Fish Care

Preparing your Pond for your Holiday

Going on holiday? Prep your pond by cleaning it thoroughly, reducing water levels, covering with netting, and servicing the pumps and filters. Also, set up feeding solutions for your fish. A well-planned strategy ensures a healthy pond upon your return.

David

Jul 18, 2023 • 6 min read

Preparing your Pond for your Holiday - My checklist

Table of Contents

Your pond is a miniature aquatic ecosystem that requires regular attention and maintenance. However, if you're planning to go on holiday, there are essential steps you need to take to ensure your pond stays in good condition while you're away. Below are the vital steps you should take:

Cleaning Your Pond

Before heading off on your holiday, it's essential to give your pond a thorough cleaning. This includes removing any debris such as leaves, twigs, or dead plant matter that could decompose and negatively affect the water quality. Also, check for any signs of algae or pond sludge and treat these issues accordingly.

Reducing the Water Level

Unexpected weather changes, such as heavy rainfall, could lead to your pond overflowing, potentially causing damage to your surrounding garden. It's therefore recommended to reduce the water level in your pond slightly before leaving. This will create room to accommodate any excess water that might result from heavy rain.

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For me own 2.4m x 2.4m raised sleeper pond, I like to drain at least 4"-6" of water prior to going on holiday. For many of us, our pond shows a huge investment, so reducing the risk of Fish going "overboard" is absolutely key.

Covering Your Pond with Netting

Photo of koi fish in a pond with netting — Cover your pond with netting to prevent fish jumping, and reduce debris from falling into your pond

Covering your pond with netting is an effective way to protect it from pests and prevent excessive waste from falling into your pond. The netting acts as a barrier, keeping out leaves, debris, and other unwanted materials. It also deters predators, keeping your pond fish safe while you're away.

Cleaning the Filters and Pumps

Your pond's filter and pump system play a crucial role in maintaining water quality. Before leaving, you should clean your filter sponges and ensure your pump is functioning properly. Also, check your UV lamps if you have them, as they can help maintain water clarity and reduce the risk of harmful algae blooms.

Feeding Your Fish While You're Away

When you're on holiday, it's essential to have a system in place to feed your fish.

Pond Feeding Blocks

Pond feeding blocks are designed to slowly dissolve over time, releasing food for your fish. They're an excellent solution for feeding your fish while you're away. The feeding blocks last for days/weeks and ensure your fish receive a steady supply of food.

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If your pond is fairly stocked, I would suggest doubling the amount of feeding blocks to prevent your fish becoming hungry.

How do Pond Feeding Blocks work?

When placed in your pond, the block slowly starts to dissolve. As it breaks down, it releases the food particles into the water over an extended period. This process provides a consistent source of nourishment for your fish in your absence.

The rate at which the block dissolves depends on the water temperature and the number of fish in your pond. Warmer temperatures and more fish will cause the block to dissolve faster due to increased activity and feeding. Most blocks are designed to feed your fish for up to a week, but longer-lasting blocks are also available for longer vacations.

Advantages of Pond Feeding Blocks

One significant advantage of pond feeding blocks is that they help maintain water quality. Traditional feeding methods often lead to overfeeding and uneaten food, which can decay and degrade the water quality. In contrast, feeding blocks release food gradually, reducing the risk of overfeeding and food waste.

However, it's crucial to note that while feeding blocks are convenient, they should not entirely replace a regular, varied diet for your fish. They're perfect for holidays but ensure to return to your usual feeding routine upon your return for the continued health and happiness of your pond life.

Automatic Pond Fish Feeders

Photos of 4 different automated pond feeders — Automatic Pond Feeders

An automatic pond fish feeder is a device designed to dispense a predetermined amount of fish food at scheduled intervals. This gadget is a boon for pond owners, especially those who frequently travel or have busy schedules.

The way an automatic fish feeder works is simple but ingenious. You fill the feeder's food compartment with your chosen fish food, then set the timer and specify the amount of food to be released. At the designated times, the feeder's mechanism rotates or vibrates to release the food into the pond.

Advantages of Automatic Fish Feeders

One of the most significant benefits of using an automatic fish feeder is the consistency it provides. Fish thrive on routine, and regular, consistent feeding helps keep them healthy and reduces stress. Automatic feeders eliminate the risk of overfeeding or underfeeding, both of which can lead to health issues and water quality problems.

Another advantage is that these devices can accommodate various types of fish food, from pellets to sticks to flakes. This versatility allows you to provide a varied and balanced diet for your fish, even in your absence.

Most automatic fish feeders are battery-operated, but solar-powered options are also available for eco-conscious pond owners. Many models are weather-resistant and come with mounting hardware so you can easily install them in a convenient location.

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Remember, while automatic feeders are incredibly helpful, they're not a substitute for regular care and attention. Always check the feeder for any malfunctions before leaving for an extended period.

Asking a Neighbour

If you're not comfortable leaving the feeding to a block or if you'll be away for an extended period, you can ask a trustworthy neighbour to feed your fish. Be sure to leave them with proper instructions on the right amount of food to give the fish and how often to feed them. Overfeeding can lead to waste accumulation and poor water quality.

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It's quite customary to return with a bottle of plonk, or some sort of gift for your lovely neighbour who looked after your pond and fish.

Checking the Water Quality before you leave

Before you leave, make sure to check your pond's water quality. You'll want to monitor parameters such as pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels to ensure they're within safe ranges for your fish. Poor water chemistry can lead to fish illness and other issues, so it's better to address any problems before you leave.

Turning Off Water Features

If you have any water features such as fountains or waterfalls, consider turning them off while you're away. This will reduce the risk of any accidents or malfunctions that could drain your pond while you're not there to monitor it. You can find more on this on the Pond Answers' waterfall guide.

Installing a Pond Aerator

Aeration helps to increase the oxygen levels in your pond, promoting the health of your fish and beneficial bacteria. If your pond doesn't already have one, consider installing a pond aerator before your holiday.

Setting Up an Automatic Top-Up System

Evaporation can significantly reduce your pond's water level, especially during the hot summer months. An automatic top-up system can replenish evaporated water and maintain a constant water level in your pond. Be sure to use dechlorinated water or a water conditioner if you're topping up with tap water.

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Used in conjunction with lowering your pond level, you are protexting your fish from low water levels as well as pond flooding.

Checking for Leaks

Inspect your pond for any signs of leaks. A slow leak can turn into a major problem if left unattended for a long period. If you do spot any leaks, repair them before you leave.

Finally... CCTV - yep!

Photo of external CCTV camera monitoring a garden pond — Use External CCTV to monitor your pond whilst you're away

As much as this sounds incredibly odd, setting up a garden CCTV system to monitor your pond whilst you're on holiday will certainly put your mind at ease.

For me, I have a cheap £30 camera connected to the fence surrounding my pond, which not only allows me to freak my wife out with it's 2-way audio, but I can remotely check my ponds water level and call a neighbour/family member if any problems arise.

Final thoughts

Heading off on holiday shouldn't spell disaster for your pond. With these tips, you can enjoy your holiday knowing your pond, and its inhabitants will be just fine until you return.