Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I put my pond?
Don't put a pond on low ground, in a wet spot or other area where runoff from rain will interfere with it. Don't put a pond under a tree with poisonous nuts or berries. Don't put a pond on ground that is unstable or shifting. Don't put a pond too close to a big tree with roots that you would have to cut into; you may kill the tree. Try to put a pond in a fenced in area or that is protected from small children. Ponds can go in sun or in shade. They are ok right up against the house (or not). Good places are those where the pond would be visible from the house windows and other viewing areas such as a deck or patio. Natural slopes that lend themselves to an incline for a waterfall are also good.
How big should I make my pond?
Many people wish their pond was larger as soon as it is complete. To avoid a costly rebuild, make the pond as large and as deep as you can afford to in the beginning. Larger ponds will be healthier and more ecologically stable than smaller ones where minor changes can be catastrophic to the pond environment. Larger ponds, because they’re closer to those found in nature, tend to take better care of themselves and are therefore easier to maintain. When designing your pond, be sure to consider that some cities/counties require construction permits for large ponds.
What size pump should I buy?
You should choose a pump that will circulate all of the water in your pond over a one hour period. If you have a 1000 gallon pond, your pump should be at least a 1000 gallon-per-hour (g.p.h.) pump. Because many people choose to expand their ponds later, it helps to buy a larger pump than you need and adjust the flow down. You will also need to consider what kind of output you want through your waterfall or fountain. The flow level is too high only if the pond water is turbulent to the point of having the fish and plants blown around.
What kind of filter should I have?
We recommend biological filters for most ponds. If you have the room, get an external biological filter. If you don't have any room around the pond, use an internal or submerged biological filter. Get one that is rated for the volume of your pond and the gallons-per-hour of your pump. It is ok to use one bigger than you think you may need. If you have Koi, you may have special filtering needs.
How do I know how many gallons of water are in my pond?
Knowing your pond’s volume is very important. It affects the size of pump and filter you will have, the amount of fish you can have, and the dosage of chemicals like dechlorinator and salt you will use to treat it. Multiply the average width by the average length by the average depth, then multiply that by 7.5.
Do I need to add chemicals to the pond water?
If you are on a municipal water supply, then chlorine has been added to the water which must be neutralized with dechlorinator. You should test the water from your tap for other noxious additives like chloramines, ammonia and for the levels of hardness and pH. You many need to make adjustments if the water is not properly balanced. We can check your water for you. Natural additives like bottled bacteria and salt are fine to add. Pond salt is good for fish in small doses, especially Koi, but can be bad for plants.
How many plants should I use in the pond?
Most ponds should have 60-70% of the surface covered with plant material. The plants keep the algae growth down in your pond by using up nutrients and block the sun rays in the water. They provide food, oxygen and protection for the fish, and they filter the water with their roots.
What kind of plants should I choose?
There are 3 basic types of water garden plants: free floating, submerged and marginal. Water Hyacinths and water lettuce are the most common free floaters, but they need to be thinned regularly to avoid them taking over your pond. Submerged plants can grow under the water and act as oxygenators. Anacharus is a common example of this. Marginal plants grow usually along the edges in pots of soil or rocks with their roots under water and their foliage rising above the surface, sometimes several feet. Water Iris, Lotus and Dwarf Bamboo are some examples. Choose your plants based on the amount of light and space that your pond provides. If you want the plants to come back year after year, you should get plants that are hardy in your climate zone or be prepared to bring them inside during winter. A nice blend of the three types of water plants will help keep your pond clean and beautiful.
Can I have tropical plants in my Midwest pond?
Tropical usually implies Zone 8 or higher. You can grow tropical plants in your pond in colder zones, such as the Midwest, however you will need to over-winter them inside to keep them alive. This requires some work and maintenance.
How many fish can live safely in my pond?
The basic rule is one inch of fish for each ten gallons of water. When adding up your inches of fish, remember to count them based on their full grown length. Goldfish average about 6" in length, while Koi can grow to 18". To calculate how many gallons the pond contains, multiply the average width by the average length by the average depth, then multiply that by 7.5. When in doubt, estimate lower or round down so as not to have too many fish in the pond.
Should I feed the fish, and if so how much?
