Most pond owners want to achieve a crystal clear water environment for their fish. Whilst this is something to aim for having crystal clear water does not however mean the water quality is good. A pond owner should be aware that fish will thrive in a pond that might not look too aesthetically pleasing to the pond owner but provides the perfect environment for your fish.

One problem that most pond owners will face at some point in their pond owning life is excess algae. When algae gets out of control it can make your pond look more like a carpet of short grass than a pond. This situation usually arises when your pond temperature increases in the spring. The algal blooms multiply out of control due to the extra light they receive and can smother your pond surface. If you have a problem like this it could be an indicator that the nutrient level balance in your pond is not quite right or it might just be that you have a small pond and it cannot cope with the quick rise in temperature.

A good way to try to eliminate excess algae is to use a UV clarifier; this device makes the algae clump together so it can be easily filtered. Have a look at the available options on online aquatic websites, UV clarifiers are really not that expensive and they can solve excess algae problems.

There is one pond maintenance activity that strikes fear through every pond owner’s heart – the dreaded pond clean. There are many solutions different pond vacuums you can use to clear the silt from the bottom of the pond but a great option are pond vacuums from Oase.

The Oase Pondovac 3 is a brilliant pond vacuum cleaner that features not one but two chambers so filling and discharging can happen in alternating cycles meaning you can save time and energy. The vacuum comes with different nozzle accessories including crevice tools, floor nozzles, and extension tools. A great advantage of this pond vacuum is that it can also be used as a wet vacuum inside the home and having a powerful 1400W motor it can deal with most types of sludge and silt build-up. The only other accessories you need are a pair of pond waders and arms length heavy duty gloves.

Cleaning your pond can be a time consuming and dirty task, but with the right type of pond cleaning equipment and a little hard work the finished clean pond can look stunning and your fish will appreciate the reduce pollutant levels.

If you have a well established garden pond it will be a hub for all sorts of wildlife including insects, small mammals, amphibians and of course your fish. If you own a pet like a dog or cat however the last thing you want is your pet damaging or even swimming in the pond and adding to the number of wildlife inhabitants.

Dogs and ponds can have a good relationship if the dog is well trained and knows its boundaries. If the dog is not trained or even if it is the type of dog that likes to swim in water, the pond/dog relationship may no work too well. Cats don’t pose too many problems to your pond life except of course the inevitable fishing trick that happens from time to time. Building a low level fence around the pond can deter dogs from swimming and also add to the pond’s safety as far as small children are concerned but a determined dog will always find a way to enjoy a dip. If neighbours cats are causing a problem to your pond, you can buy cat scarers from online aquatic retailers; these shoot a water jet at the cat and so put it off its fishing trip.

Many people have dogs, cats and ponds and the harmony between works well. But if you already have a pond it is worth considering the potential damage that could be caused by adding a new pet to the household.

A great way to give your pond some atmosphere at this time of year is by using a pond mister. With the dark nights now firmly set in we don’t get much benefit from our pond except for the weekends. The most we look at it is through the window in the evening. If you already have some sort of pond lighting then adding a mister to your pond can really create a dramatic effect at dusk.

We don’t usually entertain in the garden at this time of year but a pond mister device works as well in the winter as in the summer. Most pond misters sit on the surface of the pond and work on an ultrasonic oscillation principle that changes the water into tiny mist particles so they are completely safe for the fish in your pond. Some pond misters even have LED lighting effects that can be controlled by a remote control so you can change the pattern of lights and hence the overall effect of the mist from inside the house.

Pond misters aren’t just a novelty item; they can create a beautiful atmosphere to the pond area at just the push of a button.

Although garden ponds or water gardens can be a wonderful addition to your home this Christmas, they can also be dangerous places. They can be hazardous for the many visitors you will be expecting, some of whom may have had one too many, and children in particular are at risk. However, there are ways that you can reduce these risks, and enjoy your beautiful pond this Christmas.

Garden pond safety tips:

• Pond mesh or netting – You could consider temporarily replacing your current pond cover net, designed to keep away animals and pests, with one robust enough to support a person’s weight should they fall in.
• Slip resistant surfaces – Make sure that the surfaces and walkways around your garden pond are slip-resistant, and consider installing railings for particularly hazardous areas.
• Fencing or barriers – A small fence, collection of boulders, shrubbery or herb garden bordering your pond will ensure that children cannot get too close to it, but keep these features subtle enough so that everyone can still enjoy your pond from a safe distance and that you can still access your pond for maintenance and to look after your fish.
• Garden and pond lighting – A well-designed lighting scheme around your pond can not only make the area safer, but will also enhance the appearance of your entire garden.

So, follow these tips and you and your family can enjoy your pond safely this Christmas.