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Types of Ponds

Pond Types

There are a lot of pond types and sizes. Each pond has their own unique characteristics. Prior to you begin laying a pond it is vital that you decide on a type of pond. There are various kinds of ponds you can choose from. Below is just a couple of examples of ponds, however, there are many more.

Koi pond

When talking about a Koi pond, it is about a pond with koi fish, the national fish of Japan. This type of fish is a specialized domesticated version of typical carp. They are lovely fish to look at. Koi is required to have a duly maintained pond to guarantee the health of these invaluable fish. The method applied in these types of ponds should accordingly be inspected and maintained routinely.

Mini pond

A mini pond is a small portable decorative pond basin. These ponds are suitable for the smaller gardens, terraces, patios, and balconies. If you take away somewhat more space, put a multitude of mini-ponds side by side. In various colors, for instance.

Wildlife pond

With wildlife ponds, nature is in control. The number of plants is rich, and the water attracts a lot of animals, like frogs, insects, salamanders, etc. In this type of pond, no filter, no pump, or chemical means are needed and – in perfect conditions – also no liner. An appropriate number and different (h2o) plants that provides high-level oxygen content in the water, safeguarding it from algae.

Fishpond

A fishpond is one in which is just meant to hold fish. The result of complete induction of aquatic plants in a fishpond is that more endeavor is required for keeping the pond water clean and healthy, since there are no plants for filtering the water, fish still create waste material.

Swimming pond

You wish to lay an attractive pond…, nevertheless, your children want to go for a nice swim in the swimming pool by the garden. The perfect solution is going to then be an attractive swimming pond from which everybody can get a great deal of enjoyment.

In Conclusion

When you have decided what type of pond you want to build, the correct determination of its size and area to build in your yard is going to be the next step. Give priority to its position in relation to any plantings and buildings regarding shadows, continued root growth and foundation.

Pond Services in Phoenix, Arizona

If you already have a Koi pond or if you are thinking about installing a pond and would like a little help or advice with budgeting and design considerations, talk to the Phoenix Koi Pond Experts in Peoria, AZ at The Backyard Pond. Call us today at 623-878-6695 and see what we can do for you.

How Much Do Koi Fish Cost?

Koi fish costs will vary based on location, size and color patterns, among other factors. These fish can cost anywhere from $8-$200,000 each, according to PremierPond.

Koi Fish Cost

Here is a look at some average koi fish costs:

Assorted Grade-A koi: $8-$20.
Grade-A domestic koi: $10-$17.
Large Butterfly koi: $30-$660.
Large to extra-large koi with rare color patterns: $100-$2,500.

Rare breeds from Japan have been purchased for nearly $200,000.

What Affects The Cost Of Koi Fish?

There are six important factors that could play a role in the overall cost of koi fish. Let’s take a look at these factors below!

1. Color And Pattern

It goes without saying the better the koi fish looks, the more expensive it will be. Individuals have been breeding koi fish for centuries, which has resulted in many different colors and patterns. The bright red-orange, dark black and shinning white combination tends to be the most popular.

Koi that are yellow, gray or white are also sought-after by home and business owners. In Japan, citizens want koi that look like the Japanese flag, identified by a large red dot on their head.

2. Size

Koi fish will undoubtedly cost more when they are larger. Here is a look at some average koi fish sizes:

Domestic koi: 12-15 inches in length.
Japanese koi: 22-26 inches in length.
Jumbo koi: 34-36 inches in length.

3. Age

It is easy to tell the quality of koi fish as it ages. When you purchase younger koi fish you won’t be able to tell how large they’ll get, meaning it’s hard to identify their quality.

Of course, you won’t be able to enjoy your koi for as long if you purchase older ones. These fish can live for decades depending on type and how they are cared for.

4. Sex

Females will come with a higher price tag when it comes to the highly-valued Japanese koi. The females tend to be longer with rounder fins, plus they can be used for breeding. Domestic koi will usually be cheaper.

