How will you care for your pond while traveling? It is very important to set up everything before you go. Here are some tips for a worry free trip:
Circulation -Make sure to let the pump run while you are gone to assist with oxygenation and circulation. Stagnant ponds just get gross!
Filters – Clean all filters, flush canister filters (if you have it) and remove any dead plants before you leave.
Predators – If you have had any problem with heron or other predators, set up a net over the pond.
Feeding the fish – Put in some slow release fish food. Basically, the fish will do best if consistency in their feeding schedule is kept. If you have a human feeding them make sure they understand NOT to over feed them. Consider giving them a measuring cup at the correct amount of food for your fish and tell them to use that and even if the fish tell them they are STARVING not to feed them more (cause they lie).
Pump Safety – Install a Pump Safety Switch – this is a little gizmo that will turn off your pump if the water gets too low – ensuring that your pump will not burn out! If you have a neighbor who could come by and just peek in at the pond each day just ask them to:Listen to make sure the pump is not making a weird sound.
Bacteria – Put in an Autodoser to have beneficial bacteria consistently going into the pond. Of course you can just add enough beneficial bacteria for the time you are going to be gone. Caution, be sure you are using plain bacteria and not bacteria with something else in it that might overdose the pond.
Water Level – If you have a house sitter, ask them to pay attention to level of the pond in case it suddenly develops a leak (Leave them detoxifier in case they need to put water in).
Of course, we can just do it for you. So call and let us know when you are going on vacation and we will take care of the pond and fish for you!