Imagine your koi fish gasping for air. A pond filled with algae and a dying ecosystem because of the heat. If humans can feel it, what else can we think of these “pretty little babies”?
Increasing water temperature, decreasing oxygen levels, and algal blooms are caused by extreme heat, which impacts pond ecosystems. In the summer months, the water usually gets warmer. Marine life depends on dissolved oxygen. In warmer temperatures, this means that less oxygen is being dissolved, which in turn has a detrimental effect on aquatic ecosystems, such as fish stress and disease leading up to fish death.
Another condition is the growth of algae during this season. Cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) favors warm water and increased sunlight exposure. If optimal conditions are met, excessive algae growth would lead to oxygen depletion, toxicity, and impacts on water quality.
To address this, summer pond during mid-season is deemed essential. Pond maintenance before the onset of warmer temperatures is needed. Based on previous articles found in Pond Universe, it is recommended that water quality should be strictly monitored. Mid-summer pond maintenance includes regular testing of water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate) to ensure that levels are within favorable conditions for the pond’s inhabitants. A garden pond owner should also consider removing excess algae manually or try incorporating submerged aquatic plants.
Making sure of aeration is also critical. It is recommended that a pond owner should use fountains, waterfalls, or aerators to promote oxygen increase in the water, especially during warmer periods. Summer season also means that evaporation is high, so topping up with rainwater when possible is highly considered. To avoid water pollution, overfeeding fish is needed so that there is no room for uneaten food, which causes pollution. Regularly cleaning or replacing filter pads is also important for optimal filtration.
Boost Oxygen with the Right Pond Pumps and Aerators
Hot water holds less oxygen, and the result is fish suffering! According to the Noble Research Institute, the solubility of oxygen decreases when the water temperature increases. It means that less oxygen can be dissolved in the water. This is because water molecules move faster, and some oxygen is pushed out of the water and into the atmosphere.
Waterfall kits, aerators, and fountain kits improve ponds but serve different purposes based on function, aeration, components, and/or considerations. The primary focus of waterfall kits is creating a visually appealing waterfall and stream effect. It adds a calming sound while creating an aesthetic feel on the pond. Pond experts believed that waterfall kits contribute to aeration by agitating the water surface and increasing oxygen exchange in the atmosphere, but they are not built primarily for that function. Waterfall kits typically include pond pumps, pond liners, and other components.
On the contrary, aerators, by design, increase dissolved oxygen levels, which is highly important for pond ecosystems, for preventing water stagnation and for aquatic life support. Aerators can be surface aerators (like fountains) or subsurface aerators, which release air bubbles at the bottom of the pond.
Fountain kits provide a decorative water display. It creates a focal point that provides a visual interest to the pond. Fountain kits are sometimes designed with aeration in mind, maximizing specific pumps to enhance oxygen transfer. Yet not all fountains are effective aerators. Fountains with high pressure nozzles may circulate at less water volume, which limits their aeration capacity.
Pond water pumps and aerators are available at Pond Universe. It offers various brands to cater customer’s needs.
Master Algae Control Before It Takes Over
Varying types of algae thrive during summer. Specific types and their abundance depend on factors such as water chemistry, nutrient availability, and the presence of other organisms.
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Green Algae: Also known as chlorophyta, green algae are frequently found in freshwater systems during the summer, often appearing as strands or mats. They thrive in warm, sunny conditions and contribute to algal blooms.
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Blue-green Algae: This alga is also called cyanobacteria and is known for its capability for algal blooming. They proliferate in stagnant water during warm climates. This type of algae excretes toxins harmful to humans and animals.
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Red Algae: Red algae are also called Rhodophyta. Even though they are common in marine environments, red algae can be found in freshwater, particularly in nutrient-rich areas.
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Brown Algae: These phaeotophyta are prevalent in marine environments but also present in freshwater conditions.
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Diatoms: Diatoms are called Bacillariophyta and are commonly found in freshwater and saline water conditions. This type of algae is said to be a significant component of phytoplankton, a microscopic marine algae responsible for the “most carbon dioxide transfer” from the atmosphere to the ocean (NASA Earth Observatory).
Pond Universe recommends products that could address concerns, particularly on excessive algae growth. One important product on the line is UV clarifier. UV clarifiers use ultraviolet (UV-C) light to disrupt the DNA of microorganisms. According to the National Institutes of Health, if conditions are met, UV-C light effectively inactivates bacteria and viruses, which inhibits their ability to replicate. Thus it prevents them from reproducing and causing harm. UV clarifiers as a pond essentials offer benefits, which include reduction of algae blooms and cloudy water in ponds, control of harmful bacteria and pathogens, promotes a chemical-free and environmental-friendly ecosystem in the pond and studies have shown that this usage will be cost-effective with low-energy consumption (NHI, 2023).
