Holiday Checklist
1. Water Quality
The health of your fish predominantly relies on the quality of your pond water, so we’d recommend aiming to have the water in a decent condition before leaving. You can use a water test kit to help you detect any chemical imbalances and then you can treat the water accordingly. You may wish to give your water an extra boost by using a conditioning treatment containing healthy bacteria and enzymes such as the PondXpert Gel Balls.
2. Feeding Your Fish
If you find that no one is able to feed your fish while you are away then there are a few options to keep your fish fed and happy in their growth season. The Supa Vacation Pond Fish Food Block is a concentrated block of food that will supplement the diet of your fish for up to two weeks, where as an automatic feeder such as the Velda Digital Fish Feeder can feed your fish their usual food up to eight times a day if required.
3. Leaking ponds
If you have been experiencing water loss from a filter or water feature then a pump containing an automatic shut off feature may put your mind at rest while you are away. These pumps will automatically stop pumping water once the water level falls past a certain point so that your pond will hold enough to keep your fish swimming.
4. Evasive Weeds
If you are experiencing problems with evasive weeds such as blanket weed, try to clear as much by hand as possible and then use a treatment (in advance and then repeat before leaving). It is important to keep on top of things like Blanket weed in warmer seasons as it can thrive in bright sunlight, so if left untreated you could arrive home to find your pond covered.
5. Filter maintenance
Replacing your filter or UVC unit bulb can often be forgotten but it can make an incredible difference to the clarity of your water, especially if you have difficulty with green water. Bulbs should be changed once every six months for optimum results, so you may find changing the bulb and cleaning/ replacing your filter foams prior to your holiday will keep your water crystal clear for your arrival home.
6. Pond Net
If you do not have any pest deterrents in place around your pond, it may be an idea to use a net while you are away. We have sadly been told many stories which end with customers arriving home to empty ponds, having never experienced any problems with predators before. The net will also help catch any falling leaves or plant debris that would otherwise be left to rot in your pond.
As always if you would like to discuss individual solutions to your pond queries with a member of our team, please call us on 01642 370888. We are always happy to help.