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problems. The fish should quickly consume the feed you are throwing in. If the feed starts to drift off or the feeding action slows,
you are overfeeding. Plants add color and help soften the look of the pond. Also they are an important part of the filtration. Not
only do plants provide shade which helps keep the water cooler and reduces algae growth, but they also help absorb nutrients
such as ammonia, nitrogen and phosphorus. There are many types of water plants available. Lilies are the most popular of all
pond plants. They are colorful and easy to maintain. Hardy lilies will live through northern winters. Tropical lilies will need to come
indoors in northern areas over the winter. Marginal and bog plants like dwarf cattails, pickerel rush, arrowhead and iris are popu-
lar plants that are typically planted along the perimeter of the pond and bog areas. Floating plants such as water hyacinth, water
lettuce and duckweed are popular choices. Water hyacinth is great for use in the AquaFalls filter. Not only does it helps
disguise the filter but also provides additional filtration.
Maintenance — EasyPro ponds are designed for minimum maintenance. Like any pool or spa, a water feature does
require a small amount of regular maintenance to maintain clean, clear water. The location of the pond, the amount of
fish/plants and other factors will determine the actual level of maintenance needed. Following are a few products that
will help you maintain your feature.
All-Season Pond Bacteria — Adding two ounces of EasyPro bacteria per 1000 gallons of pond water each week is vital
to a healthy pond. these natural bacteria consume fish waste, uneaten food and other nutrients that, left untreated, will
cause water quality problems. Removing the nutrients using bacteria is a safe and natural way to a healthy pond.
Barley Straw Extract — Adding two ounces of EasyPro Barley Extract per 1000 gallons of pond water
every three weeks is a great preventative against future water problems. Barley has been used in Europe for
decades as a way of maintaining clean, clear water. Regular use will greatly reduce maintenance later!
Rock/Waterfall Cleaner — EasyPro Rock & Waterfall Cleaner uses safe oxygen-based cleaning to remove
debris from waterfalls, streams, ponds, pondless features and more. Great for use with fish, birds, pets and
wildlife! Use as needed in problem areas for quick, effective results.
Winterizing — If your pond is in a freezing climate you will need to do a few things to prepare your pond for the cold months.
Hardy water plants and fish will live through freezing climates in as little as 18" providing some steps are taken. It is helpful to
cover your pond with netting in the fall if you have trees nearby. While your skimmer will get
many of the leaves, some will fall to the bottom and can cause problems over the winter. As
leaves decompose they produce harmful gases and consume oxygen. If excess leaves are
left in the pond and the pond freezes over, a fish loss will likely result. It is critically important
to keep a hole open in the ice! This can be accomplished by using an air pump, water pump
or heater. An air pump placed on shore with a hose running out to a diffuser will keep a hole
open in the winter and can also be used in the summer to maintain high oxygen levels. A water
pump can also be used to create open water. A small submersible pump can be placed with
the discharge below the surface to create a water current which will keep the ice open. Which-
ever style you use, try not to disturb the water in the deepest part of the pond. This water is the
warmest water (since it is farthest from the cold air at the surface) and should be left
undisturbed for the fish. Place the pump or diffuser on a ledge approximately half-
way between the surface and the bottom. Floating pond heaters are another way to
maintain open water. They work well to maintain open water allowing harmful gases
to escape, but in some cases may not prevent fish kills due to low oxygen. Using the
water pump or air pump not only keeps open water but adds oxygen as well.
Following these simple guidelines will increase your enjoyment of your pond. Every
pond is different due to size, water flow, location, fish loads, etc. so no one thing
works for everyone. You will need to develop a routine that is best suited for your
pond based on its conditions. Thanks again and best wishes with your new pond!
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION (continued)