Meanwhile, barley extract released compounds that inhibit the growth of algae through allelopathy, a process where plants release chemicals to suppress other plants. Studies have shown that in various species, barley extracts have the ability to prevent algae from growing (Southwest Minnesota State University.) Its primary benefit in ponds is reducing algae blooms.
Of course, beneficial bacteria are on top of the lists if we are talking about addressing problems in algae growth in our ponds. Also known as probiotics, they offer positive effects on ponds when ingested or introduced in the environment. In aquatic environments such as your backyard ponds, they break down organic waste and maintain a healthy ecosystem.
Watch Water Level and Quality
Pond ecosystems are affected by water levels and nutrient concentrations through summer evaporation. In turn, it influences biodiversity and overall pond health. Consistent water levels are important for healthy pond ecosystems to maintain. If consistency in water levels is met, it supports plant and animal diversity in your pond and prevents harmful algal blooms.
Pond Universe highly emphasizes the importance of pond maintenance. In fact, it offers products like pond liners, which act as a waterproof barrier. Pond liners prevent water from seeping into the surrounding soil, which helps in conserving water, the maintenance of water levels, and a healthy aquatic life in your pond.
Feed Fish Smarter, Not More
During summer, there are certain considerations in your pond maintenance in terms of feeding your fish smarter. Warmer temperature means that your fish need frequent feeding due to increased activity and metabolism. For feeding schedules, whether it is your DIY pond maintenance habit, make sure to adjust feeding based on the following:
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Water Temperature: Fish metabolism is influenced by water temperature. Warmer temperatures denote increased activity and higher metabolic rates, which means that it requires frequent feeding.
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Feeding Frequency: Frequent feeding doesn’t always mean that your fish are overfed. It simply recommends that during the warmer periods, smaller, more frequent meals are better than a single large meal.
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Species-Specific Needs: Fish species have different feeding habits. For example, koi and goldfish generally eat the same types of food, which include high-quality, balanced pellets or flakes designed for them. It also includes natural options like insects, worms, and vegetables.
If you are having a DIY pond maintenance, you need to understand certain considerations in feeding your fish during summer. It is recommended that a fish food with higher protein content, since warmer temperature lets your pond fish have more growth and activity. You might want to consider color-enhancing ingredients in your pet’s food, one having carotenoids to enhance the colors of your fish. This can be maintained for a few weeks and then return to a regular maintenance diet. For seasonal adjustments, switch to higher protein content in the summer and potentially a food with more carbohydrates during fall or winter, when fish are less active.
Top Summer Picks from Pond Universe
When it comes to pond supplies that truly make a difference during the hottest months of the year, we’ve curated a lineup of high-performance gear to help you keep your pond healthy, clean, and visually stunning all season long. Whether you're a seasoned installer or a passionate DIY enthusiast, these summer picks from Pond Universe combine functionality with aesthetics.
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Aeration Kits: Hot water holds less oxygen—simple science, big problem. Aeration kits are essential to combat oxygen depletion in summer. These kits circulate water, promote gas exchange, and prevent stagnant zones that can lead to fish kills and algae blooms.
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UV Clarifiers: Say goodbye to green water. UV clarifiers help destroy free-floating algae without adding chemicals to your pond. This is a must-have during peak sunlight months when algae growth accelerates. Pair it with proper filtration for crystal-clear results.
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Fountain Kits for Ponds: Looking for a way to combine beauty and function? Fountain kits not only elevate the visual appeal of your pond but also help with water movement and oxygenation. From urns to spillway bowls, these kits are plug-and-play pond enhancers.
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Spillway Bowl Fountain: Part of the beloved Aquascape collection, the Spillway Bowl Fountain adds elegance and soothing sound to any water garden. It can be used alone or as part of a multi-tier system. Durable, weather-resistant, and visually striking.
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Outdoor Fountain Kits: These all-in-one kits are ideal for transforming patios, courtyards, or small gardens into tranquil areas. With options ranging from basalt columns to stacked slate spheres, they’re perfect for customers looking for easy installation and big impact.
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Waterfall Kits & Pondless Waterfall Kits: If you're aiming to build a stunning water feature without a full pond, pondless waterfall kits and spillways for waterfalls offer a safe, low-maintenance solution. They’re perfect for families, front yards, and customers looking to minimize water use while maximizing impact.
Pond care doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right pond maintenance supplies and seasonal planning, even the hottest months can be smooth sailing for your water feature. Whether you’re managing a koi-filled retreat, a minimalist fountain, or one of those lush, plant-filled garden ponds, success starts with proactive upkeep and the right gear.
At Pond Universe, we make it easy to find exactly what you need—from oxygen-boosting aeration kits and algae-fighting UV clarifiers to sleek fountain kits that add visual flair while keeping water moving.
So instead of worrying about green water, low oxygen, or overheating fish, spend your summer the way it should be spent —enjoying your pond, not maintaining it.
Browse our full selection of pond maintenance supplies and fountain kits today at Pond Universe.