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Key Elements to a Clean & Balanced Ecosystem: Filtration, Aeration, Aquatic Plants, Fish & Natural Bacteria
Key Elements to a Clean & Balanced Ecosystem: Filtration, Aeration, Aquatic Plants, Fish & Natural Bacteria

Water Gardens 101

A clean pond doesn't just happen. It's created and maintained by you. Imagine seeing your fish thrive, your plant flourish, and your pond water turned crystal clear!

You can achieve that kind of pond by understanding the five elements of a balanced pond. There is no need to be intimidated, The Pond Guy has your back, so it is virtually impossible to make a mistake. We know ponds, and we are here to help you be the best pond owner you can be. So let's talk pond balance. Balance is achieved and maintained through the following elements: filtration, aeration, aquatic plants, fish and beneficial bacteria.

  1. Filtration
  2. Aeration
  3. Aquatic Plants
  4. Pond Fish
  5. Beneficial Bacteria

Keep water clean and safe with filtration.

There are two types of filtration: mechanical and biological. Mechanical filtration involves the removal of visible solids like leaves, floating debris and fish waste. Mechanical filtration is often done by skimmers, filter brushes, foam pads, and other tools. Biological filtration eliminates invisible waste (excess nutrients) by introducing a living tool – aerobic bacteria. Aerobic bacteria attach themselves to surfaces (rocks, plants, filter media, etc.) and eat away excess nutrients.

Promote pond and fish wellness with aeration.

Waterfalls and fountain sprays alone cannot produce enough oxygen, but aeration kits like the The Pond Guy Pond Aerator or PondAir will do the trick. Subsurface aeration works from the bottom up, circulating water and increasing dissolved oxygen levels. When the sun goes down, fish and plants both use dissolved oxygen in your pond water. By providing subsurface aeration, oxygen levels stay high all day and night. Aeration is also great for freezing climates. Running an aerator and a deicer together cuts your electricity costs and keeps a hole open in your pond.

Control algae naturally with aquatic plants.

Aquatic plants are a key part of a balanced pond. They feed on "processed" fish waste and help reduce algae blooms. Fish waste (before it goes through filtration) can be toxic to aquatic life. However, once filtered, fish waste becomes fertilizer, which can be consumed by plants and produce exceptional plant growth. Approximately 40-60% of your pond's surface area should be covered in plants. This is extra important if your pond is in direct sunlight most of the day.

Add color and excitement with fish.

It is critical that your filtration system is the proper size to handle your fish population. Fish naturally multiply and grow. The more fish, the more waste, so fish loads must be controlled. General rule? With standard filtration and 60% plant coverage, allow 1-2 koi or 2-3 goldfish per 200 gallons of water. If you need help figuring out how much filtration your fish need, give us a call!

Balance the pond with natural beneficial bacteria treatments.

Using natural treatments, such as those found in the The Pond Guy DefensePAC, aid in keeping your pond balanced and happy. The DefensePAC is designed to keep a pond's ecosystem perfectly balanced by breaking down waste, removing excess nutrients and maintain clear water.