| If there was one thing that could enhance the look | | | | there is not enough water in the pond, the pump |
| of a property’s exterior, it would be the | | | | cannot properly oxygenate the water garden. This is |
| presence of a water garden. Water gardens can be | | | | a critical point because low oxygen levels will cause |
| designed in a multitude of fashions. In many cases, | | | | fatalities in the fish. |
| the craftsmanship of a water garden can reach | | | | Removing any obstructions to sunshine will maintain |
| virtuoso levels. However, designing and building a | | | | the health of the water garden’s plants. If the |
| water garden is not enough. A water garden must be | | | | plants die from lack of sunshine, the water garden |
| properly maintained. For some, this may seem like a | | | | becomes little more than a tub of water. This is why |
| ponderous (pardon the pun) task. But it really | | | | it is of significant importance that plants receive |
| isn’t. While water garden maintenance does | | | | adequate sunshine. To maintain plant life, four to six |
| require effort, it is not overly complicated. | | | | hours of sunshine is needed for most plants. Any |
| So, let’s look at a few common steps for proper | | | | obstructions in the way of the sun’s rays must |
| water garden maintenance. | | | | be removed. This includes trimming tree branches, |
| Reducing the presence of algae is critical. As far as | | | | bushes, etc. Again, this is where filtration and nutrient |
| ecosystems go, algae are quite helpful. However, | | | | control becomes important, because while the |
| algae can seriously detract from the look of a water | | | | “good” plants need light to grow, so does |
| garden when they become overpopulated. So, | | | | algae. However a healthy population of |
| reducing the presence of algae is of paramount | | | | “good” plants with good filtration will help |
| importance. One way to go about this involves using | | | | with 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 | | | | when necessary. Dirty water does not do a water |
| solution. This is why it may be best to utilize | | | | garden good. That is why installing a proper filter is a |
| ultraviolet sterilizers ( for green water algae) and/or | | | | must. Of course, one needs to keep a watchful eye |
| proper filtration to help remove the nutrients that | | | | on the filter(s) to make sure it/they operate |
| algae feed on and create a balanced ecosystem that | | | | properly. If not, then the filter must be replaced as |
| is not conducive to their growth. | | | | soon as possible. Pond filters will remove organic |
| Be prudent when populating a water garden with | | | | debris and in some cases chemical pollutants such as |
| aquatic life. If the water garden is overloaded with | | | | ammonia and nitrite, which can be toxic to fish. |
| fish and other wildlife, the look of the water garden | | | | Add treatments when needed. The various items |
| can be hampered. Also, the higher the volume of | | | | that comprise water garden treatments are vast. |
| aquatic life in the water garden, the more algae will | | | | When the need arises for adding specific treatments |
| grow due to organic waste created by them. So, | | | | (chlorine removers, colorants, foam removers, |
| maintaining prudent levels of fish and other animals | | | | beneficial bacteria, etc) then they must be added. It |
| will have the ancillary effect of reducing algae and | | | | will keep your water garden healthy. |
| keeping the 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 |
| Proper water levels are needed in order for the | | | | to proper maintenance and the tips provided herein |
| water garden’s pump(s) to work properly. If | | | | will keep you on the right track. |