Pond Supplies

A backyard pond transforms your garden from a collection of plants and flowers to a natural wonder filled with life and color. Nothing that I know of brings more beauty, peace, and serenity to a yard than a water or fish pond.

But if the thought of being a pond owner makes you shudder over images of algae filled swamps and mosquito-breeding backwaters, relax! Nothing could be further from the truth.

Although ponds exist just fine, in nature, with little or no help from humans -- a backyard pond does require our assistance now and again. Familiarize yourself with the needs of your pond, and the pond supplies that help you fulfill those needs, and you will be rewarded with years of pond gazing pleasure.

Certain pond supplies, such as water additives, are available to virtually guarantee a harmonious ecosystem that will support your pond's plants and fish. The type of pond supplies you will need depend upon several factors. Where your pond is located (sun, shade, northern climate), how deep it is, the condition of your water, and whether or not you will keep fish such as Koi or other species.

A garden pond, meant solely to be a home for plants and water flowers, has one set of requirements, while a Koi fish pond has quite another. Regardless, though, there are some common maintenance requirements for any pond.

Algae control is a must. Algae is not your friend, well almost not. Of course, some string algae will grow but you should not allow it to dominate or reach the pond's surface. Algae is controlled with good biological filtration that includes plants, rocks, bacteria, and high oxygen levels and your goal is not to totally eliminate algae. After all, it cushions the stones on the bottom and is excellent fish food. It also helps filter the water.

Normal tap water contains chemicals and metals that can harm pond fish. In addition to algae, you need to protect your pond against odors, organic slime, metals, and other materials that are naturally present in water. Many additives are formulated to protect the waters against these threats as well as provides protective coating for fish. Special pond supplies exist to protect goldfish and Koi against infection by destroying harmful parasites, bacteria and fungus.

For more information about pond supplies, please visit us at www.macarthurwatergardens.com

Until then - Happy Pondkeeping!