Water Garden Woes – What NOT to Do

Articles on Gardening | Topics: gardening, gardens, garden

by Kody Lewis

Proper Equipment

One of the most talked about things amongst new pond owners is algae. However, controlling algae is a big problem for new ponds. A brand-new pond doesn't have the ability to balance the plant and animal life.

When installing a pump, follow the instructions very carefully. The pump should be able to move at least ½ of the total pond water. "Water garden" refers to a pond with a lot of plants and some fish. A koi pond has few plants and larger fish and this pond requires more of a filtration system then a water garden. This pond requires the pump to move the whole amount of the water in the pond. Filtering the water is also something that is important to maintain the pond. The filter needs to be on 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Proper Construction

One way to make sure that is the pond has good water quality is to make sure the pond is well designed. The pond should have 40% set aside for a deep zone. For a koi pond it should be at least three or more feet and for a water garden it should be at least two feet of water. 30% of the water should be 1-1/2 to 2 feet deep and the rest of the water should be 1 to 1 ½ feet deep.

A pond skimmer is recommended to remove up to 85% of the debris in your pond. The area around the pond should not allow any rainwater to flow into the pond. This is one of the most common causes of algae in a pond. If your pond is already designed, then try and make sure that the rainwater doesn't get into your pond. A pond that is built strong with marble, limestone, or concrete may have high pH, which may add more algae grow.

Proper Maintenance

A little bit of debris on the bottom of your pond is acceptable, just as long as it is no more than 1/4 inch deep. Hard material like dead leaves and string algae can be removed with a net. A skimmer net will take care of the hard debris. If you cant remove the debris like that, then a pond vacuum may work. The regular use of enzyme and bacteria products like PondZyme Plus, Microbe Lift, or EcoFix will help to minimize the debris. GreenEx and Simply Clear are not good to use for overall pond water.

Historical Quote

nor till the poets among us can be
literalists of
the imagination—above
insolence and triviality and can present

for inspection, ‘imaginary gardens with real toads in them’,
shall we have

—Marianne Moore (1887–1972)

Proper Plant Balance

Make sure you have the right number of plants in the type of pond that you own. Anacharis or some other underwater plants and floating plants remove any extra nutrients from the pond. Using water lilies, floaters or other plants that shade the pond helps reduce the amount of sunlight that goes into the pond. You may have done all that you can do to your pond; you may still get some algae in your pond. Some other methods to control your algae may have to be done during the ponds first few years.

Additional Algae Control Methods

As the pond gets older, add beneficial bacteria and enzyme products on a regular basis. If your problem is green water, then install an ultraviolet sterilizer. You can also install an ECO-Aqualizer. This helps the biological filter work more efficiently in your pond.

Filamentous algae have many algae cells all attached to each other. It comes in many different types and can be long and stringy or short and furry or in the shape of mats or webs. The velvet type of algae is a good alga. It makes your pond more natural looking to other people. This type of algae can't be eliminated from the pond completely. String algae are harder to control and eliminate. This is where you can use your pond skimmer. Filamentous algae will reproduce on waterfalls and in shallow streams.

Other products are available such an Algae Fix, Barley Straw and Barley Straw extract. Blue and black dye is good for large ponds. Remember that fish and fish food have stuff in them that algae feed off of. Don't add any more fish than your filter and pond can support.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Water Garden Woes – What NOT to Do" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by FlowersPlantsGardening.com.

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