Seasonal Pond Tips

Beneficial Pond Plants For Small Ponds

Fish And Plants, Seasonal Pond Tips, Small Ponds

Despite the fact that many backyard water gardens are, in a sense, artificial and man-made, every one can be improved and made more natural and “wild” by adding pond plants. Plants provide a number of benefits to fish ponds and whether you live in California, Salt Lake City, Texas, or Orlando, there will be a pond plant that will fit your climate and local area.

Most folks are clearly aware of how much some well chosen plants can improve the look and appearance of a water garden. The eyes certainly don’t lie, and when a colorful selection of lilies, lotus, or iris are added, a pond can become a vibrant, living, breathing display of a nature. Plants however add more to a pond than just good looks.

Pond Plants For Shade

During the hot summer months, excessive heat and sunlight can take it’s toll on just about anything exposed to the elements, and your pond is no exception. Sun exposure in abundance can often lead to, or at least support green water problems in small ponds. This phenomenon is actually free floating, single cell algae of various species. In very small numbers you wouldn’t even notice them, but as they grow in number, their presence begins to tint the water with a greenish hue. As their density increases this tinting can become an outright solid green color much like pea soup.

Green water usually isn’t a problem for fish but most pond owners go crazy trying to fix the problem. In actuality this coloration may actually protect the fish because it does diffuse the light a bit. However floating pond plants are a better option because they provide protective shade for the fish but also limit some of the sun exposure that feeds single cell algae. A clearer pond and happier fish, all through the addition of plants!

Koi Pond Plants Provide Protection

Sun blocking is a pretty obvious benefit of pond plants but we can take their contribution to another level when we consider how they integrate naturally with fish and help in a process called the nitrogen cycle.

Fish must eat to survive but a byproduct of this of course is waste. In large waters, this waste is diluted so much that it isn’t a problem but in a small backyard pond, it can affect water quality dramatically. Normally as this excrement is broken down it will turn into ammonia. Naturally occurring or supplemented bacteria will break this down into nitrites, then to nitrates and these are consumed by plants for food. And fish will quite often feed on plants.

Ammonia and nitrites are actually toxic to fish and if they are not converted through the nitrogen cycle, levels can build up in the water and cause big problems. So, plants and fish have a symbiotic relationship where they can rely on one another for balance. Plants are natural cleansers of pond water and this is important. Poor water quality issues lead to a variety of problems that are best avoided and pond plants can help greatly.

Pond Plants And Algae Control

Buying Pond Plants

Caring For Pond Plants

Fish Pond Heaters For Winter Care

Pond Accessories, Seasonal Pond Tips, Small Ponds

A fish pond heater is an essential asset to water gardens or backyard ponds for maintaining healthy fish during the winter time, especially when the pond is shallow in depth. Not only do the heaters help in providing the appropriate temperatures for the survival of the fish during winter, they are also efficient in helping to discourage the development of the KHV disease, which is a common illness for koi fish during the Spring time. Due to the extreme change in water temperature between seasons, the new warmth allows for pathogens to multiply at a fast rate, which disables the immune system of the koi from retaliation. The pond heater lowers the risk of affliction by maintaining the same water temperature throughout the year.

Types of Heaters

When looking for the perfect pond heater, it is important to note the size and depth of the specific outdoor pond. In order to heat up around 250 gallons of water, it takes about 1000 watts of heat, which can help in calculating the specific size needed. Also, outdoor temperatures are an important factor in determining how many kilowatts are required and can vary, because the output of kilowatts are dependent upon the lowest temperature of the pond’s geographical location.

Submersible Pond Heaters

The most common form of pond heaters are submersible and must be completely engulfed within the water in order to properly function. These types of heaters benefit ponds that are large in size, because they are able to cover more area. Unlike pond deicers, standard pond heaters must be situated with an object to prevent the heater from touching the bottom and sides of the pond. In addition, they are also successful in keeping the whole area of water a consistent temperature, which is the healthiest option for the fish.

Floating Pond Deicer

One type of fish pond heater is a floating pond deicer, which works by floating on the surface of the pond, while using heat to keep the area covered from freezing over. The deicer comes equipped with thermo-regulators that automatically turn on when there is a shift in water temperature. This helps in preventing the built-up of gases that get trapped beneath the icy surface, which can result in the fish becoming seriously harmed. In addition to being detrimental to fish, the freezing of the water can result in cracks and other damages to concrete ponds. This could prove to be very costly in the long-run and can be avoided through the purchase of a deicer. Also, unlike standard pond heaters, deicers are easier to install and are usually a cheaper option.

Preparing Your Pond For Fall

Seasonal Pond Tips, Small Ponds

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year in most parts of the country but for pond owners, it can be a time of great challenge. With every change in the weather, your pond can be affected too.

While it’s not possible to hold off what Mother Nature brings along for your pond, with some simple steps you can deal with just about anything and keep your water garden in good shape. This is really important if you have fish or other living things in the pond because they’ll be more affected by seasonal changes than anything else. [Read more…] about Preparing Your Pond For Fall