4 Vital Parts of an Ecosystem Pond in Minnesota
What all goes into a pond? Is it more than just a hole dug into the ground? Is it “alive?” How does it stay running every day?
Pond Skimmer - Pond skimmers provide filtration and are a key component to maintaining a successful ecosystem pond system.
The primary job of a pond skimmer is to remove floating debris off the surface of a pond before it has the chance to sink to the pond floor. Many pond filters work from the bottom of a pond where debris has already settled and decomposed. Removing the unsightly debris before it can collect on the bottom helps keep your pond remain healthy and beautiful while improving the water quality for your fish. The skimmer also houses and hides the pond pump and plumbing from view, giving you a more natural-looking pond.
BioFalls Filter - Aquascape BioFalls provide biological filtration and helps create a beautiful, low-maintenance water garden.
Biological filters are positioned to create the beginning of the waterfall in your pond. The filter uses beneficial bacteria to break down pond wastes, converting them into less harmful compounds that can be used as aquatic plant fertilizers. Water enters the biological filter from the skimmer through a flexible pipe located near the base of the unit. The water then flows from the bottom to the top of the filter, traveling through filter media housed inside the unit. The filter media helps with the removal of fine to medium-sized particles.
As the biological filter fills, it overflows and cascades over its waterfall lip, cascading down rocks that have been set to create a beautiful, natural-looking waterfall. The waterfall creates aeration for your pond and fish, assisting in the circulation and overall health of the water.
Pond Pump - Choosing the right pond pump is critical to the health and function of your water feature.
The first thing you need to know when choosing a pump for your pond is – how many gallons of water does your pond hold? Your pump should turn over the water in your pond once every hour. The height and width of your waterfall, along with the length of pipe from your pump to the waterfall, also has an impact on how many gallons per hour (gph) your pump needs to push to turn the water over. Be sure to select the correct pump for your water feature.
Liner and Underlayment - The liner and underlayment is the foundation of your pond to ensure that your pond stays filled with water.
45 mil EPDM Liner is the ideal membrane for retaining water in ponds. The Aquascape liner we use leads the industry in quality and reliability, making it the ideal choice for mindful pond owners and professionals alike. While there are a variety of materials that “can” hold water, you want to be sure it is designed to retain water long-term while being safe for your fish, pets, and ultimately your family. Things like solar UV, ozone, and oxidation are real things that can affect the life of the liner you use, which is why it is essential to only use the best.
