API POND MELAFIX Pond Fish Infection Remedy 64-Ounce Bottle, Black (176C)

Spring Start Up - Get Your Pond Ready!

It's pond startup time! Whether filling a new pond or re-establishing an existing pond, following some simple steps at startup will yield benefits you’ll enjoy all season long. The 3 key steps that must be taken are making your tap water safe, activating the natural pond cycle, and maintaining sparkling clean water to boost fish and plant health. Once the water temperature reaches above 42⁰F, you’ll also want to start feeding your fish again. It is important to take care of all of your plants in the spring with API AQUATIC PLANT FOOD TABLETS as they will be the key to success in most ponds! Lastly, monitor the water conditions in your pond with the API POND MASTER TEST KIT, an easy and accurate way to test 4 key water parameters including pH, ammonia, nitrite, and phosphate.

Summer - Provide Regular Care And Enjoy Your Pond

Summer is the time to sit back and enjoy all of your hard work! You’ll need to continue regular care for your pond that includes adding beneficial bacteria like API POND-ZYME and API POND ECOFIX. While everything looks great, you’ll want to closely monitor the water conditions so that you can protect the health of your pond including plants and fish. Algae grows in the presence of sunlight where there is excess nutrients in the pond water for the algae to feed on. API POND ALGAEFIX has been used for over 18 years to effectively control green water algae, string algae, and blanketweed without harming fish or plants. At this time it could be beneficial to do a partial water change, adding API POND STRESS COAT and API POND SALT and fertilizing your pond plants.

Autumn - Prepare For Winter

Performing a few simple steps in the autumn will prepare your fish and plants for the long, cold winter ahead and lay the foundation for a healthy start in the spring. We recommend removing excess organic matter (like leaves and grass clippings, for example) to reduce fish stress during the winter months. Use a net to remove as many leaves as possible. Routine addition of API POND ECOFIX or API POND-ZYME throughout the season promotes healthy water quality and reduces the amount of organic matter you need to remove at the end of the season. It is also important to perform a 25% water change, adding API POND STRESS COAT and API POND SALT to make the tap water safe and to replenish important electrolytes which aid fish during the stressful winter months.

Winter – Keep Pond Water Circulating

In cooler climates, when the water temperature drops, fish will naturally eat less than at warmer temperatures. Once the water temperature drops below 42⁰F, fish will cease eating and if they have been fed properly through the summer and autumn, they will have ample reserves to survive the rigors of winter. It is also important to ensure your pond has circulation to keep an open area on the ponds surface throughout the winter months to prevent the buildup of toxic gases which can accumulate from the decomposition of organic matter.