| |
|
|
| |
Biological Ponds
and How They Work |
|
| |
|
|
| |
What Is a Biological
Pond? |
|
| |
|
|
| |
A biological pond is one that is maintained
biologically, using
naturally-occurring, beneficial bacteria to consume
excess sludge and break down plant materials and fish
waste, leaving your water clean and clear. Typically
such ponds have a fair-sized filter containing gravel,
lava rock, or another similar substance as well as rocks
and gravel on the bottom. There also needs to be good
circulation (we suggest complete circulation of all pond
water once an hour) and aeration provided by a waterfall
or another device. In a well-balanced biological pond,
fish, plants, and beneficial bacteria coexist in a
natural ecosystem where each benefits from others.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
How Exactly Does It
Work? |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Beneficial bacteria colonize your filter substrate and
the gravel on the pond bottom. As the water flows
through the filter and over the rocks and gravel, it
brings along particles of debris and fish wastes, which
the bacteria feed upon and convert to harmless
substances which fertilize your pond plants. These
plants in turn shade the water, lowering the temperature
and inhibiting algae growth. They also provide cover and
forage for your fish. Fish also nibble algae off the
rocks and gravel, keeping things cleaner. The waterfall
aerates the water for the benefit of all life in the
pond.
While the beneficial bacteria in your pond are
naturally-occuring organisms, we recommend jump-starting
your pond by adding them manually (especially to new
ponds or those just starting up in the spring) because
they multiply slowly. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
What About Algae? |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Some algae is normal in a healthy pond, particularly the
kinds that grow on the rocks. If however your water is a
cloudy green, it is a sign the system is out of balance.
This often occurs when the water is stagnant or not
properly aerated, when the filter is not yet established
(new ponds), or when there is no biological filter. It
also sometimes occurs in sunny ponds during periods of
excessive heat. If any issues are addressed, cloudy
green water will eventually resolve by itself as your
pond comes into balance. In the case of a new pond,
continue adding beneficial bacteria and try to be
patient; it can take up to 6 weeks to clear up. If you
can't wait, we sell fish-safe algae products you can use
to control it.
String algae is very common, especially
during those weeks in early spring when the water is
cold and the bacteria are less efficient. To combat it,
give your pond a spring cleanout if you haven't, add
bacteria, and wait for warmer weather. Fish may help by
eating the algae. Adding water plants to shade the water
will also help. Sometimes string algae persists in the
stream where the fish cannot go. This is best removed by
hand. Small pieces can be brushed off with a brush and
sent along downstream where the fish will happily eat
them! Persistent string algae can be controlled using
barley straw (either bales or a liquid extract) or one
of the fish-safe algaecides such as Algaefix (available
at our nursery). As with any chemical treatment, always
follow label directions carefully and observe your fish
for any negative reactions. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
What Is the Brownish
Tint in My Water? |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Rocks, soil, and leaves may tint the water after a time.
Often the tint (if present) is barely noticeable. As long as your
water is clear, it is perfectly normal and not a cause
for concern. You should be able to easily see your fish.
If you want to clear the tint, you can try activated
charcoal. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Seasonal Pond Maintenance |
|
|
