"Splash!
The Pond & Water Garden Newsletter!"

In this issue:

1. Keeping pond fish healthy in summer heat
2. What to do about "pea soup" algae
3. Fun Fact

1. How to keep your fish healthy this summer:
The heat of the summer can make conditions in the pond difficult for the pond fish.

2. There are a few things we can do to help keep our Koi, Goldfish and other pond fish healthy and safe:
... Keep the pond water well oxygenated with a fountain or waterfall.
... Provide plenty of shade with aquatic plants.
... Stop feeding if the water temperature exceeds 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Fun Fact:

Impatients grow great if stuck between the rocks around the pond with just their roots in the pond water. The roots do have to be covered with water at all times!

Algae, Algae, Algae!

There are many different kinds of algae, but there are two basic groups that are the pond keepers enemy:

"Pea Soup Algae" The stuff that makes the water green, sometimes to the point that the fish cannot be seen.

"String Algae" Also called "Blanket Weed". It covers everything from pond plants to rocks to waterfalls.

"Pea Soup" algae is a plant that is aided by favorable conditions in the pond: Nutrients from organic waste, sunshine and water. A good beneficial bacterial product like Microbe Lift used in conjunction with a flocculant
(Accu-Clear) can help the filter gain control.

The pH should be tested before treating the pond to make sure that conditions are favorable for the natural bacteria to do their job.

"String Algae" or "Blanket Weed" is often a sign that the pH in the pond is too high. Lowering the pH and treating existing algae with "Pond Balance" will improve the pond's appearance in a short time.

The only mechanical device that will keep "pea soup" algae out of your pond is an Ultra-Violet Clarifier. These devices work in conjunction with your filter to keep the water clear. More information on this and many, many other pond topics can be found at our Pond Information Site:

http://www.pondmarket.com/Pond_Information.htm