In all ponds and lakes they need to be properly oxygenated and if that is being prevented then you need to fix this problem because it affects everything that lives in it.
Any fish or plants that are in these waters will be negatively affected if the amount of oxygen within the waters is low and they can really struggle to live through this and in this environment.
This is the type of environment that other creatures such as mosquitoes are used to living in and have no problem with it. But this is definitely something you will want to avoid.
When oxygen levels start to fall below a certain rate it becomes a problem because the water becomes toxic to certain creatures and very unhealthy.
Here are some ways that you can naturally increase the Oxygen levels in your lakes and ponds and also what to avoid!
Can You Use Oxygen Tablets?
It is quite uncommon for people to actually be using tablets to try and insert more oxygen into the water but only for the reason that it is not well known.
You always need to be careful when adding anything into your ponds or lakes because they have a very specific ecosystem that you could be disturbing.
They are very different to your pools in your garden because they must level out nutrients, pH and temperature among many other things.
Therefore, by adding an unknown substance to the mix, it could change up everything else.
We will talk further about the safeness of the pills and whether there are any better options on the market to keep your lake or pond oxygenated.
How Do They Work?
The idea of using Oxygen tablets comes down to what it consists of which is, hydrogen peroxide.
There are also other tablets which include either elements such as magnesium or calcium peroxide which are included due to their properties.
They are released into waters because they are less soluble which means it takes a longer period of time for them to dissolve and will release oxygen for longer periods of time, instead of a short burst.
The whole tablet idea works through the dissolving stage where an excessive amount of bubbles are created in the process which is very reactive in water.
This is why they use hydrogen peroxide because of the reactivity levels it has in water.
These types of tablets usually unblock things such as drains or toilet pipes as the bubbles are a force that breaks down obstructions.
Are These Tablets Safe For Ponds And Lakes?
One thing to really make sure you remember is that these types of unnatural products should not be the only things you are using to increase the oxygen levels in your pond because there are more natural ways to increase them.
This will nowhere near be enough to raise the levels on its own but is supposed to act as a short boost to help the pond with the oxygen level slightly.
They are definitely not here to replace any pumps or regular water features that are put in place to properly circulate water and oxygen.
What Pros Are There?
They are a great option if you are looking for a temporary fix because they can release oxygen (see also ‘How To Oxygenate A Pond Without Electrical Pumps‘) fast and when necessary.
There are many examples of this such as, if you are transporting fish somewhere and there are lower oxygen levels, this will help.
There will also be instances where your pump or water features might not be working and you need a source of oxygen fast.
This would be the perfect option to give the fix to the water.
These types of tablets are also great to keep for emergencies for a long time.
If they are kept out of sight and are dry then they have a very long shelf life.
This means they are ideal in a circumstance where you don’t have to worry about if they are ok to use because you don’t know how long they have been there.
Are There Any Cons?
There can be considered more cons when it comes to this product but only when used in the wrong quantities or not used properly for what it is needed for.
Due to hydrogen peroxide actually being a bleaching agent, it can be very dangerous for the creatures inside of the pond or lake.
For example, it could cause skin or gill damage and can even risk bleaching any fish eggs.
It is difficult to say how much will really affect them badly because there is not enough evidence that has been conducted to tell us.
It all depends on the fish and how much you are using and why you are using it.
What About In Large Lakes And Ponds?
The question is, would it even take effect in water that covers more area? You would need a really high dosage of these tablets to be able to make any kind of difference in waters that are quite large.
Using higher levels of these could be quite damaging in these waters because it would have a really high concentration.
Therefore, it would not be appropriate to put an excessive amount of these tablets into a large pond or lake because it could be damaging to the creatures living in there.
It could also be damaging to other creatures such as birds who may drink from these.
What Are The Alternative Options?
There are many more safer options that can be used to oxygenate the water more.
You can use plants which are either below or above the water line to do some of the oxygenating job.
This is a great, natural way to increase oxygen levels. They are also really effective because they are multi-functional in the sense that they also filter out anything bad like pollutants in the water.
Therefore, they are doing both of the jobs for you and look great. They also act as food sources for the creatures living in the ponds or lakes and act as a great shelter for them as well.
You also need to keep an eye on the temperature in the ponds or lakes because if it gets too hot then there is a lower amount of oxygen. The creatures will start to suffer if the temperature goes above 85F.
You can also use air compressors or water pumps for the desired effect. This helps to move the water around and circulate it around the whole area.
You will also want to have a lot of water movement in there as well such as fountains where the water can fall into the pond (see also ‘The Best Pond Water Wheel‘).
Another thing to include is healthy amounts of algae that can also add to the amount of oxygen you have in your water.
This one is surprising but it has to stay regulated and can become a build up.
You can also spray water with a water dispenser or a hose in your garden to help add to the oxygen levels.
This is a great option for someone who does not want to spend lots of money on fountains and waterfalls to circulate the water when you can use something you probably already have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Put Too Much Oxygen In A Fish Pond?
The very simple answer to this is NO… Oxygen forms only about 20% of the air that we breathe from our atmosphere.
The fish will not benefit from us trying to pump excessive amounts of Air into the pond because water can only dissolve a certain amount before saturation point is achieved at particular temperatures
How Can I Add Oxygen To My Pond Naturally?
It’s a universal truth that plants are the primary source of oxygen in our environment.
So, it follows that pond plants offer a natural way to generate aeration inside the pond.
Some of the aquatic plants you might consider include water violet, hornwort, crowfoot, arrowhead, eelgrass, fanwort, and water wisteria.
Are Air Stones Good For Ponds?
An air stone is used with an air pump and airline to create a flow of bubbles in your pond. This allows oxygen into the water which is vital for healthy water, plants and fish.
Is Dissolved Oxygen Good For Ponds?
Dissolved oxygen levels below about 6 mg/L can begin to have detrimental effects on pond life.
A lack of dissolved oxygen is the most common cause of fish kills in ponds.
This occurs frequently when aquatic plants and algae die in the summer or when they are treated with aquatic herbicides.
Conclusion
In these final thoughts, it is important to think about keeping the habitats and creatures in your lakes and ponds safe from any unnatural harm when it comes to using Oxygen tablets.
It has come to the conclusion that they are only appropriate to use in small ponds with small dosages for temporary needs such as transporting fish.
Even Though there is not an excessive amount of specific evidence for damage, they did find that it can cause some physical harm due to the ingredients of a bleaching source.
You should also avoid using this product in larger quantities and in larger areas because it will be a waste of your money because it will not be effective.
There are so many different ways you can increase the oxygen levels in the water that are natural and are actually a lot better for the environment.
For example, the usage of plants that can either submerge or sit above the water line are multifunctional and are great to add to your lakes and ponds because not only do they create more oxygen, but they remove pollutants from the water and anything that is not wanted.
Hopefully this guide has given you a great insight on what to do and wat not to do when it comes to the use of these Oxygen tablets.
Please follow the instructions on anything you buy and always think about the environment and the creatures which live within it.