5. Genetic Lineage

You will find that some koi can trace their ancestry back for generations. This ultimately affects the price since it’s like purchasing a purebred dog versus a mutt. Gosanke is the most valuable koi available today.

You will be able to find cheaper domestic koi at local pet shops or online. Oftentimes, domestic koi will live a better life in your backyard pond.

6. Body Shape

U.S. and Japanese koi farmers have different preferences on body shape and fin-type. Short and neat fins are more popular in Japan, for instance.

In The U.S., koi with long fins are called Butterfly koi due to the way they look. Needless to say, prices will vary based on your location and the appearance of the koi.

Phoenix Area Pond Supply

If you are looking for live fish, live plants, pond filtration, pumps, or anything else you need to start or care for your water garden or garden pond The Backyard Pond has everything you need. We serve residents of the greater Phoenix area with the best selection of Koi, plants, and all the supplies you need. Stop by or give us a call at 623-878-6695 with your questions.

Cost Of A Koi Pond

Koi pond costs will vary based on both size and additions. For example, smaller koi ponds cost between $5,000-$6,000, while larger ponds can cost more than $60,000. Average size ponds cost between $15,000-$20,000.

Koi Pond Costs

Some koi ponds will be more expensive than typical models because they are ecosystem ponds. These ponds cost more because they involve 2 types of filters, plants, rocks and fish. Since the ponds take care of themselves, though, maintenance costs will be considerably less.

Average koi pond costs by size:

7 feet by 11 feet koi pond: $5,000-$6,000.
15 feet by 20 feet koi pond: $15,000-$20,000.
24 feet by 36 feet koi pond: $60,000+.

Koi Pond Additions

You can ultimately enhance your koi pond with numerous additions, but they will cause the price tag to increase. Here are a few of the most common koi pond additions:

Aquatic plants.
Underwater lights.
Auto-fill system.
Waterfalls.
Ion-Gen water cleaner.
Fountains.
Steam.
And more!

Koi Pond Fundamentals

Your koi pond needs to be designed properly for your fish to thrive. Many professionals will recommend that your pond meet set criteria to be able to provide the best situation for your fish. Normally koi ponds are larger than a fishless pond.

Size Requirements:

• No less than 1,000 gallons.
• 3 or more feet deep.
• 25 square feet of pond for each koi.

It is vital that you know that fish will need to have some sort of shade. If the pond happens to get direct sunlight, then you should consider floating plants such as water lilies. Most of the pond surface needs to be shaded to give your koi a comfortable place to escape the sun. Another benefit of plants is that they give them a place to hide from predators.

Water plants are essential. Aquatic plants will help to balance the ecosystem which helps to create a natural home for your fish. There are some plants that are oxygenators which mean that they put oxygen in the water, which the fish can breathe. Koi also eat many types of water plants.

Fish don’t need to be fed as long as the pond isn’t over stocked as they can live off algae, insects and other food in the environment. Certain plants can be included as a food source.

Phoenix Area Pond Supply

If you are looking for live fish, live plants, pond filtration, pumps, or anything else you need to start or care for your water garden or garden pond The Backyard Pond has everything you need. We serve residents of the greater Phoenix area with the best selection of Koi, plants, and all the supplies you need. Stop by or give us a call at 623-878-6695 with your questions.

How Deep Should A Koi Pond Be?

The experts recommend a koi pond be at least 3 feet deep. However, this is simply meeting the minimum requirement for koi ponds.

How Deep Should A Pond Be For Koi?

It’s no secret that Koi fish need a lot of space to swim. 1,000-plus gallons is considered the ideal size for a Koi pond. This means a six foot by eight foot pond will yield 1,077 gallons.

A pond of the aforementioned size is enough for no more than five average sized Koi fish. The more Koi you add to the pond, the larger the area needs to be. For example, 15 Koi means your pond should be at least 3,200 gallons.

Koi Pond Fundamentals

Your koi pond needs to be designed properly for your fish to thrive. Many professionals will recommend that your pond meet set criteria to be able to provide the best situation for your fish. Normally koi ponds are larger than a fishless pond.

