The Ecosystem

Now realistically not all established ponds and waterscapes are going to be able to have all the the essential five elements to keeping the pond clean; however, adding one of the elements to your pond is a great way to reduce some of the maintenance needed. 

Every time you fill your pond up with tap water you are actually loading it with nutrients. This is why most times after you do a big water change the pond will go green, this is a algae bloom.  To prevent a large algae bloom add beneficial bacteria to the pond in order to hyper-dose what already happens in nature. The beneficial bacterial competes for the nutrients in the water that the algae need to grow. With less nutrients there will be less algae.

Rocks at the bottom of the pond should be of a smaller variety. When there is pockets on the bottom of the pond many times this becomes a area where anorobic bacteria can grow. Anorobic bacteria helps algae along acting in opposite with the beneficial bacteria in the pond. Rocks are a benefit to the pond but only when applied properly. Use a two stage bottom to a larger pond usually consisting of a 3/4” rock with various 1.5” rocks on top.

Fish are beneficial to the pond however, do not overstock or overfeed. Fish naturally are bottom feeders when they come from the carp family, they often times can live without food in your pond. Feeding them is all part of enjoying them, just do not feed them more than what they can eat in about one minute. All uneaten food turns to nutrients in the water and this will begin to create the green that no one likes. 

In terms of circulation the more the better. Just be carful as some water plants like water lilies do not like to grow in moving water. the general rule of thumb is that you want to circulate all of the water in your pond every hour. For example a 500 gallon pond should have at least a 500 gph pump. Personally i would probably go with bigger.