Thinking about digging a pond for the backyard in that wasted space ? Already own a pond and wondering why you always have an algae problem, or why your fish are dying ? This article is for you. We are going to go through a few things to consider of firstly how a pond will ideally be designed and then how it should be maintained.
THE BASIC IDEA
One thing you will learn during this article is the necessity for plants, as well as fish in your pond. The idea is to create a balanced ecosystem that is almost self sufficient.
PLANTS IN THE POND
There are different opinions about how to propagate plants in the pond. Some say in some gravel substrate at the bottom of the pond, others argue that substrate at the bottom holds fish poo, or what we call detritus, therefore it may be better to have potted plants.
Personally I believe potted plants are a far better option - especially to think that they can be easily removed for maintenance purposes without disturbing the plant too much.
Either way plants in the pond are necessary to absorb phosphates and nitrates from the water. Phosphates and nitrates are what cause your algae or “green water.” Plants also offer shade and protection for your fish, and also compete with algae for valuable sunlight. It has been suggested to add plants a week prior to the fish.
DESIGNING A NEW POND Location
Choose a position away from large Gum or deciduous tree. The leaves that will fall into the pond have to be removed constantly. Full sun isn’t a good spot for a pond. Ideally the pond will be positioned where it receives enough light, but not the afternoon sun. Consider that electricity is needed for powering a pond pump.
Depth
You should be aiming for a minimum 80cm depth, even deeper is better again. This gives the fish protection from predators such as birds of prey and cats as well as a cooler area at the bottom for extreme heat during our ever increasing hotter summer conditions.
Shape
Design the pond to the appropriate shape for the space you have, but consider the following... Good practice is to allow a “ledge” right around the rim where perhaps some potted plants can be positioned as a border for the pond’s water.
IMPORTANCE OF A POND PUMP
Agitating the water is a very important aspect for a successful pond. Water movement allows Carbon Dioxide out and Oxygen into the water. During the day plants give off oxygen, but by night they take in oxygen. Therefore, particularly on a still night with no wind at all, it is extremely important to run the pump at this time.
Not only this but beneficial bacteria will also grow in the pump’s sponge and this helps to break down detritus into nitrates that are in turn absorbed by the plants. Generally the pond pump should be left to run all the time.
MAINTENANCE
Daily - Feed fish (have at least 1 day off per week from feeding)
Check pump is functioning
Weekly - Remove any debris e.g. leaves
Clean pond pump
Top up water (especially during summer months)
Monthly - Prune dead leaves from water plants
Annually - Early spring, clean out any decomposed matter from the bottom of the pond.
PLEASE NOTE: There is no requirement to fence a fish pond in South Australia, however it is recommended that you place solid mesh or similar type material either on the surface of the pond, or to a depth of 300mm from the water level of the pond to prevent drownings.
Pond Info