So you've got your summer vacation plans all made. You've got a checklist to remind you to stop the newspaper delivery, hold your mail, drop the dog off at the kennels, and something else. Something that you're forgetting. Oh yeah, the pond. What are you going to do about the pond?
If you're going away for a long weekend then your pond won't even miss you. Check your water levels and make all of other normal tests, feed your fish, and hit the road.
However, if you're going away for a longer period, say a week or two, then you'll need to take some extra measures to ensure that your pond stays safe and happy and that it doesn't miss you while you're gone. Here's a few more items to add to your vacation checklist:
1. Filter
About a week before you pack the kids into the SUV clean all of the mechanical parts of your filter and pumps. This includes brushes and settlement chambers and all of the pre-filter parts. You want to do this a week in advance so you can keep an eye on the resulting water quality, after the cleaning, to make sure that everything is in balance.
2. Change your water
Dump about 20-30% of the existing pond water and replace it with clean and chlorine-free water. This helps to dilute any build up of nitrates or ammonia. Fill the pond to the top to compensate for evaporation while you are gone. This is a good time to check your oxygen levels as well as perform all of your other water balancing tests.
3. Place a moratorium on new fish
This is not the time to add new fish to your pond. You won't be there to monitor their progress and there's no telling what kind of problems you will face when you return.
4. Predator Protection
Figure that your heron, raccoon, and other neighborhood predators are going to rush to your pond the moment that your taillights disappear and plan accordingly. If you do not already have natural hiding spots in your pond then cover it with a secure pond net that is made especially for this purpose.
5. Feeding
If you'll be gone for two weeks or less, feed your fish their normal amount just prior to leaving and don't worry about it again until you get back.
Your average koi can get along just fine without being fed for two weeks or less. They'll find plenty of algae and the occasional wayward bug to snack on and their metabolism will adjust quickly to a reduced diet for a short period of time.
If you plan to be gone for a longer time then your only alternatives are either having someone come and feed for you, or getting an automatic fish feeder. Fish feeders can be expensive, they can break down and stop feeding, and they are also subject to malfunctioning and overfeeding. Your best bet is a friend or neighbor.
If you are going to depend on human help make sure that you leave very explicit feeding instructions and tell them not to deviate even a tiny bit. Make sure that they know that overfeeding fish is not a "treat" and that they could end up killing the fish while trying to do a good deed. Also let them know that if they miss a feeding day not to feed twice as much the next time to make up for it.
Now here are some tips for when you return:
1. Check to make sure that all of your fish are present and accounted for and that they all appear healthy.
2. Perform all of the usual water tests and adjust anything that is out of balance.
3. Clean your filter and pumps just like you did before you left for vacation.
4. Resume your normal feeding schedule.
Owning a pond doesn't mean that you have to give up your well-deserved vacation. A little planning and common sense goes a long way.
About the Author:
Brett Fogle is the owner of MacArthur Water Gardens and several other pond-related websites including www.MacArthurWatergardens.com and www.Pond-Filters-Online.com He also publishes a free monthly newsletter called PondStuff! with a reader circulation of over 9,000. To sign up for the free newsletter and receive our FREE 'New Pond Owners Guide' visit MacArthur Water Gardens today.