April - May
- Clean and reinstall shut down filter systems and pumps, not forgetting to clean and check electrical; connectors and tubing.
- Replace UVC lamps and clean quartz sleaves, if required.
- Fish will probably feed on most days.
- Pond plants can be fed with food tablets and split and re-potted if required.
- Now is the ideal time to add new plants, once the risk of serious frost has passed.
- If required use a mild algicide before algae really takes hold.
June - July
- Fish should now be feeding very well every day.
- Top up evaporated water as required.
- Keep pumps running at night, if required, to reduce the risk of oxygen shortage.
- If there is evidence of plant pests such as blackfly and greenfly, remove old and damaged leaves, and flush pests into the pond with a hose pipe.
- Keep an occasional eye on pre-pump strainers and filter systems, and clean when appropriate.
- Now is the ideal time to add new pond fish.
August - September
- Continue to pay attention to the risk of oxygen shortage, especially in green water, and keep pumps running at night as required.
- A new generation of fish may be apparent, which will find natural foods, but additional feeds of baby pellets or flake will promote growth ready for the winter.
October - November
- Add a pool net if tree leaves are a problem, and cut back herbaceous aquatics, especially water lilies.
- If not required, pumps and filters can now be shut down and cleaned.
- If the pump is left running, lift it up closer to the water's surface. If not left running continually, run for a short while once a week to prevent it seizing up.
- Consider adding a device such as a pool heater to ensure an area stays free of ice.
- Once water temperatures start to fall below 10-12 degrees celsius, it will be unsuitable to add any new fish to the pool, and at this time you should you should start to reduce feeding, not adding any food when the water is below 8 degrees celsius.
December - March
- Put your feet up!
- There is little to do - but don't completely ignore the pool
- Check things like heaters and pumps on occasions, and don't forget a little bit of food and a quick once over for the fish on milder days.
- Keep an eye out for parasitic problems, especially if the weather becomes mild between April and March.
