As the cold grip of winter loosens its hold and the days grow longer, it's time to start thinking about getting your pond ready for spring. Whether you have a small backyard pond or a larger water feature, proper preparation is key to ensuring a healthy and vibrant ecosystem as the weather warms up. In this guide, we'll walk you through some simple steps to help you kickstart the spring season for your pond.

• 1.Clean Up Winter Debris: Before you do anything else, take some time to clean up any debris that may have accumulated in and around your pond over the winter months. Remove fallen leaves, branches, and any other organic matter that could contribute to nutrient buildup once spring arrives.
• 2.Check Your Equipment: Inspect your pond equipment such as pumps, filters, and aerators to make sure everything is in working order. Clean or replace any filters as needed to ensure optimal water circulation and filtration.
• 3.Test Water Quality: Pay attention to parameters such as pH, ammonia, nitrites, and phosphates, as these can affect the health of your pond ecosystem. Aquatic Biologists, Inc. can send out these water tests or supply bottles and paperwork to send the samples out yourself.
• 4.Combat Algae Growth: Algae can quickly become a nuisance in spring as temperatures rise and sunlight increases. Consider using products like Eutrosorb or Phoslock to help control algae growth and keep your pond water clear. These products work by binding excess nutrients that algae feed on, helping to prevent blooms.
• 5.Stock Fathead Minnows: Fathead minnows are small, hardy fish that can help control mosquito larvae and other pests in your pond. They feed on the dead, decaying organic matter in your pond. Consider stocking your pond with these minnows in early spring to help maintain a balanced ecosystem. Aquatic Biologists offers the best pricing on minnows and deliver locally ourselves rather than contract through a third-party.
• 6.Monitor Wildlife: Keep an eye out for signs of wildlife activity around your pond, especially if you live in a rural area. Hopefully you weren’t visited by an otter over the winter. If so, we offer gamefish stocking in addition to minnow stockings!

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your pond is ready to thrive as spring arrives. With a little bit of effort and planning, you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful pond all season long. Happy pond-keeping!