Ponds

First rule of ponds – plan first and dig later. A pond is a self-contained world, brimming with life. It can be scaled to almost any size or space, take on any shape you desire and is easier to build than you might think. Your pond can be a shallow reflecting pool or a deep fishpond with pumps and filters.

There are many water plants you might add as well as fish and snails. The life of your pond depends on a balance to stay clean and healthy.

Water gardens can be individualized for balconies or indoor settings. If a fountain is a better fit for your space, there is a style to fit every taste. A simple fountain can be constructed from a clay pot and basic pump to circulate the water.

To get more ideas visit your local Home Depot or such or buy one of the many good books available on the subject. Another good idea generator is to visit the several times a year “Home and Garden” shows. Local nursery’s often have good ideas.

Here are some things to keep in mind when planning or building your pond or fountain:

• Get a good idea about what is under the ground before you dig. Utility lines as well as rocks or caliche can turn your project into a nightmare.
  
  
• If you want a “living” pond instead of just a water feature plan to have some shade for afternoon sun. The result will be pea green algae and overheated pond life all summer if you do not preplan this.
  
  
• Have some “shelves” or overhangs as well as some depth in part of your pond. If you do not you will find that “wildlife” such as Great Blue Herons, cats, and raccoons will quickly make your pond the local feeding hole. Failing this you can stretch nylon mesh or some such above it.
  
  
• Spend more for a larger filter and pump than is required. This is a must to prevent “burn out” from the many problems you will encounter by cutting corners. Also consider an “energy efficient” pump. They cost more initially but pay for themselves in savings several times over during their lifetime in energy dollars saved. Your pump and filter MUST run 24 hours a day. Never ever turn it off except for maintaining it.
  
  
• Find a way to break the surface of the water to effect a better CO2 /oxygen exchange. Without a waterfall or the equivalent you will have an unhealthy pond.
  
  
• Once you get your pond in balance NEVER put new plants or fish into it without quarantining them for a few days. It may seem like a pain but is much simpler than trying to treat the entire pond for some disease or parasite you have introduced. This is especially true when buying anything from a commercial source, as opposed to from a friend or local club.
  
  
• Since you are going to have to have electricity to either your pond or water feature plan ahead for where it will come from. Running a long extension cord is not the answer.
  
  
• Do not regularly clean your pond or filter. At least not completely. That black smelly goup on the bottom of your pond is actually a seething bed of bacteria breaking down your nitrates to a more manageable form. The same goes with your filters, never completely clean them out or you will lose all the good with the bad. Why do you think they make “pre-filters” on the better systems. Spend a little more and save a whole lot of cleaning hassles.

by Jacque Ramsey