Ponds in Spring: Change for Koi & Pondkeeper

Page Summary: It's spring. All life and not just fishpond life seems to blossom. The drab, short, cold and dreary days of nothern hemisphere winters are coming to an end. And your koi and goldfish know this. Small changes in pond water temperature coincident with longer periods of daylight are the signals that Spring is around the corner. Koi and goldfish will be anticipating a new period of activity and a spawning opportunity. If you prepared your pond for winter in the autumn and if you've kept a close eye on your pond in winter then get ready for excitment and change. As water temperatures rise so will the activity of the koi and goldfish in the pond.

Ponds in Spring?

Spring is a time of change and new growth, and you will certainly observe a period of transformation as your pond, goldfish and koi transition from the lull of the cold winter months to a warmer period of growth and activity.

As exciting as it may be to see your koi or gold fish rejuvenated by the warmer weather, it is also important to remember that spring is a risky time for koi and other pond fish, a neither here nor there period during which they require lots of support. In fact, spring offers an opportune moment to inspect the environment of your fishpond and gauge what fish pond maintenance needs to be done.

Pond in Spring: Changes.

The sooner you examine and assess your pond in spring the better, as this will help you to ascertain how your koi faired during the winter months.

Take advantage of the period during which your koi are not yet actively feeding to test the pond water. The pH and nitrate levels are the primary factors that should be assessed. It will take some time for the biofilter to really "kick in" so as water warms resist the temptation to overfeed the koi or goldfish in the pond. Consider the following:

How do I Keep my Pond Clear and Sparkling in Spring?

Springtime’s longer days and warmer weather have their benefits, but they also present a unique set of challenges. After enjoying months of beautiful water clarity thanks to cold temperatures and reduced flow rate, you might now find yourself with an algae-laden fishpond in only a few short weeks.

It is vitally important that you act swiftly to counteract the effects of nutrient build up and intensive sunlight combined with the churning action of increased koi activity. The most advantageous time to take preventative measures is when the water temperature is still below 10 degrees Celsius and the fish are not yet active – this will allow a clear view of the pond’s bottom.

It is highly recommended that you make use of a pond-vac, which can be purchased or hired from an aquatic store. Using a pond-vac, you should make a thorough effort to get rid of the silt that has settled on the bottom of the fishpond. Any silt that is left will provide a source of nutrients for algae to flourish, so a scrupulous clean up will certainly be rewarding in the long-run.

The temperature of your pond in spring will continue to rise steadily above 10 degrees Celsius, and this is when the changes in your koi and their environment will become more evident. The sub-10 degrees Celsius temperature, however, should be regarded as a window of opportunity to perform aesthetic and biological maintenance in preparation for the summer months.

Spring continued here

Ponds in Spring: Change for Koi, Goldfish & Pondkeeper Around Corner

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