10 Pond Myths
Dispelling The Myths
In times past, backyard water gardens and ponds may have gotten a bum rap. In some cases, however, they may have rightly deserved their ill-gotten reputation. The backyard, family pond, of yesteryear did in fact experience many problems. The foundation of crude technology that many were built upon, yielded high-maintenance monstrosities that wasted just as much time as money. The water gardens of old, suffered from inefficiently designed pumps and equipment, that oftentimes, left the water gardener stuck with a frustrating mess!
For this reason alone, many who would have otherwise opted to own a backyard pond, quickly changed their minds when faced with the thought of back-breaking maintenance and upkeep. Times, however, have indeed changed. New technologies and techniques have made owning a water garden paradise, a low-maintenance venture.
Unfortunately, despite such advances in technology and technique, pond myths still persist. If you have been desirous of your own personal water oasis, then Crazyponds wants to help dispel the top ten most discouraging pond myths of today. After reviewing the facts, we are sure you will change your mind and consider making pond ownership a real possibility.
1.Myth: Small Water Features Are Less Work.
Fact: In fact, the exact opposite is true! The smaller the water feature, the more effort required to achieve a good balance in water quality. Why is this so? Because it is much easier to attain a healthy and stable environment with more water, not less. Small water features often lack the flow or capacity required for long-term stability. They will then require more maintenance to achieve this healthy balance. Properly designed ponds, on the other hand, because of their size, are able to achieve a desired level of ecological balance. Larger water gardens also become more stable with each passing year as well. Plants will have been added yearly, and the beneficial bacterial that result become firmly established. It would seem that "Bigger is Better" in this case.
2.Myth: You Should Never Have Algae In Your Pond.
Fact: Believe it or not, Green algae, is good for your water garden. It directly benefits your aquatic plant life. In order for it to remain a benefit, proper proportions of algae must be maintained. Not too little, and certainly not too much, is ideal. Algae serves as food for fish and helps to maintain the proper ecology of your living pond. Pristine UV sterilized or chemically treated water is dead by comparison. How can you avoid having too much algae? By keeping an eye on the sunlight. A properly designed pond will have ample shading from the sun, due to strategically placed, pond plants and landscaping.
3.Myth: Maintaining A Water Garden Is A Constant Headache.
Fact: When a water garden achieves a healthy state, mother nature does the rest. Work with mother nature, not against her, and you will enjoy a headache-free garden pond experience all year long. A biologically sound pond will feature lots of plants, fish, active bacteria, and a good amount of rocks. These elements combined with a biological filtration system, will make your job, one of simple maintenance and upkeep.
4.Myth: Ponds Need Daily Water Testing And Corrective Treatment.
Fact: A water pond that is not chemically dependant, has no need for water testing at all. Follow mother nature's lead in this regard. She never tests her water. Neither does she add harsh chemical treatments or pharmaceuticals to the water. Taking mother natures lead, will mean you avoid any such harmful practices, as well. By sticking to a strictly ecological approach to your water gardening, your pond will remain healthy, and flourish on its own.
5.Myth: To Keep Fish, A Pond Has To Be Deep.
Fact: This is simply not the case, with most pond fish. A pond that is a mere 2 feet deep, is sufficient enough to accommodate a variety of pond fish. Most fish, koi included, can hibernate quite nicely in ponds that are only two feet deep, even in the harshest of cold weather climates. You will, however, want to add a small circulating agitator pump and heater to the water's surface. This will keep a good size hole, open in the ice that will serve to oxygenate the water for the fish.
6.Myth: Water Features Are Breeding Grounds For Mosquitos.
Fact: Mosquitos require non-moving and stagnant water to breed. A healthy pond will be anything but non-moving or stagnant, so you need not worry needlessly about this one. Well-designed ponds have lots of water flow that will discourage mosquitos from even landing on your water's surface to begin with. Your pond will also have plenty of frogs, fish, and toads who would simply love to catch a tasty mosquito treat. So don't lose too much sleep over this one because if a mosquito does happen to land in your pond, you can rest assured it won't be there for long!
7.Myth: Water Gardening Involves Plenty Of Hard Work.
Fact: This is not always the case. A healthy garden pond will need only a few things to remain ecologically sound. A scoop of powder or liquid bacteria every month or so, a weekly skimmer basket cleaning, and an yearly cleanout in cold climates. This can be directly compared to the maintenance involved in growing a perennial garden, without the watering and weeding chores. Aquatic plants are self-watering, so you will not need to be concerned about this. The only "Chore" involved, would be the annually recommended cleanout. Remember, this is only done once a year, and many pond owners simply opt to hire a professional to handle this task. The average cost of such a job is around two to three hundred, U.S. Dollars.
8.Myth: A Water Garden Costs A Fortune.
Fact: You should definitely consider your water garden an investment. However, they are no longer the endless money pit's of yesteryear. Pond kits start at a variety of price points, and you are sure to find one that suits your individual needs. A look on the more affordable side will see pond kit's starting at around $700-$900, retail. You will also need to factor in the cost of the large or live stuff that is required, such as plants, rocks, pebbles, fish, etc. These items will usually come close to $600. Your total cost will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,300-$1,500, with the addition of a fair amount of sweat equity on your part, to complete an 8 foot by 11 foot pond and waterfall. You may opt for professional installation which could run you anywhere from $4,000. to $8,000. You will be able to find a good supply of inexpensive fish and plants, however. A high efficiency pump, that is allowed to run around the clock, and all year long, will add an additional twenty to thirty dollars to your monthly utility bill. Low maintenance water gardens, however, are thought to be good investments that increase your homes equity and value over time.
9.Myth: Predators Will Eat All Your Fish And Aquatic Life.
Fact: Your fish and other pond life are sure to attract predators, but that is just how nature works. There are, however, things you can do to protect your fish and other pond creatures from attack. Owners of shallow ponds are at the most risk of attack from herons, egrets, and muskrats. This is a fact you will want to consider before placing that prize koi into a shallow pond. Placing a heron decoy into your pond is not only decorative, but it deters other herons from stopping at your pond. This is because herons are solitary birds and they will want to feed alone, therefore, passing over your pond altogether. Muskrats are not very common, but they can be a problem in certain areas. You will want to watch for these. Raccoons are finicky and don't enjoy getting too wet. A pond that is at least 8 feet wide will discourage raccoons from dining in your pond.
10.Myth: I Can Choose Any Contractor Or Landscaper To Build My Pond.
Fact: This one is true. You CAN choose whomever you want to build your pond, but if you want the job done right and without complications, you will want to give this one a little more thought! The construction of ecologically sound ponds is a relatively new specialty. Landscapers in general are not necessarily knowledgeable in the concept, design, or construction that is required to create a thriving water garden. Much of the information circulating amongst landscapers, doesn't even apply to ecosystem water gardening! That being said, you will want to make sure your installer is trained and certified in the installation of ecosystem ponds. An installer not trained in these areas may be able to set up a beautiful appearing pond, but you can rest assured that it will not stay that way for long if the installer has not been properly trained to make sure that it thrives. Don't make this costly and disappointing mistake.
This 172 page book is geared toward water gardeners everywhere and from all walks of life. It provides helpful hints on everything a water gardener needs to know. From construction to aquatic plants, you will find it all here in this informative read. Ecosystem Pond provides the reader with an in-depth look at the world of pond from times past on into the present and future. It takes the reader along, through every enjoyable element of the natural pond.
