From Tetra: Spring Pond Cleaning

Spring Cleaning Checklist

This winter has been absolutely brutal in most of these United States. So, let’s shift our thoughts to warmer things, like that pond of yours. Now is a good time to go through your spring cleaning checklist so you can hit the ground running come that first break of warm weather.

Remember these important steps:

• Check your pond for any areas that may require repairs, such as rocks that have displaced, a tear in the liner, and broken piping or valves.
• Remove any accumulated debris from the pond bottom and surface.
• Remove and dry your de-icer (if applicable), inspect it, then store properly for next season.
• Inspect and replace hoses, and tighten any fittings that are leaking.
• Start up your pump and filter in shallow water to ensure everything is working properly (there’s nothing worse than putting it the bottom of the pond only to discover you need to take it out again).
• Replace up to 25% of the pond water with tap water. Remember to add a water conditioner to remove chlorine, chloramines and heavy metals found in most tap water.
• Take a good look at your fish. Examine their activity, ensure they are not struggling or swimming oddly, and inspect their fins and scales to ensure they are healthy. Begin feeding according to seasonal feeding cycle.

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From Tetra: The Greener Side of Ponds

The ‘Greener’ Side of Ponds:
Environmental Benefits of Owning a Pond

There’s no doubt the primary driver for homeowners to add a pond to their landscape is to create a place of beauty and relaxation where they can escape this hectic world. Another benefit is increasing their home’s living space by adding an outdoor living room around the water garden.

There also seems to be a constant change in energy costs, as well as huge shifts in our nation’s weather patterns. More and more areas of the country are being affected by extended drought conditions, primarily in the western half of the United States.

By replacing some or all of your lawn with a pond or water feature, you can conserve energy, save money, support the environment and have a beautiful place to relax!

Here are TetraPond’s seven environmental benefits of owning a pond:

1. Lawns require watering; whereas, ponds can be re-filled with rainwater.
2. Ponds are a self-sustaining cycle of hydration that keeps plants alive without having to water them.
3. Less mowing means less use of gas and carbon monoxide emissions.
4. Pesticides and fertilizers for the lawn can be harmful, creating run-off that ends up in groundwater, streams and rivers.
5. Sludge collected by your pond filter can be used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer for your flowerbed and garden.
6. Ponds attract and create a haven for beautiful fish, dragonflies, frogs and birds, adding to wildlife propagation.
7. Water gardens influence the young to help create a better future for the planet.

Remember, every little bit helps, especially when it comes to water conservation. And these are just a few things you can easily affect, right in your own back yard.
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