Water Gardens & Fountains. Articles, Controlling Oxygen Levels In Your Pond


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	Controlling Oxygen Levels In Your Pond

	Severe stress can cause your pond fish to die unexpectedly. One of the number one causes of stress is lack of oxygen in the water. Just like us air breathers, fish need oxygen. They take in water, and push it past their gills, absorbing oxygen, much like we absorb oxygen from the air in our lungs. When the oxygen level in the water drops, that can cause stress which will kill the fish. Two things that contribute to oxygen loss have to do with algae. During the day, the algae produce oxygen. At night, the plants in the pond take oxygen from the water. If there is a lot of algae, then the plants will quickly deplete the oxygen at night. Algae can also trigger oxygen loss by dying. Algae can die suddenly, either naturally, or through an algaecide. This causes oxygen loss, because the algae are no longer producing oxygen. The decomposition process, after the algae dies further depletes oxygen from the pond. If there are many fish in the pond, then the oxygen level is usually just enough for the fish. Any further claims on the oxygen will throw off the balance. If no aeration is provided, then conditions can quickly become critical. Warm water cannot retain as much oxygen as cold water, so as the weather warms up, a small fountain or waterfall is incapable of providing adequate aeration for your pond. When the water temperature rises above eighty degrees Fahrenheit, more aeration is needed.

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The only way to accurately measure oxygen levels is with testing devices. These testing devices may not be on hand for the average person. The easiest way, then, to ensure sufficient oxygen to the pond is to make sure there is generous, continuous aeration. Pumps and diffusers or airstones, which bubble air into the water will help to keep the oxygen at sufficient levels. Large waterfalls, fountains, and other devices that introduce air into the water are also good methods of aeration. In warm weather, or if there is a problem with algae, then you should be constantly aerating the water, day and night.

Airstones and diffusers should be available at your local aquarium or pond supply store. If you have a large pond, you may need several of them. Run some tubing from an air pump to the airstone, and put the airstone in the pond. The pump will blow air into the airstone, producing a curtain of bubbles that will add oxygen to the pond. If your pond is aerated with a small waterfall, it may not be practical to enlarge the waterfall to provide sufficient oxygen. In this case, an extra pump and a fountain will help. You can find fountains in various sizes and spray patterns. The added advantage of a waterfall or a pump, is that in addition to providing oxygen for the fish, they also add visual appeal, and the gentle sound of falling water to your pond.

If you're going to have fish in your pond, it's your responsiblity to keep them healthy. If you ensure that they have plenty of oxygen, the fish will be happier and healthier, and they'll be around for you to enjoy for a long time.