Maintenance

Our water features are fully self contained meaning they do not require connection to a mains utility. Water is circulated and kept oxygenated however, without treatment, algae growth will occur. In addition - it is natural for outdoor water features to lose some water from evaporation, wind and spillage. This means water levels need to be topped up as required. A simple reticulation / dripper system set up on a timer can eliminate ongoing requirements to top up your water feature. 

To keep water clear and maintain a clean pond there are three main forms of treatment required. 

1. Algae Treatment

Algae is a simple plant, not always visible by the eye.  It appears as green water discolouration.  Sunlight promotes the growth of algae in water. The best treatment for algae is either a natural algae fix or a mild dose of chlorine. 

If choosing a chlorine treatment - it is important a MILD dose is maintained to avoid damage to the pump. It is also important chlorine does not come into contact with the concrete or stone (place directly into water). Block chlorine tablets work best and last a lot longer but must be split into quarters prior to adding the water feature. Chlorine tablets take longer to break down and only use what they need as they need (granulated chlorine dissolves quickly and is good for a shock treatment to get water feature clean quickly). Use 1/4 chlorine tablet every 2-4 weeks in winter, every 2-3 weeks in summer. Place chlorine tablet under stones or concrete plate (OUT of sunlight) for longevity. 

If you have plants or fish life in your water feature, a natural algae preventative is required. API Algaefix (available for purchase via our website) is an algae preventative. If you already have algae in your water feature you first need to kill any algae present. The easiest way to do this (providing you have no plants or fish in your water feature) is to add one cup of Janola or household bleach to the water and allow to circulate for 48 hours. This should remove any algae currently present and clean the concrete and stonework on your water feature. Following this, wait one week and add one cap of Algaefix every two weeks which will stop the problem reoccurring (you may have to increase dosage to once weekly during summer months when algae is more prevalent from longer sunlight hours and warmer temperatures). 

2. Sludge

Sludge is a build up of accumulated dust and waste.  It usually takes on an unattractive muddy shade of brown and settles on the bottom of the water reservoir.  The best treatment for sludge is API Sludge Destroyer (available for purchase via our website). Sludge Destroyer helps break down built up solids. Safe with all household pets and wildlife. 

Initial dose at Spring start-up and end of season dose: 

add 2 tsp per 250 gallons of pond water every 2 weeks.

3. Blanket Weed

Blanket weed is a brown growth which may occur on the surface of the water feature over time.  It makes the water feature appear dirty and in need of a good scrub.   CloverLeaf Blanket Answer (available for purchase via our website) is a natural bacteria suitable for use in all ponds (including ponds with fish and plants).  It comes in powder form and is applied by sprinkling on top of the water feature (or premix the powder with water and pour directly into the water features. The water may turn a milky colour however will quickly clear. 

Use 1 x level scoop per 285 Litres