How to Take Care of Koi Ponds Above Ground?
Having a Koi pond in the open spaces of a home or commercial building adds charm and attraction to the place. Many property owners love investing in a pond project. While deciding to have a Koi pond and installing it is a breeze, maintaining it is slightly challenging. Before you start digging out your backyard to install a Koi pond, it is imperative to know how to take care of a Koi pond above ground. Here are a few tips that can help you.
How to Take Care of Koi Ponds Above Ground?
Choose the Right Location
Before deciding to put up Koi ponds above ground in your home or commercial property, it is imperative to choose the right location for the pond. In above-ground ponds, it is important that it is located at a place that gets at least a few hours of shade every day. If you are constructing a Koi pond below a tree, ensure to remove fallen leaves as they can get decomposed and settle down at the bottom creating a lot of muck. You can make the setting look natural and more aesthetic by arranging rocks, soil, and potted plants around it.
Ensure Regular Maintenance
It is important to ensure regular maintenance and cleaning of the Koi ponds above ground. Ideally, it should be done on a daily basis but if that is not possible, at least a weekly cleaning schedule must be followed. Frequent skimming of the surface must be done because rotting leaves turn toxic as it starts decomposing. Debris and dirt form sludge at the bottom. Pond vacuums and skimmers must be used to clean detritus. Call expert pond keepers to help keep the Koi pond well maintained and cleaned. It will also help keep ammonia levels in check.
Ensure No Algae Growth
Another challenge faced in the case of Koi pond above ground is the uncontrolled growth of algae. It may be seen forming on the bottom or on the sides of the liner. Many times, microscopic algae just turn the water green rendering species sick. Use algaecide solutions as it is quite effective in controlling algae growth. There are several organic formulas available these days that contain bacteria. Using those help in creating an efficient ecosystem. Large biological fillers, strong water circulation, and diverse species like snails, aquatic plants, and crayfish that feed on algae also help keep a check on algae growth.
Regular Tubes and Lines Checking
Algae and limescale deposits can also damage the lines and tubing of the pond aeration system. It is important to keep this problem in check by using algaecide and bleach from time to time. The elements of filter housing need to be checked periodically, ideally once or twice a month to see if debris is clogging the tubes. It also helps to check if it is preventing bacteria from growing into healthy colonies.
