New Pond Treatment

A common statement that floats around this time of year is “This pond has been here for 20 years.  I’ve never had this problem before!”  Does an older, more mature pond need a different treatment protocol than a new, freshly dug pond?  If so, what are some guidelines to follow for each?

A young pond is a great place to start an aggressive preventative strategy to help ward off common algae and weed problems that are sure to develop over time.

First of all, applying dyes, such as Crystal Blue and Black Out, to the pond will aid in shading the water as well as helping to settle clay particles as the dye acts as a flocculent (attracts and settles particles in murky water).  The consistent use of dyes in a pond is very beneficial.

Another young pond preventative strategy is the use of biological agents, such as Natural Pond Cleaner.  These bacterial spores are easy to apply and are aggressive in their digestion of organic waste, nutrients washed into the pond, and organic debris.  By using Natural Pond Cleaner, one can begin creating a much healthier environment for your pond.  It also provides competition for algae and weeds for the nutrient loads available in the pond.

Otherwise, in addition to the preventative applications of dye and beneficial pond bacteria, a bi-monthly light application of copper sulfate on small populations of algae as they come on and applications of Catt Plex (w/ Plex-Mate) on emergent cattails, reeds and grasses should keep a new pond in great shape for years to come.

For more information treatment protocols based on pond age contact the helpful staff at Sanco.