Pond Treatment Products
Garden and ornamental ponds add another element of beauty to a yard or garden -- but they are not maintenance-free elements. It is important that pond owners understand what is necessary to keep their pond water clean and clear. Understanding pond treatments and what they do will help a pond owner enjoy his beautiful pond for many years to come. Does this Spark an idea?
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Algae Control
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Algaecides stop algae growth in ponds, which begins slowly then speeds up and quickly takes over, clouding the water water and making plant life and fish hard to see. With regular algaecide treatment, the water can maintain its pristine appearance. The algaecide breaks down dead algae and increases the level of dissolved oxygen in the water, making the environment healthy for plant life and fish life. Algaecides are found in several forms, including chemical mixes and microbial, which utilizes good bacteria to naturally control the algae in the pond.
Chlorine and Ammonia Neutralizer
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In pond that houses fish and plants, ammonia levels can rise as a result of overfeeding or overcrowding. Chlorine also is present in a pond when tap water is added. Chlorine and ammonia are not healthy for fish and plant life, so it is important to neutralized them. There are several neutralizers on the market, most come in liquid form and are added according to the number of gallons of water in the pond amd manufacturer's directions. When added, the liquid neutralizes the chlorine and converts the ammonia to a healthy form of ammonia that is beneficial to the good bacteria in the pond.
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Water Conditioner
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Before adding plant life or fish to a new pond, add a water conditioner. Water conditioners come in liquid form and are added to the pond based on its size. Following the manufacturer's directions is important. A good water conditioner detoxifies chlorine and ammonia, destroys chloramines, detoxifies heavy metals, boosts alkalinity and adds essential electrolytes to the pond. Water conditioners instantly age the water, allowing the pond to accept plant life and fish while providing a healthy environment for all pond life.
pH Up Liquid
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Maintaining the pH (the alkalinity level) in a pond has its challenges because fish respiration causes it to drop and photosynthesis causes it to rise. Maintaining a range between 7.0 and 7.5 is ideal for plant and fish life. Higher than 7.5 is too alkaline and lower than 7.0 is too acidic. The pH level of a pond typically fluctuates during the day, being lowest in the morning and highest in the evening. Use a pH test kit to determine if the pond needs the treatment; take the measurement at midday. If the pH needs to be adjusted, gradually add a liquid called pH Up to raise the pH by 0.2 points each day. A drastic change in pH will have adverse effects on fish and plant life.
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