Strange title I know but was pondering this while I was healing from a recent injury. Ponds and Accidents really are not the same , ponds take time to plan, decide where to dig, layout, permits, and the digging process and of course the time it takes to fill.
Accidents happen in less than a second and by all means not planned well at all. But on the other side healing from an accident and a pond with problems take time to heal. There is no quick fix in either case, proper care, maintenance, tools and resources are what it takes to get us back on our feet healing and the pond getting back to its healthy self as well.
So (I’ll keep the not so pretty stuff out) I was at the shop working when my accident happened, stood up in the wrong spot and caught something with the side of my head resulting in a hospital ER visit, staples and wrapped up. After three weeks and complications, we are now on the mend and doing pretty good. Yep the jokes were abundant, “Hey Darrell shouldn’t you wait till the pond fills up before diving in?” “Did one of the Koi attack you?”
Ponds on the other hand take longer to heal depending on what is affecting them and the tools used to get them back on their feet. 10-20 years of muck build up can be delt with, in a few days by dredging the pond but very expensive and permits may needed to get the job done. Removing the pond muck naturally won’t take 10 years but depending on the muck build up, the muck can be reduced naturally by up to 5 inches a year.
Adding proper sized diffused aeration will take care of the fish needs for dissolved oxygen, water movement and provide an environment throughout the water column for beneficial bacteria to help digest the muck, and combat nutrients that weeds and algae need to grow.
Bottom diffused aeration is the best management/maintenance tool for a pond to have. A lot cheaper than running a fountain and benefits the entire water depth not just the surface.
