Keep Your Pond Ecosystem Eco-Friendly!

Understanding an ecosystem pond is simple once you know the basic elements of what actually goes into a functioning ecological community.  Mother Nature works alongside our naturally- balanced ponds to offer food, shelter and safety to the wildlife not just in the pond, but also in its surroundings. It can also provide a low maintenance, eco-friendly piece of paradise, that any pond owner will welcome with open arms.

To recreate a true ecosystem environment, it’s crucial that every aspect of the system is present in and around your pond. Removing even just one of these vital elements can cause a major problem, as it will cause an immediate unbalanced environment that requires more maintenance on your end. Here’s what you’ll need to incorporate in your ecosystem to keep it functioning flawlessly.

Proper Circulation

First, let’s talk about the circulation system. Don’t be intimidated by the wording, it’s just the proper term for the “pipes, pumps and plumbing” in your pond.  Acquiring a properly sized pump and pipe diameter is crucial for not just the health of the pond, but also the aesthetic. The most important function of the circulation system is to effectively keep the water moving while providing essential oxygen levels to keep your pond plants and finned friends healthy and content.

Ecosystem Filtration System

A proper and effective filtration system includes the use of both a biological and mechanical filter. What’s the difference? Biological filters contain a filter mat which offers ample surface area to host beneficial bacteria that eliminate excess nutrients from the water. Mechanical filters not only “pre filter” the pond water, they also shelter the pump. In addition, they also collect debris from the surface of the water to stop buildup of organic materials at the bottom of the pond.

Koi and Other Pond Fish

There is a misconception that by incorporating pond fish into your ecosystem, you’re somehow welcoming a maintenance mishap. Contrary to this popular belief, fish play a fundamental role in keeping the balance in the ecosystem. Sure, fish are fun to watch and certainly add charisma to your pond, but they also reduce maintenance by feeding on string algae and other organic matter that accumulates on the rocks and pond floor.

Ecosystem Aquatic Plants

You will not find a better filter than one engineered by Mother Nature herself, that’s right- its plants. Just like inside your home, plants offer more than just character and color, they provide a natural filtration system, that is essential and close to perfection. They thrive off the extra nutrients present in the pond while starving the algae from its food source. Adding pond plants to your ecosystem not only helps to reduce maintenance costs, but they generally improve the health of your pond overall. Bonus, the fish enjoy them too!

Rocks and Gravel

First, let’s dismiss any false conspiracies that rocks and gravel are going to create a maintenance headache for your water gardening hobby. It’s just simply not true. Rocks and gravel provide many benefits in a pond. They come in a variety of types and it helps to create a more natural appearance to your pond. Adding rocks and gravel also help to protect pond liners from UV rays and give bacteria the surface area on which to grow.

 

The one thing that every gardener, arborist, landscaper or nature enthusiast, can agree upon is that Mother Nature has perfected her craft of creating a wonderful world filled with beautiful spaces and dazzling creatures. Taking her lead and working with her to recreate a natural environment, will make all the difference in the health and success of your water garden. Deciding on a low-maintenance ecosystem pond provides you with not just a breathtaking landscape, but also more free time to enjoy your outdoor space with family.  Contact us for more information.