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The 1-2-3-System from Söll

In an unspoilt body of water, all organisms, small and large, are in a state of natural balance. Due to its relatively small size, an artificial garden pond is not able to regulate itself and, as a result, the biotope can easily lose its natural balance.

When the balance is upset, chemical cycles and biological food chains are interrupted. This can lead to mass reproduction of individual organisms. As a result, living conditions for other species will deteriorate rapidly and the pond is threatened by atrophy. Apart from declining biodiversity, increased formation of sludge and lack of oxygen are the inevitable consequences.

The biotope appears neglected and unmaintained. In a worst-case scenario, the garden pond may actually collapse.

On top of this, the pond is subjected to a variety of different influences during the course of the year: Rain, snow and sunlight, as well as leaves, petals and pollen entering the pond, change the constellation in the water and, hence, the living conditions for inhabitants.

It only takes a few supporting measures at the right time and in the right place. Thus by applying three simple steps (1. stabilising the water, 2. controlling algae, 3. binding nutrients), you can activate the self-cleaning ability of your garden pond and reactivate the biological cycle processes. This is not a magic trick. It's actually copying nature's principles of control and stability.



A clear and beautiful pond in just three steps

Our three-step care concept is complemented by care products for pond fish, microbiological products, which optimise the nitrogen cycle and the filter efficiency, products for fertilising aquatic plants and other specialised products such as special problem solvers. As you can see: Söll has the right solution for any kind of challenge posed by the pond!

Introduction Koi-Premium Line

Feeding appropriate to the species

Fish in ponds are subjected to changing weather and environmental conditions during the course of a year. To ensure optimal growth and that the fish remain fit and healthy, they need to be supplied with essential vital substances. Söll food provides sufficient energy, essential vitamins and trace elements for pond fish. The food ranges TEICH- GOLD and KoiGold are designed to meet the needs of most pond dwellers.

High-quality ingredients contribute to a balanced and species-appropriate diet. Due to careful processing of the raw materials, the food strengthens the immune system, encourages growth, and promotes good physical condition and colouring.

To meet the highest standards, which particularly do justice to Koi, we recommend Organix Koi-Food Supreme. Fresh ingredients such as whole salmon, herring, shrimps and kelp originating from the pure, cold waters of Alaska turn our pellet food into something very special.

Whether flakes, sticks, or pellets – all types of Söll food remain afloat for a long time and are perfectly suitable for year-round feeding of all types of pond fish. There are additional benefits for the quality of the water: Our fish food is free of polyphosphates and, as such, does not stimulate algae growth.

Have you also experienced one or more of the following scenarios? There is too much sludge in the pond, the filter does not seem to perform as expected, the algaecide does not demonstrate the desired effect, crucial water values are "thrown out of sync", the fish are gasping for air, and the water has turned brown in colour... Sometimes situations are quite complex and you are at your wits' end.

In most cases, a simple "trick" can solve the problem. For every special case in relation to ponds, Söll can provide a range of useful problem solvers. These specialised products help you to master complex problems and ensure that the natural cycle processes in your oasis of water will function properly again.

A pond contains not only fish, amphibians, and plants, but also microscopic organisms, which perform highly useful jobs: There are bacteria living in the water, on the pond bed, and in the filter material which degrade nitrogen compounds, for example, ammonium, nitrite and nitrate. Such compounds are dangerous for fish.

Thus, these microorganisms ensure a healthy microclimate in the pond. By supporting the degradation capability of naturally occurring bacteria in the pond and the filter material, microbiological products are an indispensable part of pond maintenance.

In our in-house Söll laboratory specialised bacterial strains are cultivated and processed into products for biological water purification. These products commence their battle against water polluting nitrogen with a water temperature of 8 °C or above. They are available in liquid, powder, or tablet form. The water is cleared purely biologically.

This cleansing effect can be observed within a few days of application. The water and the pond dwellers, however, benefit long-term from the positive effect.

