Water Gardening: First nymphaea bloom, 1 by Sheila_FW

Sheila_FW wrote:
Hi y'all,
We use the AquaScape brand Clearer that has bacteria w/enzymes. Sounds much the same as the one you are using. It says to use 1tsp per 1000 gallons everyday for two weeks on new ponds and after a spring cleaning. Then to maintain, use 1tsp two times a month. I don't think you can use too much, it would just get a bit pricey to do so. But I would be willing to whatever it took to keep my water clear.
One thing I failed to mention was the nitrates! If you add too much of the dechlorinator when topping off a pond, it decreases the oxygen and increases nitrates. Deadly mix for fish just like not adding it. So when adding water to your pond time it so you know exactly how many gallons you have and how much you are using to top off with. Get a gallon or 5 gallon jug and turn the hose on full blast and time the fill, then divide it by how many minutes it took or multiple the seconds it took to get to the calculation of gallons per minute. It is tough to measure a odd shaped pond acturately, so that way you will know exactly. Over feeding causes a nitrate buildup also. That is why I started using the ring method to feed. We lost all of our goldfish in the poly pond one year when the electricity failed. They were dead within 2 hours! Our Koi were fine since we had them in the in ground pond with the bacteria, and my DH hooked up a generator to start the waterfall back up. But also the pre-formed pond was in full sun and it was the middle of summer too.
I don't use plain dirt in my pond pots, I buy the aquatic media, Lowe's and some garden centers carry it. It is expensive, but is better for the quality of the water. Oh and don't plant elephant ears in your ponds, I wll include a pic to show you. It grew over 5 foot tall and the roots pushed rocks away from my liner! I love them in the pond, but use a pot I can lift out and trim the roots and runners on frequently. Well I had already put a WL pic so I will send another of my monster!