Aquatic Ponds
Let’s look at some of the benefits of having a koi pond on your property.
01. Aesthetic appeal
Nobody can deny the aesthetic appeal that these ponds can bring to your property. It doesn’t matter, whether you have hired a high-end designer to get these ponds designed or you may have designed the ponds yourself, a Koi pond can add an unparalleled elegance and style to your property or garden.
02. Nature friendly
When you add a Koi pond to your backyard, it will also encourage the growth of eye-catching and colorful plants near the pond that will attract butterflies and birds, thus creating your own natural and peaceful space.
03. Improves your real estate value
Any real estate agent will tell you that having a Koi pond in your backyard can enhance the marketability and real estate value of your property however the value of your property is dependent on the individual buyers interested in your property.
04. Normalizing your blood pressure
Having a Koi pond in your garden is one of the biggest stress relievers. Since stress is responsible for a number of heath ailments such as high blood pressure, certain heart conditions and anxiety disorders, you can help to reduce these problems by adding a Koi pond in your yard.
05. Fish make great pets
If you actually need another reason to get outside and enjoy your garden, these little fish will provide you with one! Koi fish don’t need a lot of care, but they are very social creatures. They definitely like to interact with humans, especially when food is involved. Whether you want to teach your kids responsibility or want to convince them to spend time outdoors, these ponds are a great choice.
06. Symbol of style
If you have a Koi pond in your garden, it is a symbol of your style and helps you to add a certain element of elegance to your garden.
07. Faster recovery for stroke patients
Studies have shown that the stress free environment provided by Koi fish ponds can lead to a faster recovery for stroke victims.
08. Pleasure and entertainment for the whole family
There is something unique about watching these colorful creatures. Your whole family, especially kids, will find this really fascinating. Plus, you can create your own little ecosystem in your own backyard, which can provide an educational experience that’s actually fun for kids!
09. Get rid of insects and flies
Mosquitoes and flies are common problems with a garden, but if you add a Koi fish pond in your garden, you can effectively get rid of these nuisance-causing creatures.
10. Get rid of negativity
Beautifully designed Koi fish ponds and the magical sound of water can relax and amaze you at the same time. This is enough to reduce any negative or depressive feelings.
11. Koi fish can eat right out of your hand
You can place food on your hand and then lower your hand slowly; you will be amazed to see Koi fish eating out of your hand. This lovely gesture makes them even more endearing.
12. Owner friendly pets
If you want to own pets but you don’t have any time to take care of them, then having a pond in your yard with Koi fish would be the perfect solution for you.
Do All Ponds Need Filtration?
It is important to get a balanced nitrogen cycle within your pond, hence why most people still opt for a filter of some kind.
Remember: the more fish in a pond, the more waste generated, and the more helpful bacteria needed to break it down – therefore the bigger the filter the better.
The principle is very simple. You will need plenty of plants, probably covering two thirds of the pond area. These plants, along with naturally occurring helpful bacteria in the pond, will then use and digest any toxins left by fish and rotting organic waste, hopefully providing a good natural balance and a clear pond.
It is important to remember that the plants should be well established before gradually introducing fish, and it could take at least eighteen months to create a naturally balanced pond.
“Life is like a pond, and every decision and act we commit, good or bad, is a pebble flung into it. The ripples spread in widening circles.”
Biological Filtration
A biological filter works like a mini sewage system for the pond. In simple terms the media within the filter creates a huge surface area, which becomes home to many millions of helpful bacteria. It is vital to keep these oxygenated by passing pond water through the filter 24 hours a day.
These helpful bacteria break down invisible toxins produced directly from the fish and the decaying of physical waste such as fish faeces, excess food or organic material at the bottom of the pond. This is done by the helpful bacteria breaking down the initial toxin Ammonia into Nitrite. A different type of helpful bacteria then breaks this dangerous Nitrite down to Nitrate which then can be absorbed by plants as they grow and is harmless to fish except in high concentrations. The bigger the pond or the more fish the larger the filter will need to be. Hence it is vital to purchase a filter which can easily cope with your pond volume and anticipated fish stocking level.
Some advanced filter systems can strain out more solids from the water, but it has to be remembered that these still have to be biologically broken down unless physically removed by flushing or draining.
It is important to know when first starting a biological filter it can take up to six weeks for helpful bacteria to colonise the filter. During this period care should be taken to keep feeding down and to monitor your water quality regularly with a test kit.
Which Biological Filter?
Low Fish Stock: For ponds which are mainly plants with a no or few fish and with normal sunlight levels.
High Fish Stock: For ponds with less plants and a higher stocking level of fish or exposed high sunlight levels.
Please Note: If you have a pond with extremely high fish stocks or just koi it is worth considering a larger filter as it is impossible to over filter a pond biologically.
Always go up one model if it only just copes with your pond volume or your pond is in direct sunlight. Also remember fish grow and breed!
AQUATIC PONDS
Having a Koi pond in your backyard not only provides a charming attraction to your visitors, but it’s also a great way to relax and rejuvenate at your home. There is something wonderful about the view of fish and water along with hearing relaxing and tranquil sounds of the water.
