Those of you who have read my previous works are no strangers to my rants and raves about working with nature rather than against it. After trying both approaches, I have concluded that going with nature saves money in the long run, puts less strain on our precious natural resources, and is more enjoyable.
Several years ago, I began investigating water features to find the most natural, low-maintenance systems possible. My investigation uncovered countless accounts of pond owners whose once tranquil water features have turned fetid, green “pea soup” ponds. Extensive sand-based filter systems and incredibly costly UV light sterilizers were utilized to try and clear the ponds of the algae infestation.
The UV light did kill the algae, but it also killed all the beneficial pond species that contributed to the reduction of algae. Thus the problem returned quickly and with even greater intensity, leading me to conclude that the aforementioned “solutions” were only treating the symptoms rather than the causes.
Several fundamental factors contributing to a healthy, low-maintenance water feature are discussed below; this system is founded on cooperation with natural systems and is inherently low-maintenance.
The pond’s floor should be composed of rocks and gravel since this allows millions of microscopic gaps to be colonized by helpful microbes that decompose organic waste left behind by fish and decaying plant matter. When combined with water, pebbles, and gravel form a massive biological filter that keeps the surrounding area clean and healthy with minimal need for a separate filter and its attendant maintenance.
In addition to serving as a shelter for beneficial aquatic insects and snails, rocks, and gravel also: (1) prevent the liner from being exposed to the sun and (2) shield the liner from harm by larger animals. It is preferable to a flat surface (4) because it appears more natural. (5) It’s not as slippery as other surfaces. Will keep the liner safely inside where it belongs.
Having aquatic plants in your pond is also advantageous to its environment because they consume the CO2 and nutrients created by the good bacteria in the gravel and biological filter. The pond’s other inhabitants would perish if plants weren’t there to absorb excess nutrients. Algae are plants, and while some algae in the pond are natural and helpful, we don’t want them to grow out of hand.
In addition to their aesthetic value, aquatic plants serve several practical purposes around the pond. A source of nutrition for insects and fish (5). protection for aquatic insects and frogs.
The low-maintenance pond ecology is beautiful and healthy thanks to the contributions of other factors. As they swim leisurely around and eat algae, mosquito larvae, and other insects, colorful fish can entertain you for hours. Even while most pond owners provide some food for their fish, fish can sustain themselves in a healthy pond without any additional food.
A biological filter, through which the pond water is pushed, and an effective skimmer for collecting the heavier trash floating on the surface are also essential.
In conclusion, the interdependence of a pond ecosystem’s components is crucial to its health, cleanliness, and beauty. The survival of the entire depends on each link.
When I first started looking at water features, I found a wide variety of options in terms of both systems and designs. We’ve been supplying our happy customers with the systems that have impressed us as the most user-friendly, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly for over five years.
Feel free to email me with any inquiries regarding water gardening, whether broad in scope or more specific.
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