Pond on the site is one of the most attractive components of landscape design. But to make an artificial reservoir look beautiful, you need systematic care, and it will have to be carried out throughout the year. The most time-consuming step in this case will be cleaning the pond, in order to achieve good results, you will have to use several methods, this can be ultraviolet treatment, chemical, biological, mechanical cleaning.
Content
- 1 Mechanical cleaning of the pond, which devices are recommended
- 2 Features of chemical cleaning
- 3 Ultraviolet radiation for water purification
- 4 How to clean a pond - use complex systems
- 5 Recommendations for proper care of a reservoir on a suburban area
- 6 The time for pond care will be required throughout the year
Mechanical cleaning of the pond, which devices are recommended
There are many sources of water pollution in the pond, so monitoring of its condition is simply necessary.
It is impossible to bring water into the pond to a satisfactory condition by using only one of the purification means. For example, to harvest garbage floating on the surface of the water it is enough to work with a normal net.
A more rational option is the purchase and installation of a skimmer. Mounting it is performed slightly below the water level, while operating the device sucks up water along with all the debris in it and passes through the filters. Naturally, all extraneous particles floating in the water are retained on the filter.
Cleaning the pond from the silt with your own hands can be performed with an underwater vacuum cleaner. Have a vacuum cleaner on the shore near the pond, using a hose with special nozzles capture water along with mud, algae, plant debris, eventually all the waste accumulates in a garbage container.
When filling it to the top, the vacuum cleaner is automatically turned off. Then you need to empty the container and continue working. With the help of a hose, it is possible to extract garbage and silt from the most secluded corners of the reservoir.
Cleaning ponds in the country can also be done using sand or gravel filters that are built into the container. To drive water, pumps are used, their power is calculated taking into account the volume of water in the pond, and the type of filter is taken into account.
More information about the sand filter - on the video:
Features of chemical cleaning
Care of the pond at the dacha also assumes periodic dry cleaning, aimed at:
- restoration of the acidity level of water,
- saturation with oxygen,
- killing unwanted algal species.
Preparations for dry cleaning exist a lot, the main difference is the degree of efficiency. The duration of such substances is short, their application requires strict adherence to dosage, too large doses of chemical reagents can harm vegetation and fish, they can also be harmful to people who will be near the pond.
Softer biological agents are milder in action and less harmful to the environment.
With their help, you can:
- restore the biological balance of fluid filling the pond,
- purify water from the decomposition products of organic substances,
- reduce the level of bottom sediments,
- control the process of reproduction of the simplest algae and duckweed.
Biological preparations do not have a negative impact on vegetation, fauna, people.
To determine the required amount of filtering material, the dimensions of the pond and the presence of fish are taken into account. Use the remedies in accordance with the instructions. Biological filters are replaced every 3-6 months. Optimal option is the integrated use of mechanical and biological filtration.
Ultraviolet radiation for water purification
It is easy to assume that with the help of ultraviolet treatment, it is possible to achieve the destruction of pathogenic bacteria and viruses, to neutralize the decomposing particles of algae, which is also important in an artificial reservoir.
As a rule, water purifiers are cleaned with self-cleaning UV lamps, through which water is pumped through pumps. As for the power of cleaning devices, it is best to consult specialists about this.
How to clean a pond - use complex systems
Since the use of only one of the above cleaning methods will not bring the expected results, a phased use of different methods will be required. For example, to remove the algae destroyed with the help of ultraviolet lamp, additional mechanical purification of water will be required.
To simplify the cleaning process, special multi-chamber devices have been developed, in the design of which there are several filter systems. Naturally, the cost of such devices is higher, but it is easier and more convenient to use them. The choice of multi-chamber units is made taking into account the size of the reservoir, as well as the presence of fish in it.
When buying, you should pay attention to the performance of filters. If there is no certainty, it is better to seek the help of specialists who will help you choose the appropriate equipment based on the characteristics of the pond.
If the purchase is made on its own, then when choosing a kit, it is better to give preference to the products produced by one manufacturer - at least all the components of the kit will be combined with each other.
To determine the quality of water, you should use a wand-indicator, it will help you quickly find out the basic parameters of the fluid filling the pond.
Recommendations for proper care of a reservoir on a suburban area
We have already mentioned that the pond at the dacha will require constant care. The abandoned pond will cause numerous troubles - the water in it will become turbid and get the smell of rot, plants and animals will die, then the destruction of the concrete bottom of the walls of the reservoir will follow.
To prevent such a situation, you need to carefully consider the work performed in the garden:
- If trees grow near the pond, when treating them with chemicals from diseases and pests, it will be necessary to exclude the possibility of chemical solutions entering the water, i.e. the pond will need to be covered with film.
