How to Get Clear Water in a Garden Pond

Garden ponds can add a touch of elegance to your yard. They are usually simple and inexpensive to make and can often be created without the help of a professional. Before adding a garden pond, it is important learn how to take care of one. Improper care will result in a pond full of scum and algae. With the right precautions, you can keep your pond water clear.

Things You'll Need

• Water plants
• Rocks

Instructions

1. Limit the number of fish in the pond. A general rule of thumb is to have 1 inch of fish per 10 gallons of water without circulation. Water with circulation can have 1 inch of fish per 5 gallons. Extra fish as a result of natural breeding can be given to friends, family or pet stores.

2. Provide as much circulation for the water as possible. If you have a pump, place it on the opposite side of the stream or waterfall that it feeds. Harmful bacteria and algae are less likely to grow if the water is constantly moving.

3. Lay rocks on the bottom of the pond. This will prevent fish from stirring up sediment on the pond floor.

4. Add plants to the water. Plants such as water lilies and water lettuce act as natural filters. Try to have about 60 percent of the pond covered with plants. If you put the plants in pots, cover the soil in the pots with gravel to prevent the soil from mixing with the water.

5. Remove dead fish and other debris from the pond immediately. Inspect the surface every day to make sure nothing is floating.

6. Change the water every two weeks. However, it is vital that you do not change more than 20 percent of the water at a time. Doing so could kill beneficial bacteria, invertebrates and plants that help keep the water clean. It can take up to two years to replace these natural helpers.

Tips & Warnings

• Limit feeding your fish to twice a week. This will help control their size and prevent leftover food from gathering in the pond.

References

• Clean Water Tips
• Garden Pond Care