CHEMICAL AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
FOR BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION
Cleaning the filter
Your filter should be cleaned regularly - about once a week or so, although
frequency of cleaning depends upon the type of filter, fish population
and amount of outside litter that gets into the pond. If your pond has
just had an algae bloom, your filter must be thoroughly cleaned or backwashed
in order to remove the algae cells that have been caught in the filter.
Your filter should be thoroughly cleaned in late winter.
After the filter is cleaned
Add a standard dose of nitrifying bacteria such as Aqua 5 - pour it
in the water near the filter or intake - and then add the same amount weekly.
(A standard dose of Aqua 5 is one-half ounce for every 100 gallons.) If
the filter is new or has been disassembled and thoroughly cleaned, add
a double dose at first and then a standard dose twice a week for the next
two or three weeks and then once a week. Aqua-5 liquid contains nitrosomonas
and nitrobacter bacteria which oxidize ammonia into nitrite, and nitrite
into nitrate. (Ammonia and nitrite are both very toxic to fish, nitrate
much less so.)
Eliminating nitrate
To eliminate the nitrate which would otherwise accumulate in the pond
and encourage algae growth, you should add Aqua-5 Dry along with the Aqua-5
liquid. By thus eliminating the nitrate, you will also eliminate the need
for regular, partial water changes. Aqua-5 Dry contains freeze-dried bacteria
spores, both nitrifying and denitrifying, and is added at the rate of one
tablespoon per 500 gallons, once a week. The special denitrifying bacteria
break down nitrate in the presence of oxygen.
Treating an algae bloom
If your pond has a current algae bloom, and it is not practical to drain
and clean the pond a coagulator such as Tetra Aqua Rem may be used to cause
the algae cells in the pond to coalesce and sink to the bottom. Follow
the directions carefully - you must use enough in one treatment. After
adding the liquid, stir up your pond very well with a pole. Allow two days
or so for the coagulator to work. The algae cells will die on the bottom
of your pond, and you should be certain that there is sufficient aeration,
as the dying cells will consume oxygen. The dead cells may be vacuumed
off the bottom, but need not be.
Using an algaecide
Once your filter is conditioned with the liquid and dry bacteria, your pond water
should remain clear, and partial water changes should not be
necessary. However, organic debris and other material can blow into your
pond, and a fish-safe algaecide such as Simizine should be used if the water
starts to turn green. The sooner it is added, the less is needed. Dying
algae consume oxygen, so be sure to keep aeration going all the time and
check to see if your fish are at the surface early in the morning - if
they are, more oxygenation is required.
Treating for chlorine or chloramine
Check with your local water agency to find out if they put chlorine
or chloramine in the water - it will be one or the other. Chlora-Gone or
a similar product may be used if chloramine is present. Chlorine will burn
off in a day or so, but Chlora-Gone should nevertheless be used to be on
the safe side for both fish and bacteria. Chlora-Gone quickly detoxifies
the water.
For new ponds with no fish, you may let the water sit for a couple of days
and chlorine will burn off. If your water supply has chloramine added,
you must add enough Chlora-Gone to treat the entire pond. In the summer
your pond may lose up to 10% of it's volume weekly. Add enough Cholora-Gone
for the amount of new water being added.
Adding a water conditioner
When making partial water changes, and for sure when making a complete
water change, it's also beneficial to add a water conditioner such as Nov-aqua
or Tetra Aqua Safe to reduce stress in your fish.
Adding salt to your pond
Salt is a benefit in a freshwater pond. It reduces stress in the fish
and helps control parasites and algae. The best pond salt is marine salt
- salt that is used to make saltwater aquariums. Do not use table salt.
For a.1% salt solution, the recommended percentage, add eight pounds per
1000 gallons. Salt does not evaporate, and more has to be added only if
you physically remove pond water for water changes.
Controlling copper
If your water source goes through copper pipes, some copper may leach
intothe water. Copper is toxic to fish and especially the bacteria in your
filter, and must be eliminated. Use Tetra Aqua Safe or Nov-aqua to treat
the entire pond and any new water added to make up for evaporation loss.
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