As we move into the new year it’s time to start thinking about your new pond! Ecosystem ponds are very popular over the pond (ha!) but are equally effective here, and make a great alternative to the traditional patio pond. An ecosystem pond takes everything we know about ponds, filtration, aesthetics, husbandry and fishkeeping and reapplies them to nature using five steps
Filtration
A traditional pond uses sponges, rotary drums, beads etc to achieve filtration. This stuff is tried and tested and works but your left with a big square box and needs constant attention. We can solve this in an ecosystem pond by adding rocks and gravel for healthy bacteria to grow on and to catch any pond waste. Add a waterfall to the mix and you have even more filtration!
Water movement
How water moves around the pond makes all the difference to how well the system works. An ecosystem pond uses a surface skimmer which takes away leaves and debris from the pond surface before they get chance to sink and become a problem.
Plants
Plants are essential for a active ecosystem, they absorb excess nutrients from the water, keeping it clean for fish and redcuing algae, and they do this while looking amazing! They also attract wildlife, happy little bumble bees and a plethora of garden birds will come and sit near the water for a drink and to look for any tiny bugs
Fish
What pond is complete without fish?? Fish play a role in eating algae and feeding the plants. Goldfish and koi will happily munch on surface algae in the pond. They also help keep pests out of your garden eating mosquito and other larvae.
Patience!
A pond won’t mature overnight, your pond will evolve over the next few months and yeah. You may get the occasional bout of cloudy water or algae but this will settle quickly enough. After the first year and the plants and moss start really growing in your pond will look like its always been there and will be nothing but joy!
Traditional pond over Ecosystem
90% of ponds in the UK are bare liner with a patio slab edging and a big old box filter on one end. They need very regular maintenance and are totally unnatural. Don’t get me wrong, I have one for koi, and they’re happy fish but the pond sticks out like a sore thumb and I have some aspect of cleaning to do at least once a week, with a monthly hoover.
All you need to do with an ecosystem pond is occasionally empty the leaf collector in the skimmer box. Some ponds benefit from a strip down in the spring and a pressure wash every couple of years but some go without this.
As a quick summary, traditional ponds are great for the hardcore fishkeeper and tinkerer, ecosystem ponds are perfect for those who want the joy of the pond without the hardwork.
If you want to know more about building or converting to an ecosystem pond, or would like a more comprehensive write up on the pros and cons of both types of pond please get in touch!
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