Water Gardening
 
Whether you are just starting out or you’ve had a pond for years, we are here to make your water garden better than ever. There are five elements to a complete water garden eco-system. They are aeration, biological filtration, mechanical filtration, plants, and fish. Each plays a critical roll in clear, algae free water.
Aeration is achieved through either a waterfall or a fountain nozzle attached to a re-circulating pump. The size of the pump needed is determined by the number of gallons in your pond. That is calculated by multiplying the length x width x depth x 7.5. Ideally you want a pump that will turn the volume of water your pond holds at least one time per hour. There are two types of pumps available; direct drive and magnetic drive. Little Giant manufactures a line of pumps ranging from 63 gph (gallons per hour) to 4300 gph. The advantage of the direct drive pump is the strength of the water flow will hold up over longer distances. Laguna offer magnetic drive pumps. They range from 200 gph. up to 2900 gph. Mag drive pumps are more efficient to run saving in the electric usage.
 
A good filtration system is crucial to keeping your water clear and free of algae. Mechanical filtration consists of a foam pre-filter to catch debris as they settle to the bottom and also prevent debris from clogging the pump. A skimmer box can be added; also improved mechanical filtration. The skimmer helps filter leaves and other suspended particles off the water surface. Biological filters provide an area for beneficial bacteria to live in. Beneficial bacteria is a natural way of purifying pond water. Any porous medium will work as a surface for bacteria to build on. Atlantic Water Garden Supplies offers a bio-filter waterfall. This operates by water being pumped into the bottom and filtering up through lava rock, used as a biological medium over a lip, creating a beautiful waterfall affect.
 
Plants not only add beauty to your water garden, they also help in algae control. We offer sever different types of water plants; marginals, floating tropical, and hardy lilies. Marginal plants consist of varieties such as iris, arrow heads, rush and many others. These plants sit on the edge of the pond submerged us below water level. Floating tropical plants such as water hyacinths and lettuce, add color and texture to the water surface. Both hyacinths and lettuce multiply, creating additional plants throughout the season. These varieties are tropical, so they will not withstand our winter conditions. Water lilies provide colorful flowers, wile their leaves cover pond surface area helping reduce algae build-up. The lilies need to be between 16” to 30” below water level.  The goal is to achieve between 30% to 40% water surface coverage with plant material to help reduce algae development.
 
Fish in your water garden provide enjoyment and entertainment for all. Colorful fish such as Koi can actually be trained to eat right out of your hand. To successfully have fish, your pond should be at least 30” deep. It is also a good idea to have some plant cover to keep the water temperature cooler and provide protection for your fish from heron. During the winter months, a pond de-icer is recommended to keep a hole in the ice to allow air circulation in and any gas build-up from plant debris to escape.

Water gardening can be a fun, relaxing hobby when done properly. After your pond is established, all it takes is a little weekly maintenance to have a beautiful water feature to enjoy all season.