The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 3 Summer 2012 | Page 48

Garden Ponds

Healthy pond,
healthy fish
By Adam Pierce

Here are some frequently asked
questions on how to keep a clean
and healthy pond for your fish.

How often should I change the water?
You need to change 10% of the water once a week, or 20%
to 30% every few weeks. There is nothing better for garden
plants than water formerly inhabited by fish. The nitrates
that build up in the water are not good for the fish but great
for plants. Therefore, changing your pond water is a win win
situation for plants, fish and the vitality of your pond.

Filtration is one of the most
important factors in having a pond that
is healthy, clean and easy to maintain.
Is my pond a breeding ground for mosquitoes?

How do I stop green water?
Algae control is one of the primary goals of maintaining your
pond. If your pond has a large amount of algae, remove as
much as you can as soon as possible. To help remove algae:

Mosquitoes can only breed on still water. If your pond has a
proper flow rate and the water is moving, this should never be
a problem.
How many fish should I have?

• Control aggressive algae growth by reducing nutrients
available to algae such as uneaten food and fish
excrements.
• Buy products at a pet store designed to limit algae growth.
• For small ponds, use a pump with a basic filter and
ultraviolet filters.
• For bigger ponds, use biological filters, ultraviolet filters
and air pumps.
• Use UV clarifiers to help clean green water and air pumps to
provide oxygen, as well-oxygenated water reduc \