Water Gardening 101
Bettyjean Kling of Pondarama.com
Water Features
Fish Ponds are primarily for freshwater fish (usually Koi Oranda, Goldfish and Shubunkins (fancy goldfish) with up to 50% plant coverage. Fish ponds require a high degree of mechanical filtration, circulation and in many cases UV clarifiers to keep water healthy and clear.
Water gardens contain mostly plants, covering 60-85% of water surface. Circulation and filtration helps to keep water clear. Many water gardens also contain some fish.
Any container that holds water such as: tubs; buckets; or barrels (use of metal containers is not recommended). These are generally installed above ground or partially buried. Preformed rigid liners, rubber, polythylene or PVC liner material, concrete, block or brick are generally installed below ground.
Where to put a water garden?
The best location is where you will enjoy it most however,locate it where runoff from the surrounding area will not seep into the pond. Avoid tree roots and leaf debris. While 6 hours of direct sunlight is recommended some shade in the warmest climates will reduce algae problems.
Electricity
Have an electician install appropriate GFCI outlets to run pumps, filters, fountains, lights and UVC.
Depth
A minimum of 18" will suffice however, in very warm or very cold climates 30" is recommended. The deeper water will prevent overheating/cooling when when fish are kept in very cold or very warm temperature zones.
Filters, Pumps, Aerators
While filters, pumps and aerators are not required, they are beneficial. A healthy water feature should mimic nature.
While filters, pumps and aerators are not required, they are beneficial. A healthy water feature should mimic nature.
Filters help keep water clear and clean mechanically and/or biologically. PREFILTERS are essential to prevent pumps from clogging. SKIMMER FILTERS house the pump and act as a prefilter as well as a leaf and debris catcher. Debris is removed from the water surface before it has a chance to settle to the bottom of the pond. They often have a net that is easily lifted out and emptied. There is a mat to collect small particles and sludge that gets through the net. Some also have optional brushes to provide extra cleaning and filtration. POND FILTERS come with or without Ultraviolet clarifies and can be submersed or out of pond and use various forms of media to clean the water. WATERFALL FILTERS provide mechanical and biological filtration as well as beauty and a calming sound.
Pumps Since a fresh water source is absent in self contained ponds, pumps provide the circulation and oxygenation essential for plant and fish health. Standing water invites mosquitoes and the resulting stagnation is unsightly. Can either be submersible or out of pond types. They circulate the water, create sound and provide aeration of the water. Always use a pump rated for continual use and made specifically for ponds and water gardens. Pumps are rated by gallons per hour (GPH) however, GPH ratings consist of many factors which should be planned according to it’s intended use.
Aerators (air pumps, air stones or diffussers) benefit fish, especially in the summer evenings when oxygen depletion is greatest in the water.
Aquatic Plants
Aquatic plants are the single most important element in a water feature. They provide beauty, shade, and protection for fish, but the greatest benefit is in the filtration ability of plants. Plants generally need 4-6 hrs of sun, and healthy water with pH ranging from 7.0 – 8.5. They multiply rapidly, divide easily and are perennial according to zone. There are 4 basic types of plants: deep water; shallow water (called bog or marginals); floating plants and submerged (erroneously called oxygenators). Some plants are restricted in some states, 8 US States require Phytosanitation certification before they can be brought in from other states.
Waterplants multiply rapidly and divide easily. There are 4 basic types of plants: deep water; shallow water (called bog or marginals); floating plants and submerged (erroneously called oxygenators). Some plants are restricted in some states, 8 US States require Phytosanitation certification before they can be brought in from other states.
Deep water favorites: Water Lilies either of variety Hardy or Tropical with blossoms that are uniquely varied, lilies are almost always the focal point of any pond. Extraordinary blossoms command attention and beautiful foliage contrasts with the waters surface as well as provides shade and cover for fish. Water Lilies should be planted 12" to 24" deep. Dwarf varieties do best when planted 6"to 18" deep in small ponds. Flowers May-Sept.
Shallow water plants: Create a natural transition from shallow water to the ponds edge. A full range of foliage textures, heights and flowers are found here. Plants do best planted 0" to 6" below surface unless otherwise noted.
