HOW DO STORMS AFFECT YOUR POND?
With hurricane season upon us, take time to see how secure your
pond is before storms strike.
In general, the fish are not directly affected by rain, clouds,
or sunny weather. They will be the recipients of whatever pollution
the weather washes out of the air, like dust, pollen, and leaves.
However, storms have a bigger effect on the pond’s ecology.
Strong winds will deliver branches, flash floods, airborne soil
and neighborhood garbage. This can carry your neighbor’s lawn
chemicals too. Mulch or debris in the surrounding area would normally
wash into a pond if the sides aren’t sufficiently built up
to deflect any waste elsewhere, but with strong wind and rain we
need to protect the pond as much as we do our homes and windows.
Some sort of barrier or wind protection would help a lot. A cover
that can be quickly constructed from a framework of PVC and netting
will prevent damage to liners and skimmers. Above ground fixtures,
such as waterfalls should be protected unless the rocks are cemented
firmly in place. Remove decorative statuary which might become airborne
and damage other structures. Turn off fountains unless you are there
to make sure it isn’t blown over. You might return to find
the pond completely drained and the fish dead. External pumps should
have protective housing and be raised from the ground or unplugged
before a hurricane strikes.
Many people don’t want to ruin the looks of their “natural”
yard, but there is nothing quite like watching helplessly from a
window as the neighbor’s roofing materials are being tossed
into the pond by the weather and not knowing if the material is
injuring them or if it is toxic.
My fish never seem to notice when the weather is really bad, but
they are not as smart as I am. When lightning accompanies the rain,
fish have been disfigured or even electrocuted when the lightning
has struck their pond. The time to see to their safety is now. You
will sleep better knowing your pets have been taken care of.
-- Carolyn Weise
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How Do Storms Affect Your Pond?
