Matthew Trost

As the weather cools down in Southern Oregon, your pond needs a little different care. Fish become less active, plants die back, and falling leaves can quickly collect in the water. A little maintenance now helps protect your fish, keep equipment working, and make spring cleanup easier. Here’s where to start. Keep Leaves Out of the Water Install pond netting before leaves start piling up, and remove any that have already collected on the surface or bottom. Check your skimmer basket regularly,...

Planning a backyard pond? Here are the common mistakes and challenges pond owners wish they knew about before they started.

Summer Heat Can Stress Your Pond Fish Hot weather puts extra stress on every pond. As water temperatures rise, oxygen levels drop while your fish, biological filter, and beneficial bacteria all need more oxygen. If your pond isn't prepared, water quality can decline quickly. Why Heat Causes Problems Warm water holds less dissolved oxygen than cool water. At the same time: Fish become more active and require more oxygen. Fish eat more and produce more waste. Beneficial bacteria work harder to...