Size Requirements:

• No less than 1,000 gallons.
• 3 or more feet deep.
• 25 square feet of pond for each koi.

It is vital that you know that fish will need to have some sort of shade. If the pond happens to get direct sunlight, then you should consider floating plants such as water lilies. Most of the pond surface needs to be shaded to give your koi a comfortable place to escape the sun. Another benefit of plants is that they give them a place to hide from predators.

Water plants are essential. Aquatic plants will help to balance the ecosystem which helps to create a natural home for your fish. There are some plants that are oxygenators which mean that they put oxygen in the water, which the fish can breathe. Koi also eat many types of water plants.

Fish don’t need to be fed as long as the pond isn’t over stocked as they can live off algae, insects and other food in the environment. Certain plants can be included as a food source.

Filtration

Good pond filters will help to keep your pond clean and clear. Koi provide a lot of waste which means that a filter is needed. There are 2 types of filtration: biological and mechanical.

Mechanical filtration will trap fish waste and debris. Skimmers, pump baskets, and bottom drains are great for mechanical filtration. Biological filters use beneficial bacteria to turn toxins into harmless substances.

Aeration

Fish will need oxygen to survive. Based on your pond size, the amount of plants that are growing and how many fish you have may cause you to need aeration. This is a process of circulating oxygen into the pond water.

Fountains and waterfalls are pleasing ways to aerate a pond. The water motion will allow natural circulation of oxygen. You may even begin to consider adding equipment to aerate your pond. These jets or pumps are great if you have large fish or live in hot climates.

Water Quality

Your pond water quality will impact your fish health. You will want to keep an eye on the pH levels and water temperature. The ideal temperature for your koi is between 39 F to 68 F. The deeper the water is, the easier it is to regulate the pond temperature.

The best pH for your pond is between 7.0 – 7.8.
You should be aware that chlorine will hurt your koi, it burns the gills of your fish and leads to death. It is for this reason that you need to wait more than a week after putting chlorine in your pond before you stock it with fish. If you don’t want to wait, you can purchase a dechlorinator.

Phoenix Area Pond Supply

If you are looking for live fish, live plants, pond filtration, pumps, or anything else you need to start or care for your water garden or garden pond The Backyard Pond has everything you need. We serve residents of the greater Phoenix area with the best selection of Koi, plants, and all the supplies you need. Stop by or give us a call at 623-878-6695 with your questions.

5 Plants To Clean Pond Water

One way to maintain clear and healthy pond water is by adding some plants to the area. Bio-filters are great at keeping your water healthy, but they do not remove nitrates. Adding plants to the water is the safest way to remove any unwanted nitrates.

Best Pond Plants To Clean Water

Since plants feed on the same nutrients as algae, you will need to add more plants to your pond to lessen the algae’s food supply. Here are a few of the best plants you can purchase to clean your water:

Water Lettuce
Taro
Canna
Water Iris
Hornwort

Water Lettuce

There is no doubt that this floating plant can help purify your pond water. Green rosettes will float effortlessly across the water, while cleansing it, at the same time.

Taro

Taro roots feature a very large surface area, which helps to take the nutrients up from the water. This plant comes in many varieties. Oftentimes, homeowners will add Taro to their ponds for their showy leaves.

Canna

Canna also come in a wide range of varieties, adding some much-needed color to small ponds everywhere. Color is not the main reason so many people choose to add canna, though. These plants are terrific at removing nutrients, toxins and heavy metals from the water.

Water Iris

Water Iris is known to be one of the best aquatic plants to remove toxins. Additionally, Iris adds some color to your pond before most plants bloom in the spring.

Hornwort

Hornwort is an oxygenator that grows far beneath the surface. It helps to eliminate algae by taking up excess nutrients from the water, which starves the algae.

Phoenix Area Pond Supply

If you are looking for live fish, live plants, pond filtration, pumps, or anything else you need to start or care for your water garden or garden pond The Backyard Pond has everything you need. We serve residents of the greater Phoenix area with the best selection of Koi, plants, and all the supplies you need. Stop by or give us a call at 623-878-6695 with your questions.

