Keep Your Pond, Koi, and Plants Thriving This Season in Delco County, PA
As the temperatures rise in early summer across Delaware County, PA, your backyard pond or water garden bursts into life. Fish become more active, aquatic plants begin to flourish, and your water feature becomes a focal point of your landscape. But this seasonal transition also brings some important maintenance tasks to keep your ecosystem balanced and beautiful.
Whether you’re a longtime pond owner or just beginning your water garden journey, here are some expert tips from the team at Delco Ponds & Waterscape to help your koi, plants, and pond stay healthy throughout the summer.
🐟 Healthy Koi & Fish Care Tips
Warmer weather means your koi and goldfish are more active and ready to eat—but that doesn’t mean you should overfeed.
How Often Should You Feed Koi and Goldfish?
- 2 to 3 times a day is typically sufficient in early summer, depending on water temperature and fish activity.
- Only feed what they can consume in 3–5 minutes to avoid leftover food sinking and polluting your water.
Choosing the Right Food
Use a high-quality summer formula specifically designed for koi or goldfish. These foods contain the right balance of protein and nutrients to support growth and color vibrancy during the warm months.
Bonus Tip:
Avoid feeding your fish when water temperatures are below 55°F or during extremely hot midday periods, as dissolved oxygen levels can drop during heatwaves.
🌿 Aquatic Plant Health & Maintenance
Aquatic plants are more than just beautiful—they’re critical for water balance, oxygenation, and shade.
Popular Summer Aquatic Plants:
- Water Lilies: Provide shade, which helps reduce algae and keeps fish cool.
- Lotus: Stunning blooms and large leaves offer visual impact and water coverage.
- Floating Plants (like water lettuce and water hyacinth): Excellent for absorbing excess nutrients and offering cover for fish.
- Marginal Plants (like cattails and pickerel rush): Natural filters that thrive at pond edges.
Summer Maintenance Tips:
- Trim dead leaves and spent flowers regularly to prevent decay in the water.
- Divide and repot overgrown plants early in the season for best blooming performance.
Make sure floating plants don’t completely cover the surface, as this can block oxygen and light.
💨 Why Aeration is Crucial in Summer
As water warms, it naturally holds less oxygen—just when your fish need it most. That’s where pond aeration comes in.
Benefits of Proper Aeration:
- Maintains stable oxygen levels for koi, goldfish, and beneficial bacteria.
- Prevents stratification (layering of warm and cool water), which can lead to stagnant zones.
- Helps reduce algae growth and unpleasant odors.
Aeration Options:
- Subsurface aerators with diffusers placed at the bottom of your pond.
- Waterfalls or fountains, which enhance oxygenation while adding aesthetic value.
- Floating aerators, especially useful in larger or deeper ponds.
Need Help? Call the Pros at Delco Ponds & Waterscape
Every pond is unique, and early summertime is the perfect opportunity to give yours a health check. From aeration system upgrades to aquatic plant care and koi health evaluations, the professionals at Delco Ponds & Waterscape are here to help.
📍 Serving all of Delaware County, PA and surrounding areas, we specialize in:
- Koi Pond Maintenance
- Water Garden Design & Upkeep
- Aquatic Plant Installation
- Aeration Solutions
- Seasonal Cleanouts & Inspections
👉 Contact Delco Ponds & Waterscape today for expert advice, service, or a personalized consultation. Let’s keep your backyard paradise thriving all summer long!