When Your Pond Starts to Thaw in Western MA and Northern CT

Here in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut, your pond might be showing the first signs of thawing … or it may be several weeks or so before that happens. No matter your geographic location, here are some tips to follow when your pond begins to thaw.

• Remove any leaves and debris left over from the previous season.
• It may also be a good time to do at least a partial water change or add water to the pond or perform a more thorough "drain and clean". Make sure to condition tap water with Aquascape Pond Detoxifier which makes tap-water safe for fish and plants.
• Time to get the pond running; if you have removed your pump for the winter, simply make sure it is clean and ready for operation. If your pump has been left in the pond over the winter months, it’s probably due for a good cleaning. Remove any debris surrounding the pump and also clean the impeller. Depending on what type of pump you are operating, it is also a good idea to remove the impeller and clean inside the impeller opening. Most pumps that don’t start immediately in the spring can be easily fixed with a good cleaning. If the pump doesn’t run right away it can be soaked overnight in a mild, acid-like white vinegar or CLR. Rinse off the pump and it should be ready for operation. Remember … never to run the pump dry. It must be submersed!
• Don’t worry if you see a lot of unwanted string algae as it’s normal to have string algae in the spring. Unfortunately there’s nothing utilizing nutrients being produced by decaying organics and/or fish populations. Don’t panic! Plants will soon start to grow and beneficial bacteria populations will quickly reestablish themselves taking care of excess nutrients.
• Coldwater Beneficial Bacteria can be added all winter as it has specially formulated strains of bacteria that work in cold water temperatures up to 60°F, with a peak performance between temperatures of 35°F to -40°F. Once temperatures are above 60°F you can transition over to  Aquascape Maintain for Ponds.
• Your fish may look like they need to eat and even come to the surface looking for their first spring treat, but don’t do it! Wait until the water temperature will remain over 50 degrees. (If you feed them now, your fish may not be able to properly digest the food causing future health problems.)
  
• Patience Please…
  You gotta have patience.  If you’ve stocked your pond with plenty of plants, the temperature’s just right, and you’ve started supplementing with Aquascape Cold Water Bacteria for Ponds, your pond will quickly balance. Beneficial bacteria need to be added to a consistent maintenance routine to obtain optimal results. Resist the urge to add traditional algaecides as your pond will never become truly balanced, and often ponds become dependent on their use. Help support Mother Nature with use of natural products from Aquascape, your pond and the environment will thank you!