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How to Clean Up a Small Farm Pond
How to Clean Up a Small Farm Pond. Small farm ponds provide a watering hole for livestock, rural fire control and an alternative option for irrigation. Furthermore, small ponds stocked with aquatic life will give you a place to fish when not hard at work on the farm. Over time, a buildup of trash and algae may collect in your small pond farm....
Small farm ponds provide a watering hole for livestock, rural fire control and an alternative option for irrigation. Furthermore, small ponds stocked with aquatic life will give you a place to fish when not hard at work on the farm. Over time, a buildup of trash and algae may collect in your small pond farm. Proper clean up and regular maintenance can restore the cleanliness of the pond.
Things You'll Need
Skimmer
Garbage bags
Waders
Black or blue pond dye
Pond aerator
Oxygen level kit
Ammonia testing kit
Native fish and plants
Remove trash and other debris from the pond by cleaning the top of the water with a skimmer. Place the trash and debris in a garbage bag. Pick up any trash around the pond and put in the garbage bag.
Remove algae masses and moss by pulling it out of the pond. Wear a pair of waders and clean the moss and algae masses from the edges of the pond.
Apply black or blue pond dye to help prevent algae. Pond dye prevents excessive sunlight from penetrating the water, which will slow algae growth. Dye specifically made for ponds will not harm plants, fish or other aquatic life.
Aerate the pond by installing a pond aerator. Aerators keep the water moving, which will help prevent the growth of algae.
Check the water's oxygen levels by using a test kit. Test kits are available at home improvement stores and garden centers. A low oxygen level will kill fish living in the pond. Adding a pump, waterfall or aerator will increase the oxygen levels in the pond.
Test the ammonia and nitrate levels with a home testing kit. High levels of ammonia and nitrates will throw your pond's ecosystem off balance and kill aquatic life. Adding an ammonia neutralizer to the pond will lower levels. Read and follow all warnings and directions on ammonia neutralizers.
Add plants and fish to keep a balanced ecosystem. Use aquatic life that is native to the area. Contact the local division of natural resources and inquire about recommendations on aquatic life to keep in the pond.
