Pond Ecology Frequently Asked Questions

1) Will I have a problem with snakes?
Although most snakes are harmless, it's true that some are not. Snakes may originally be attracted to the pond, but once they see human interaction around, they will typically leave. Snakes are more afraid of us than we are of them.
2) What do I do with my pond in the winter?
Depending on the area you live in and how deep your pond is, you have a few options. As long as your pond is around 2 and 1/2 feet deep, the fish can overwinter. Some people will leave their pumps running all year for decorative reasons and to keep the pond from freezing over solid. Others may turn their pumps off and store them in a bucket of water. This keeps the O-rings inside the pump from drying out. If you turn the system off, make sure to use some sort of de-icing heater to keep a small hole open in the ice. This will let the gases escape and the oxygen in. Either way works just fine.
3) What about cleaning the pond?
You will need to do some maintenance from time to time, such as emptying the debris net in the skimmer. It is recommended to clean the pond entirely once a year.
4) Do I need to feed the fish?
Yes, you should feed them any time the temperature is above 55° F. Feed them a spring and autumn blend when the temperatures are between 55° F and 65° F. Then switch to a summer food once it's above 65° F. Only feed them once every 2 to 3 days. They should eat it up within the first 5 minutes.
5) Can I have too many fish?
Absolutely. This is the main cause of poor water quality and many fish deaths. The rule of thumb is one inch of fish for every 10 gallons of water. Remember, fish grow! So calculate their length based on how big they will get and not necessarily on how big they are now.
6) How many plants should I have?
Since plants are one of the most important parts of the ecosystem and play an important role in keeping a pond healthy and clear, it would be great to have 60 to 70 percent of water surface coverage. Then add a good mixture of marginal's and deep-water plants of your choosing.
7) How often should I clean the filter?
Depending on the type of filter you have, it is generally recommended to clean the mechanical part, such as the skimmer or sponges, at least once a month. More may be needed if you're in an area that has a lot of debris falling into the pond. If the type of biological filter you have includes pads, then they should be rinsed only once or twice a year. If the other media in the filter is of a plastic form, then it should never be rinsed unless it is clogged, and then it's best if that can be done by using the pond water itself. This keeps the beneficial bacteria alive.
8) Do I need to drain it?
Once a year is recommended, but it's not always necessary. If the pond didn't collect much debris throughout the year and the water conditions are still great, then there is no need.
9) Do I have to add any chemicals?
Only if it's necessary, like when the pond water has a tea colored appearance and you want to add some activated carbon to clear it up. In addition, if the fish have become sick and they are in need of a medication, then you should add the appropriate product. Otherwise, it is best to leave it alone and let Mother Nature do her job.
10) How do I keep a blue heron from eating my fish?
Predators are one of our pond's worst enemies. They can severely damage the population of the fish. There are many deterrents on the market today, but one of the best is the Scarecrow. It's a motion-activated sprayer that works off of a 9-volt battery and connects to a water hose. Whenever a predator comes near, the motion detector is activated and the sprayer is triggered. Another good method is to net your pond.
11) Can I keep turtles in my pond?
Yes and no. Some turtles are protected and others are not. Check with your local wildlife agency to determine which types are not. Also realize that turtles may not always stay in your pond, and they can eat baby fish.
12) What's the difference between a salamander and a newt?
Not much! Salamanders and newts are sometimes very hard to tell apart. Both are aquatic, but the salamander is generally more terrestrial.
13) Will I have a problem with mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes generally only lay their eggs in stagnant water. So, as long as you have moving water you will be fine. As a bonus, fish love to consume any larvae that exist.
14) Is it better to go deeper than 2 feet when building a pond?
Not necessarily. Two feet is perfect for most ponds. However if you are really looking to breed or have a large number of koi, then 3 to 4 feet is recommended.