- If cracks are found on the bottom and walls of the reservoir, drain it, carefully remove all accumulated dirt, seal up cracks with sealant or mastic with a sealant.
- To prevent the flowering of water, it is recommended to plant on the shores of the pond plants that will not allow direct rays of the sun to the water. In cooler water, blue-green algae develop more slowly.
- We must not forget about the systematic cleaning of the reservoir from falling leaves, not eaten by the fishes of food, various garbage accidentally caught in the water.
The use of chemical treatment should be resorted to only if mechanical cleaning does not give the proper result. It is recommended to use some kind of Algaecide. To buy a reagent is not difficult, it is always available in specialized stores. Before using the product, carefully read the instructions!
Some useful tips for caring for artificial reservoirs in the country:
The time for pond care will be required throughout the year
what works are recommended in the spring
With the onset of spring heat in the pond will begin an active life, the fish will wake up and begin to prepare for the laying of eggs, new leaves and shoots will appear on the plants. It's time to install the pumps and check their serviceability.
It will be necessary to restore the feeding of fish. It is also desirable to make sure that they are healthy.
It is recommended to remove the filamentous algae that appeared in the water, to cut off the overwintered perennials, to separate them in case of strong growth. Do not forget to remove excess roots from plants that have wintered in boxes.
To prevent the active multiplication of floating vegetation and green algae, plant-oxygen generators are added to the pond, contributing to the improvement of water quality and enrichment with oxygen.
A compulsory procedure will be careful cleaning of the debris from the surface of the water. If the state of water is unsatisfactory, then there may be a need for a complete replacement.
With the onset of stable heat, around the beginning of May, new plants can be planted.
pond maintenance in the summer
In the summer it will be necessary to establish daily feeding of fish. During this period, you can run new fish into the pond, but first you should make sure that they do not get sick.
If the weather is too dry, it is advisable to spray the coastal plants periodically from the hose, the water will refresh and wash them off the leaves and flowers of pests.
It is necessary to monitor the water level in the pond, if necessary, add fresh water, because in summer the evaporation of the liquid becomes more active. It is also desirable to install a fountain on the pond, or at least spray the surface of the water periodically - this will help enrich it with oxygen.
Plants located on the shore of the pond are required to periodically cut, and at the end of flowering to remove faded inflorescences.
To keep the pond clean, periodically remove dirt from pumps and filters.
what works should be done in autumn
Since autumn is the time of withering and shedding of leaves, it will be necessary to pay more attention to cleaning. Plants that wither should be cut and discarded. For the period of the fall over the surface of the pond, it is desirable to stretch the grid - this will prevent the leaves from entering the water. To prevent the occurrence of putrefactive processes, all branches and leaves falling into the water should be carefully removed.
Coastal plants are sheared, leaving a height of the order of 10 cm. Plants that are not resistant to frost are removed from the pond together with containers, they catch floating plants and bring them into a room where a warm winter will be provided. The recommended temperature in it is about +10 +13 C. If the plants do not require a special temperature regime, they can be left in the pond.
Caring for a pond with fish will require providing a place for the wintering of your wards. In order to provide the fish, shelter can be placed on the bottom of the cutting of plastic pipes. Fish should be given special food - containing a large number of proteins.
Pumps and filters are removed, instead of them, if necessary, water heaters are installed.
If the pond is small in size, there is a risk of its full freezing. Naturally, in this case, plants and animals that are present in it can die. In this case, the whole population of the pond should be caught and sent to a room suitable for a comfortable wintering.
If the pond has a decent size, it will not freeze, it will simply cover the ice crust. In the ice, you must cut through the hole and clear it from the ice. This will make it possible to breathe normally to fish, swamp gas will not accumulate. In addition, the supply of oxygen will ensure the dried up stems of cereals cut from the water.
If the heat-loving plants grow on the shore of the pond, their branches should be laid and covered - it will be very unfortunate if they freeze in winter.
On how to properly prepare a pond for wintering:
care for an artificial reservoir in winter
If the autumn preparation for wintering is done correctly, then with the onset of cold weather, care work will be reduced to a minimum. Since the fish is half sleepy in winter, feeding it can be stopped. With the onset of frost, it will be necessary to include heating devices installed in the fall. In the case of a warm winter, it will be enough to put a few light floating objects in the pond, for example - balls, they will move along the surface of the water and break the ice. Melt the ice with hot water can not!
Experts recommend the use of modern means to care for the pond, it will greatly simplify all types of work, in addition, allow plants and fish to survive the winter comfortably.