Our advice: When applying bacterial products, the UV clarifier should remain switched off for approximately 48 hours. This is to enable the vital microorganisms to settle in your pond permanently.

Too many algae in the pond are an indication for an oversupply of nutrients in the water. In order to "starve" and reduce the amount of algae effectively, it is necessary to bind the algae nutrient phosphate. Even small concentrations of 0.035mg/l can cause algal bloom.

But just how does phosphate enter your garden pond in the first place?

The most common sources of input are fish food, fish excrements, leaves and phosphate-rich filling water. Commonly, rainwater also washes lawn fertiliser and nutrient-rich soil from planting containers and garden beds into the pond. Furthermore, as a result of algae control measures, decomposing algae represent nutrient-packed food.

As phosphate cannot escape from the water, the result is eutrophication which, in turn, leads to algal bloom. The use of phosphate-binding agents should, therefore, be an indispensable part of your garden pond maintenance routine. Particularly following algae treatment (2. controlling algae), we recommend maintenance step three.

Phosphate binders by Söll

By applying Söll phosphate binders, algal bloom can be prevented reliably and in a manner compatible with the environment. Algal bloom does not stand a chance when P-Lock AlgaeStop or Turbo PhosphatBinder is applied at the beginning of the season and after every algae controlling measure. It's good to know that..... phosphate which is bound using Söll products cannot be released back into the water or cause renewed algal bloom.

Our advice: Regularly check the phosphate level of your garden pond’s water! Through the use of AQUA-CHECK by Söll, this becomes a cinch. At the touch of a button, the electronic photometer provides readings of laboratory accuracy.

Water plants visually increase the water oasis in the garden. The lush, varied and colorful plantings at and in the water, draw attention to the garden pond.

In addition to the decorative aspect, water lily, water hyacinth and penny weed have an important function in the biotope: besides the algae, they are the most important oxygen suppliers in the eco-system garden pond. They absorb a large part of the nutrients dissolved in the water and thus remove their foodstuffs from their food competitors - the algae. Plants keep the mass multiplication of algae naturally low and contribute thereby to clear water. Winter hardy varieties such as bulrush and reeds are also particularly useful as they provide for a gas exchange between water and air even in frozen pond surfaces.

For plants with fishes, plants are therefore vital. For many fish, amphibians and invertebrate aquatic animals water plants also serve as a place for spawning. They are also very important as a hideaway and retreat facility.

Therefore, aquatic plants deserve particular attention during pond care and should be thinned at regular intervals. With WaterplantBooster and WaterliliesFertiliserCones, Söll provides two easy-to-use fertilizers. The products provide pond plants with all necessary nutrients and supports healthy, strong growth.

For the planting of water plants, we also can provide you with a high quality cultured substrate.

 

A garden pond without any fish is a fairly rare occurrence. Or in other words: Hardly any pond remains empty of fish for a long time. The enjoyment provided by the hobby garden pond increases with the arrival of goldfish, koi and other fish. When they peacefully swim through the water or come to the surface for feeding, it is a rewarding experience for many nature lovers.

During the course of a garden year, the number of pond dwellers often increases unnoticed. The consequences are that there are more animals having to share the habitat which can cause stress and disease. An increasing number of fish can also lead to deterioration in the water quality. Due to an increase in fish excrements, the water suffers more and more from nitrogen pollution.

Thus, keeping pond fish healthy is an important aspect of pond maintenance. In order to provide fish with an ideal living environment, mineral premixes should be applied regularly. FishMineral and FishFit for example, provide the water with calcium and potassium and ensure a stable pH value. If and when required, fish can resorb minerals from the water. These have a detoxifying and stimulating effect on the organism and support cell growth and the metabolism.

In combination with stable water values and high-quality food, these care products support your pond dwellers in regaining their strength quickly after periods of cold weather.

 

 

 



 

More Articles ...

  1. Pond care
  2. Controlling algae
  3. Stabilising the water

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