| If there was one thing that could enhance the look of a | | | | enough water in the pond, the pump cannot properly |
| property’s exterior, it would be the presence of a | | | | oxygenate the water garden. This is a critical point |
| water garden. Water gardens can be designed in a | | | | because low oxygen levels will cause fatalities in the |
| multitude of fashions. In many cases, the craftsmanship | | | | fish. |
| of a water garden can reach virtuoso levels. However, | | | | Removing any obstructions to sunshine will maintain the |
| designing and building a water garden is not enough. A | | | | health of the water garden’s plants. If the plants die |
| water garden must be properly maintained. For some, | | | | from lack of sunshine, the water garden becomes little |
| this may seem like a ponderous (pardon the pun) task. | | | | more than a tub of water. This is why it is of significant |
| But it really isn’t. While water garden maintenance | | | | importance that plants receive adequate sunshine. To |
| does require effort, it is not overly complicated. | | | | maintain plant life, four to six hours of sunshine is |
| So, let’s look at a few common steps for proper | | | | needed for most plants. Any obstructions in the way |
| water garden maintenance. | | | | of the sun’s rays must be removed. This includes |
| Reducing the presence of algae is critical. As far as | | | | trimming tree branches, bushes, etc. Again, this is |
| ecosystems go, algae are quite helpful. However, | | | | where filtration and nutrient control becomes important, |
| algae can seriously detract from the look of a water | | | | because while the “good” plants need light to |
| garden when they become overpopulated. So, | | | | grow, so does algae. However a healthy population of |
| reducing the presence of algae is of paramount | | | | “good” plants with good filtration will help with |
| importance. One way to go about this involves using | | | | algae control, even in direct sunlight. |
| algaecides. Unfortunately, some algaecides can be | | | | Make sure filters are maintained properly and replaced |
| dangerous to fish and only offer a short term solution. | | | | when necessary. Dirty water does not do a water |
| This is why it may be best to utilize ultraviolet sterilizers | | | | garden good. That is why installing a proper filter is a |
| ( for green water algae) and/or proper filtration to help | | | | must. Of course, one needs to keep a watchful eye |
| remove the nutrients that algae feed on and create a | | | | on the filter(s) to make sure it/they operate properly. If |
| balanced ecosystem that is not conducive to their | | | | not, then the filter must be replaced as soon as |
| growth. | | | | possible. Pond filters will remove organic debris and in |
| Be prudent when populating a water garden with | | | | some cases chemical pollutants such as ammonia and |
| aquatic life. If the water garden is overloaded with fish | | | | nitrite, which can be toxic to fish. |
| and other wildlife, the look of the water garden can be | | | | Add treatments when needed. The various items that |
| hampered. Also, the higher the volume of aquatic life in | | | | comprise water garden treatments are vast. When |
| the water garden, the more algae will grow due to | | | | the need arises for adding specific treatments (chlorine |
| organic waste created by them. So, maintaining | | | | removers, colorants, foam removers, beneficial |
| prudent levels of fish and other animals will have the | | | | bacteria, etc) then they must be added. It will keep |
| ancillary effect of reducing algae and keeping the | | | | your water garden healthy. |
| water clear and healthy. | | | | Of course, there are many other ways to keep a |
| Maintaining proper water levels is also paramount. | | | | water garden in great shape. Really, there is no limit to |
| Proper water levels are needed in order for the water | | | | proper maintenance and the tips provided herein will |
| garden’s pump(s) to work properly. If there is not | | | | keep you on the right track. |