Hassle free pond keeping & water gardening answers

Are You New To Pond Keeping?

The secret to maintaining a beautiful, crystal clear fish pond, whether it be to keep goldfish, koi or other type of fish is to ensure that the pond water is kept free from ammonia, nitrites, suspended algae, parasites and harmful bacteria. There are 3 essential pieces of pond keeping equipment needed to ensure that you achieve your goal: a biological pond filter, also known as a Biofilter,  a UV Sterilizer, also known as a UV clarifier and a reliable Pond Pump; but not a swimming pool pump. Adding Pond Plants will provide additional benefits.

How to choose the right pond filter

The choice of pond filter for the majority of  small to medium sized fish ponds is a combo biofilter + UV sterilizer (UV pond filter).  Avoid the hassles and problems associated with making the wrong choice ... always buy the best you can afford and from reputable, industry proven manufacturers. Many pond keepers choice of pond filter is the traditional gravity discharge pond filter ... The Fishmate Gravity Discharge Filter with Supra biomedia is a world famous low cost example.

A relatively new innovation in bio filter technology for small to medium sized fish ponds is the pressurized pond filter which is perfect for the vast majority of fish ponds or water gardens. Pressurized biofilters normally incorporate a UV sterilizer and have been designed to offer low maintenance and functionality. They offer the advantage of being able to power water to the top of a waterfall or fountain, whilst being hidden out of view, below ground level (up to lid base). Unlike a gravity discharge filter system these robust, compact pressurized filters can be situated at a distance from the pond (but remember that long lengths of hose increase the flow restriction). Routine maintenance is reduced to a minimum with the self cleaning facilities offered by many brands ...  simply press a button or turn a lever and pressure forces trapped dirt and debris out of the filter unit. The Hozelock Cyprio BioForce Pressure Filters are an excellent example of a low cost, compact and reliable pressure filter.

Although a backyard pond is a hobby for the vast majority of pond keepers there are of course the professional koi pond keepers, whose large ponds require specialized pond filtration equipment. These professional koi pond bio-filters need to be capable of dealing with large volumes of water, fish solid and liquid waste, large fish loads, while still offering economy, reliability, low maintenance and high performance. The best choice for the majority of  large gold fish and koi ponds is a Biological Bead Filter. Brands such as AquaBead,  Aquadyne and Biotek are supplied with lifetime warranties, whilst the AquaBead Plus system is a complete "all in one" system, including pump, filter and UV sterilizer. 

Why do you need a pond pump?

A pond pump is the heart of your goldfish or koi pond. It is responsible for supplying critical oxygen to your biological pond filter, water to the top of a waterfall or fountain. There are many different types of pond pump ... the vast majority of pumps are Submersible Pond Pumps. As the name suggests this type of pump is submersed below water level, usually resting on a brick at the bottom of the pond. They are cheap to buy, dependable and use small amounts of electricity on the whole.

Many amateur pond keepers believe that they can use a Sump Pump as the preferred choice of pump ... You must under no circumstances do this ... Sump pumps or basements pumps are exactly that; used to empty water from cellars or basements. They are designed for intermittent use and in a pond environment will eventually collapse, allowing water to mix with the electrics ... we all know what happens when electricity meets water.

When choosing any garden fish pond pump several factors need to be considered and various pond parameters also need to be known ... This site will guide in how to choose the Correctly Specified Pond Pump for any pond system.

The importance of a UV sterilizer

UV Sterilization is a critical aspect of pond keeping as it prevents the build up of green water. The green water, caused by algae bloom grows rapidly and if not controlled will eventually cover the entire pond, leaving you with an unattractive "pea soup" like hole and most probably dead fish, due to the lack of oxygen within the pond system .... the cost of replacing valuable koi can be an expensive one.

The majority of backyard ponds don't require the high intensity UV sterilizers that are needed by the professional koi pond keeper and will find that units from industry proven and reliable manufacturers such as Aqua Ultraviolet, Tetra Pond, Cal Pump and Hozelock Cyprio are perfectly suited for permanent algae control. Aqua Ultraviolet UV sterilizers offer the industry's longest lamp life and a life time warranty.

For large koi ponds in excess of 12,000 gallons then high intensity UV units such as those from Zapp Pure, Lim UVP and the higher end Aqua UV sterilizers range are ideal, due to the phenomenal amounts of algae bloom killing power.

Garden Fountains And Indoor Fountains

A whole new section has been added to provide information and product pages relating to garden Fountains and Indoor Fountains as well as various other water features such as Garden Statuary, Garden planters and Waterfalls. For those of you who have smaller backyards or only have access to a patio or a balcony then a Wall Fountain or Tabletop Fountain is a great alternative.

Are you looking for premium grade cast stone fountains, fiberglass fountains or classic garden statuary? If so then feel free to visit Garden Fountains. Com our leading USA based on-line supplier | UK visitors click Bradshaws Direct to visit the UK's No 1 water gardening specialist, with over 25 years experience.

How to Get The Most From This Site ...

There are no secrets, tricks or false advertising on this website.  Experience, knowledge and common sense is the approach used and shared with you.  It is the aim of this website to provide you with the knowledge needed to help you make an informed choice.

The layout of the website is identical throughout for ease of use and has product reviews relating to pond filters and UV sterilizers and generalized articles designed to offer you helpful advice and to understand the various aspects of water gardening, including pond filters, aquatic plants and algae control. This site is constantly updated to include new products and different product selections.
 

Are you looking for quality, reliability and great pricing on water gardening products then click on MacArthur Water Gardens to visit out USA based supplier | UK visitors click Bradshaws Direct to visit the UK's leading on-line water gardening specialist.