What Do You Need to Do When Your Pond is in The Sun?

The warmer the water, the lower its capacity for holding oxygen. This might sound like a bunch of science mumbo jumbo, but to your fish, it’s a life or death issue. If your fish are gasping for air close to the surface or are congregating around a fountain or waterfall, oxygenation might be a problem. Once the water temperature is over 80 degrees, you’ll need to be vigilant. The right pond design helps fish stay healthy. Shade from plants in the water and alongside the pond can help keep water temperatures down. A water depth of two feet can help maintain temps, as deeper water is cooler water. And circulation from an aeration kit or waterfall can help keep water oxygenated and fish happy. Just make sure algae don’t become a problem.

Don’t let planktonic algae deplete the oxygen in your pond. Instead, protect your fish with a healthy pond ecosystem. That means a balance of fish, plants, filtration, beneficial bacteria, and aeration. Learn more about preventing algae from taking over your water feature.

A little planning can improve the health of your sunny pond and enhance your outdoor environment. At Good Earth Water Gardens, we suggest:

• Filtration and circulation: Moving water is healthy water. Pumps make it happen and mechanical filters skim debris from the water’s surface. Then, a biological filter provides a home for beneficial bacteria.
• Bacteria: These superheroes eat fish waste and the plant matter that falls into the pond. They also help keep algae under control.
• Rock: Make sure you have proper coverage at the bottom of your pond. Rocks are key pieces of a pond ecosystem. Pebbles and stones provide homes for good bacteria, too. In turn, these bacteria keep algae under control and eat fish waste.
• Shade: A pergola or other decorative structure can give you a welcoming place to relax while also helping your pond stay balanced.
• Trees: They grow faster than you think. And the right trees near your koi pond can help keep water temperatures in check without a huge dump of leaves in the fall.
• Plants: Healthy pond ecosystems include marginal and aquatic plants. Aim for plant coverage across a third to half of the pond’s surface. Lily pads and water lettuce can be good options in the Midwest. For plants on the edges of the water, it’s hard to beat lilies. In the sun, lilies flower abundantly and often.

It’s possible to have a healthy, beautiful pond, no matter where it’s located. If you’re thinking about how to incorporate a water feature in your space or need help maintaining your current water garden, we can help. The pond pros at Good Earth Water Gardens are here to help you establish and sustain a thriving pond ecosystem. Give us a call at (816) 720-7577 or fill out our online form. We’d be happy to visit with you about your needs.