Water treatment

Here is an overview of the main categories of products designed for treating the water in ornamental ponds and decorative basins, along with their modes of action and benefits:

1. Biological Treatments (Bacteria and Enzymes)

   • Purpose: Naturally break down organic matter (leaves, waste, uneaten food) and limit sludge accumulation.

   • Active Ingredients: Non-pathogenic bacterial strains and specific enzymes that consume organic waste.

   • Benefits: Lasting improvement in water quality, reduction of sediments, safe for aquatic life.

2. Algaecides (Anti-Algae Treatments)

   • Purpose: Prevent and control the growth of filamentous and single-celled algae.

   • Active Ingredients: Amine-based surfactant complexes, metallic salts, or organic formulations (e.g., quaternary ammoniums).

   • Benefits: Rapid action on algae, clear water, prevents green scum without harming plants or fish (formulations adjusted for ponds).

3. Clarifiers and Flocculants

   • Purpose: Aggregate suspended particles (bacteria, micro-algae, silt) to facilitate filtration or settling.

   • Active Ingredients: Cationic polymers (flocculants) or organic copolymers (clarifiers).

   • Benefits: Transparent water within hours, improved filter efficiency, easier mechanical cleaning.

4. pH Regulators and Hardeners

   • Purpose: Stabilize water pH (between 7.0 and 8.0) and adjust calcium hardness (GH) for fish and plant health.

   • Active Ingredients: Sodium or potassium bicarbonate to raise pH; dilute sulfuric or hydrochloric acid to lower it; calcium/magnesium salts to increase hardness.

   • Benefits: Stable environment, reduces organism stress, limits equipment corrosion.

5. Corrosion Inhibitors and Scale Preventers

   • Purpose: Protect pumps, pipes, and metal ornaments from limescale deposits and corrosion.

   • Active Ingredients: Sequestrants (phosphonates, polyphosphates) and organic inhibitors.

   • Benefits: Extends equipment life, maintains device performance, reduces scaling.

6. Shock Treatments and Metal Chelators

   • Purpose: Quickly restore clarity and balance after heavy pollution or algal/bacterial blooms.

   • Active Ingredients: High-concentration oxygen-releasing agents (peroxides), chelating agents that neutralize metal ions (iron, copper).

   • Benefits: Rapid recovery (24–48 h), elimination of stains and slime, fish-safe formulas.

General Usage Tips:

• Diagnose First: Measure pH, hardness, turbidity, and nutrient levels (phosphates, nitrates) before any treatment.

• Dose & Frequency: Follow technical data sheets precisely—overdosing can be toxic, underdosing ineffective.

• Regular Maintenance: Combine weekly biological treatments with targeted treatments (algaecide or clarifier) according to season (spring/summer being more prone to algae).

• Circulation & Filtration: Ensure good water flow and use an appropriate filter (biological media + activated carbon if needed) to maximize product effectiveness.

By selecting and applying these product categories according to your pond’s size, fish population, and sunlight exposure, you will maintain clear, healthy, and balanced water year-round.