Pond Care

Whether filling a new pond or re-establishing an existing pond, tap water must be treated to remove harmful chemicals, such as chlorines, chloramines, and heavy metals, all of which are toxic to fish. API® POND STRESS COAT™ water conditioner acts as a water conditioner and a treatment for your fish, making tap water safe and working to replace your fish's slime coat – which is essential for protecting your fish’s immune system – after handling or netting. When re-establishing an existing pond in the spring, remove any large debris, such as sticks and leaves, and then change 15-25% of the pond water to reduce the dissolved waste that has built up over the winter.

When starting a new pond or re-establishing an existing pond, beneficial bacteria are essential for the health of your fish and the pond ecosystem. Add nitrifying bacteria to ensure a healthy amount of beneficial bacteria for the natural pond cycle, also known as the biological filter. The biological filter works continuously to convert poisonous compounds, such as ammonia and nitrite, into less toxic nitrate to maintain a healthy environment for fish.

Leaves, grass clippings, algae, uneaten fish food, fish waste, and decaying plant material all contribute to build-up of sludge in a pond. Sludge is not only unsightly, but unhealthy, as it consumes oxygen and creates a breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria.

Both API® POND ECOFIX™ SLUDGE DESTROYER™ bacterial cleaner and API POND-ZYME™ SLUDGE DESTROYER™ bacterial cleaner are super concentrated-blends of beneficial bacteria that consume sludge for clean, clear pond water and a healthy ecosystem. The bacterial cleaning action will get your re-established pond off to a clean, healthy start.

Use these products for the added benefits of barley, natural clarifying properties, and economical, easy-to-dose solutions.

Electrolytes are essential for your fish's uptake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide and ammonia through the gills.

API® POND SALT supplies these essential electrolytes to fish, keeping them healthy and improving the quality of aquarium water. POND SALT may be used with all other API products, including conditioners, filtration materials, fish remedies, and fish foods.

After a year or two, potted pond plants become root-bound and need to be divided and re-potted. Spring is the best time of year to do this. Dividing and re-potting will improve the appearance of your water garden with the addition of more plants that are healthier and more vibrant.

To keep plants securely in their pots and promote nutrient absorption, use plant media for all potted aquatic plants.