Established 1995
ideal design
 
The key to planning and building a successful pond is to become educated, determe your expectation level and then get the most out of your budget and spatial constraints. This often means recognizing what you don't know and taking your time to get things right. It takes most people 3-4 ponds and 10 years to arrive at their ideal    What is Ideal ?
This can be a difficult question to answer. What works for one individual in a given situation may not be the best choice in another scenario. The core of a discussion on pond design should be focused on pond filtration. Of course jets, skimmers, choice of UV and bathymetry all deserve merit, but the filter system is the key

Things need be be approached from several vectors understanding first that there is no panacea and things will work in concert - suffice to say, don't put all your eggs in one basket
   Logic, Nature and Science
In this hobby there are certainly different ways to achieve success. From the homebuilt filter to the polished store bought systems on offer, there are many opinions on what works best. However, these viewpoints don't always stand up to closer scrutiny. I often meet with clients who are confused with contradictory information they receive, especially on the web. I often find some impressive sites with great information and I say wow....but then suddenly, I read "you don't need a bottom drain" or "Our bead filters is all you need to filter your pond". These statements are not about a different opinion, they are plainly incorrect. If you are logical, look to nature for answers and understand chemistry, physics and biology, you will be able to wade through the falsities that come your way. Needless to say this ability comes in handy when designing your pond and purchasing equipment
   Essential Equipment and Concepts
  • 200 square foot surface area at a minimum (I find 300+ promotes better fish growth)
  • 5,000 gallons minimum volume, 8,000+ for the serious
  • Shallow area of not less than 3 feet deep At least 6 foot deep in one area, 7' – 8' is better
  • Plumbing makes the pond. Ensure things can be readily removed and understand head loses
  • Flex hose is better than rigid pipe in my opinion

  • At least 2 pumps running capable of 125% pond turnover
  • A high quality UV Sterilizer to control planktonic algae and reduce bacterial levels
  • An air system with aquacultural grade airstones and a compressor
  • Three or more jets to re circulate and exercise the fish
  • At least 1 skimmer dependent on surface area and particulars of the site

  • One or more 4 inch bottom drains
  • Properly manufactured vortex chamber(s), one for each bottom drain
  • An external gravity fed filter system as the foundation of your filtration system
  • A bead filter to remove small particulate and boost bio filtration
  • A rotating media or trickle tower filter to augment biofiltration
  • A heating system is paramount in colder climates for growth and long term health
     Pro's and Con's
It is essential to grasp the pro's and con's of what you are planning to implement. Consider how much time you want to spend maintaining your pond, your budget and what you are trying to accomplish. Getting the most from your investment is the goal

For example, I consider bead filters to be fundamentally flawed in the sense that as they clog the flow rate slows down. This in turn reduces the turnover rate of your pond and can have serious ramifications on water quality. This is why having at least 2 filter systems is critical

Ideally you should run a skimmer with a larger pump that feeds a bead filter that returns to the pond via jets. The jets can be positioned in such a way that they push debris to the skimmer, constantly cleaning the pond's surface. In this manner, you are performing 3 functions with just one pump - skimming, bead filtration and jet recirculation. It is easy to notice if the skimming is reduced, if so it is time to flush your bead filter. When your bead filter starts clogging, you still have your main gravity fed system running to pick up any slack

I'm not sure the perfect pond exists. But you can create a superior system by carefully planning and installing complimentary equipment that will a) work in concert while providing redundancy and b) provide excellent water quality and clarity 		 

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Last Modified : September 28, 2008
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