With the excellent weather we’ve had recently, there is now a threat of a hosepipe ban.

We know that our customers with fish are worried about their wellbeing.

Advice will vary between water companies so please check with your local authority to get the information for your area.

But as a rule, if you have livestock or wildlife in the pond, then you are allowed to use a hose to top up your pond and maintain water levels.

You are allowed to clean your pond, if not doing so will have a negative impact on your livestock and cause them to suffer.

Use the water from the pond to water your garden thus being as environmentally friendly as possible; your garden gets watered with nutrient rich water, your pond gets cleaned and your fish will not be at risk.

Here at Cheshire Ponds we offer these services:

Empty pond and vacuum out all sludge.
Scrub clean pond liner.
Remove plants and tidy them up.
House any fish or wildlife in a temporary pond.
Refill pond and treat with water conditioners. Add fish back to healthy clean pond.

Leading pond equipment manufacturer Blagdon offered these 10 tips to look after your pond during a drought in 2012;

Firstly carry out an essential spring clean to remove organic waste to leave your pond sparkling. Debris such as dead leaves and any sludge from the bottom of the pond causes the water to become dirty and disrupts the balance of the pond. Certain equipment such as water-vacuum cleaners will enable debris to be removed efficiently whilst recycling the water back into the pond rather than wasting it.
Secondly don’t forget to service your pond filter: by thoroughly cleaning all of the media, a pond will be instantly cleaner. Ensure that old pond water is utilised to clean the filter to ensure essential bacteria is not damaged. Products are available that can help to kick-start the essential bacteria cycles in the pond to keep the water healthy.
By creating shade over a pond via a temporary canopy or garden parasol evaporation and algae growth will be reduced, keeping water cleaner for longer.
Oxygenate your pond using a air-pump; this is particularly important in hot weather when pond oxygen levels are low.
Carry out any pond maintenance in the early morning or evening when temperatures are lower as this reduces evaporation.
It is important to naturally reduce organic waste without using precious oxygen – bacteria and enzyme culture products are available which will reduce the need for filter and pond cleaning, thus further preserving water.
Rain water from water butts can be used to top-up ponds but it is important to remember that it is often acidic: a pH adjuster should be used for acid ponds.
Keep ponds free from unsightly, deoxygenating green water and blanket weed algae – innovative products such as a UVC clarifier can help with this.
Maintain fish health by feeding sparingly- don’t kill them with kindness.
Use a pond cover net to protect fish from predators such as herons which may be forced to fish in garden ponds as the drought effects their natural habitat.

 

Please contact us on 07774045082 if you have any questions.