While some pond owners leave their fish to feed on natural food such as insects, if you want large, more sociable fish, you should feed them. Goldfish may be fed once every two or three days, but only give them what they will eat within five to ten minutes. Any food left over after that should be removed with your net. Remember to lower your quantity next time. Koi can be fed a lot more, especially if you don’t want them to much on your plants. Feed your Koi once or twice a day as long as you have good filtration.
Can Koi survive in any garden pond?
While goldfish are happy nearly anywhere, Koi have more complex needs. They need a larger pond that is at least 3' deep. The pond should also be a simple, open shape. Because Koi east so much, you will need extra filtration. Koi, when well cared for, can live for many years. You will need to commit yourself to them for some time. We recommend you study the requirements and lifestyle of Koi before you buy any for your pond.
Can I have Koi and goldfish in the same pond?
You can mix Koi and goldfish in the same pond as long as its suited for both kinds. You can also mix other types of fish, depending on your climate. We are happy to help you select fish appropriate for your pond.
Can I have plants in the pond with my Koi?
Koi have a tendency to be mischievous and somewhat destructive to the pond environment. They often knock over and eat lilies and marginal plants. If you feed them well, they will be less likely to do this, however it also helps to anchor your plants well. Design your pond to provide lots of circulation for the Koi to enjoy swimming in.
How do I keep predators like raccoons, herons and cats from eating my fish?
Make sure your fish have lots of places to hide. Shallow or beach-like areas on the edge of a pond only encourage predators to enter your pond. Heron decoys are excellent deterrents to these airborne predators because they are territorial. As a last resort, you may dye the pond water blue or black to reduce visibility, this however decreases your enjoyment of the fish as well.
Should I add snails and tadpoles to my pond?
Snails and tadpoles can be fun to watch, and they eat some of the algae that grows on the sides of the pond, but they also excrete waste and are therefore a biological burden on the pond like fish. So, count them as part of your overall stock of fish. When in doubt, leave them out.
Should I be concerned about mosquitoes?
If you have enough fish in your pond, mosquitoes should not be a problem because the fish will eat the mosquito larvae. Moving water is also a deterrent to mosquitoes, they prefer stagnant water for laying their eggs. Make sure your pond is kept circulating.
What kinds of other wildlife will come to my pond?
Garden ponds attract all sorts of wildlife from birds to snakes, but the animals will not travel from far to get to your pond. If you see a snake, raccoon, possum, deer or any other seemingly new creature, it had to have been in your neighborhood already. So don’t worry about attracting unpleasant beasts. Ponds primarily attract birds, frogs, insects like dragonflies and butterflies and birds.
How often should the pond be thoroughly cleaned?
We recommend cleaning the pond in the spring, and again lightly in the fall. We provide seasonal cleaning services if you would rather not get wet!
How often should I test the water quality?
Your water should be tested from the tap when you first set-up a pond, so you know what water qualities may need adjusting. You should test the water once or twice a week for four to six weeks after setting it up or after a cleaning to monitor the ammonia and nitrite levels. A testing is also good to do if you ever have any problems with the fish or if the pond doesn't look right. We also provide water quality testing services.
Why has my pond water turned green?
Green water is caused by the grown of algae due to a chemistry imbalance. Although green water is generally not harmful, it doesn’t look very good. To find the imbalance, check the four main components of the pond: filtration, circulation, fish and plants. If you have too little or too much of any of the four main components, your aquatic ecosystem will be out of harmony.
I’ve got string algae in the pond, what do I do?
String algae usually grows on waterfalls or close to the surface, and can only be removed by pulling it off by hand. Try swirling your net in the strings to tangle them into large clumps, then pull them out.
How do I save my tropical plants over the winter?
Most tropical plants can be kept alive inside by putting them in a container of water in a sunny window or under good grow lights. You will need to check the water level regularly.
Will my pond freeze over in winter?
If you live in the Midwest, your pond will likely freeze on top in winter. You will need a deicer or other method of keeping a hole in the surface of the ice so the fish can get fresh air. Don't ever break the ice because the noise and shock can be harmful to the fish. The fish are hibernating underneath. They will be fine as long as the pond doesn't freeze solid and they can get some fresh air. You can fashion your pump so that it circulates water at the surface; the moving water will not freeze as long as it’s moving.
