A low-maintenance pond is something everyone dreams of! The tranquility of a soft sputtering waterfall or the bob of a beautiful Koi is pure bliss!
Clean and clear pond water is the foundation of a healthy pond that requires little maintenance. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to create a proper pond environment that will benefit your fish and plants. Follow our not-so-secret steps to have a naturally balanced, low-maintenance pond year-round!
1. Pond Filtration
When answering pond water quality questions, we always find that people do not have their pond properly filtered; some do not even have any filtration at all! If you had your pond installed by a certified aquascape contractor, you should not worry. But for everyone else, make sure your pond has both a biological filter and a mechanical skimmer. The biological filter is the start of your waterfall and provides much needed aeration (i.e. oxygen) to your pond. The biological filter also contains filter mats and BioBalls filtration media that provide a surface for beneficial bacteria to grow. The bacteria compete with algae for food and keep the water in balance.
The mechanical skimmer is similar to a pool skimmer and removes surface debris such as leaves and sticks. The debris is collected by the skimmer basket, which is easy to remove and clean. The skimmer also contains a filter mat to remove finer particles from the water that the basket does not catch.
Ideally, position the biological filter and skimmer at opposite ends of the pond. This provides movement throughout the pond so you do not have stagnant areas.
2. Keep the water moving!
Make sure your pond pump is the right size for your pond and waterfall. A pump should circulate the water in your pond once per hour and provide additional aeration to the water.
There are several variables to consider when choosing a pump, such as the size of your pond and the height of your waterfall.
3. Consider Natural Elements
Every pond is designed a bit differently however ecosystem approach to pond construction is important and using rocks and gravel after installing the pad and liner is one way to go. Gravel provides much needed surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow. Your fish will also feed on these bacteria. Gravel is not a breeding ground for dirt and debris if you make sure your low-maintenance pond has the right pump and filtration. The ecosystem works together, so it’s important that you do not eliminate any of the elements.
4. Choosing the right fish
Algae eating fish are one of Nualgi Ponds’ favorite and environmentally-friendly ways to control algae in your pond. Whether you want to add algae eating fish to help control pond algae or just want ideas for what fish you stock in your pond, this guide is for you!
5. Picking the right plants for algae control
Selecting the right pond plants will help you balance your water garden and maintain a healthier pond environment with less nuisance algae.
Learn how to use aquatic plants and natural pond care techniques from water garden expert, Kelly Billing. With her knowledge and insights, you will learn how to create a balanced pond that doesn’t rely on toxic chemicals or expensive mechanical filters by using natural solutions.
Sit back and Enjoy!
Finally, it’s time to sit back and enjoy! Hopefully these tips have helped you get to your dream of a crystal clear, low maintenance pond. If you do have issues or ever have any questions, one of our pond experts is always available to help troubleshoot and find the right solutions for your pond. Just drop us a line.
