3 Subtle Threats That Could Endanger Your Pond
A small garden pond can be home to various kinds of beautiful plants and animals. Unfortunately, it can also house potential dangers that can harm aquatic life. Consider a few invisible threats for which pond owners should be on the lookout.
- Oxygen Deficiency
There are several ways your pond could become low on oxygen, a state which could be fatal to some organisms. For one, having too many aquatic plants can use up all the available oxygen during cellular respiration. When this happens, it is necessary to hire professionals who specialize in aquatic weed control. Another cause of oxygen-deficiency is stagnancy. Be sure to install a pump that will keep water moving while simultaneously adding oxygen.
- pH Imbalance
Another problem that can arise involves your pond’s alkalinity. Because your body of water is so small, additions of even minute amounts of chemicals can throw off the balance. Be careful to monitor your fish population and to not overfeed them as waste products from either circumstance could cause pH fluctuations. Although it does not affect your pond’s alkalinity, you must also be aware of chemicals like chlorine that may be in your tap water. Be sure to filter out or neutralize these chemicals before adding the water to your pond.
- Microorganisms
A final threat to be aware of is the potential presence of bacteria and parasites. E. coli, for example, is known to contaminate ponds, making the water dangerous when ingested. Additionally, intestinal parasites can sometimes make a home in small bodies of water.
There is more to maintaining a pond than simply monitoring the water level and feeding the fish. Be mindful of the dangers that can befall your little body of water so that you can be on the lookout for signs that something may be wrong. With proper care, you can sit on your patio and enjoy your pond and all its aquatic life, knowing it is healthy and well.
