Pond startup
Customers give us a 9.2/10
Starting up a pond: existing and new pond
Simon van der Velde
Pond startup and algae prevention package
Prevent problems such as thread algae and floating algae 100% natural. Year-round clear pond water with hardy oxygen plants.
Pond Startup and Algae Prevention Package - S - 100 - 400 L
- For 100 - 400 L
- Combats and prevents algae
- Placement: -1 to -80 cm
Pond Startup and Algae Prevention Package - M - 500 - 1,250 L
- For 500 - 1,250 L
- Controls and prevents algae
- Placement: -1 to -100 cm
Pond Startup and Alga Prevention Package - L - 1,500 - 3,000 L
- For 1,500 - 3,000 L
- Controls and prevents algae
- Placement: -1 to -100 cm
Pond Startup and Algae Prevention Package - XL - 3,500 - 6,000 L
- For 3,500 - 6,000 L
- Controls and prevents algae
- Placement: -1 to -100 cm
Pond Startup and Algae Prevention Package - XXL - 6,500 - 9,000 L
- For 6,500 - 9,000 L
- Controls and prevents algae
- Placement: -1 to -100 cm
Pond Startup and Algae Prevention Package - XXXL - 10,000 - 15,000 L
- For 10,000 - 15,000 L
- Controls and prevents algae
- Placement: -1 to -100 cm
Not sure how many gallons of water your pond holds?
Customers give us a 9.2/10
Pond startup package
Starting up a pond requires the right steps and products to create a healthy environment for plants and animals. Our package provides a good start with bacteria, plant nutrition and ensures a healthy soil and stable water parameters.
Pond Start-up Package - S - 100 - 1,000 L
- For 100 - 1,000 L
- Natural balance without fuss
- Safe for humans, plants & animals
Pond Start-up Package - M - 1,000 - 10,000 L
- For 1,000 - 10,000 L
- Natural balance without fuss
- Safe for humans, plants & animals
Pond Start-up Package - L - 10,000 - 20,000 L
- For 10,000 - 20,000 L
- Natural balance without fuss
- Safe for humans, plants & animals
Pond Start-up Package - XL - 20,000 - 40,000 L
- For 20,000 - 40,000 L
- Natural balance without fuss
- Safe for humans, plants & animals
Frequently asked questions about pond startup
Starting up a pond means making sure the water has a good, healthy balance so that plants and fish can live well. You do this by adding Pond bacteria such as BACTA CLEAR . These bacteria help break down waste products such as fish food and leaves, preventing algae and keeping the water clear.
BACTA CLEAR should be added twice a year: once in the spring and once in the fall to keep the pond functioning properly throughout the year. In addition, pond substrate helps the plants grow well and the bacteria adhere better, promoting biological balance.
To get your pond off to a good start, Pond bacteria from BACTA CLEAR are essential. You add these bacteria twice a year (1x in spring and 1x in fall) and they break down waste products such as fish food, leaves and other organic material, preventing algae formation and improving water quality. Add bacteria in the spring to get your pond going and in the fall to prepare the pond for winter. Additionally, you can use pond substrate as an additional filter medium, which supports the growth of both plants and bacteria for a healthy ecosystem.
More information can be found here: BACTA CLEAR.
For a healthy, self-regulating pond, several types of aquatic plants are essential. Oxygen plants provide a constant supply of oxygen and help keep the water clean. Floating plants provide shade and reduce the risk of algae growth, while marsh plants at the edges of the pond remove excess nutrients from the water. A good combination of these plants provides the best results and helps keep the pond naturally balanced.
Want to know exactly what plants you need and how many? Then go through the pond check, which explains step by step what your pond needs for a natural balance: Pond Check.
If you'd rather be done setting up your pond all at once, check out our complete pond kits. These packages contain everything you need to properly set up your pond from the start and ensure that the water keeps itself clean and balanced: Complete Pond Packages.
A filter or pump is not necessary if you choose a natural approach by setting up the pond with sufficient aquatic plants, a layer of porous substrate on the bottom and beneficial bacteria in the water.