Pond Design & Installation Considerations

Pond Design Installation Considerations

Before you decide to have a pond designed and installed remember your garden can thrive around the new water feature and you will be visited by lots of new friends such as dragonflies, songbirds and other fascinating wildlife.

So before you dedicate a healthy budget to the building of your dream pond consider the following checklist to make sure it is a wise decision:

Location is vital. Avoid installing a pond in a low spot that gets accumulative runoff when it rains. Water crossing over gardens, farms or lawns can add fertilizers or chemicals harming aquatic creatures and plants.
Decide on a good view for your pond, maybe with room to add a bench or some chair so you can maximize your enjoyment of the pond. You may want to be able to view the pond when you are inside as well.
Ensure the spot is level and gets at least a half-day of sunshine. Do not position the pond too close to shrubs or trees that may drop debris or leaves into the pond.
Position the pond within reach if an electrical outlet protected with a ground floor interrupter so shocks can be avoided. You will require a pump that can be plugged in to circulate water and you may want to invest in an aerator especially if you add some fish. An outlet also allows you to add additional accessories and outdoor lighting.
Before you begin, check local zoning restrictions and regulations. You may also need permission from your Home Owners Association. Some insurance companies will also require notification and may require you to secure the pond with a fence for the protection of animals and children.
Have the utility company mark lines so you do not dig into anything!
If you want to keep fish remember if you live in a cold winter climate the pond will have to be deep enough to protect them.
Your budget will dictate the size of your pond. Some costs are those you may not think of right away. For example, fertilizers, plant pots, rocks, test kits, and water thermometer. Other obvious expenses include the costs of filling the pond, mechanical, biological and chemical filters.
Generally speaking, the more curves in the design, the more expensive and costly it is to dig.

Once your pond is filled with beautiful sparkling clean water, you can then move on and add some beautiful aquatic creatures and plants!

The Backyard Pond, LLC offers water and pond design and installation services throughout the Phoenix Valley.

Contact us today at 623-878-6695 and visit our water feature and pond design installation services page.

Aquatic Plants

Aquatic Plants

Choosing the right plants for your pond in Arizona will make it more visually stunning and preserve the health of the pond. If you’re searching “Aquatic Plants” you’re either planning a new pond or considering about how to make your present pond better.

Aquatic Plants

Water plants are generally considered one of the best ways to enhance a water feature. Occasionally called aquatic plants, there are water plants for just about every type of water feature, from small table fountains to spacious backyard ponds. The type of aquatic plant that will best suit your water feature is will be decided by your requirements, as well as the developing features of each plant.

Tropical Night Blooming Lilies

The Antares Night Blooming Tropical Water Lily is an attractive rosy-red colored lily with 5 1/2″ – 7 1/2″ flowers. This free flowering lily has a bowl-like flower likeness and the leaves are darkish rust color. The Antares Night Blooming Tropical Water Lily opens right before nightfall and stays open until the morning hours.

Hard Water Lilies

A water garden is not complete without one or more of these elegant pond plants. The hardy water lily is available in an assortment of sizes and colors. The water lily plant, once they established in your backyard pond will reward you with a lot flowers all through the summer months. Hardy water lilies will bloom regularly May thru September. They do great in winter and the water lily will comeback in the spring once again giving you a lovely backyard pond plant.

Tropical Water Lilies

Tropical water lilies make a stunning centerpiece in your backyard pond. Its flowers rise several inches out of the water and are more bountiful than hardy lilies. Flowers open mid-morning and will stay open until late the afternoon or early evening. Tropical water lilies can safely be placed outdoors when the water temperatures are a regular 65+ degrees. Tropical water lilies that are marked as Viviparous (producing seeds that grow on the plant itself) will endure through cooler water temperatures and bloom later into the autumn months.

Aquatic Bog Plants

Aquatic bog plants grow in shallow water or at the border of the pond. Marginal plants consist of pond plant variations that stand above the water while their feet constantly remain wet. All of the hardy bog pond plants are a perennial type and will come back every spring and bloom at various times all through the season. Hardy bog plants are valuable because they add height and proportion to the pond giving it a more natural look.

