Clean your Pond

This usually takes a couple visits to the pond. Use a long handle leaf/debris net and scoop out any leaves and debris that may have found it’s way into the pond over winter. You will cloud the water quite a bit during this process. Wait for water to clear over night and do it again. If you find 2 or more inches of muck at the bottom it may be time to drain and rinse the pond.

Clean filter mats and skimmers

Any mesh pads foam, or bio media in your waterfall/filter should be thoroughly cleaned or replace if they have degraded. Inspect skimmer debris net/basket for tears or damage and replace if needed. Check bottom of skimmer and filter for any accumulation of sludge and remove if present.

Plug it in

Re-install pump, filters and uv clarifiers if they had been removed in the fall. Plug in your pump and inspect plumbing for leaks or damage.

Treat the Water

Once the pond is circulating and the dissolved oxygen levels start to rise, jump start the beneficial bacteria by using a cold weather treatment like Microbe-Lift Spring/Summer Cleaner. To increase the power of your biological filter add Microbe-Lift GEL bacteria to your filter mats or pads. Adding Pond Salt at the ratio of 1lb per 100gallons adds electrolytes to the pond water which improves the body function of your fish, while eliminating some of the commonly found freshwater parasites.

Start Feeding Fish

Once the water reaches 50°F you can start feeding your fish a Wheat Germ Cold Weather Food. Continue feeding this until the water reaches 65° and then switch to a Summer or Warm Weather Food.