Garden Water Feature - 5 Monthly Must-Do's For Healthy Pond & Fish!

Building a garden water feature such as a pond or fountain in your own garden can be a very rewarding experience, especially once you can sit back on a Summer's day and relax to the sound of the running water. Before you know it the hustle and bustle of the working week becomes a distant memory.

The type and style of water feature will depend on your space, budget and personal style. If you are looking for a garden water feature with a contemporary feel, you might envisage a pond with a waterfall, neat edges and decking. Those wanting something more traditional and naturalistic might be looking for a garden water feature with native plants and blurred perimeters.

Whatever the style you choose, there are steps to take to ensure your pond is healthy and well maintained throughout the year. With frequent monitoring and an awareness of the seasons, you can ensure a safe environment for your plants and fish.

These 5 monthly checks are crucial:

1. Ensure that nitrate levels in the water do not exceed 50mg/l.

2. Remove blanketweed (a type of filamentous algae) on the surface of the water before it chokes plants and fish. It has a tendency to grow quickly and starve other pond life of oxygen. You can use a stick to remove it safely.

3. Scrub away any green algae on bridges, decking and fountains within your garden water feature as this will cause slippery conditions and a potential accident situation. You can use a clean brush for this. You can also remove any dead leaves from plants around the pond as this will limit the spread of algae.

4. Keep your eye on a build up of moss - despite softening the look of your pond, similar to algae moss can pose a significant risk to your pond life by taking all the oxygen. If you have a heavy moss issue, you can use potassium permanganate or an aquatic herbicide (the amount you use will depend on the size of your pond - consult the dosage in the instructions).

5. If you want fish in your pond, it is best to keep adding fish on a more regular basis rather than stocking the water fully at the outset. The best time to buy pond fish is in the spring and summer as these fish tend to be hardier and have an opportunity to get used to the pond environment before the cold winter.

In terms of keeping your fish healthy, it is highly recommended to do regular water level checks. In the summer, increased evaporation of the water is likely. This leads to more concentrated levels of dissolved nitrogenous waste and lower oxygen levels which can be fatal to the fish, particularly larger breeds. There during the summer months in particular, make sure you top up water levels to break down this waste and promote more oxygen for a healthier environment.

A garden water feature like a pond can be a wonderful asset to your home. Be sure to treat it with the love and care it needs and it will love you back!