Water Iris

An additional favorite for pond owners is the water iris, as there are a lot of varieties to choose from. They supply a long sharp leaf, and depending on the species can produce various color flowers, from white, blue, to yellows. Commonly, these plants are placed in pots which are then submerged in the pond water. The majority of water iris will survive in limited or full sun, which is good for those that have some type of shade.

Lotus

Lotus plants are a hardy perennial pond plant and will give you colorful flowers year in, year out. Some water lotus species have leaves that can reach up to 2’ in circumference and massive flowers up to 12” in diameter. Some smaller and medium varieties can adapt to patio gardening also.

Aquatic Plants For Sale In Phoenix

For aquatic plants purchasing give us a call today at (623) 878-6695 or stop by our store and take a look at our wide selection of pond products. We can also install, service and maintain your fish pond.

How To Clean A Pond

How To Clean A Pond

If you are searching for “how to clean a pond“, this post by The Backyard Pond can help! It doesn’t matter how hard you try, you will have to clean your pond at some point. Cleaning your pond can greatly increase the lifetime of your pond (and your Koi fish, if you have them) and let you enjoy it for years to come.

Cleaning Your Pond

There will come a time that you will need to clean your pond. You may be preparing your pond for the summer or winter, or maybe you been a little lax on the upkeep and maintenance. There are steps you can take to clean your pond and make it look “newish”. A clean pond gives a new environment for the bacteria in your biological filter and fresh water for the fish. The amount of cleaning required will usually depend on the size of your pond and location of it.

Remove Your Koi Fish From Your Pond

This is far from a clean job, so you shouldn’t wear your Sunday best. Take into account you’re going get dirty, the smell may be unbearable and it might be a bit cold. You’re going to need a fine mesh aquarium net, a garden hose with a spray adapter, and a holding tank (if you plan on removing your fish) big enough to store your fish while cleaning out your pond. You also may need to use a pond vacuum, pond cleaning gloves, if you have access to them.

If your pond is a smaller one, you can simply scoop your Koi out with the aquarium net to transfer them into the holding tank. If you have a larger Koi pond, it might be simpler to just let the fish be. If you do plan on removing them, fill the holding tank with pond water from you pond so an abrupt change in water temperature or water quality won’t shock your fish.

Get Rid Of Surface Debris

More often than not you’re going to see an assortment of sticks and leaves floating on the surface of the pond. Use the net to scoop out all of the debris. This is an easy part but don’t think this is it, you’re far from done. You’re going to get messy soon enough.

Drain The Koi Pond

Use a pond pump to drain the water out of the pond. If you leave your fish in the pond, you clearly don’t want to pump out all of the pond water.

Draining will expose the sides of the pond and makes it a lot easier to remove the algae and other gunk. Depending on the type and strength of your pond pump and the size of your pond, it could take a couple of minutes or in some cases longer than an hour.

Make sure to send the pond water to an area in your yard that has really good drainage. Also try and take at least an hour-long break after you drain the pond and let the sun to dry out the newly revealed algae.

Remove Any Pond Plants and Any Accessories

Remove the pond pump, pond plants and anything else that can be removed. Remove any water lilies and other pond plants in autumn, if you still have plants in your pond at the beginning of spring, take them out too. Use the garden hose and an old toothbrush to really clean all the accessories and their hard to reach places. This is an ideal time to clean or replace the filter on your pond pump. Some pumps have a mesh bag, I yours does simply spray it off with your hose.

Clean the Pump

Now is a great time to clean out your pond’s pump. There are various different types of algae that can thrive in your ponds’ ecosystem. While some of it is valuable for the pond and a natural part of its ecosystem, while string algae is not. You’ll know when you are seeing string algae if it’s stringy, clearly, and if you are capable of just pulling it out of your pond. It tends to stick to bottom of ponds and grow upwards in long strands. They get caught up in your pump and other mechanical systems very easily, and the best and easiest way to clean it is to take the pump out and physically clear away the algae. You can use a brush to scrub any growth on the outside of the casing, but if any sting algae has gotten inside, you will need to take out the pump from the pond altogether.

