Find here the essentials and best sellers for our pond owners.
Find here the essentials and best sellers for our pond owners.
No matter how peaceful it may be, a garden pond can still undergo major upheavals after heavy rain or a major storm. In other words, these weather phenomena can compromise the quality of the water, the biological balance of the pond and of course the health (and life!) of the fish.
In this article, we will look at some essential points to take into account when taking care of the pool before or after a storm.
The creation of the pond is the beginning of a journey towards a natural ecosystem: bad weather and other climatic hazards will therefore be an integral part of its life. If we cannot really avoid them, there are still some measures that we can adopt to protect the pond!
The first step is to consider raising the immediate surroundings of the basin, in order to protect it from downpours and heavy rain. Moreover, runoff water is often accompanied by debris and sediment: these elements have the potential to quickly disrupt the balance of the entire basin ecosystem.
A thoughtful elevation can therefore serve as a smart strategy! And what's more, it's a simple and cost-effective investment to maintain the visual integrity of the pool, while creating a buffer zone that acts as a shield against debris.
In addition to its function of preserving against debris, the adoption of an "overflow" system is essential. When rainfall is abundant, the water level in your pool can quickly rise, creating a risk of overflow.
Think of this device as a safety valve for your pool. When the rain falls torrentially and the water level rises significantly, this mechanism kicks in. The "overflow" system, placed at a strategic level, ensures a controlled flow of excess water without jeopardizing the integrity and stability of the pool.
Heavy rainfall events can bring an abundance of beneficial water to your water garden, but they can also trigger unwanted disruptions.
Rainwater, while seemingly pure, can impact your pond parameters, threatening the delicate balance you have established. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to maintain optimal conditions for your fish and aquatic life.
Rainwater is naturally devoid of essential minerals, which means it can dilute the mineral levels in your pond. Critical parameters to monitor are total hardness (GH), carbonate hardness (KH) and pH.
A sudden drop in these values can cause stressful fluctuations for your fish and disrupt the entire ecosystem. Use reliable test kits to measure these parameters and make sure they remain within ranges compatible with aquatic life.
⭐ You may be interested in: how to analyze pond water parameters ?
If testing reveals significant deviations in mineral and pH levels, it is time to intervene. Pond-specific remineralization products can be added to restore proper mineral levels. This will help stabilize water chemistry and create a more comfortable environment for your fish. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid over-adjustments.
Ensuring that the water in your pond remains suitable for life is an ongoing responsibility for any water garden owner.
By regularly assessing key parameters and using the appropriate correction products, you can prevent the adverse effects of heavy rainfall and maintain a healthy, balanced environment for your fish and aquatic plants.
Hot summer days can be a great time to lounge around your pond, but they can also be a stressful time for your fish. The thunderstorms that often accompany this season can make matters worse by reducing the oxygen content of the water. Proper oxygenation is essential to ensure that your fish stay healthy and the aquatic ecosystem thrives.
Heat is a key factor that influences the water’s ability to hold oxygen. As temperatures rise, the solubility of oxygen in the water decreases, meaning your fish may not get enough oxygen to breathe. Thunderstorms can exacerbate this situation by further upsetting the balance. Fish will literally suffocate when there is a lack of oxygen, which can have disastrous consequences for their health.
⭐ This may interest you: we have made a list of oxygenating plants for the pond !
To counteract this potential drop in oxygen, you need to actively provide supplemental oxygen to your pond. This can be done using air pumps, waterfalls, or water jet pumps.
These devices agitate the surface of the water, allowing for a better exchange of oxygen with the air. Not only does this improve dissolved oxygen levels, but it also creates a more pleasant environment for your fish by simulating natural water movements.
⭐ This may interest you: how to choose your air pump?
Proper oxygenation goes beyond fish respiration. It has positive consequences for the entire ecosystem. Beneficial bacteria that break down waste and maintain biological balance also need oxygen to function effectively. Dissolved oxygen is also linked to maintaining a balanced pH, which is essential for the health of fish and aquatic plants.
Ensuring adequate oxygenation is an essential part of maintaining your pond, especially during hot and stormy periods.
By taking steps to increase oxygen levels, you provide your fish with a more comfortable and healthy environment, while supporting the balance of the aquatic ecosystem as a whole.
Your fish are like the barometers of your pond. Their behavior is already a valuable indicator of the overall health of the ecosystem. Heavy rainfall can cause sudden changes in water temperature , chemistry, and turbidity . These sudden changes can stress your fish, making them more susceptible to disease and infection .
During and after heavy rains, take the time to carefully observe your fish. If you notice unusual behaviors such as excessive lethargy , frantic jumping out of the water, loss of appetite , or erratic swimming , this may indicate an underlying problem. Monitoring water clarity and algae growth can also provide clues about water quality and the overall health of the pond.
Establishing a regular monitoring routine is beneficial even outside of periods of intense rainfall. Changes in the aquatic environment can occur slowly and subtly. Constant observation allows you to detect problems at an early stage, when solutions are simpler and less expensive.
Regular monitoring allows you to intervene quickly if problems arise. This may include filtration adjustments, partial water changes, or the addition of specific treatment products. By acting quickly, you can minimize the negative effects of bad weather on your fish and your pond's ecosystem.
Storms can also disrupt the biological balance of your pond by introducing contaminants, or disrupting beneficial bacteria populations. Using a treatment like Biobooster+ can help quickly restore biological stability . These products contain cultures of beneficial bacteria that help break down organic waste and maintain clear, healthy water.
⭐ This may interest you: Presentation of Biobooster+: the miracle product for ponds !
Remember that biological balance can take some time to fully restore. Gradually adapting your maintenance practices to the needs of your pond is therefore often necessary based on the signals observed.
Remember, nature is constantly evolving! Adapt your practices according to the signs your pool shows you: each step you take to restore the balance of your pool strengthens your understanding of how it works and strengthens your connection with this aquatic microcosm!
Leave a comment