Oxygen becomes critically important for fish survival in fish ponds that owners maintain. Fish share a common process of oxygen absorption from the bloodstream and tissue with mammals for their vital cellular operations. In truth, even microorganisms require oxygen to ‘breath’. In pond water, oxygen is required for aerobic bacteria to break down natural organics.
Without this key decomposition process, pond owners may encounter problems such as poor sludge breakdown, resulting in organics. However, the most serious issue with low oxygen levels in a pond is the poor water quality habitat for aquatic life.
Therefore, the well-known pond maintenance company in the UK, That Pond Guy, will always suggest installing Oase Pond air Pumps if you are maintaining a pond in your backyard.
What is the reason for low pond oxygen levels?
Several conditions can cause low pond oxygen levels. The most typical cause is a combination of elevated pond water temperatures and algae. Whether we are talking about ponds or not, higher water temperatures automatically reduce dissolved oxygen levels. Ponds have low oxygen levels during the summer.
The problem is that summer provides a combination of sunshine and increasing organic fertilizers, which promotes algae growth. The plant form of algae holds the capability to generate oxygen molecules. Nighttime absence of sunlight leads algae to consume oxygen from the pond water through respiration. Oxygen levels in the pond are further reduced.
Measuring the oxygen levels of test pond
It is critical to measure oxygen concentrations to verify that your pond has healthy oxygen levels that allow fish to grow while being stress and disease-free.
We advise you to use dissolved oxygen test kits as the main indicator of pond oxygen deficiency although insufficient oxygen levels may present themselves through common symptoms.
The test kit instructions supply the exact procedure needed to assess oxygen levels. Accurate measurements are critical because, as you may recall, even a little dip in dissolved oxygen from 3ppm to 2ppm can mean the difference between dangerous and lethal pond oxygen levels.
General monthly checks to complete
- Take apart the outer casing: Pumps typically have side clips for convenient access. Clean out any debris that has accumulated inside the device to avoid blockages.
- Check the impeller: Check impeller rotation by opening the housing case. Check the impeller and shaft for signs of damage and clean them.
All Pond Solutions maintains a wide range of pond pump spares for replacement when the device sustains damage like shaft snapping. Keeping debris and rubble away from the impeller and shaft housing along with limescale clearance enables the pump to function optimally.
Conclusion
A healthy pond relies on correct oxygen management. An excessive temperature rise, along with algae growth, creates an oxygen loss that puts fish and aquatic species at risk.
Regular checks using dissolved oxygen testing kits help maintain secure oxygen levels. Routine pump maintenance procedures consist of debris cleaning with impeller inspection and damage checking work to stop breakdowns.
Spare parts can be easily obtained for pump repair needs. That Pond Guy recommends installing Oase Pond Air Pumps to keep backyard ponds well-aerated and thriving year-round.