Pond Products I Recommend

Pond water test kit

The first thing I check on any problem pond. It tells you if the water is harming your fish before you can see it.

What to look for

• Tests ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH and KH
• Liquid kits are more accurate; strips are quicker
• Check the use-by date

My advice: Why are my pond fish gasping for air at the surface?

Tap water conditioner (dechlorinator)

Makes tap water safe for fish when you top up or do a water change.

What to look for

• Removes chlorine and chloramine
• Dose by pond size: measure your pond first
• A big bottle works out cheaper

My advice: Can I top up my pond with tap water?

Filter bacteria (filter start)

Helps a new or cleaned filter get going, so the water clears faster.

What to look for

• Live bacteria made for ponds
• Use in spring and after cleaning the filter
• Store as the label says

My advice: Why is my pond water cloudy or brown?

Removing green water: UV clarifier and treatments

A properly working UV clarifier is the long-term answer to green water. It clumps the algae so the filter can catch it.

What to look for

• Sized for your pond volume and how much sun it gets
• Matches your pump's flow rate
• Change the bulb every 6 to 9 months

My advice: Why is my pond water green, and how do I clear it? and What size UV clarifier do I need for my pond?

Green water treatments

A treatment clears green water faster, but it's only a short-term fix. It only works long term if you have a properly working UV clarifier.

Blanket weed treatment and brush

For blanket weed that keeps coming back after you've pulled it out.

What to look for

• Safe for fish and plants at the right dose
• A long-handled blanket weed brush for pulling it out
• Add extra air while the weed dies off

My advice: How do I get rid of blanket weed in a pond?

Barley straw

A cheap, natural way to slow algae down. It works best as prevention.

What to look for

• Bales or pads in a net bag, or liquid extract
• Put it in early in spring
• Replace it every 6 months

My advice: Does barley straw work in ponds?

Fine pond net for duckweed

For skimming duckweed and floating leaves off the surface.

What to look for

• Fine mesh so the tiny leaves don't slip through
• A long or telescopic handle
• Strong frame

My advice: How do I get rid of duckweed in a pond?

Pond vacuum

Lifts sludge off the bottom without draining the pond.

What to look for

• Long enough hoses for your pond depth
• A discharge hose to empty it on the garden
• One that suits the size of your pond (see my picks below)

My advice: How often should I clean my pond, filter and pump?

Pond pump and filter

Keeps the water moving and clean. Most problems start with a pump or filter that's too small.

What to look for

• Pump flow at least your pond volume every 2 hours
• Bigger filter than the box says (fish make more waste)
• Easy to open and clean

My advice: What size pond filter do I need?

Pond air pump

Adds oxygen on hot nights and after treatments, when fish struggle most.

What to look for

• Outdoor rated
• Airstones and enough tubing to reach the deep end
• Quiet if it sits near the house

My advice: Why are my pond fish gasping for air at the surface?

Leaf net for autumn

Stops leaves sinking and turning into sludge. Cheaper than a clean.

What to look for

• At least 30 cm bigger than the pond on each side
• Pegs to hold it down and taut
• Fine enough mesh to stop leaves, safe for wildlife

My advice: Should I put a net over my pond?

Floating pond heater or ice preventer

Keeps a small hole open in the ice so gases can escape and fish stay safe.

What to look for

• Floating type with a thermostat
• Outdoor cable rated for water
• Low wattage to keep running costs down

My advice: Should I turn my pond pump off in winter?

Pond thermometer

Water temperature tells you when and what to feed.

What to look for

• Floating or hanging type
• Easy to read from the edge
• Cheap: get two in case one breaks

My advice: How often should I feed my pond fish?

Pond fish food

A good everyday food keeps your fish healthy without fouling the water.

What to look for

• Floating sticks, so you can see what gets eaten
• Made for pond fish, not aquarium fish
• Switch to a wheatgerm food when the water is below about 12°C

My advice: How often should I feed my pond fish?