Get In There And Clean Your Backyard Pond

Use a hose with a spray attachment and forcefully spray away the algae growth on the sides of the Koi pond. Be sure to spray the waterfall and the rocks that line the outside of the pond.

Then, use the net to scoop out the muck and sludge that’s been sitting at the bottom of the pond. This is going to be the messy part. You’re likely to come across a lot of smelly slime, partially decayed plant material and maybe even an incidental lizard or fish.

Once you are done cleaning the pond, it’s time to put the pond back together. Connect the pond pump back up, and replace all of your pond plants and accessories.

Fill The Pond Back Up

Use the garden hose to refill the pond to the desired water level you like. Once the pond is full, turn on the pump and let the water to circulate for a couple of minutes. Most likely you’re going to use tap water. Tap water has chlorine in it, so you may have to add a dechlorinator to safeguard the fish.

Add Your Fish

The new, fresh water in your pond is more likely colder than the water in the holding tank, so give your fish a little time to acclimate. To protect your fish you will want to dump some of the water out of the holding tank and replace it with the new pond water, and repeat the process a number of times.

Phoenix, Arizona Koi Pond

If you already have a Koi pond or if you are thinking about installing a pond and would like a little help or advice with budgeting and design considerations, talk to the Phoenix Koi Pond Experts in Peoria, AZ at The Backyard Pond. Call us today at 623-878-6695 and see what we can do for you.

Koi Pond Filters

Koi Pond Filters Phoenix

If you are searching “koi pond filters” you are most likely looking for basic information on which pond filter best suits your pond needs. Your pond’s filter keeps the water clean, clear and manages the overall health of the pond whether or not you have koi fish, a water feature and any pond plants contained in it. Ponds of any kind simply cannot exist without a pond filter. To have a healthy pond or if you have koi fish, you’re going to need a filter, and you need to find one that is the right size for your pond. Without a pump and filtration system your pond can go from the star of your backyard, to the cloudy green monster in your backyard. Your filtration system gets rid of the debris that gets in your pond.

There Are 3 Basic Types of Pond Filters

There are many types of pond filters, which one you choose to use depends on a couple of factors. The size of your pond, where it is located, how much you want to spend, and if you are going to have fish, all will determine the type of filter you will need. Although there are many different types of pond filters; in this post we will cover the 3 basic ones.

Waterfall/ Skimmer External Pond Filters

Comparable to common swimming pool overflow filters this type of design skims debris from the surface as the pond “overflows” into a recessed skimmer basket. The pond water is then pumped to the opposite end of the pond, where it pours back into your pond over a waterfall bio-filter. Well designed landscaping will hide the entire system so you will see only an appealing water feature.

This type of filter is best suited for medium to large ponds with koi fish. They cost around $470-$1200 for the filter and pump. There is minimal maintenance and installation is moderate. On of the benefits of this filter system it is low in maintenance with easy debris removal. Another benefit about this filter it is hidden by landscaping.

Submersible Pond Filters

In this set up, the filter sits at the bottom of the pond. A submersible pump creates suction to draw water through the filter; it then forces the filtered water to a waterfall or fountain where it re-circulates the water back into the pond.

This system is best for small to medium ponds with small amounts of koi fish or no fish at all. This cost of this filter is around $85-$300 for an entire filtration system. Installation is easy and maintenance is reasonable (depending on the filter location accessibility). Another benefit about this filter it is completely submerged under the water.

External Pond Filters

If you need life-supporting filtration for koi fish or other types of fish in nearly any size pond, think about an external filtration system. In this set up, a pump with an optional pre-filter or skimmer takes water from the pond to a chambered “flow through” filter near the pond at a higher level. Filtered water then pours out of the filter plumbing downward to your pond. The flow can also be directed over a waterfall or streambed.
These filters are for small to large ponds with or without fish. The system costs about $90-$2150 for the filter and pump. Installation is just some easy plumbing. Landscaping may be necessary to hide the filter. It is easily maintained. The filter is accessible on land, but the amount of time to clean it will depend on the filter design. A few pressure filters just need you flip a switch. This system has the best configuration. This system also has widest choice of design and equipment options.

