In warmer waters, above 65 degrees F (18.3 degrees C), protein metabolism is very high. Therefore, your fish require a highly digestible, high protein diet. Proteins are required for tissue formation. This means that fish require the proper amount of proteins and carbohydrates along with fats, minerals, nutrients and vitamins. Water temperature is the key to determining what is required by your fish.

In cooler water, fish metabolism slows and so does the need for high protein. A high protein diet food in cooler waters will result in poor water quality. In fact, the excess protein is converted to ammonia and released by the fish.

In warmer waters, protein metabolism is very high. Young fish and fry require the proper amount of protein for suitable growth and development. Older fish require the proper amount of proteins to maintain their body weight and color. Feeding a highly digestible protein diet in warm waters offers several benefits to your fish.

A Columbia SC water garden is generally installed for the pleasure of your family and friends. However, certain routine maintenance needs to be done. The amount of maintenance certainly depends upon the time of year and the water temperature. As the water temperature increases, so does the activity within your pond. If you have done routine cleaning and prepared your pond properly, these simple steps will allow you to get the most enjoyment out of your water garden. Even when your pond is perfectly balanced, routine maintenance procedures will need to be done to keep the balance intact. You are an integral part to the proper balance of your aquatic oasis.

All garden ponds accumulate organic matter from the time they are first filled with water. Organic matter naturally increases from dead plants, algae, and insects, as well as uneaten fish food and waste from all of your pond creatures. This organic build-up slowly decays, creating toxic hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and nitrite. This decay removes oxygen from your water and lowers your pH levels. It also provides an excellent breeding ground for many fish diseases and parasites. You will need to check your filter routinely to make sure that it is running at peak efficiency. First, you must check your Filter Pads and make sure you are obtaining maximum water filtration. Remember to change pads frequently while clearing an algae bloom. Every four weeks you will need to replace your Filter Carbon and Phosphate Remover to obtain proper results.

Once every three to four weeks during the pond season, you should make a 15% to 25% water change. The water can accumulate a large amount of dissolved organics and natural acidifiers that reduce water quality and disrupt the pond's natural balance. Performing a water change will reduce the build-up of these pollutants and various others. Remember, always treat your tap water with Chlorine Neutralizer whenever adding water to your pond. You will also need to replace electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfate, calcium and chloride, to maintain proper fish health. Pond Salt provides all the essential electrolytes fish need to survive.