Shallow water plant favorites include:
- Papyrus — Giant, Dwarf, Mini & related Umbrella Grass
- Taro — Giant Elephant Ear, variegated, black,red/green, green
- Iris — Pseudacorus (water flag), variegated and plain; Louisiana Iris (swamp iris)
- Rushes — Pickerel Weed, Flowering Rush, Corkscrew…many more
- Water Cana, Horsetail, Cattail — Giant & mini
Lily Like Shallow water plants:
- Water Snowflake (white or yellow fuzzy, star shaped flowers)
- Parrots Feather (snaking green "whorls", both under & above water)
- Hottunia cordata (pink/white/green variegated leaves)
Underwater grasses:
- Water Nasturtium, Water Poppy, Water Clover
Floater favorites include:
- Water Hyacinth, Water Lettuce, Azolla, Frog Bit, Duck Weed, Water Moss
Everyone’s favorite:
Lotus must be shipped while still dormant, Feb. early May.*Quanities are usually limited. Dwarf 1'-3', Semi Dwarf 3'-4', Full Size 4'-6'. Flowers July to Sept. Hardy to Zone 3. Spectacular plants that will be the focal point of your pond. It is important the LOTUS be given plenty of room in a good size holeless pot (23" dia, preferably larger) and plenty of fertilizer the first year. Plant with 4"-12" of water over the crown of the plant. We have about 85% success rate for first year flowering. Fertilizer should be added only after the new plant has stand up leaves. It should winter fine to zone 3 without dropping it down and we advise against it.
Potting Aquatic plants
Don't use a rich soil. Plain dirt works best… unscented kitty litter which is clay is inexpensive and easy to get. Soiless planting medium is a favorite among garden clubs. Top with pea gravel to contain soil, and keep the fish from rooting them loose. A large stone helps to anchor new plants until roots are established.
Fertilize with Aquatic plant tabs or aquatic liquid fertilizer monthly from Spring till early fall.
Use black plastic nursery pots or special "webbed" waterplant containers. Gently place pots in ponds by TIPPING them slightly as you submerge them to prevent disturbing soil.
Obtaining Aquatic plants & supplies
Nurseries, water garden centers, department, and mailorder catalogs.
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Fish
Basic fish rule; 1" of Fish for each 1 sq. ft water surface
Bring more life to your pond, lake or water garden by adding colorful fish. You will be amazed at how many different varieties of fish there are and how much character they will add to your pond. You will sit for hours watching them enjoy life in your pond!
Goldfish are the most common and come in many beautiful color combinations. They breed easily in a pond.
There are many types of pondfish: Comets, Shubunkins, Orfe and other's.
Koi : By far the most popular fish of water gardening is the beautiful, colorful and friendly Koi. Brilliant and infinately varied splashes of color. Naturally friendly and easily tamed to feed from your hand. They help maintain the ecological balance of the pond and also eat mosquito larvae and blanket weed algae. Koi require good filtration and can grow very large.
Algae
The best way to have clear water is to keep 60-75% of the water surface covered with plant material.
Free floating algae make the water appear "pea soup green". UV clarifiers and sterilizers eliminate free floating algae but do not control String algae. Flocculent or coagulants will help free-floating algae clump together and fall to the bottom of the pond for removal. Use of skimmers prevent much from depositing but collect it in the skimmer mat for easier removal.
String or Hair Algae floats, usually from the side of the pond, and when removed and dry, resembles fine string or green "hair. Barley Straw ,in bales, pads, pellets or liquid will help reduce/prevent String Algae.
Water Changes up to 20% will be beneficial however, DO NOT empty and refill a pond to "get rid of green water" ... you'll just be starting over and set the stage for MORE algae! A well balanced pond with self regulate if all the conditions are optimal. Do not over clean your pond, the residue algae on pond rocks and sides actually are beneficial and a food source for fish and insects.
Mosquitos
Fish and frogs will eat mosquito larvae. If you don't have fish, use "Mosquito Dunks", have been used by professionals for more that a decade, have proven their value in destroying Mosquitoes - killing the larvae before they mature. Dunks, are the only sustained-release B.t.i. mosquito larvicides available - a major breakthrough when compared with toxic chemical approach. Each month float a Dunk in water around your home - you'll be rid of mosquitoes. Each will treat up to 100 sq. ft. of surface water, may be broken to treat small areas. "Dunks" look like small 2" "donuts", can be used in the pond, pot saucers, areas where water stands or collects. It is safe for fish, plants, pets, people!
MOSQUITO FREE WATER ! Mosquitoes have the ability to land on the surface of water to drink and deposit their eggs. Mosquito Free Water naturally removes water tension,making it impossible for mosquitoes to use treated water for breeding and drinking. Since mosquitoes cannot swim, they instead sink and drown. Product is effective anywhere water is allowed to accumulate (flower pot dishes/birdbaths/old tires/tree holes/culverts/wishing wells/ditches/etc) When used as directed,there are no restrictions for wildlife. Made with common food ingredients. Highly safe. Easy to use. Three sizes available: 4oz(spray) 8oz(spray) Liter(w/o spray)
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