Phoenix, Arizona Koi Pond Filter Systems

If you already have a koi pond or you are considering installing a pond and would like some help or advice with budget and design considerations, talk to the Phoenix Koi pond experts in Peoria, AZ.

The Backyard Pond – 623-878-6695

How To Remove Algae From Your Pond Without Harming Fish

How To Remove Algae From My Pond Without Harming Fish

If you are searching “how to remove algae from my pond” or “how to clean algae from my pond without harming fish” this post should help send you in the right direction.

Algae or string algae is a filamentous species that attaches to plants, hangs from rocks in waterfalls, or hangs on the surface of the water. The long strands tangle together and form thick mats. Excessive string algae will reduce oxygen content, but it doesn’t mean bad water. New ponds often develop green water, but this usually clears within 90 days as plants grow and use up excess nutrients.

Remove Algae
Remove Debris
Free Floating Aquatic Plants
Use Barley Straw
Utilize Beneficial Bacteria Tablets

1. Remove Algae

Rake out as much algae as possible with a pond or garden rake, taking care not to damage the pond liner by accidentally tearing it.

2. Remove Debris

Remove fallen leaves and dead plant foliage from the pond. Siphon plant debris and silt from the bottom of the pond with a pond vacuum, working slowly and carefully to avoid stressing your fish.

3. Free Floating Aquatic Plants

Plant enough floating aquatic plants so that around 50 to 70 percent of the pond surface itself is covered. Place free-floating plants directly into the water. Cover the soil in aquatic plant containers with heavy gravel and place them at the pond level that allows their foilage to float on the surface. If needed place bricks in the pond to stand container plants at the correct level.

4. Use Barley Straw

Place a bundle of barley straw on a large upside-down plastic pot in the pond, so that the bundle is just submerged underneath the water. One 8-ounce bundle treats around 1,000 gallons of pond water. The algae will slowly disappear as the barley straw breaks down when exposed to sunlight and oxygen.

5. Utilize Beneficial Bacteria Tablets

Place a tablet of beneficial pond bacteria in your pond, on a plant or rock, every two weeks. One 1-ounce tablet usually treats around 1,000 gallons of pond water.

Supplies You Will Need

Aquatic Plants
Beneficial Bacteria Tablets
Bricks (Optional)
Bundle Of Barley Straw
Pond or Garden Rake
Heavy Gravel
Large Plastic Plant Pot
Pond Vacuum

Tips For Your Pond

Anchored and also free-floating water plants shade out algae and can absorb excessive nutrients. Water lilies grow in water from 1 foot, up to 4 feet deep and can spread 5 to 6 feet wide. Bearing 5-inch summer flowers that open yellow and turn coppery-bronze, this low-maintenance plant is hardy. Fanwort which bears white flowers May through September and has branching stems of tiny, fan-shaped leaves spread 1 foot to 3 feet wide.

Warnings For Your Pond

Don’t oversupply your pond with fish. One hundred gallons of water is enough for one 6-inch fish or ten 1-inch fish. To determine the amount of water in your pond, multiply its average length, width and depth. Multiply the total by 7.5. This will give you the number of gallons in your pond.

Don’t over feed your fish. Give them as much as they can eat in two minutes, at least up to four times a day. Stop feeding as soon as food is left uneaten, and don’t feed your fish when temperatures are consistently below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Backyard Pond Offers Pond Mainteance & Cleaning

We are specialists in imported Japanese Nishikigoi, Goldfish and Waterplants. We also offer Pond Supplies, Pond Construction and Design. All prices are subject to change without notice. Let us create the backyard pond of your dreams. Loaded with pleanty of koi fish, water gardens, aquatic plants and other pond accessories.