Dallas koi pond

Dallas koi pond

Watch out for a hot Dallas koi pond!

Something to worry about in August—a hot Dallas koi pond!  When the weather stays hot all day and night, your pond water can get very warm.  You may notice some changes to your pond once the pond water temperature rises above 80 degrees Farenheit. Your plants might droop or look tired and your fish may appear distressed, even struggling for air close the the pond surface.

Fish and a hot Dallas koi pond

Cooler water can hold larger amounts of oxygen than warm water.  As the water warms up, your fish become more active.  At the same time, they will then require more oxygen, right when there is less available!

Like humans, stressed fish are more susceptible to diseases when they’re not feeling up to par. Since most pond owners stock their water gardens with cold water fish, it’s even more important to know if your pond is becoming uncomfortably warm.

Fish aren’t the only pond inhabitants who increase their activity in warmer weather. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites also tend to increase which means diseases can spread quicker.

What about the plants?

It’s not just fish that can be affected by warm water temperatures. Your pond plants might also start to show the effects of extreme heat. Water lettuce and water hyacinth can turn yellow and burn.  The pads of your waterlily might also begin to turn a brownish color and start to decay.

Since the leaves of a waterlily help shade the pond and keep it cooler, maintaining the plant’s health is a priority. Fortunately, it takes a long time for pond water to reach 80 degrees, and you have solutions available to assist with cooling.

Is your Dallas koi pond too hot?

You can use a pond thermometer to check the temperature of your pond water. If you find the water nearing 80 degrees, you can increase oxygen with a pond aerator. You can also perform a partial water change and add cooler water. Just remember to detoxify the pond after adding municipal water – for the safety of your fish.

Keep in mind, you don’t need to take your pond’s temperature every day – especially if you have an ecosystem pond with proper circulation and filtration. Simply watch for tell-tale signs like fish gasping for air at the surface of the water or near a waterfall. That’s typically the first sign that the pond is overheated and needs oxygen.

How to remedy a hot Dallas koi pond

The number one way to help a hot pond:  make sure there is a depth of over two feet.   The bottom of the pond remains cooler and fish can stay at the lower depth if it is available.

In addition, aquatic plants help cool a pond provided one-third to one-half of the pond’s surface area is covered. Waterlilies, mosaic plant, and water lettuce are all great options for shading the surface of your pond. Of course, natural overhead shade from trees, bushes, and even your house will help.

Another item to consider is your pond circulation.  Your biological and mechanical filters should be placed across the pond from each other so that all areas of the pond are skimmed and the water circulated.

Your waterfall and/or stream also plays a big role in the oxygenation of pond water. Oxygen enters the water when there is air and water interacting. Streams and waterfalls create turbulence which increases oxygen levels.

Summer is a great time to enjoy your pond – and you may have noticed it’s also the coolest spot in your yard! Keep your fish and plants healthy, and you’ll enjoy a low-maintenance pond throughout the season. Contact us for more information.