Where should I put my pond?
Don't put a pond on low ground, in a wet spot or other area where runoff from rain will interfere with it. Don't put a pond under a tree with poisonous nuts or berries. Don't put a pond on ground that is unstable or shifting. Don't put a pond too close to a big tree with roots that you would have to cut into; you may kill the tree. Try to put a pond in a fenced in area or that is protected from small children. Ponds can go in sun or in shade. They are ok right up against the house (or not). Good places are those where the pond would be visible from the house windows and other viewing areas such as a deck or patio. Natural slopes that lend themselves to an incline for a waterfall are also good.
How big should I make my pond?
Many people wish their pond was larger as soon as it is complete. To avoid a costly rebuild, make the pond as large and as deep as you can afford to in the beginning. Larger ponds will be healthier and more ecologically stable than smaller ones where minor changes can be catastrophic to the pond environment. Larger ponds, because they’re closer to those found in nature, tend to take better care of themselves and are therefore easier to maintain. When designing your pond, be sure to consider that some cities/counties require construction permits for large ponds.
What size pump should I buy?
You should choose a pump that will circulate all of the water in your pond over a one hour period. If you have a 1000 gallon pond, your pump should be at least a 1000 gallon-per-hour (g.p.h.) pump. Because many people choose to expand their ponds later, it helps to buy a larger pump than you need and adjust the flow down. You will also need to consider what kind of output you want through your waterfall or fountain. The flow level is too high only if the pond water is turbulent to the point of having the fish and plants blown around.
What kind of filter should I have?
We recommend biological filters for most ponds. If you have the room, get an external biological filter. If you don't have any room around the pond, use an internal or submerged biological filter. Get one that is rated for the volume of your pond and the gallons-per-hour of your pump. It is ok to use one bigger than you think you may need. If you have Koi, you may have special filtering needs.
How do I know how many gallons of water are in my pond?
Knowing your pond’s volume is very important. It affects the size of pump and filter you will have, the amount of fish you can have, and the dosage of chemicals like dechlorinator and salt you will use to treat it. Multiply the average width by the average length by the average depth, then multiply that by 7.5.
Do I need to add chemicals to the pond water?
If you are on a municipal water supply, then chlorine has been added to the water which must be neutralized with dechlorinator. You should test the water from your tap for other noxious additives like chloramines, ammonia and for the levels of hardness and pH. You many need to make adjustments if the water is not properly balanced. We can check your water for you. Natural additives like bottled bacteria and salt are fine to add. Pond salt is good for fish in small doses, especially Koi, but can be bad for plants.
How many plants should I use in the pond?
Most ponds should have 60-70% of the surface covered with plant material. The plants keep the algae growth down in your pond by using up nutrients and block the sun rays in the water. They provide food, oxygen and protection for the fish, and they filter the water with their roots.
What kind of plants should I choose?
There are 3 basic types of water garden plants: free floating, submerged and marginal. Water Hyacinths and water lettuce are the most common free floaters, but they need to be thinned regularly to avoid them taking over your pond. Submerged plants can grow under the water and act as oxygenators. Anacharus is a common example of this. Marginal plants grow usually along the edges in pots of soil or rocks with their roots under water and their foliage rising above the surface, sometimes several feet. Water Iris, Lotus and Dwarf Bamboo are some examples. Choose your plants based on the amount of light and space that your pond provides. If you want the plants to come back year after year, you should get plants that are hardy in your climate zone or be prepared to bring them inside during winter. A nice blend of the three types of water plants will help keep your pond clean and beautiful.
Can I have tropical plants in my Midwest pond?
Tropical usually implies Zone 8 or higher. You can grow tropical plants in your pond in colder zones, such as the Midwest, however you will need to over-winter them inside to keep them alive. This requires some work and maintenance.
How many fish can live safely in my pond?
The basic rule is one inch of fish for each ten gallons of water. When adding up your inches of fish, remember to count them based on their full grown length. Goldfish average about 6" in length, while Koi can grow to 18". To calculate how many gallons the pond contains, multiply the average width by the average length by the average depth, then multiply that by 7.5. When in doubt, estimate lower or round down so as not to have too many fish in the pond.
Should I feed the fish, and if so how much?
