FAQs About Water Features -- Page 5

Q: Can I introduce fish to my pond immediately after it's built?

It's really best to let the ecosystem of your pond stabilize before introducing fish. The time frame for that stabilization depends on many factors including the amount of nutrients available in your water supply (your tap water), how many plants you have, your sunlight exposure, etc. We can explain all the phases governing your specific water feature or pond design.

Q: Is algae good or bad?

Algae is a natural part of the ecosystem in a pond. It's a food source for fish and is a sheltering component for fish eggs, young hatchlings, and other creatures such as frogs. During daylight hours, it even generates oxygen! On the negative side, if uncontrolled, it can become an unsightly overgrowth and can rob your pond plants of the nutrition present in the water. There are many natural ways to control algae, but the best method is to start your pond with a wide variety of plants that will compete with algae and keep your ecosystem in a natural balance. This approach has the added benefit of being beautiful to the eye!

Q: When should I clean my filter?

You should examine your skimmer filter at least once per week and clean it if necessary. It may require more frequent cleaning when algae are in a peak growth cycle.

Q: What kind of material do you use on the bottom of your ponds, soil or rocks?

We use rocks and gravel for a number of reasons -- Soil acts as a powerful nutrient and can cause rapid overgrowth of algae. Conversely, rocks and gravel provide a natural filtration network for the pond by providing a surface area for beneficial bacteria to cling to, and those bacteria help break down organic waste from the plants and fish. Gravel and rocks also provide a component that masks the pond liner from UV light while simultaneously holding it in place.