the easiest ways to enrich your pond with minerals, but also to keep it as natural as possible. Minerals also tend to decrease with rainwater.

Sometimes if you do water changes the mineral levels can drop. To increase minerals easily, while providing good bacteria for your koi, you can use montmorillonite clay.

The Benefits of Clay for Ponds

• Improved Water Quality : Clay helps balance the pH of the water and reduce harmful substances such as nitrates and phosphates. Clarification of pond water (role of natural flocculant).
• Fish Health : The essential minerals present in clay are beneficial for the health of fish, improving their color and vitality. Improves the intestinal functioning of our fish and the immune defenses of koi carp (+mucus).
• Improved shine and color of our koi carp.
• Plant Growth : Clay provides essential nutrients to aquatic plants, promoting their growth and development.

How to Choose the Right Clay for Your Pond

• Type of Clay : Choose a clay specially designed for ponds, which does not contain chemicals or pollutants.
• Particle size : The size of the clay particles is important. A fine particle size is preferable because it disperses better in water.
• Dosage : Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage, as excess clay can cloud the water.

We have a big crush on Biota Earth clay which contains soil, montmorillonite clay and is very rich. This solution contains more than 65 different minerals and trace elements. There are also bacterial cultures in the solution. Be careful not to use classic clay. You need a clay intended for ponds.

Application Tips

• Frequency of Application : Clay should be added regularly, often on a monthly basis, to maintain its benefits.
• Method of Application : Scatter the clay evenly over the water surface or mix it with water before adding it to the pond.

It is advisable to apply it every week at a rate of 10G/M³ when everything is going well. It is always better to buy the largest packaging. The water will be cloudy for a few hours while everything settles to the bottom of the pond. In 24 hours, the natural flocculating effect will have taken full effect.

Conclusion

Adding pond clay is a natural and effective way to improve the quality of your pond water, while also supporting the health of your fish and plants. By choosing the right clay and applying it correctly, you can create a balanced and thriving aquatic environment.