The Perfect Pond
by Michael Anderson

OK, there is probably no such thing as a truly perfect backyard pond. But there are several different types of ponds. Picking the best type of pond for your situation can make all the difference in how frustrated or happy you will be with your decision in the future. There may also be restrictions in your deed, Home Owners Association (HOA) covenants, or local ordinances that also influence your pond decision. Before building a pond be sure to know your budget for initial cost (i.e. parts and labor) plus operational costs (i.e., water and sewer bills, electric bill), a plan for doing the maintenance, and have any needed approvals/permits from your HOA or local government agencies. You do not want to be filling the pond only to find out it is illegal.

What do I mean by different types of ponds. Let’s consider three broad categories of outdoor ponds: the water feature, the water garden, and the Koi pond.

Pond-Less Water Features
This type of pond is a landscaping device that is all about the sight and sound of water. This could be still water such as in a reflecting pool. The water could also be moving such as in a fountain. A relatively new type of water feature is a pond-less waterfall. A pond-less waterfall uses a submerged pump inside a plastic vault in the bottom of the pond. The pond is then filled with gravel above the water level. The pump delivers the water to the top of the waterfall were it then cascades down the rocks/boulders back into the gravel. This type of pond might be a good choice for those that want a more natural looking landscaping device that minimizes the risks of water around small children or pets. See Image 1 or look at an example online of a water feature installation: http://www.hgtv.com

Water Gardens
This type of pond is what most people new to ponds see in their mind when they decide to build a back yard pond. This type of landscaping device is primarily about growing and presenting aquatic plants, hence the name water garden. Smaller ornamental fish, such as Goldfish, Wakins and Golden Orfes can make great additions along with the plants to this type of pond. The Goldfish is a highly adaptable creature, living in shallow water of minimal quality and is quite happy in a water garden setting. Their small size and hardy nature allow then to live among the plants with only a small filter, waterfall and moderately running water to provide for oxygen needs and ammonia removal. Water gardens with sloped sides and depths of 10in/25.4cm to 36in/91.4cm are fine. And water turn over rates as infrequent as six times a day should be adequate to keep one Goldfish per 25US/20.8UK gallons of water. These hardy fish require only minimal care and are well suited for the average water garden. See Image 2 or look at an example online of a water garden installation: http://www.hgtv.com

Koi Pond
This type of pond is one that is designed to grow and display Nishikigoi. Note that in this description I did not say a Koi pond is a landscaping device. While a Koi pond can indeed be built in a variety of different styles and shapes, it is first and foremost a home for large fish. So a Koi pond is an environment for growing and displaying Koi. Koi are riverine carp and are much larger than that of their cousins the Goldfish. While a Gold fish will typically grow to 4-8in/10-20cm long, Koi will commonly be 24in/60.9cm long with some Koi growing to over 36in/91.4cm. Note I said Koi are riverine carp. That means they do best in larger ponds with at least 4ft/1.2m depths (more is better). While 25US/20.8UK gallons is adequate for a Goldfish, Koi should be allocated at least 250US/208UK gallons each (more is better). Bottom drains and skimmers send the pond water to external filter systems. The filter systems are needed to handle the significant levels of waste produced by these large carp. To provide such fish with a suitable home, Koi ponds have vertical walls with depths of 4-8ft/1.2-2.4m (deeper is better). Another aspect of emulating a river is to provide current. Columns of air rising from the bottom drain air domes can provide the currents. The currents cause gas exchange (nitrogen out and oxygen in) at the surface, push floating debris to the skimmers and sweep sinking debris to the bottom drains. The pond water should be circulated through the filters at least once every two hours (faster is better). So as you can see a Koi’s requirements are much higher than that of a typical water garden. This is where many new hobbyists get into trouble. While at the nursery buying some plants they see some beautiful 6in/15.2cm Koi that they have got to have. This is all well and good except they do not think of what will happen a year later when the same Koi is now 18in/45.7cm in length and is starting to show signs of stress and gets sick or dies because it has out grown its environment. This is where proper education and planning is mandatory. See Image 3 or look at an example online of a high end Koi pond made of concrete floor, block walls and a fiberglass sealant: http://www.Koicymru.co.uk/construct.htm.

Pick A Pond, Plan And Execute
As one graduates from the simpler water feature, to the water garden, to the purpose-built Koi pond, the commitment from the owner rises. This commitment is in many forms such as the initial capital expenditure for parts and labor; it is also in operational costs such as water and electricity costs. Another commitment is to gain the knowledge and skills needed by the pond owner to maintain the pond equipment and the resulting water quality so that the inhabitants thrive, not just survive. If you are planning a new pond or a pond rebuild, consider very carefully which type of pond is best for your site, abilities, and budget. All three types of ponds can be a great asset to your home. But remember, each of these types of ponds is designed for specific purposes and each makes a poor substitute for either of the other pond types. Form does indeed follow function. Do your research…and then pick your perfect pond.

Feb/Mar ‘08 - Subscribe now!