There is a ton of information out there about water gardens, but it's contradictory and just plain confusing sometimes. Remember to plan your decision making about building a naturally-balanced beautiful water feature about the zone for which you live (i.e. don't get pond advice from a Ponder in Florida if you live in Pennsylvania).
Let's talk about the 5 Elements of a Healthy ecosystem, remembering that without one of these could throw off the balance of your pond---promoting poor water quality. Once you understand each element, we can explain how all of them work together .
Let's talk about the 5 Elements of a Healthy ecosystem, remembering that without one of these could throw off the balance of your pond---promoting poor water quality. Once you understand each element, we can explain how all of them work together .
Filtration System
A filtration includes the use of a both a biological and a mechanical filter.
A Biological filter provides surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize and remove excess nutrients by way of extra filter mats that trap the particles before the water spills back into the pond. We often refer to the biological filter as the "biofalls box" because it exists at the water"falls".
A Mechanical filter pre-filters the water before the water gets to the pump, reducing the possibility of clogged pumps. The mechanical filter, often referred to as a "skimmer box", also skims debris from the water's surface to prevent the accumulation of organic materials on the pond floor.
A Biological filter provides surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize and remove excess nutrients by way of extra filter mats that trap the particles before the water spills back into the pond. We often refer to the biological filter as the "biofalls box" because it exists at the water"falls".
A Mechanical filter pre-filters the water before the water gets to the pump, reducing the possibility of clogged pumps. The mechanical filter, often referred to as a "skimmer box", also skims debris from the water's surface to prevent the accumulation of organic materials on the pond floor.
Rocks and Gravel
Rocks and gravel will not only protect your pond liner from UV light degradation, but the rocks and gravel will also provide amazing surface area for beneficial bacteria to break down excess nutrients in the water and dissolved organic debris on the pond floor.
Dreamscapes uses rocks and gravel in every single pond and waterfall project we've ever done since we opened our business.
Dreamscapes uses rocks and gravel in every single pond and waterfall project we've ever done since we opened our business.
Recirculation System
Ensuring that your pond has a recirculating system means that not only are you keeping the water moving (this prevents stagnant water that mosquitos really like), but you're also providing necessary oxygen levels for health fish and healthy plants. The proper pump size and pipe diameter are extremely important for the aesthetics of a water feature because you should be recirculating your total pond water volume 2-3 times an hour to ensure proper filtration.
Pond Fish
Even though fish are often seen as high maintenance, they actually play a very important role in the balance of an ecosytem. Fish actually REDUCE pond maintenance, as they graze on string algae and will bottom feed from the pond floor. Dreamscapes carries and sells different pond fish seasonally in our Aquatic Retail Center from late April-September every year. We can let you know how to keep your pond fish safe from predators, answer any questions about fish feeding or even about keeping your fish alive over winter months.
Aquatic Plants
Ah- a pond's natural filterer. Plants are great for adding character to a pond by providing varying colors, textures shapes and heights to your pond, blending in the edges from rock to landscape. Thriving from the excess nutrients in a pond and depriving algae of its food source, the aquatic plants in a water garden, given proper coverage, are critical for overall health of the ecosystem.
Working Together:
Let's picture life inside a backyard pond ecosystem:
1) Fish nibble on the plant life, including algae, while absorbing oxygen created by the recirculating system.
2) Fish produce waste that fall to the bottom of the pond
3) Debris, and waste, is broken down by the aerobic bacteria and the other microorganisms colonized on the rocks and gravel all over the pond bottom and in the bioballs that live i the filtration system.
4) Once broken down, these substances are absorbed by nutrition by the plants
5) The plants grow and are once again nibbled on by the fish.
6) Unused waste and debris are trapped inside the debris basket and filter mats of the filtration system and removed manually.
1) Fish nibble on the plant life, including algae, while absorbing oxygen created by the recirculating system.
2) Fish produce waste that fall to the bottom of the pond
3) Debris, and waste, is broken down by the aerobic bacteria and the other microorganisms colonized on the rocks and gravel all over the pond bottom and in the bioballs that live i the filtration system.
4) Once broken down, these substances are absorbed by nutrition by the plants
5) The plants grow and are once again nibbled on by the fish.
6) Unused waste and debris are trapped inside the debris basket and filter mats of the filtration system and removed manually.
So Now What??
Dreamscapes also carries a full line of pond supplies from water treatments and fish medications to pond pumps, heaters, fountains, plants and fish! Tadpoles and snails are also available at our Aquatic Retail Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania seasonally while supplies last from May-August. If you think you need it, we have it!
Retail Hours: April 5th-October 27th 2018:
Monday-Wednesday: By Appt
Thursday-Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-12pm
October 28th-April 2019: HOURS BY APPT
Contact Us
2155 State Route 343, Lebanon Pa | 717-272-6555 | [email protected]
Dreamscapes Watergardens services the city of Lebanon, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Cleona, Cornwall, Fredericksburg, Indiantown Gap, Jonestown, Kleinfeltersville, Mount Gretna, Myerstown, Newmanstown Palmyra, Quentin, Reistville, Richland, Schaefferstown of Pennsylvania,
Retail Hours: April 5th-October 27th 2018:
Monday-Wednesday: By Appt
Thursday-Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-12pm
October 28th-April 2019: HOURS BY APPT
Contact Us
2155 State Route 343, Lebanon Pa | 717-272-6555 | [email protected]
Dreamscapes Watergardens services the city of Lebanon, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Cleona, Cornwall, Fredericksburg, Indiantown Gap, Jonestown, Kleinfeltersville, Mount Gretna, Myerstown, Newmanstown Palmyra, Quentin, Reistville, Richland, Schaefferstown of Pennsylvania,
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