Questions & Answers About Ponds and Pond Filters
Garden ponds can add style to a homeowner's yard. With many designs and options to choose from, each pond is unique but all require maintenance. While maintenance can vary by size and location of the pond, there are also standards to help keep your pond clean, healthy and beautiful for years to come.
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What are pond filters and why use them?
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There are two kinds of pond filters on the market: biological and mechanical. Biological filters provide environments for "good" or beneficial bacteria, the type of bacteria that converts the ammonia from fish waste into nitrates. They help keep the water clean and the pond's fish healthy. Mechanical filters remove debris and maintain clear water. Both are recommended for ponds that contain fish species.
How many fish to a pond?
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Outdoor ponds are often used to hold fish, but the maximum amount of fish vary by size and species. When using a high quality bio-filtration, stick to two goldfish for every 100 gallons (or one 12" koi for every 100 gallons). Do not overcrowd your pond or else bacteria gill disease may begin to spread among your fish. Bacteria gill disease causes the gill tissue of a fish to be infected and may lead to the fish's death. Maintain good water quality, a pH between 7.0 and 8.0, and do not over feed the fish.
What key features should be included when building a pond?
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Ponds should be constructed with a flat, level bottom and have a minimum depth of 36 inches. Filters should be used to ensure water quality and fight bacteria, and routinely clean the pond of debris (such as leaves). If waterfalls are desired, build them above the pond and keep them watertight. A filter plate needs to cover and seal the bottom of the pond, and one and half pounds of 5mm gravel should be used per gallon of water. Be sure to include a sump pipe and a proper-sized pump for circulation.
What causes pond water to turn green?
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Green ponds are full of microscopic algae, often caused by heat. Excess algae can be reduced by using an ultraviolet light. Make sure your pond uses the correct size pump/filter, has an adequate depth and is not in full sun. Homeowners can also add barley straw bales to keep the water clean and clear. Do not add tap water or chemicals to the pond and allow approximately five weeks for a new pond to balance itself. Chlorine from tap water will kill the beneficial bacteria in the pond and the fish.
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