While some pond owners leave their fish to feed on natural food such as insects, if you want large, more sociable fish, you should feed them. Goldfish may be fed once every two or three days, but only give them what they will eat within five to ten minutes. Any food left over after that should be removed with your net. Remember to lower your quantity next time. Koi can be fed a lot more, especially if you don’t want them to much on your plants. Feed your Koi once or twice a day as long as you have good filtration.
Can Koi survive in any garden pond?
While goldfish are happy nearly anywhere, Koi have more complex needs. They need a larger pond that is at least 3' deep. The pond should also be a simple, open shape. Because Koi east so much, you will need extra filtration. Koi, when well cared for, can live for many years. You will need to commit yourself to them for some time. We recommend you study the requirements and lifestyle of Koi before you buy any for your pond.
Can I have Koi and goldfish in the same pond?
You can mix Koi and goldfish in the same pond as long as its suited for both kinds. You can also mix other types of fish, depending on your climate. We are happy to help you select fish appropriate for your pond.
Can I have plants in the pond with my Koi?
Koi have a tendency to be mischievous and somewhat destructive to the pond environment. They often knock over and eat lilies and marginal plants. If you feed them well, they will be less likely to do this, however it also helps to anchor your plants well. Design your pond to provide lots of circulation for the Koi to enjoy swimming in.
How do I keep predators like raccoons, herons and cats from eating my fish?
Make sure your fish have lots of places to hide. Shallow or beach-like areas on the edge of a pond only encourage predators to enter your pond. Heron decoys are excellent deterrents to these airborne predators because they are territorial. As a last resort, you may dye the pond water blue or black to reduce visibility, this however decreases your enjoyment of the fish as well.
Should I add snails and tadpoles to my pond?
Snails and tadpoles can be fun to watch, and they eat some of the algae that grows on the sides of the pond, but they also excrete waste and are therefore a biological burden on the pond like fish. So, count them as part of your overall stock of fish. When in doubt, leave them out.
Should I be concerned about mosquitoes?
If you have enough fish in your pond, mosquitoes should not be a problem because the fish will eat the mosquito larvae. Moving water is also a deterrent to mosquitoes, they prefer stagnant water for laying their eggs. Make sure your pond is kept circulating.
What kinds of other wildlife will come to my pond?
Garden ponds attract all sorts of wildlife from birds to snakes, but the animals will not travel from far to get to your pond. If you see a snake, raccoon, possum, deer or any other seemingly new creature, it had to have been in your neighborhood already. So don’t worry about attracting unpleasant beasts. Ponds primarily attract birds, frogs, insects like dragonflies and butterflies and birds.
How often should the pond be thoroughly cleaned?
We recommend cleaning the pond in the spring, and again lightly in the fall. We provide seasonal cleaning services if you would rather not get wet!
How often should I test the water quality?
Your water should be tested from the tap when you first set-up a pond, so you know what water qualities may need adjusting. You should test the water once or twice a week for four to six weeks after setting it up or after a cleaning to monitor the ammonia and nitrite levels. A testing is also good to do if you ever have any problems with the fish or if the pond doesn't look right. We also provide water quality testing services.
Why has my pond water turned green?
Green water is caused by the grown of algae due to a chemistry imbalance. Although green water is generally not harmful, it doesn’t look very good. To find the imbalance, check the four main components of the pond: filtration, circulation, fish and plants. If you have too little or too much of any of the four main components, your aquatic ecosystem will be out of harmony.
I’ve got string algae in the pond, what do I do?
String algae usually grows on waterfalls or close to the surface, and can only be removed by pulling it off by hand. Try swirling your net in the strings to tangle them into large clumps, then pull them out.
How do I save my tropical plants over the winter?
Most tropical plants can be kept alive inside by putting them in a container of water in a sunny window or under good grow lights. You will need to check the water level regularly.
Will my pond freeze over in winter?
If you live in the Midwest, your pond will likely freeze on top in winter. You will need a deicer or other method of keeping a hole in the surface of the ice so the fish can get fresh air. Don't ever break the ice because the noise and shock can be harmful to the fish. The fish are hibernating underneath. They will be fine as long as the pond doesn't freeze solid and they can get some fresh air. You can fashion your pump so that it circulates water at the surface; the moving water will not freeze as long as it’s moving.