How to go about this step by step, what you need and how much can all be found in our pond check.
If you have a pond with a volume of 1,000 to 20,000 gallons of water, you can BACTA CLEAR add in one go. One bottle is enough for this volume, and you don't have to worry about overdosing because you can't add too much. Keep in mind, however, that BACTA CLEAR only has a shelf life of a few days after opening, so it is important to use it immediately as soon as you open the bottle.
If you have a pond of 100 to 1,000 gallons of water, choose a BACTA TAB. Specially designed for smaller ponds, it provides a simple solution to maintain water quality.
Add BACTA CLEAR or BACTA TAB 2x a year (1x in spring and 1x in fall) for year-round optimum performance.
Pond startup: the basic steps for a healthy pond
Starting your pond begins with proper preparation. At vdvelde.com, we recommend first determining the pond location, depth and bottom. Then start with the pond substrate, where plants can root well and the water is filtered. Fill the pond and use a water treatment product to neutralize any contaminants. With our bacteria and special plant food you will give the ecosystem an immediate healthy start, and after a few days of rest you can carefully add plants and fish for a balanced environment.
Order pond startup and supplies at vdvelde.com
With us, you can easily order all the necessary materials online, from pond liner and substrate to oxygen plants and filter systems. Our complete pond kits are formulated to instantly bring natural balance to the pond. These include bacteria that help with clear water and a stable pond. In addition to our extensive product range, at vdvelde.com we also offer advice and support to get the pond off to a good start.
Starting a pond with a filter: necessary for healthy water
A filter system is essential when starting your pond to prevent murky water and algae growth. We offer filters to suit any size pond that regulate dirt and nutrients. A filter with bacteria is ideal because it allows for the natural breakdown of organic waste. This promotes clear and clean water, which is important for the well-being of plants and fish in the pond.
Important tips when starting a pond
As a pond specialist with over 35 years of experience, we emphasize the importance of proper plant selection and the timely addition of bacteria. This prevents algae from taking over the pond and keeps the water quality stable. Leave the pond water without fish for several weeks to stabilize the ecosystem. For optimal results, vdvelde.com also offers a handy online pond check that helps you determine exactly how much substrate, plants and bacteria you need for your pond.
Spring is coming: a very important time for your pond
With the arrival of spring, your pond also awakens. The plants begin to sprout and the fish show more activity. To maintain a healthy and vibrant pond throughout the season, careful spring maintenance is very important.
Plant maintenance: focus on oxygen plants
In spring, both water lilies, marsh plants and oxygen plants shoot new shoots. The oxygen plants play a crucial role here; they absorb nutrients from the water, which contributes to a clear pond and the control of algae. It is advisable to prune back old oxygen plants to about 15 cm below the water surface. Also consider rejuvenating oxygen plants: select healthy new shoots and place them in a planting basket. This encourages fresh and green growth.
Alert to thread algae in spring
Thread algae can be a challenge in the spring. Not only is it a very unattractive sight in the pond, it can overgrow other aquatic plants . Because filamentous algae can grow as early as lower temperatures, it is a typical occurrence in the spring. Proactive maintenance is important to keep it in check.
To control thread algae, you can take the following steps:
- Manual removal: Start by manually removing the filamentous algae with a pond rake or scissors. This is an immediate method of removing much of the algae.
- Bacta Clear add: For an optimal start to your pond, add Bacta Clear . This product contains beneficial bacteria that help break down organic waste, improving water quality. This reduces the growth of unwanted algae such as string algae.
- Add Oxygen Plants: Oxygen plants compete with filamentous algae for nutrients. By placing more of these plants in your pond, you will limit the nutrient source for filamentous algae and promote a healthy pond environment.
It is important to remember that prevention is key. Regular checks and maintenance will prevent thread algae from becoming a persistent problem.
Fish care: adapted feeding
When the water temperature rises to between 8-10 degrees, the fish will become more active again and need feeding. However, in early spring it is advisable to be careful with the amount of food. Their metabolism is still slow after winter. Gradually, the amount of feed can be increased as temperatures rise.