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AUTUMN
POND MANAGEMENT
Remove any debris from the surface of the pond. If necessary, use Netting to trap falling leaves.
Top off the pond with water as needed. Remember to use a Dechlorinator.
Remove dead foliage and spent blossoms from the plants. Try using a Lily Prune.
Fertilize all Aquatic Plants with Lilytabs while the water temperature is above 60 degrees F. Try an Inject-a-Tab and a Pond Thermometer.
Check Submersible Pumps for blockage, and clean the Pre-filters as necessary.
WATER QUALITY
Back-flush or clean Filters as needed to keep ammonia levels at a minimum. As the pond cools, the bacteria in biological filters become less active, so, when the temperature in the pond drops below 50 degrees F, shut the filter(s) off altogether.
Consider adding Microbe Lift Autumn/Winter Prep or Pon Sparkle to the pond to combat sludge and ammonia buildup during winter.
Use a Test Kit to check the ammonia and nitrite levels. These are two of the most toxic by-products of decomposition, which are harmful to the fish, particularly when the fish are under stress as is often the case in autumn. If the nitrite level is high, conduct a partial (25%) water change and add Pon Salt (jf necessary) to bring the pond's salt level up to .001%. Up to .003% in ponds without plants. For high ammonia levels, conduct a partial (25%) water change, then add Ammo Lock to detoxify the ammonia until the bacteria in the pond can convert it to nitrite, and on to nitrate.
FISH CARE
Keep an eye on the fish for any signs of illness and treat if necessary.
As the water temperature drops, your fish will become less active and require less protein. When the water temperature is beween 50 and 60 degrees F, start feeding them a lower protein food such as Lilypons Three Seasons Food. Below 50 degrees F, the fish should enter "dormancy" and do not require any feeding.
If the pond is located in a northern climate, the use of a De-Icer may be necessary before winter settles in, particularly in climatic zones 3-5.
Clean out as many fallen leaves, dead and/or dying lilypads, and blossoms as possible to prevent them from decomposing in the pond.
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