Phosphates are naturally occurring compounds which contain the element phosphorus, this compound can be found in your pond water from several different sources:

• Fertiliser could have entered your pond and contaminated the water.
• Rainwater can wash this compound into the pond along with other contaminants.
• Rocks naturally contain phosphorus and overtime with weathering the rocks will release this element and it can enter your pond from any rock-based features around it.
• Phosphates are a by product of waste reduction this could be from: –

  • Food waste.
  • Plants that are dead or disintegrating under the surface.
  • Fish faeces.

The level of phosphates in your pond should not exceed 0.05ppm as any higher than this can create a seriously harmful pond environment for your fish. This is since the presence of phosphates encourages the growth of blanketweed and algae. Which can cause oxygen depletion within your pond environment.

In addition to the blanketweed and algae, the large presence of phosphates can cause the water to become severely discoloured and unappealing with a green colouring.

Signs that your fish maybe struggling with oxygen starvation:

• Gasping at the surface
• Stressed
• Lethargic
• Loss of appetite
• Fast gill movement
• Look as though the body is struggling for breath.

If possible, there are ways to help to prevent phosphates from entering and contaminating your pond.

If you can, create a barrier around your pond edge which will prevent any contaminants being washed into the pond from neighbouring sources.

Please ensure that your pond is adequately maintained, and the filter system is the most appropriate for your pond size and gallonage.

Do not over feed your fish as this will add to the additional waste that can cause numerous problems within your pond.

Do not overstock your pond with fish as the excrement from the fish will also create additional phosphates in your pond.

For further advice please call the pond medic today!